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Does My Dog Need Vaccinations Before Being Neutered?

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Pet Vaccinations, Spay & Neuter.

Neutering DogOwning a pet comes with responsibilities. And vaccination and spaying/neutering are the first and foremost of them.

While both of them are not mandatory, they are crucial for the well-being of your pet. Vaccination helps prevent harmful diseases, while spaying is important for unwanted pregnancy prevention.

Our article brings you everything you need to know about neutering, from the appointment to surgery and its care, instructions, vaccinations, and more.

Do Pets Need Shots Before Being Neutered?

Getting your pets inoculated is a personal choice. However, local and state laws may make a few shots like rabies mandatory for all animals.

This remains the same for neutering, too; Though it is up to you to get your pet vaccinated, vets often prefer the vaccinations to be completed before neutering.

Clinics are often skeptical to neuter unvaccinated pets due to the high chance of infection resulting from the surgery’s side effect. Vaccinated animals are generally protected against diseases such as parvovirus.

Timeframe Between Vaccinations and Spaying

Not only do vets require vaccinations before the spay, but also a full three-four weeks before your pet’s surgery.

While this is the norm, it may change depending on the spay-neuter clinic and your pet’s age.

An inexpensive veterinary clinic may choose to accept an animal that is not vaccinated or choose to vaccinate them the same day as the surgery.

Can You Vaccinate and Spay at the Same Time?

It is not advisable to vaccinate a pet at the time of surgery or during times of illness. Vaccines stress the immune system, so does your pet’s surgery. And your pet needs a fully functioning immune system to prevent any infection.

Shots Before Spaying & Neutering

It is safer for the pets to have completed their initial set of vaccines before the surgery. Unvaccinated pets run the risk of contracting illnesses from other animals in the veterinary clinic and also have a higher chance of infection after the surgery.

Shots Before Spaying & NeuteringHere are the mandatory shots that a pet requires before a spay-neuter surgery.

Dogs

  • Rabies
  • DAPPv

Cats

  • Rabies
  • FVRCP

How Do I Prepare My Pet for Neutering?

Neutered pet is generally less aggressive, better behaved, and also have reduced chances of diseases like testicular or ovarian cancer.

Here are a few things you may want to do to get your pet ready ahead of the appointment.

  • Take your pet for a checkup which might be a physical examination or pre-operative blood panel. This helps to identify any health conditions that can make the procedure risky or may require attention.
  • Dogs must arrive on a leash, and cats must be in their carrier. Ensure that they are trained to stay in for extended periods of time.
  • Pets must be vaccinated at least a week prior to surgery.
  • Be prepared according to the pre and post-surgery instructions given by the veterinarian.

Pre-Surgery Instructions for Pets

Familiarize yourself with the instructions prior to your pet’s surgery for smooth sailing.

The Night Before Surgery:

  • Keep your pet indoors the night before surgery.
  • Provide your cat with a litter tray.
  • Please maintain a regular feeding schedule until the a.m.

The Morning of Surgery:

  • Make sure that they are clean and dry.
  • Please allow the patients to relieve in the a.m.
  • Four months or younger patients can eat half the amount of their regular diet.
  • If your pet is five months and older, give a quarter of their regular food on the morning of surgery.
  • Please allow them to have water up until the surgery.
  • When arriving for surgery, please bring your pet in a crate or carrier.
  • Arrive 10-15 minutes before your appointment time.

Pre-Anesthetic BloodworkPre-Anesthetic Bloodwork

Vets generally recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork for pets undergoing sedation or anesthesia. This bloodwork allows your vet to assess your pet’s overall health, checking for liver and kidney problems, etc., thus ensuring that your pet is a good candidate for anesthesia.

Please read this article for more information on the various types of pre-surgical blood tests that are available and what the benefits are for administering them to your pet.

Best Age to Neuter Dogs and Cats

The ideal age to neuter dogs and cats are as follows:

  • Male dog: five to nine months
  • Female dog: six months before their first heat cycle
  • Male cat: four to five months
  • Female cat: four to five months

While the above is a general consensus among vets, it may change depending on the animal’s age and breed and the spay-neuter clinic. Few clinics pets as long as they are eight weeks of age and weigh 2 pounds, mainly in the case of shelter animals.

Post Surgery Care for Pets

Spaying and neutering are major surgeries. Your pet needs to be cared for to prevent infections.

