Why should I spay/neuter? When?

  What should I use for fleas & ticks? Why should I use it throughout the year?

  What is a normal temperature for my pet?

  What is a healthy weight for my pet?

  How do I get my puppy to stop chewing on everything!?

 When should I start my puppy/kitten vaccines? What vaccines do they need?

ANSWER:  Why should I spay/neuter? When?

A spayed or neutered pet will be a healthier pet for several reasons. First, a spayed or neutered pet will not be tempted to roam or wander, thereby reducing its risk of being hit by a car or caught in a fight.

Second, a spayed or neutered pet will be at a reduced risk for mammary, ovarian, or testicular cancers.

Your spayed female pet will save you the hassle of confining her while in heat. Your neutered male pet will save you from concerns about him pursuing neighbors' pets, and can help eliminate your male pet's desire to mark his territory.

When? Your female pet will be much healthier and at a greater reduced risk of cancer if she is spayed before her first heat cycle. This means having her spayed around 6 months of age. Your male pet will be much healthier if you have him neutered before he develops the desire, habit to mark his territory: 7-9 months of age.
 

ANSWER:  What should I use for fleas & ticks? Why should I use it throughout the year?

There are many reliable products, available through your veterinarian, to prevent fleas and ticks. You need only to decide which product best suits your pets needs, age, and environment. Remember that grocery store brands are not monitored as closely for product safety, side effects, and expiration dates.

In North Carolina, our weather is such that we can have warm, high-humidity days throughout the winter season. Because NC experiences very few 'hard freezes', in order to effectively prevent fleas and ticks on your pet, it is recommended you treat year round.
 

ANSWER:  What is a normal temperature for my pet?

The normal temperature for a dog or a cat ranges from 99.9 degrees to 102.8 degrees F.
 

ANSWER:  What is a healthy weight for my pet?

Your pets ideal weight will vary depending on their breed, size and bone structure. You should be able to easily feel their ribs but not be able to see them. This will indicate, in general, an ideal weight for your pet.  Please consult with your veterinarian about your pet's weight.
 

ANSWER:  How do I get my puppy to stop chewing on everything!?

Puppies have a physiological need to chew on things for proper development of their dental health. It is important to provide them with proper and appropriate chew toys to aid their dental development and assist your puppy in cutting teeth through their gums.

Do not give your puppy old socks, shoes or wood as a chew toy unless you want them to chew on your good clothes, shoes and furniture. A puppy will not be able to distinguish your new items from your discarded ones.

The best chew toys for your puppy are nylabones, tennis balls, and other chew toys.  Watch any item that can be chewed and ingested as it may cause an obstruction in your puppy's intestine.
 

ANSWER:  When should I start my puppy/kitten vaccines? What vaccines do they need?

There are several different protocols for immunizing your pet from disease. It is important to setup a time to discuss with your vet a vaccine schedule for your particular pet. A vaccine schedule should be established before your pet is 6 weeks old. Each pet's needs and risk factors will help determine which vaccines, and at what intervals, are best for your puppy's or kitten's health.
 

BACK TO TOP
 

Our Office Hours
Monday, Wednesday & Friday - 7:45am-6:00pm
Tuesday & Thursday - 7:45am-7:00pm
Saturday - 8:45am-2:00pm
Sunday - Closed

For after hours emergencies contact: Veterinary Specialty Hospital  919-233-4911
Triange Veterinary Emergency Clinic (TVET) 919-489-0615