Pet Care Q & A

Why does my pet have bad breath?
Why can't my pet have my leftovers?
What can I do about fleas?
When can my pet be spayed or neutered?
How often should I groom my pet?
What are heartworms and how often should my dog be tested?
What vaccinations does my dog need?
Should I bathe my cat?
Can cats get heartworms?
Should I declaw my cat?
What are ear mites?
What vaccinations does my cat need?

Why does my pet have bad breath?

Bad breath may be a sign of periodontal disease, which is buildup of tartar and infection on and around your pet's teeth. Dental health isn't all about having pretty white teeth and fresh breath. Poor dental health can seriously threaten the health of your dog or cat. The infection can spread to the kidneys or heart. 

In the early stages you will notice a yellowing of the teeth, bad breath and reddened, loosened gums. If left untreated, it can progress to the advanced stage, which is the foremost cause of premature tooth loss in pets today. In this stage you will notice very bad breath, badly caked and loosened teeth and red, swollen gums. Your pet may also have difficulty when eating, be losing weight and have a rough coat.

Regular examination and cleaning of your pet's teeth is the best prevention. Advanced cases can be treated, but some teeth may have to be extracted if they are beyond repair.

Periodontal disease is a real threat to your pet's health. With immediate attention, existing conditions can be effectively treated and developing situations can be minimized.

Why can't my pet have my leftovers?

Ignore the "I'm so deprived" or "look how cute I am" looks on your pets' faces at mealtime, because too many table scraps can actually be harmful. Many foods that people eat can be toxic to pets. Also, the additional calories added to your pet's diet are often too much and lead to obesity. Many pets who eat a variety of foods can become finicky and not want to eat their regular, balanced food. 

Instead of the food you normally eat, feed your pet pieces of his/her own kibble, healthy treats made just for pets, or healthy snacks like green beans, carrots and plain, boiled chicken.

What can I do about fleas?

Fleas are a pain for you and your pet, but they can also cause additional health problems such as tapeworms and flea allergies. There are now monthly products available for the prevention and control of fleas that are safe, cheap, and easy to apply.  

Be aware that cats can have severe toxic reactions to certain flea products so whichever product you use should be proven safe for use in cats. Many over the counter flea products, although labeled for use in cats, often cause these serious, and sometimes fatal reactions. To be safe, always purchase your flea preventive from a reputable company, and if you are unsure, ask a professional.

Flea prevention is about more than just getting rid of the fleas on your pet. It's also important to treat your house and yard for fleas, usually at least once a year. The monthly flea preventives are very effective, but can be overwhelmed by a heavy infestation in the house or yard, so it's important to perform both treatments together when battling a heavy flea population.

When can my pet be spayed or neutered?

We recommend neutering dogs and cats between 4 and 6 months of age. 

Did you know?: The term "neuter" is actually appropriate for both males and females, but in the US, we most often associate it with male sterilization procedures (castration), and the term "spay" with female sterilization (ovariohysterectomy).

How often should I groom my pet?

Some pets need more grooming than others. Most short-haired dogs and cats require minimal grooming. This may mean brushing weekly, and bathing with a shampoo made for pets when needed. Cats rarely need to be bathed. Pets with longer hair may need brushing daily or may need the services of a professional groomer up to once a month..

Nails may be trimmed every four to six weeks. The "quick" (the structure that supplies blood to the nail) is visible in light colored nails. It is a thickened area on the nail closest to the paw and looks pink. In dark colored nails, it can't be seen, but often looks thicker if seen from the bottom of the nail. Trim the nail just slightly in front of where the quick ends. 

If you cut a nail into the quick, don't panic. Simply apply a little styptic powder from the pet store, or cornstarch in a pinch, to the bleeding nail. The bleeding will stop with or without the use of powder. Be careful! Cutting into the quick is painful! It won't cause any long term harm, but may make your pet more likely to react negatively next time you attempt to trim his nails.

Brushing your pet's teeth is essential in maintaining good dental health. Be sure to use a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for pets. Human toothpastes contain detergents that may upset your pet's stomach.

Questions About Dogs

What are heartworms and how often should my dog be tested?

