Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! We provide new puppy or kitten checkups, at which they receive three to four rounds of shots. After their shots, we recommend visiting us yearly for a full exam and the additional required shots.

At your puppy or kitten's appointment, we can weigh them, trim their nails, and provide a treat to help them become more comfortable during their visit.

Yes. All dogs and cats need heartworm and flea/tick treatments for life. Prevention is recommended starting at six months of age. We offer a variety of these treatments, and our veterinarian can help you decide which is right for your pet.

While there are many pet foods on the market, we recommend premium diets such as Purina, Science Diet, and Royal Canin.

Bad breath in pets is typically caused by dental disease. Bring your pet to us for a yearly checkup so we can determine if your pet needs a dental cleaning.

There can be several reasons, some of which are very serious. Be sure to discuss this issue with the vet so we can determine if testing is necessary. Our in-house diagnostic tests can help us to rule out diabetes, liver disease, and/or Cushing's disease.

Dogs without skin conditions only need to be bathed every four to six weeks. Bathing too often can cause your dog to experience dry skin.

Some plants can give your dog diarrhea, while others are more toxic and can cause  serious, life-threatening damage. Keep dogs away from these plants:

• Sago Palm - Toxic to all pets. The leaves and bark are harmful, but the seeds or nuts are the most toxic.
• Tulips - The leaves can upset your dog's stomach. A newly planted bulb has the most toxins, so if your dog digs, be sure to watch them carefully.
• Lily of the Valley - Any part of the leaves or blooms can cause heart problems in dogs. Eating the leaves or blooms can cause vomiting, low blood pressure, disorientation, seizure, or even a coma.
• Oleander - All parts of this popular plant pose serious risks or can even be fatal to dogs.
• Philodendrons - This houseplant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which irritate dogs' mouths and lips. 
• Azaleas - An upset stomach is the most common sign that your dog has ingested azaleas. If your dog eats a lot of this plant, it can get very weak or experience tremors, an irregular heart rate, and low blood pressure.
• Aloe Vera - While this plant is good for humans, it is very bad for dogs and cats. Signs of toxic ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors.
• Begonia - Causes extreme oral irritation and excessive mouth inflammation.

For more information, visit the ASPCA's website. If you believe your pet has ingested any of these plants, seek help immediately by calling our office.