Ensure that you follow the surgery instructions as per the vet:

  • Limit the pet’s activity for 7-10 days to allow for recovery. Place him/her in a carrier big enough for them to stand up.
  • Feed them half the amount of their regular food when you bring them home and an additional meal later on.
  • Look out for lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting for more than 24 hours after the procedure.
  • Keep the incision dry, and do not bathe them for ten days.
  • Use a cone to prevent them from licking or chewing the incision.

Conclusion

Arrive a few minutes ahead of your appointment to have a stress-free environment for yourself and the animal. Please note that you must follow the pre-op and post-op surgery instructions as mentioned by the veterinarian for the safety of the pet.

Discuss the instructions with your vet, whether it is the next day or the night of the surgery. Few vets prefer 24 hours observation for the animal. Be prepared to provide your pet with physical and emotional support to help him/her recover quickly.

Contact Santa Cruz Vet to Schedule Neutering Surgery & VaccinationYour pet’s health is important. In Tucson, Santa Cruz Pet Clinic is the trusted veterinarian that you desire for getting your pet the proper vaccinations at the proper time. Contact us today to schedule your pet’s vaccinations and spay-neuter surgery.

Other timely, related articles you may enjoy:

Your Complete Guide to Puppy Vaccinations

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Pet Vaccinations.

Puppy VaccinationDid you know scientists first developed the animal vaccine way back in 1879? Back then, an epidemic would wipe out hordes of animals, leaving the farmers ruined financially. While you cannot ensure your puppy’s health, you can start with the vaccine. Vaccines help protect your new puppy from a host of life-threatening fatal illnesses. Some are mandatory, and the others are primarily dependent on the location and the lifestyle of the puppy. According to American Animal Hospital Association, puppies should be vaccinated starting from 6-8 weeks of age. Our article brings to you everything you need to know about the vaccination process, the shots your puppy needs, its vaccination schedule, and much more.

What Shots Do Puppies Need?

Vaccines protect your puppy against potentially dangerous or even deadly viruses. Below are the potential vaccines that your veterinarian may suggest for your puppy. You must know the essential vaccines and the optional ones.

Canine Parvovirus (CPV)

A highly contagious virus that affects the central nervous system causing vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, and severe bloody diarrhea leading to death in 48-72 hours; There is no cure, and unvaccinated puppies, four months and younger, are highly susceptible.

Rabies

A virus transmitted through the bite of rabid animals; affects the central nervous system causing excessive drooling, anxiety, headache, hallucinations, paralysis, fear of water, and eventually death. Check with your vet for rabies vaccination laws since it is mandatory in most states.

Bordetella Bronchiseptica

A highly infectious bacteria that is the primary cause of kennel cough. It is characterized by severe coughing, vomiting, whooping, and in rare cases, seizures leading to death. While it is not mandatory, most dog daycare centers or puppy boarding services require the vaccine.

Kennel Cough

Caused by the inflammation of the upper airways due to virus(parainfluenza) or bacteria(Bordetella). Though mild, it causes respiratory distress due to a harsh dry cough. It spreads quickly, primarily when kept together.

Canine Distemper

A contagious virus that affects the respiratory and GI tract, nervous system, etc., causing discharges from eyes and nose, coughing, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, twitching, seizures, and paralysis. There is no cure, and it can be fatal in severe cases.

Canine Hepatitis

A highly contagious viral infection that affects the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and eyes; Symptoms include fever, nasal congestion, vomiting, stomach enlargement, jaundice, etc. There is no cure, and severe forms can kill. This has no connection to the human form of the virus.

Canine Parainfluenza

A highly contagious respiratory virus that causes kennel cough in puppies;

Canine Coronavirus

Affects the GI system and causes respiratory infections, vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea;

Leptospirosis

A zoonotic disease caused by bacteria; Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, jaundice, loss of appetite, muscle pain, stiffness, weakness, lethargy, infertility, kidney failure, liver failure, etc.

Lyme Disease

Transmitted via ticks, the symptoms include swelling of lymph nodes, fever, and loss of appetite. If left untreated, it can affect its heart, kidney, lungs, and joints.

Essential Puppy Vaccines

Puppy vaccines serve one purpose in whatever formulations they come in; They prepare the immune system to fight the invading disease-causing virus. So, when the puppy is exposed to the virus, his body is prepared to fight. The core vaccines such as DHPP and rabies vaccine are mandatory for all puppies. The rest depends on the puppies’ lifestyle and social activities.

