Pet Health Care FAQs

At what age should I spay/neuter my pet?

Recent studies have shown the standard 6 months of age recommendation no longer applies for spaying and neutering your pet. There is evidence that cats can be spayed or neutered younger than 6 months and depending on the breed of your dog some should be spayed or neutered later than 6 months. Therefore, we recommend calling our office directly and we can tell based on the species and breed of your pet what the current recommendations are regarding spaying or neutering your pet.

Why does my pet need to see a vet if he/she is not sick?

We recommend health care for pets and yearly exams for everyone. This allows us to evaluate the health of your pet and diagnose any condition early allowing for intervention sooner rather than later. It is also a state requirement to do any annual exam before giving vaccines or dispensing any medications.

What is Parvo?

Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that mostly affects young dogs. The virus affects the GI tract causing serve vomiting, diarrhea and rapid fluid loss. Parvovirus infection can be prevented by following your veterinarians recommended vaccine protocols and strict instructions for keeping your pet away from public areas until they are fully vaccinated. Parvo is very costly to treat and not all pets will survive even with aggressive medical therapy.

What is Canine Influenza?

Canine influenza or dog flu is a highly contagious viral infection affecting dogs. Canine influenza is transmitted through droplets or aerosols containing respiratory secretions from coughing, barking, and sneezing. Canine influenza cannot be diagnosed solely by clinical signs (coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge) because these are clinical signs also present with other canine respiratory illnesses.

When should I start vaccines on my pet?

Here at Pendleton Veterinary Clinic, we start puppies and kittens at 8 weeks old with their first vaccination. Look under the services tab for the schedule.

Flea prevention. when should I use it?

You should use flea medication year-round as a preventative.

How often should I de-worm my pet?

The Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends de-worming 4 times a year.

Why does my Chihuahua get the same dose of vaccine as a German Shepherd?

Even though your pet might only weigh 5 lbs it’s immune system is the same size as a 100 lb dog. This is why they get the same amount of vaccines.