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What is a dog or cat’s normal temperature?
Every dog or cat has it’s own normal temperature, however usually it is between 101 and 102 degrees. The reason we usually take your pet’s temperature early in the hospital visit is that nervousness or excitement can cause it to increase above normal. By seeing your pet for regular yearly examinations and keeping good records we can more easily determine what your pet’s “normal” temperature really is. Any temperature over 103 might be cause for concern.
Is it OK to give my dog bones?
We do not advise giving your dog real bones or rawhides. Forceful chewing can cause fractured or “broken” teeth, and tiny fragments can cause vomiting or diarrhea. The only bones we recommend are the commercially produced, minimally digestible products, such as Nylabones, Gumabones, or dental bones made with safety in mind.
I don’t see any worms in my pet’s stool, why do I need to bring in a sample at his check up?
Intestinal parasites, or worms, are one of the most common health problems affecting our pets, and a growing risk for our children! The Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia has issued warnings that the incidence of roundworm infection in children is rising rapidly! All pets should have regular fecal parasite examinations performed in the laboratory as puppies or kittens and then yearly as adults.
How long are dogs and cats pregnant?
The gestation (pregnancy) period for dogs and cats is usually between 60 and 65 days.
I have a new puppy or kitten. What care should I plan on their first year?
Veterinary care for puppies and kittens is as important as medical care for human babies! As with children, the medical care they receive in that precious first year can make a huge difference in the quality of health they enjoy as adults. Ingredients for a healthy puppy or kitten include:
- A thorough physical exam to look for congenital problems such as retained baby teeth, hernias, external parasites or more severe conditions such as a retained testicle or a heart defect.
- A poop test for worms! Many breeders give their puppies or kittens dewormers, but in addition a test should be run in the event the worms have not been cleared up or other parasites are present that require different medication.
- Vaccinations against common diseases such as Rabies, Distemper, Parvo Virus, Lyme Disease and Kennel Cough for puppies; Rabies, Distemper, Feline Leukemia and Feline Infectious Peritonitis for kittens need to be given often as babies to help them establish immunity. Puppies are usually seen 3-4 times after weaning and kittens 2-3 times. It gets easier though! After we finish their baby series they only need boosters once a year.
- It is very important that preventive care for fleas, ticks and heartworms be started immediately before an infestation occurs which could affect the health of your youngster!
What is the best way to remove a tick?
The best way to remove a tick is to cover the tick in an alcohol soaked cotton ball for one minute. This causes the tick to loosen its grip. Then, using tweezers slowly pull upwards with firm steady pressure.
Does garlic work for ridding my pet of fleas?
Many people are concerned about putting chemicals on their pets to prevent or eliminate fleas. Cheaper products commonly found in discount stores contain chemicals which the body must “filter” out, and this can be concerning! Some of these are proven to be dangerous. Many herbal remedies have sprung onto the market with claims of safer and more “natural” treatments for pets. Many of these natural ingredients, such as Garlic, which can cause anemia, do little to prevent fleas or ticks, have questionable safety, and are expensive. We believe in using products such as Frontline, which is non-toxic and proven extremely effective.
Why should I buy expensive dog food like Eukanuba when I can buy 100% complete dog food at the farm store for just pennies a pound?
The decision of which pet food to feed can be mind-boggling. All pet foods commonly found on the market must pass “minimum” standards of ingredient assurance and quality. This does not mean that all pet foods are alike! The pet food market is a multi-billion dollar industry and many inferior quality foods are sold in huge quantities because they appeal to us, in their texture, color, name or price. The statement that “you get what you pay for” certainly applies to pet foods. We feed and recommend premium pet foods. These diets cost more than the “price brand” pet foods sold in farm stores or groceries. Why? The ingredients are consistent and of the highest quality. Companies such as Iams and Hill’s also produce prescription foods which treat or help manage disease! They may cost more per pound but you feed smaller quantities because your pet receives greater nutrition in every bite. Stool output is less because they contain more digestible ingredients. Coat quality is greatly improved and feeding premium foods over the length of your pet’s life can extend the quantity of years you have together as well as the quality of health your pet enjoys.
How do cats purr?
A cat’s purr is a complicated and mysterious feat, but is one of their most endearing traits! Purring is a sound generated by respirations resulting from a complex relationship of the cat’s larynx and diaphragm muscles working together in an alternating cycle. Cats usually purr when they are happy or content but can also purr when nervous or ill.
How long are dogs and cats “in heat?”
Dogs usually come into estrus twice per year, spring and fall, although each dog is individual. The heat cycle lasts approximately three weeks. Cats, if not spayed, can seem to be constantly in heat. If cats are not bred they may come right back into heat in a short period of time. Spaying your female dog or cat prior to her first heat cycle greatly reduces the risk of mammary (breast) cancer later in life, a serious health threat to older females. Spaying your female pet early in life is one of the most important health decisions you can make for her!
My cat is not using his litterbox. Is he just being spiteful because I work all day?
We discuss many litterbox problems with cat owners, in fact, inappropriate elimination is the number one reason most cats are surrendered to shelters. Unfortunately, many of these cats could probably be saved if certain litterbox rules are followed. If your cat ever begins urinating or defecating outside the litterbox, it is important that it have a physical exam immediately. Many times we find illness is responsible for this behavior. If your cat has a bladder infection, urinating will cause extreme discomfort and pain, which he will then associate with his litterbox. He will then go in search of a place where he doesn't feel the pain while urinating which results in urine spots all around the house. If your cat ever stops urinating completely or attempts to go and nothing comes out, he may be blocked which is a very serious, life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary care.