When Does a Puppy Get Its First Shots?

Ideally, a puppy should get its first vaccine as soon as it is weaned from its mother at around 6-8 weeks old. You should follow the first vaccine with booster shots every 2-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age.

What Are Core and Non-Core Puppy Vaccines?

Core and non-core vaccines provide relatively good protection against a number of conditions that affect the puppies. While the latter applies to diseases that affect dogs in all walks of life and lifestyles, non-core is for dogs with unique needs and specific situations.

Core Vaccines

Core vaccines protect puppies against common diseases that are highly infectious, contagious, fatal, or transferrable to humans. They may also include vaccines for diseases common in your area.

DHPP Vaccine (5-in-1 Vaccine)

This is a 5-in-1 core vaccine for dogs, typically referred to by its acronym (DHPP, DAPP, or DA2PP) to indicate the diseases it protects against. The canine 5-in-1 vaccine includes protection against the following diseases:

  • Canine Distemper Virus (D)
  • 2 Types of Adenovirus: Hepatitis & Kennel Cough (A / A2 / H)
  • Parainfluenza (P)
  • Parvovirus (P)

Rabies Vaccine

This is another core vaccine for puppies to prevent the viral disease known as rabies. Rabies invades the central nervous system of both humans and animals. Its many symptoms include headaches, anxiety, hallucinations, excessive drooling, fear of water, paralysis, and even death. It is most often transmitted through the bite (saliva) of a rabid animal.

Non-Core Vaccines

Non-core vaccines are optional vaccines that are administered if your puppy is at risk of contracting a specific disease. Your vet may formulate a vaccination schedule depending on the risk of exposure, geographic distribution, lifestyle, etc.

  • Leptospirosis
  • Bordetella
  • Parvovirus
  • Lyme Disease

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Puppy Vaccination ScheduleThe puppy vaccination schedule differs depending on the vet, health conditions of the puppy, and the area you live in. Your puppies’ social life also comes into the picture when choosing the optional vaccine. You may want to talk to the veterinarian and work out a schedule.

  • 6-8 Weeks – DHPP (mandatory) and Bordetella as optional
  • 10-12 Weeks– DHPP (mandatory); Influenza, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, and Lyme disease as optional
  • 16-18 Weeks – DHPP and Rabies (mandatory); Influenza, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, and Lyme disease as optional
  • 12-16 Months – DHPP and Rabies (mandatory); Influenza, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, and Lyme disease as optional
  • Every 1-2 years – DHPP (mandatory); Influenza, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, and Lyme disease as optional
  • Every 1-3 years – Rabies (mandatory)

Talk with your vet to determine the vaccination protocol that works for you and your puppy.

Puppy Vaccinations in the First Year

Vaccination wise, the first year of life is crucial for a puppy since the vaccines administered this year protect them from potentially fatal viral diseases, namely distemper, and Parvo. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the core vaccines DHPP and rabies are mandatory in the first year. Apart from that, the optional vaccines your vet may recommend are Parainfluenza, Bordetella, Canine influenza, and Leptospira.

How Long Can a Puppy Go without Shots?

The minimum recommended interval between two vaccine doses for a puppy is two weeks, while the maximum recommended time is six weeks. The above applies to all the core vaccines except for rabies. Rabies requires a single dose at 12 weeks of age. A puppy requires its first dose as soon as it is weaned from its mother. But if it’s not possible, vaccinate it at the first available opportunity. Check with your veterinarian and formulate a vaccination schedule.

Combination Vaccine for Puppies

A combination vaccine is a shot that holds vaccines for more than one disease and offers the same protection as individual vaccines. The combination vaccines save your pet from multiple needle pricks and subsequent traumatization of your puppy. Moreover, the shot also saves you precious time and money spent on the vet. The most common combination vaccine is the DHPP vaccine, otherwise called the distemper shot, which holds vaccines for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza.

5-in-1 Vaccine

The 5-in-1 vaccine or the DA2PP protects against distemper, two strains of hepatitis or Adenovirus, kennel cough, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. This combination vaccine contains vaccines for highly contagious diseases with a significant mortality rate and no known cure. When the puppies get infected, they have a high chance of passing it on to other dogs in their vicinity. The combination vaccine ensures that your puppy gets maximum protection with minimum discomfort. Dogs receive the vaccine at eight weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks of age, one year, and then 1 to 3 years later.

