Yes, she can. However, due to extra bleeding from an increased blood supply, there are more risks involved and it may cost more. We recommend getting your pet spayed before the first heat cycle. 

After the initial puppy or kitten vaccine series is complete, many vaccines provide adequate immunity when given every few years. Others need to be given more often to maintain a level of immunity that will continually protect your pet. Our doctor can recommend a vaccination schedule that best meets your pet’s needs. 

No, we cannot give prices on any procedure or treatments before the doctor does a physical exam on your pet. This includes dental cleaning, spays, and neuters. During the exam, we can make an estimate tailored specifically to your pet. 

Yes, our doctor has experience treating all kinds of unique creatures, including rabbits, reptiles, and rodents. However, we are limited in the care we can provide in our facility, especially for the avian species. While our doctor does not claim to be a specialist on these animals, we are always willing to take a look and do everything we can to help your little friends.

Average temperature for dogs and cats is 101.5.  A range of 100.5 to 102 is usually okay.  Always use a well-lubricated rectal thermometer to take your pet’s temperature

Fleas are small, dark brown-black insects. You can usually see them, often near the base of the tail or on the belly.  They flee from light.  You can also see “flea dirt”.  This dark, grainy material in the hair coat or on the skin turns red when moistened, as opposed to dirt, that continues to be black even when wet. 

It is important to help your pet associate nail trims with “good things” to look forward to. This association is accomplished by playing with the pet’s feet one at a time, and then rewarding it with food treats. Do not clip any nails yet. Instead, gradually increase the length of time spent holding the foot, start touching each individual toe, then clicking the clipper (a noise that can be scary to some pets), and then clipping a toenail. Do not expect to be able to clip all its nails at the same time or to reach this comfort level within a couple days. Give it plenty of time and treats.

Puppies and kittens usually reach puberty around six months of age. Female dogs come into heat twice a year and it lasts about three weeks. Female cats come into heat seasonally, usually between Decemebr and March. Cats are induced ovulators which means their cycle will not end until they are bred. 

Pre-anesthetic blood testing allows us to evaluate your pet’s basic organ function.  The testing could warn us of a condition not obvious on a physical exam.  It may indicate that we should take extra precaution with your pet’s anesthesia or surgery, or avoid a procedure altogether until a discovered problem can be corrected.

We know veterinary care can get expensive, despite our efforts to keep it as affordable as possible. Our doctor is highly educated and has over 30 years of experience to offer. Not to mention the required 20 hours of continuing education every year. Our facility is not just a doctor’s office for patient visits; it also contains a complete laboratory, x-ray and ultrasound suite, and pharmacy. Also included is a sterile surgical suite and a hospital in-patient facility. Our supplies and equipment cost the same as those of our human counterparts, and unfortunately most pets aren’t covered by health insurance. The field of veterinary medicine is expanding tremendously such that veterinarians can now offer incredibly sophisticated procedures and medication of the highest order.