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Dogs

• Rabies: Required by law, as well as a requirement to be seen at our clinic. Rabies is 100% fatal in all mammals, including people. The only exception allowed at our clinic is pets being seen for acupuncture only. Dr. Lisa will see acupuncture patients without proof of rabies. 
• DA2PPL4: Distemper, Adenovirus (type 2), Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Leptospirosis. This is a yearly core vaccine for all dogs, and is strongly recommended.
• Distemper is a serious disease in dogs which can cause multi-organ failure, skin disease, and permanent brain damage. 
• Adenovirus type 2 causes liver disease and often liver failure in dogs
• Parvovirus is a vascular disease that causes sloughing of the lining of the intestines, severe vomiting, severe diarrhea (often with blood), and predisposes the dog to sepsis. It is nearly 90% fatal without treatment.
• Parainfluenza is one of the most common causes for respiratory disease (kennel cough) in dogs. 
• Leptospirosis is a disease that can cause severe systemic infection, lameness, liver failure, kidney failure. It is spread by contact with infected water, either in puddles, droplets, or lakes. It is commonly excreted in urine. It is zoonotic, meaning it can be readily spread to people.
• Bordetella: One of the most common infectious causes of respiratory disease (kennel cough). This vaccine is highly recommended for dogs who interact with other dogs, such as in dog parks, boarding, grooming, and day care.

Cats

• Rabies: Required by law, as well as a requirement to be seen at our clinic. Rabies is 100% fatal in all mammals, including people. The only exception allowed at our clinic is pets being seen for acupuncture only. Dr. Lisa will see acupuncture patients without proof of rabies. 
• FVRCP: Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia.
• Viral rhinotracheitis is also known as feline herpesvirus type 1. This virus is probably responsible for 80-90% of cat upper respiratory infections. 
• Calicivirus is a serious upper respiratory virus, and can cause severe ulceration of the lips, tongue, and mouth. It can also cause lameness, pain throughout the body, and pneumonia.
• Panleukopenia virus causes damage to the lining of the intestines, leading to severe vomiting and severe diarrhea. It also affects the bone marrow, where immune cells are made. This leaves your cat unprotected from other minor and major infections, and often leads to sepsis, which is rapidly life-threatening.

Exotic Small Mammal Pets

• There are different vaccines for exotic pets. Please schedule an appointment with us to discuss what vaccines are appropriate for your exotic pet

• An otherwise healthy animal should have a check up once per year. This allows us to catch any problems early and ensures they remain healthy.
• If your pet has a chronic disease, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or Cushing’s disease, we should see them every 6 months to ensure their treatment is still optimal and there are no other problems developing.

The current recommendation is that cats, ferrets, and dogs should have their teeth cleaned once per year. This may change based on your individual pet’s needs, other health conditions, and particular circumstances. 

• Brushing daily at home is the single most important part of a healthy mouth. 
• Do not use human toothpaste. It is too abrasive for pets’ enamel, as well as often being toxic to pets. 
• You can use a soft, toddler toothbrush and water. You do not need any special equipment.

• We recommend Nexgard Plus chewable for dogs as a complete preventative. It is safe and generally well tolerated in dogs.
• We recommend Nexgard Combo topical in cats as a complete preventative. It is safe and well tolerated in cats.
• We also offer Proheart 12 as an injectable heartworm preventative. It offers 12 months of protection with a single injection. 
• Bravecto is a flea and tick preventative that offers three months of prevention with one dose. 
• Other products are available on our online store.

• Age is not a disease, but it does give a pet more time to collect other diseases. 
• Kidney disease, arthritis, thyroid disease, heart disease, and cognitive disorder are all common in older pets
• Arthritis and joint stiffness are common as pets get older. If your pet is slowing down, seems stiff after getting up in the morning, or is less interested in playing, they may have the start of joint discomfort. 
• Routine wellness blood work can help catch many diseases before they become critical, and allows us to help support your pet as they age.