Lyme Disease Vaccination

Lyme vaccination protects against Lyme disease caused by deer ticks that live in the tall and woody grasses in many parts of the country. While not mandatory, it is required for dogs that are exposed to ticks on a regular basis. The high-risk areas include the Northeastern United States, mid-Atlantic states, and upper Midwest. Taking everything into account, the vaccine isn’t a foolproof measure in itself. It needs to be combined with good-old tick control for adequate protection.

Reasons to Avoid Lyme Disease Vaccinations

Most dogs affected by Lyme disease show little to no symptoms, among which 10 – 15% remain non-clinical carriers. Only 2% of the affected dogs show a severe form of the disease. So unless the puppy has a weakened immune system and is living in high-risk areas, veterinarians do not recommend this vaccine. Moreover, there are chances that your puppy may develop symptoms of Lyme disease through the puppy vaccination. This happens when the immune system reacts with the antigens present in the vaccine and, in rare cases, leads to Lyme nephritis or kidney disease. The efficiency for Lyme vaccination is about 87% when compared to a rabies vaccine, which is at 99%.

Bordetella Vaccine for Puppies

Bordetella is caused by the Bordetella Bronchiseptica and is responsible for the kennel cough in dogs. Though not fatal, the condition is contagious; If your dog frequents dog parks, dog day-care, or boarding facilities, it is highly susceptible to the virus. Most of these facilities require proof of the Bordetella vaccination firsthand. The vaccine is optional, and if opting, the first dose will be as early as six weeks of age. The booster doses will be at 10 and 16 weeks of age and finally at one year. While the vaccine doesn’t pose any specific harmful effect, your veterinarian may not recommend it if your dog is immunocompromised, pregnant, or sick.

Canine Influenza Vaccine

Puppy Vaccination - Canine Influenza VaccineCanine influenza, otherwise known as the dog flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that transmits through respiratory secretions while coughing, sneezing, and barking. Having said that, vets categorize it as a lifestyle vaccine and do not recommend it for all dogs and puppies. Healthy puppies seven weeks of age or older are eligible for the vaccine. It requires two more booster shots until 16 weeks. Since dogs and puppies do not retain the immunity level for long, vets revaccinate them annually. Even after the vaccine, puppies can contract dog flu but to a lesser extent.

Side Effects of Puppy Shots

Puppies can sometimes experience some adverse reactions to vaccinations. Mild reactions can start within hours of vaccination and last for a day or two:

  • Discomfort
  • Swelling in the injection site
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Sneezing or mild cough (intranasal vaccine)

On the other hand, severe side effects may occur within minutes and sometimes hours after the vaccination. It is better to seek help from your vet if your dog develops any of these:

  • Persistent vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Hives
  • Facial Swelling
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Severe cough
  • Collapse

Average Cost for Puppy Vaccinations

Puppy vaccinations are generally higher in the first year and can cost around $75 – $100. It includes the core vaccines administered in the 6, 12, and 16 weeks old. Another core vaccine, the rabies vaccine, costs around $15 – $20. While some vets include this in the initial charge, others may charge separately. On the other hand, animal shelters charge you around $20 or less. If you picked your pet from a shelter, it would have been vaccinated until the age you got it.

Risk of Not Vaccinating the Puppies

Vaccines are most common, and most owners prefer to get their puppy vaccinated; there are others who advise against it. In case you do not get your dog vaccinated, it is vulnerable to fatal diseases like parvovirus and distemper. Not only dogs carry these contagions but also rodents, insects, etc. And with an unvaccinated puppy, they are easily transmitted. In this case, monitoring your dog for signs of disease is the only means of determining a health problem. If you are skeptical about vaccines, you also have the option of talking to your veterinarian about it. Choose the vaccines for diseases that pose a higher risk for the puppy and lesser side effects.

What Happens if You Give Puppy Shots Too Early?

According to vets’ recommendation, the ideal time to start puppy vaccination is six weeks of age. If vaccinated earlier than that, the immune system may be too immature for the vaccination to be effective. Additionally, the parvovirus vaccine can turn out to be harmful to developing brains. Having said that, shelters vaccinate their animals more frequently and at a younger age than recommended.

