Top Ten Questions

2008 - 01 - 01
Q: Do I need to brush my pet's teeth?
A: Brushing is the best way to prevent dental disease. Start your pet young, and make this a part of a routine. Many additional oral care products are available; but brushing is still the best. Also, feed a high quality dry dog food.
2008 - 01 - 02
Q: Why Does My Pet Scoot?
A: The most common reason for scooting is full anal glands, which is more often a dog problem than a cat problem. These are the scent glands that animals use to mark their territory. Often they can get full, and become uncomfortable. For most patients, we recommend to have them expressed minimally every 3 months.

Other causes for scooting include worms and allergies. It is a good idea to have a fecal sample checked yearly for worms. Worms can be microscopic, so you won't see them. Some worms are spreadable to people too.

2008 - 01 - 03
Q: How do I get my pet to not eat his/her poop or cat poop?
A: This is very difficult. The best thing that I can recommend is to go outside with your dog on a short leash so that you can see what he is doing. You can then stop him from doing this.

We do carry a product called "Forbid" which you can add to your dog's food. It works well when it is being used. The problem often returns when you stop. It does nothing to dissuade your pet from eating other animal's poop.

2008 - 01 - 04
Q: Do I need to use flea control in the winter?
A: Yes, it doesn't freeze in our area, so fleas are here year round.
2008 - 01 - 05
Q: Do I need to use heartworm preventative in the winter?
A: Yes, this product not only protects your pet from heartworm; but many internal parasites as well. Even when mosquitoes are not here, the other parasites are always a concern.
2008 - 01 - 06
Q: Can I give my dog people food?
A: Generally this is not recommended. Anytime you cook for your pet, there is a chance that he/she may not be getting all of the necessary vitamins and minerals. Also, a soft food diet will typically allow more tartar to build up on your pet's teeth.

There are some medical situations in which home cooked food is suggested.

2008 - 01 - 07
Q: Do I need to clean my dog's ears?
A: This is suggested for all dogs; but especially for those breeds with long droopy ears. For these breeds I suggest weekly cleanings. We offer Chlorhexi Derm flush, a gentle mild cleaner. All you need to do is squirt some on a Kleenex, and place it on your finger. You then gently insert your finger in your dog's ear as far as it will go, and twist. Don't use q-tips in your pet's ears; you can damage the ear drum. If you are having difficulty, we can clean the ears for you, or teach you how to do this.
2008 - 01 - 08
Q: Do I need to bath my cat?
A: This is really up to you, and also is somewhat dependent on the personality of your cat. Some people never bath their cats. At most, I would say once a month. I think twice a year is fairly common. Our grooming service can bath your cat for you.
2008 - 01 - 09
Q: How often can I bath my dog?
A: This depends on the age, health, and breed of your dog. I typically recommend monthly. This will help you identify growths early on, skin changes, and weight changes. You can actually see things more easily when your pet is wet.

If your dog has skin problems, a medicated shampoo may be recommended, and it is usually used 1-2x a week.

Our grooming service takes care of many things that most owners won't or are unable to do at home. We use the Hydro surge bathing system, which is like a massage for your pet. It is able to remove dirt, oil, and debris that is deep within your pet's skin. Our mighty wind is able to blow out your pet's undercoat. We also express the anal glands, clean the ears, and cut the nails.

2008 - 01 - 10
Q: Why do I need a microchip for my pet? Is it safe?
A: The City of Stockton recently passed a law requiring both dogs and cats to have microchips and be licensed. This was done because so many animals are euthanized at our local shelter each year, and most of them do not have any identification.

The microchip is safe, and is injected between your pet's shoulder blades with a syringe. It is very similar to giving a vaccine, and can be done in an awake or anesthetized patient. We use the Avid chip, and have reduced our fee to $40, which includes lifetime registration.