• We recommend a joint supplement for all pets over 5 years. Our favorite is Rejensa, which can help regrow cartilage as well provide significant pain relief.
• If your pet is over 7 years of age, we recommend a senior diet. As pets age, they are less efficient with digestion and absorption of nutrients. Senior diets are especially formulated for our older family members.
• Other supplements should be discussed with our care team. Schedule a check up for your senior pet and we can determine the best plan for your pet.

• We strongly recommend spaying and neutering cats before 5 months of age. They can go through puberty by this age and develop behavioral habits that can be difficult to change as they get older.
• Small breed dogs can be neutered anytime after 4 months of age.
• Small breed dogs should be spayed before their first heat cycle, around 5-6 months of age. This reduces their chances of breast cancer and other problems.
• Large breed dogs – there are risks and benefits to waiting until they have grown. Although we recommend spaying before the first heat cycle to reduce the risk of breast cancer and other problems, we would be happy to discuss your pet’s individual case.

Benefits of spaying for female dogs:

• • Reduction (500% less) incidence of breast cancer
  • Elimination of risk of uterine and ovarian cancer
  • Elimination of risk of pyometra, a life-threatening uterine infection
  • Behavioral benefits, including a calmer, friendlier, and more outgoing dog
  • Reduction in stress and anxiety

Benefits of neutering for male dogs:

• • Elimination of risk of testicular cancer
  • Reduction in risk of prostate cancer
  • Reduction in risk of prostate infection
  • Behavioral benefits, including a calmer, friendlier, and more outgoing dog
  • Reduction in stress and anxiety

Risks of spaying and neutering dogs:

• • Complications during routine spays and neuters are extremely rare.
  • Anesthesia is always a risk. Although rare, some dogs will have a negative reaction to any medication administered. Discuss your concerns with our team at your next visit.
  • Any surgical procedure has a risk of bleeding. We offer pre-anesthetic blood work to help us make the best plan for your pet.
  • There may be some risk of ACL disease in large breed dogs spayed early. Please make an appointment to discuss your pet’s individual case.

• Not eating or drinking 
• Vomiting
• Lameness
• Any abnormal behavior

Food for Small Mammals like Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, and Rabbits etc.

• Oxbow
• Science Selective 
• Timothy Hay

Substrate for Small Mammals like Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, and Rabbits etc.

• • Low dust options such as fleece blankets as it can help prevent upper respiratory irritation.

  Food for reptiles varies with each species and the size of each individual but some examples include the following.

  • • Bearded dragons-juvenile
      • Bugs are the main component of their diet such as
        • Mealworms
        • Crickets
        • Dubia roaches
      • Greens should be introduced daily

      Bearded dragons-adult

      • • • Bugs and greens should be fed: 90% Greens 10% bugs
            • Some greens that are safe to give are:
              • Dandelion greens
              • Mustard greens
              • Collard greens
              • Kale
              • Raw bell peppers
              • Raw butternut squash 
              • Some vital equipment for reptiles are as follows but is species specific
                • Heat source
                • UVB lighting
                • Some place the animal can hide
                • Thermometer(temperature)
                • Hydrometer (humidity)

• A pet carrier is recommended for larger exotic animals.
• For smaller animals you can use something that can be secured with ventilation like
• Plastic container with a lid.

• In-home boarding is going to be the safest for exotic animals.
• WagZone Pet Services
• Rover

• Ectoparasites (parasites on the outside of an animal)
• Fleas
• Mites
• Cuterebra (bot fly larvae)
• Endoparasites (parasites internally)
• Pinworms (normal in most lizards)
• Tape worms 

• Rabbits and Guinea Pigs
• Not eating for more than 8 hours.
• Rabbits and Guinea Pigs should be continuously eating.
• Not having bowel movements for more than 8 hours.
• Rabbits and Guinea Pigs should be continuously having bowel movements
• Difficulty breathing

• Give us a call during normal business hours as soon as you notice an issue.
• Keep pet warm