Veterinary FAQ | Breckenridge Veterinarian

Breckenridge Animal Clinic FAQ's

When does a puppy or kitten start its vaccinations?

We recommend starting vaccinations at 8 weeks of age. We give them in a series 4 weeks apart so that your pet will have good immunity. A puppy or kitten would receive vaccinations at 8, 12, and 16. We give Rabies vaccinations at the time of your pet's 16 week vaccination. Vaccination boosters are done yearly with Rabies being every 3 years after the initial year booster.

Featured Pet - Bobby the K9 Police Dog

One of our clients that we're most proud of is Breckenridge's own K9 wonder dog, Bobby. His handler, Deputy Sherrif Nathan Opsahl, works for the Summit County Sherrif's Department. Bobby is four years old and hails from top-notch German Shephard breeding stock in the Czech Republic. Bobby

completed extensive K9 police training in Indiana and is skilled in narcotics detection and tracking work.

In March of 2010 Bobby aprehended the Mountain Outfitter's burglar after the criminal attempted his third robbery of the store. Most recently, Bobby found a lost 6-year old boy who had wandered into a stranger's home in Blue River. I think we can all feel a little safer with Bobby on our side!

Do you want your pet to be the next Featured Pet? Email us a picture and short bio and they could be!

Breckenridge Animal Clinic

11072 Highway 9, Suite #104 | Breckenridge, CO 80424

e. info@breckenridgeanimalclinic.com | p. 970.453.0821

Many pet owners have the same questions regarding veterinary care. We have compiled a list of our client's most common questions to give you a quick reference point for many of your pet health concerns.

If you have any questions that you don't see the answer to, please don't hesitate to call us directly at 970.453.0821 or email us your inquiry.

Puppy & Kitten Questions

What is a spay?

Spay is the common term for a complete ovariohysterectomy, or the removal of the entire uterus and ovaries. We recommend spaying at 6-8 months but it can be performed any time after the age of 8 weeks.

What is a neuter?

Neuter is the common term for castration, or the removal of the testicles. We recommend neutering at 6-8 months.

What is the best way to identify my pet?

Keep a collar with identification on her at all times. A cat should wear an elasticized or breakaway collar. Microchipping is also available at any time during your pets lifetime (for both cats and dogs). Microchips are a small tracker thar are implanted between your pets shoulderblades in a very minor procedure similar to getting a normal vaccine. After implantation the chip is completely painless for the animal. All shelters scan for this chip and, if your pet is lost, she could be returned to you much easier by a local shelter.

Parasite Questions

What is a parasite?

A parasite is an organism that lives at the expense of another living being. In our pets, these usually take the form of intestinal worms (internal parasites) and fleas and ticks (external parasites).

How can I tell if my dog or cat has worms?

Certain parasites, such as tapeworms, are visible to the naked eye, but others must be detected

under the microscope. If you will bring in a stool sample we will be glad to examine it microscopically to see if your pet has worms.

I saw small worms caught in the hair on my pets hind legs and tail. What are they?

Small white worms about the size of a grain of rice in length are tapeworm segments. They come from swallowing fleas or from eating mice. There are tablets you can purchase from your veterinarian to eradicate tapeworms. There are NO products in the pet stores or grocery stores to kill tapeworms. Also, in order to keep them away, you should practice good flea control.

Should I do a routine deworming of my pets?

We recommend routine deworming every 6 months to a year. If you don't want to medicate your pet without knowing that she has worms we can do 3 consecutive fecal samples to prove whether or not she needs deworming.

How do I control fleas on my pet?

With the advancement of flea control programs, fleas are no longer the nuisance they once were for you and your pet. One option is liquid applied down the pets back which kills all fleas within 24 hours and continues killing them for 1 full month. Another option is a pill that is given by mouth every month with a meal. It available in an injection for cats which lasts 6 months. It makes female fleas lay sterile eggs - so called "birth control" for fleas. Both products are SAFE for your pets and your children. Do NOT confuse these products with others you find in the pet stores. Those products are insecticides which can potentially harm your pet.

Are flea collars very effective?

Not really. Since they are placed around the neck of the pet, they usually cannot kill any fleas which are around the tail of your pet. The insecticide from flea collars is designed to be absorbed into the pets blood stream and can be toxic. There are much better forms of flea control such as Advantage and Program. Call us for more information.