Conclusion

Puppy Vaccination - Puppy Wearing MaskPuppies are susceptible to infectious diseases due to an undeveloped immune system. Though they receive antibodies from the mother, it is not for long and sometimes not enough. Vaccines help boost the immunity level, thereby protecting against bacteria and viruses. The vet gives the first shot as early as possible, right after weaning from the mother, and subsequently, two more booster shots until the 16 weeks. The aim is to catch the window when the mother’s antibodies subside, and the puppy is vulnerable to the outside environment. An entire series of vaccination is vital to provide complete protection to the puppy. Talk with your vet about your puppies’ lifestyle, any planned travels, etc., so that he can help prepare a proper vaccination schedule comprising of both core and non-core vaccines. Your puppy’s health is important. In Tucson, Santa Cruz Pet Clinic is the trusted veterinarian that you desire for getting your dog the proper vaccinations at the proper time. Contact us today to schedule your puppy’s vaccination. Other related, timely articles you may enjoy:

Teeth Cleaning for Dogs

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Teeth Cleaning.

Teeth Cleaning for DogsMost people do not realize how essential teeth cleaning is for dogs. There are many common dental problems, some of which are very serious, that dogs can experience if their teeth are not kept clean on a regular basis. Not only that, it is quite costly to fix neglected teeth.

One of the most common disorders for dogs is periodontitis. So when people ask if teeth cleaning for dogs is necessary, the answer is a resounding “YES”.

It is estimated that by the age of three, most dogs have developed or are developing periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease allows plaque — a sticky film of bacteria — to build up on the teeth and harden, resulting in infection, inflammation, and the breakdown of the tissues that structurally support the teeth. If this continues for too long a time, tooth loss may occur. 

What to Look for to Know You Need Teeth Cleaning for Dogs

There are many signs that your dog needs to get its teeth cleaned. Here is a short list of things that you can look for. Most people do not know to watch for excessive nasal draining and sneezing that can occur when an abscess breaks within the nasal passages. Drooling, poor appetite, discolored teeth, bad breath, receding gums, bleeding gums, missing teeth, and loose teeth are other signals to look for. 

Tips for Preparing Your Dog for Teeth Cleaning

Before you take your dog to have their teeth cleaned, there are a few things that you can do to help prepare them for the appointment. 

  • Have a Physical Check-Up First – Many people ask how safe is teeth cleaning for dogs? Teeth cleaning is generally safe, but if your dog has an underlying health issue, the anesthetic could cause problems. Make sure that your dog has been checked for underlying health conditions before a teeth cleaning is performed. 
  • Get Bloodwork Done – Recent lab tests will be needed for your dog before teeth cleaning. The labs will check for conditions that could cause complications during teeth cleaning. Labs can also look for infections that could be present from poor dental health. 
  • Use Antibiotics – Some veterinarians will prescribe antibiotics before or after teeth cleaning. If your vet prescribes antibiotics, make sure that you are giving them to your dog.
  • Don’t Feed Your Dog – Most pet owners remain concerned asking if teeth cleaning is even safe for dogs. One thing that can cause teeth cleaning to be dangerous is feeding your pet after the recommended time. This can cause complications with the anesthetic. 

Frequently Asked QuestionsPeople Also Ask

Do Dogs Really Need Teeth Cleaning? 

Yes, your dog needs to have his/her teeth cleaned. Some breeds are more likely to have periodontal disease issues, particularly smaller breeds or those who eat wet dog food. Regular cleanings will not substitute good dental hygiene, so make sure that you are also brushing your dog’s teeth. There are special chew toys and teeth cleaning treats that can help as well.

What Happens After a Dog’s Teeth Cleaning? 

You will take your dog to the veterinarian’s office or clinic for teeth cleanings. These cleanings are generally painless, and typically, your dog goes home immediately afterward. Most dogs do receive a mild anesthetic to keep them from injuring the person who is cleaning their teeth. They might seem tired when you take them home, and they might experience mild pain if they had tartar and plaque removed, but within a day, they should be back to normal.

How Often Should Dogs Have Their Teeth Cleaned? 

X-rays, teeth cleaning, and examinations should begin when your dog is six months old and should occur annually; why we are saying this, check this article out.

Why Is Dog Teeth Cleaning So Expensive?

Many people seem shocked when they hear the cost of teeth cleaning for dogs. Teeth cleaning is not the expensive part of dental work for your dog. The expenses come from the anesthesia and the x-rays. 

Conclusion

Poor dental hygiene can cause more problems than just bad breath. Teeth can have plaque, which will become tartar if left untreated. Tartar, along with a plaque, can cause several problems with the gums and infections. You can brush the plaque from your dog’s teeth at home, but you cannot remove the built-up tartar. This is something that will require the attention of a veterinarian. 

