How do you know when it’s an emergency?

Are there diseases I can get from my cat or dog?

When should I spay or neuter my pet?

Why should I have my pet spayed?

Why should I have my pet neutered?

How do I keep fleas and ticks off of my pet?

How do I know which breed of dog is right for me?

How do you know when it’s an emergency?

Anything that causes you major concern can constitute an emergency.  Since you live with your pet, and we do not, what appears normal to us may not be to you.  Beyond that, vomiting or diarrhea that has continued for longer than 24 hours, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden lethargy, hives or swelling all would be considered emergency situations.  Birds and reptiles do not generally show signs of distress until they are really ill.  These animals may make very subtle changes in their diet or behavior which would indicate a problem.  We do accept emergencies during our doctor’s hours, but any after hours emergencies should be directed to the emergency clinic. 

Are there diseases I can get from my cat or dog?

Yes, there are several zoonotic diseases that your pets can pass to you, and you can pass to your pet. Ringworm, a fungal infection of the skin that is signified by circular raised areas is a disease that can be shared by both humans and animals.  Sarcoptic mange, another itchy skin disorder, is something your dog can pass along to you.   Sarcoptic mange is marked by itchiness and hair loss patterned almost all over the body of your pet.  Roundworms and hookworms are also intestinal parasites that can be passed from your cat or dog to you.  Both of these worms are treatable and can be detected from a simple fecal test from your pet’s stool.  Roundworms and hookworms in humans can migrate through the skin causing infections and can lodge themselves in other areas of the body such as the eye causing blindness.  As long as your pets are checked yearly for these parasites, treated when necessary, and their stool is cleaned up properly you should not have to worry about contracting anything. This list of zoonotic diseases should in no way be considered exhaustive.  There are others not mentioned here.

When should I spay or neuter my pet?

At Alvin Animal Clinic, we recommend that all pets be spayed or neutered before 6 months of age.

Why should I have my pet spayed?

There are several reasons. 
1) Spaying before the first heat cycle reduces your pet’s chance of breast cancer to less than 10%.  More than one out of every 500 female dogs will get breast cancer if not spayed.
2)   No messy “heat” cycles.  When a female dog goes into “heat” she has large amounts of foul smelling bloody fluid which leaks from her vulva.  This fluid gets all over the furniture and carpet creating a mess.  This can last for a 2 week period of time.
3) Fewer mood swings.  Intact female dogs have mood swings associated with their cycle, but they sometimes last longer than human females’ mood swings.
4) Fewer nosey males in your yard.  Whenever a female goes into heat, males will come from miles around.  These males can be very aggressive and destructive. 
5) Fewer unwanted pets.  Cats can have up to three litters of ten kittens each year.  That is up to thirty unwanted kittens each year.  Dogs can have up to two litters of 14 puppies each year.  That is twenty-eight unwanted puppies.  The stray and unwanted pet population is already overwhelming in our country.
6) Disease prevention.  “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”  Spayed females cannot suffer from: uterine infections, ovarian cysts, ovarian tumors, or sexually transmitted diseases.  Yes, cats and dogs have those as well.

Why should I have my pet neutered?

Neutering (castration) greatly diminishes the following: roaming, aggression, urine marking, and prostate disease.  Neutering prevents the following: testicular cancer, testicular torsion, and sexually transmitted diseases.  Plus, you can be assured that your male is not the cause of any unwanted strays in your area. 

How do I keep fleas and ticks off of my pet?

We offer many products for flea and tick prevention that are safe, affordable, and have easy applications.  Frontline, Advantage, and Advantix are all topical products that can be applied directly to your pet’s skin monthly for prevention.  All of these products are much safer than over the counter flea products.  The topical products do seem to be the most helpful for those animals with flea allergies.  We also offer Capstar which is an oral pill that will kill the fleas on your pet within 24 hours.  Finally, we offer sentinel which is a combination heartworm and flea birth control pill.  You give it orally once a month.  Some people may find the need to use some of the products in combination in order to achieve the best results.  We also offer sprays, yard, and home treatments.  Depending on the severity of your flea problem, you may need again to combine some of the products.  Fleas are difficult to get rid of at times.  It is best to prevent them instead of treating them. 

How do I know which breed of dog is right for me?

Researching any breed you are interested in before buying it is the best recommendation we can offer.  Make sure you understand what your living environment is like.  For example, how much space will your dog have at home and in the yard?  Who will be home at different times during the day to care for the pet?  Do you have children at home, and if so how old are they?  It is important to research the size, the activity level, the inherited diseases, and over all personality of the dog you are interested in for your family.  Remember also that purebreds are not your only option.  Adopting a pound puppy can be just as rewarding, and often you can find purebreds at adoption shelters that have simply been abandoned.  Try to have every member of your family visit with the dog before buying it.  If you already have other pets at home, make sure you consider what reactions they may have to a new addition.  Don’t make your purchase based simply on the popular breeds of the time or those that seem fun in movies.  Remember celebrity dogs have been highly trained.  Your dog may not quite be the same as what you see on screen.