I think my dog has lice. What can I do?

Lice has become a significant problem in select regions in the past couple of years. Lice are small grayish parasites that attach themselves right to the skin and tend to be on the front end of the dog. Advantage (for fleas) does kill lice as well, but we recommend repeating the treatment every 2 weeks instead of every month. Lice are very species specific and cannot be transferred to you.

How do I prevent my dog from getting ticks?

Preventic Tick Collars and Defend Liquid are available for tick prevention on dogs. (These products cannot be used on cats). You should know that ticks carry a vast array of diseases including Lyme Disease. There is a vaccination for dogs against Lyme Disease but the best protection is prevention with the above products.

What are Heartworms and how can I prevent my dog from getting them?

Heartworms are parasites that actually live in the dog's heart. There is a blood test available to test for heartworm. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitos so dogs need only to be treated in mosquito season (June to November). There is a once a month tablet that is used for prevention and can be given to your dog after she is confirmed heartworm negative with a blood test. Phone your veterinarian if you have any further questions about heartworm.

Immunization Questions

What is Parvo Virus?

Parvo virus is a disease that causes vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. This virus is deadly and can be contracted from any substance, such as the soil or walking in the same area as a dog which has been incubating the virus . We recommend vaccinating your dog once a year for adequate protection.

What is Canine Distemper?

Distemper is a highly contagious disease among dogs. It is almost always fatal. Although it is more common in puppies than in adult dogs, all dogs are susceptible to it. We recommend a distemper vaccination at the one year point and then every three years thereafter.

What is Kennel Cough?

Kennel Cough is a respiratory disease usually contracted in areas where large numbers of dogs are housed such as a kennel or a grooming salon. It is transmitted by nose to nose contact so they can get it from any dog. There is a vaccination available for protection against Kennel Cough.

Does my pet really need a Rabies vaccination?

YES. Rabies is a fatal disease if left untreated and can affect all mammals. There are some bats which do have rabies and a bat can easily get into a house so your pet is not protected if they remain indoors at all times.

My cat stays inside all the time. Why does it need vaccinations?

If you ever have a personal emergency where you have to board your cat or a medical emergency where your cat must be hospitalized, the unvaccinated cat will be vulnerable to any of the feline diseases. It may be even more susceptible than other cats since it has never been exposed to any type of disease. You can also unknowingly bring some viruses home on your clothing from a stray or other sick cat.

We have adopted a stray cat. Should I do anything special before I let it play with my other cats?

You should have the new cat examined by the veterinarian before exposing it to your cats. The new cat should be tested for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) and Feline Leukemia - two deadly diseases that could be transmitted to your cats. Also, we strongly recommend that you have your new cat vaccinated as soon as possible.

Reproductive Questions

How long is a dog or cat in season?

A dog is in season (or heat) for about 21 days. The first 10 days include bleeding from the vagina, then your dog is ready to accept the male. A cat is completely different from a dog. They go in and out of season all year round until they are either bred or spayed. It always best to spay your pet if you do not intend to breed her so that she

does not develop breast or uterine cancer.

How long does pregnancy last in a dog or cat?

A dog is pregnant for 63 days and a cat for 61 days. The newborns should be examined by a veterinarian within 24-48 hours.

Will spaying or neutering my dog or cat make them fat and lazy?

No. Spaying or neutering will not contribute to obesity at all. If you watch your pets diet and give them plenty of exercise you should not have a problem.

Can my female dog be spayed while she is in heat or while she is pregnant?

It is best to wait until a female is out of heat before she is spayed. During the heat cycle all the blood vessels that lead to the ovaries and uterus are inflamed and this makes surgery more of a risk to the dog. A dog can be spayed if she is early pregnant. You should discuss this with a veterinarian.

How soon after my dog or cat has had puppies or kittens can she be spayed?

As soon as the puppies or kittens are weaned and the mother's milk had dried up, she can be spayed.

I've heard that letting my female have a litter makes her a better pet. Is this true?

ABSOLUTELY NOT. In fact, more heat cycles and pregnancies increase the chances of mammary tumors later in life. Some pets also have behavioral changes after having a litter.

If I neuter my cat, will he stop spraying my furniture?

When a cat sprays, he is exhibiting the male tendency to mark his territory with urine. Neutering decreases his male hormones and makes him much less likely to exhibit this undesirable trait (Although - neutering does not guarantee that he will stop spraying).