Heartworms are parasites that reside in the heart and are transmitted by mosquitoes. Your dog should be tested once a year beginning at six months of age and be placed on a preventative treatment all year long. Start preventive with first vaccinations as early as 6 weeks.

ALL dogs in Texas should be on a heartworm preventive, even if they stay inside all the time. 

What vaccinations does my dog need?

Canine Adenovirus Type-1 and Type-2: The causes of infectious hepatitis and respiratory infection, respectively. Hepatitis caused by Adenovirus Type-1 may cause severe kidney damage or death. Adenovirus Type-2 is an important factor in Kennel Cough.

Canine Bordetella (B. Bronshiseptica): May contribute to Kennel Cough. A bacterial infection which occurs alone or in combination with Distemper, Adenovirus Type-2 infection, Parainfluenza, and other respiratory problems.

Canine Distemper: A widespread, often fatal disease. Vaccination against Distemper should begin at 6-9 weeks of age.

Canine Parainfluenza: Another cause of Kennel Cough. Although a mild respiratory infection in otherwise healthy dogs, can be severe in puppies or debilitated dogs.

Canine Parvovirus: Disease of widespread distribution, which may cause severe dehydrating diarrhea in dogs of varying ages. Especially dangerous for puppies.

Rabies: One of the world's most publicized and feared diseases and almost always fatal. Attacks the brain and central nervous system, and is transmitted to humans chiefly through bite of an infected animal.

Other vaccinations are available. The doctor will recommend these when needed.

Questions About Cats

Should I bathe my cat?

Cats are generally very clean animals and do not need bathing, and they will make sure you know that! However, there may be special circumstances where it is necessary. Ask our staff before deciding to bathe your cat, and wear gloves!

Can cats get heartworms?

Yes, although less common than in dogs, cats can become infected with heartworms. Cats do not need to be tested prior to placing them on preventative, nor do they need an annual test, although it may be prudent to test for heartworms under certain conditions.

Should I declaw my cat?

We understand that your cat's destructive scratching behavior is unacceptable. We also feel that surgical removal of your cat's claws is a painful and dangerous procedure with many unnecessary consequences and should only be considered in extreme circumstances and ONLY as a last resort. 

If you are considering declawing your cat, please visit the following site or call and speak with us about alternatives. We would be happy to assist you for the mental and physical health of both you and your cat.

Declawing Information

What are ear mites?

You know the black stuff that looks like coffee grounds in your cats ears? That's a good sign that your purr-monster has ear mites, which are parasites that feed on the debris in your cat's ears. They are fairly common in stray and outdoor cats and may also be present in a multi-cat household. 

After many years of testing different treatments, we have found that the best treatment for ear mites is a dose of Revolution and a thorough ear cleaning. In order to clean the ear completely and thoroughly, the cat must be sedated and the ear flushed out. This is the fastest and most effective treatment we have been able to develop.

What vaccinations does my cat need?

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR): Highly contagious respiratory disease characterized by sneezing, loss of appetite, fever, and eye inflammation. With progress, a discharge is noticeable from both nose and eyes. Although few adult cats die from FVR, death rate among kittens can range from 50-60 percent. FVR often occurs simultaneously with Feline Calicivirus infection.

Feline Calicivirus (FCV): Serious feline respiratory infection, often occurring simultaneously with FVR (see above). Signs of infection are similar to FVR, but FCV-infected cats may also have ulcers on the tongue. FCV most severely affects kittens and debilitated cats, and overall death occurrence is low. However, FCV may pave way for other viral or bacterial agents which cause pneumonia.

Feline Leukemia: Viral disease which can take several forms. Similar to AIDS in people and will decrease the cat's ability to fight off other diseases. Some cats have transient infections varying in severity, some of which may be fatal over time. Cats are most commonly exposed through a bite from another infected cat. Likelihood of infection is greater in multi-cat households or where cats are allowed to roam free. Extensive scientific research has shown no relationship between feline leukemia and human leukemia.

Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper): Among the most widespread of all cat diseases and extremely contagious. Characterized by fever, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. High death rate, particularly among kittens. Older cats that recover may never totally regain health.

Rabies: One of the world's most publicized and feared diseases and almost always fatal. Attacks the brain and central nervous system, and is transmitted to humans chiefly through the bite of an infected animal.

See the AVMA Care for Pets Home Page for more tips!