Frequently Asked Questions

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).

Some 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 specimen, we will be glad to examine it microscopically to see if your pet has worms.

Toxoplasma oocysts pass out in the feces of cats and can cause problems if transmitted to pregnant women. That’s why pregnant women and immunosuppressed individuals should not clean out litter boxes.  With normal sanitary precautions, litter boxes pose no problem for the other people.

Most intestinal parasites are transmitted in the pet’s stool.  When a dog steps in contaminated stool or ingests the egg, the parasite enters his body.  Keeping the yard clean and having your pet checked for worms regularly will prevent most parasites infestation. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes.  Testing your dog for heartworm infection and keeping him on heartworm prevention will prevent heartworms from becoming a problem.

Scooting can be a sign of tapeworms. We recommend that you examine your pet closely for signs of tapeworm infection.  Tapeworm segments pass out of the pet’s rectum and often catch in the fur on the legs and tail.  If tapeworms are not the problem, the doctor will look for another cause, such as impacted or infected anal glands.

You are most likely seeing tapeworm segments that are becoming stuck in the hair when they pass out in the bowel movement.  We recommend that you bring us a sample segment, if possible, so we can determine which kind of tapeworm your pet has.  We can then deworm your pet and help you prevent them from getting them again.

A dog’s normal temperature sometimes varies but is usually about 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

A cat’s normal temperature sometimes varies but is usually about 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Puppies and kittens have “baby teeth” just like humans.  It is normal for them to lose these first teeth when they are about 3 ½ months old to make room for their adult teeth.  Look inside your pet’s mouth and be sure a baby tooth has fallen out wherever you see a new tooth coming in.  If the baby teeth don’t fall out, they may have to be pulled.

Dogs need protection from extremely cold nights.  Shorthaired dogs need more protection than double-coated or longhaired dogs.  Light bulbs can be hung in the dog house for heat, or you may want to bring your dog into the garage, basement, or laundry room for the night.

Scooting can be a sign of anal-gland problems, or it may mean that your dog has tapeworms.

Bad breath can be a sign of gum infection and teeth problems.

Yes. Runny eyes can be caused by allergies, illness, injury, and infection.  The doctor must examine your pet to determine the cause.

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

Rat poison can cause serious blood-clotting problems in dogs and cats.  He should be brought in as soon as possible.

Make sure it has an open airway and can breathe.  If your pet is a dog, secure its mouth to prevent biting—a stocking works well as a temporary muzzle—and transport it to the clinic on a board to control its movements and prevent further injury.  If it is a cat, put it in a box.  Bring the pet to the clinic as soon as you can, even if you think it is fine.  Sometimes an injury can cause internal problems that aren’t readily apparent.

Your cat may have a urinary tract infection or may have a blockage that’s preventing it from urinating. You should bring him to the clinic immediately.