Couldn't I just give my a dog a vasectomy? Why does he have to be castrated?

A vasectomy, although it makes your dog incapable of breeding, does nothing to diminish his sexual drive. He will still roam, still fight with other dogs and still tend to be aggressive. By castrating, you reduce the hormones that are causing the undesirable behaviors.

Medical Questions

My dog was accidentally hit by a car but appears fine. Is it okay to watch him for a while?

NO! Many times dogs hide a concussion which can be life threatening if not treated immediately. Also, dogs and cats can suffer from a condition called "traumatic lung syndrome" , a condition in which the lungs can become full of fluid after a sudden blow. It is best to contact a veterinarian anytime your pet has been in an accident with a car.

My cat is going to his litter box a lot and seems uncomfortable. What does that mean?

Cats are very prone to a condition called "feline lower urinary syndrome". Basically, it is a urinary bladder infection which can lead to urinary tract obstruction in male cats. This is a serious condition and you should contact your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.

My dog licks his feet all the time. Why?

A dog that licks his feet, rubs his face, or scratches behind his elbows may be showing signs of an allergy. Dogs can be allergic to all sorts of things such as house dust, grass or weeds. Consult your veterinarian about this, especially if your dog is showing any hair loss.

What is a dog's or cat's normal temperature?

Cats and dogs have a higher body temperature than ours, which is why they sometimes feel "hot" to the touch. Their normal body temperature is 100 - 102.8 Fahrenheit or 38.5 + or - 1 degree Celcius. The best way to see if your pet is running a fever is to take his temperature with a rectal thermometer. If you notice that your pet's temperature is above normal, you should contact a veterinarian immediately.

My dog has diarrhea. What can I do?

If your dog is acting normally other than the diarrhea, then you can try withholding all food and water for 12 hours. After that time period, you can introduce small amounts of food at a time. However, if your dog is lethargic in any way, you should call a veterinarian for instructions.

My dog is "scooting" his behind on the carpet - Does he have worms?

He may have worms but that is not why he is "scooting". It is usually an indication that his anal glands are full and need attention by a veterinarian. Anal glands are small glands on either side of the rectum. They contain a fishy smelling substance and before domestication dogs and cats used them to mark their territory. Pets no longer have active control of these glands and therefore they can become full and need emptying. Cats will generally lick their rectal area excessively if their anal sacs are full.

What chew treats are OK to buy for my dog?

We generally recommend rawhides (that are made in North America), most dental chews and vegetable/fruit chews (Edible Nylabones). Cow hooves are very hard and can fracture teeth and some pig ears have recently been shown to contain the harmful bacteria Salmonella.

What is the best food to feed my pet?

That is a difficult question to answer as one food isn't right for all pets. Generally, if the food you are feeding says on the label that it is good for "all life stages", then find another food. Puppies, adults, and seniors all have different nutritional requirements. Pet food that is purchased from a pet supply store or from your veterinarian is usually better quality. Contact us if you would like more information

Is it normal for my cat to vomit hairballs?

No. Cats love to groom themselves and in doing so they swallow large amounts of hair. Vomiting hairballs is a sign that the hair is not moving from the stomach into the small intestine. There are pastes, treats and food that either dissolve hairballs or help them pass into the small intestine.

My dog smells. What could it be?

There are three main areas that are usually associated with a dog being smelly - ears, teeth, and skin. If your dog has any brownish material in her ears she may have an ear infection. If she has tartar on her teeth or very red gums her teeth need attention. If her skin is dry or has bumps on it this may be the cause of the odor. Contact your veterinarian if any of these conditions occur.

My dog has been coughing for several days. What should I do?

A cough can be caused by a number of thing, such as allergies, bronchitis or even kennel cough. The doctor should check your dog so we can determine the cause of the problem.

My dog (or cat) has licked up some antifreeze. Will this hurt him?

Antifreeze is extremely poisonous to dogs and cats. Please bring him to the clinic immediately for treatment.

Quick Jump to the FAQ's you're looking for!

Parasite

Immunization

Surgery

Puppy & Kitten

Medical

Reproductive

Surgery Questions

My dog just went through surgery. What can I expect while he’s getting better?