We also know that stress, dental disease, diabetes, kidney failure, behavior issues and a dirty box can cause an otherwise well-behaved feline to avoid the box. We have excellent handouts on litterbox issues for your reference.
Are Easter Lillies dangerous to pets?
Yes, lillies of many varieties can be dangerous to pets, and many common houseplants can be poisonous or irritating if ingested. It is best to assume that any houseplant could be a problem. We recommend growing indoor kitty greens for cats to keep them happy during long, boring winters. These come commercially prepared and are fun to grow. Always put holiday plants up out of your pet’s reach when unsupervised and watch for signs of chewing or disturbance of other houseplants that may alert you to the need to remove it.
Is chocolate OK for my pet?
Milk chocolate can cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested in large quantity. Baker’s chocolate can be very poisonous to pets. Best to keep the sweets stashed away where your pet can’t reach!
My old dog seems to be stiff and slow in the morning - would an aspirin help him feel better?
Symptoms of osteoarthritis in older pets can be limping, lagging behind on walks, generalized stiffness, or difficulty climbing stairs. You should never give your pet human medicine such as aspirin, Tylenol, or acetaminophen. Keep him or her comfortable and schedule a visit to see us for a consult on medications which are safe and effective for pain relief.
Why does my pet have to have a Rabies vaccination on or before the exact date it is due?
Rabies is a fatal disease which people can acquire through the bite, scratch or saliva of an infected animal. Because Rabies always causes death, our government has established laws pertaining to the vaccination of domestic animals, mainly dogs and cats. Even though we know that your pet’s Rabies protection does not expire on midnight of the day it is due, the law must make distinctions to protect people. In Sauk County, the first Rabies vaccination a pet receives is licensed for one year. If the booster vaccination is given on or by that date the following year, the vaccine is recognized effective for three years. If a pet falls behind on its Rabies vaccination, the schedule may be repeated. The law only recognizes Rabies vaccinations given by a licensed veterinarian. Pets that have bitten or otherwise exposed a human to the possibility of Rabies, and are NOT current on their vaccination, will be subjected to quarantine at the shelter or a vet clinic which is very costly. Injuries from pet bites can result in stiff legal penalties. Train and socialize your pets and make sure they are always kept current on their Rabies vaccinations!
Why do fees vary so much between animal clinics and hospitals around here?
Some people need or desire to base their purchasing decisions solely on price. The important thing to remember when shopping for a veterinary hospital is to understand what value you and your pet are receiving for the fees you pay. Just as in other industries or professions, the veterinary community has a wide range of members. Pet owners will find everything from low cost, high volume clinics to full-service, state-of-the-art hospitals on-call 24/7, and staffed by experienced and educated people.
Fees are based on the costs involved in running any business and we should expect to pay more for service at a higher quality facility than at a less expensive place. Once you decide the level of care you desire and can afford for your pet, you can then chose which veterinary clinic or hospital suits your needs. Some people spend a great deal on their pet’s health and expect a high level of care, service, and convenience in return. Others either do not believe in a high level of care for pets or simply do not wish to spend money to get it.
We have chosen to dedicate our lives to developing, staffing, and operating a hospital for the pet owner who desires the best for their pet. We encourage all prospective clients to come tour our hospital and meet our staff before making their decision on where to take their pet for care.
My cat never goes outside. Why does he still need vaccinations and a stool check each year?
The majority of the felines we see here at Hill-Dale are house cats. Most cats allowed to run at large usually experience untimely deaths due to injury or disease. Many people think that if their cat stays inside all the time, it should not need vaccinations or annual fecal checks. On the contrary, indoor cats need annual physical examinations and health care, including vaccinations.
We highly recommend keeping your cat indoors and many municipalities have laws governing pets at large. Unfortunately, even if your cat stays inside, it is still at risk for disease. If your pet does not have its immunity stimulated by a regular schedule of vaccinations it really becomes much like the “boy in the bubble”, with no protection if exposed. A single stray cat coming up to the window on a summer day and hissing or spitting through the screen at your cat could be enough to expose your pet to disease.
In addition, we regularly receive calls from owners reporting their house cat has caught or killed a bat that happened to make its way into the house. Bats are known carriers of Rabies and Rabies can pose a serious threat to an unvaccinated pet AND the family it lives with.
The annual physical examination is as important as vaccinations. Part of your Veterinarian’s fee should be for his or her knowledge and time in performing your pet’s annual physical examination. Pets age much more rapidly than humans, and early detection of dental disease, thyroid problems, and heart or kidney disease based on findings of the physical examination helps keep your pet well as long as possible!
My cat occasionally vomits up it’s food shortly after eating. I do not see any hair in it so I know it isn’t hairballs. What could it be?
While some cats seem to vomit for no apparent reason, any vomiting which seems to be frequent or chronic should be looked into. Cats are grooming creatures. They typically ingest alot of hair from grooming themselves or other cats in the family. When a cat vomits shortly after eating, it can be hairball related. Hair tends to line the wall of the cat's stomach. When he eats a meal, the food presses against the hair lining the stomach which then causes irritation. The cat vomits the food but the hair remains in the stomach. If the hair forms in large quantity, the cat may vomit, which is what you usually step in on your way to the bathroom at 3 am in your bare feet! Hairballs can be seriously upsetting for your cat and we recommend giving a hairball preparation regularly to prevent hair build-up in the first place.
We should never assume that any or all vomiting cats do is because of hairballs. Many conditions or diseases can be responsible: Dental disease, kidney failure, intestinal disorders, hyperthyroidism, and a host of other conditions can result in vomiting. You should always consult us if your cat is experiencing problems.
Category: Hill-Dale Veterinary Hospital Baraboo