Lots and lots of sleep. Your pup won’t feel like doing much besides laying around during his post-operative recovery period, so do your best to be patient and tolerant of any accidents that might occur during this phase. Try to make a special effort to pet him regularly and talk to him

as this can get his spirits up and help him recover more quickly. While a little licking is certain to occur, let your vet know if it gets out of hand. Too much licking can loosen or remove stitches and cause infection, so your veterinarian may want to use a surgical collar (the plastic doohickey that looks like a satellite dish) to keep it under control.

The other important element is nutrition and hydration. Your vet can give you a more exact amount of food and water your dog will need during his recovery and it’s your job to make sure he gets it. Ice cubes can make a great substitute for dogs who balk at water. If you can’t convince him to eat, ask your vet for some suggestions. Pups’ bodies need the right nutrients to stay strong, and this is especially important after surgery.

Is the anesthetic safe?

Today's modern anesthetic monitors have made surgery much safer than in the past. Here at Breckenridge Animal Clinic, we do a thorough physical exam on your pet before administering anesthetics, to ensure that a fever or other illness won't be a problem. We also adjust the amount and type of anesthetic used depending on the health of your pet. The handout on anesthesia explains this in greater detail.

Preanesthetic blood testing is important in reducing the risk of anesthesia. Every pet needs blood testing before surgery to ensure that the liver and kidneys can handle the anesthetic. Even apparently healthy animals can have serious organ system problems that cannot be detected without blood testing. If there is a problem, it is much better to find it before it causes anesthetic or surgical complications. Animals that have minor dysfunction will handle the anesthetic better if they receive IV fluids during surgery. If serious problems are detected, surgery can be postponed until the problem is corrected.

We offer three levels of in-house blood testing before surgery, which we will go over with you when you bring your pet in. Our doctors prefer the more comprehensive screen, because it gives them the most information to ensure the safety of your pet. For geriatric or ill pets, additional blood tests, electrocardiograms, or x-rays may be required before surgery as well.

It is important that surgery be done on an empty stomach to reduce the risk of vomiting during and after anesthesia. You will need to withhold food for at least 8 to 10 hours before surgery. Water can be left down for the pet until the morning of surgery.

Will my pet have stitches?

For many surgeries, we use absorbable sutures underneath the skin. These will dissolve on their own, and do not need to be removed later. Some surgeries, especially tumor removals, do require skin stitches. With either type of suture, you will need to keep an eye on the incision for swelling or discharge. Most dogs and cats do not lick excessively or chew at the incision, but this is an occasional problem you will also need to watch for. If there are skin sutures, these will usually be removed 14 days after surgery. You will also need to limit your pet's activity level for a time and no swimming or baths are allowed for the first 14 days after surgery.

Will my pet be in pain?

Anything that causes pain in people can be expected to cause pain in animals. Pets may not show the same symptoms of pain as people do; they usually don't whine or cry, but you can be sure they feel it. Pain medications needed will depend on the surgery performed. Major procedures require more pain relief than things like minor lacerations.

For dogs, we may recommend an oral anti-inflamatory the day after surgery and several days after to lessen the risk of discomfort and swelling. We use newer medications, which are less likely to cause stomach upset and can be given even the morning of surgery. The cost of the medication ranges from $10 to $15, depending on the size of your dog.

Because cats do not tolerate standard pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol, we are limited in what we can give them. Recent advances in pain medications have allowed for better pain control in cats than ever before. We administer a pain injection 10 minutes prior to surgery. After surgery, pain medication is given on a case by case basis. Any animal that appears painful will receive additional pain medication.

We use narcotic patches for some surgeries in dogs as well. The cost will depend on the size of the dog. Injectable pain medications may also be used after surgery on both dogs and cats. Providing whatever pain relief is appropriate is a humane and caring thing to do for your pet.

What other decisions do I need to make?

While your pet is under anesthesia, it is the ideal time to perform other minor procedures, such as dentistry, ear cleaning, or implanting an identification microchip. If you would like an estimate for these extra services, please call ahead of time. This is especially important if the person dropping the pet off for surgery is not the primary decision maker for the pet's care.

When you bring your pet in for surgery, we will need to 5 to 10 minutes of time to fill out paperwork and make decisions on the blood testing and other options available. When you pick up your pet after surgery you can also plan to spend about 10 minutes to go over your pet's home care needs.

We will call you the night before your scheduled surgery appointment, to confirm the time you will be dropping your pet off and to answer any questions you might have. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to call us with any questions about your pet's health or surgery.