Untreated dental problems can lead to an infection in the bloodstream that could damage the heart, kidneys, lungs, or other organs. While not as extreme, it can also cause your dog’s teeth to become loose and/or fall out, abscesses, gum loss where the gums support the teeth, gum separation, and oral pain.

Your dog’s dental health is important. Teeth cleaning for dogs is a necessity if you want your dog to live a long and healthy life. In Tucson, Santa Cruz Pet Clinic is the trusted veterinarian that you desire for your dog’s teeth cleaning. Contact us today to schedule the teeth cleaning and all necessary appointments to ensure that your dog is in optimal health when going into the cleaning.

Disease in Rabbits

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Pet Diseases.

Disease in Rabbits - Rabbit Wearing Mask

Common Diseases of Pet Rabbits.

According to a survey by American Pet Products Association, there were around 3-7 million pet rabbits in the US, just behind dogs and cats in popularity.

Rabbits make excellent pets, as can be seen with the increasing number of people adopting them. Unlike any other pets, they have distinctive personalities; quite independent and charming as cats; faithful and friendly as dogs. They are also smart and openly affectionate.

As with every pet, you need to facilitate them with appropriate accommodation, food, and exercise. Though pretty much low maintenance, rabbits can be susceptible to health problems that can turn out to be fatal unless treated at the right time.

This article takes you through the Common Diseases of Pet Rabbits.  (common, gastrointestinal, fatal, and urinary tract) and their symptoms.

Common Diseases of Pet Rabbits

Rabbits though domesticated, are generally prey and, as such, will hide any signs of infection. So, it is recommended that the pet owners maintain hygiene, proper diet and closely observe them for any diseases.

Uterine Cancer – Common Diseases of Pet Rabbits.

Uterine cancer is prevalent among female rabbits. Few breeds have 50-80% chances of developing cancer. There are no treatments available except desexing the rabbit as early as four months before cancer develops.

Symptoms include blood-stained vaginal discharge, mammary gland cysts, aggressive behavior, lethargy, to name a few.

Rabbit Calicivirus – Common Diseases of Pet Rabbits.

A common yet deadly disease is the Rabbit Calicivirus and is very difficult to treat. Upon contracting it, the symptoms progress quickly within 12-18 hours, resulting in heart and respiratory failure.

Due to its severity, vets prefer to vaccinate the rabbits against the virus at 10-12 weeks. The vaccination has two doses, with one each month and a booster dose every six months.

The signs displayed by the animal include fever, lethargy, poor appetite, bloody discharge from the nose, and restlessness.

Hairballs – Common Diseases of Pet Rabbits.

Hairballs are frequently found in rabbits so much that if your pet is lethargic and doesn’t eat, you better contact a vet. They are self-grooming animals, and during the process, they may ingest the hair, which then passes through the gut. If it doesn’t pass through fecal matter, it may form hairballs blocking the gut.

Medications to get the gut working can help to an extent, but surgery is the only option in severe cases. To prevent it from happening, your rabbit’s diet should be rich in fiber.

Snuffles – Common Diseases of Pet Rabbits.

Snuffles is another common disease seen mainly in young rabbits caused by Pasteurella Bacterium. The condition, while easy to treat, is impossible to cure. If your rabbit develops a chronic infection, it can always present with watery eyes.

Signs of the illness include sneezing, watery eyes and nose, abscesses, uterine infections, and ear infections (leading to head tilts). Snuffles is easily transmitted between rabbits, so keep new rabbits separately from the older ones.

Treatment involves antibiotics administered by a veterinarian along with eye drops and nasal drops. The litter should be changed daily, and the cage kept clean.

Parasites – Common Diseases of Pet Rabbits.

Much like your cats and dogs, rabbits are also susceptible to parasites like ticks, fleas, mange, fly strikes, and ear mites. Flystrike can be seen in the rear end, tail, belly, and back of the animal, especially during the summer months.

As for ear mites, they present as skin scales on the inner ear and, if left untreated, turn into crusted lesions. At this point, it causes balance issues and loss of hearing.

Do not self-treat your pet, as the medicines meant for other types of pets like dogs and cats can be lethal for rabbits. Leave it to the vets for diagnosis and treatment.

Overgrown Incisors – Common Diseases of Pet Rabbits.

A rabbit’s teeth grow throughout its lifetime. Chewing on fiber-rich grass hay and grinding on wood blocks will keep them at a standard length. However, sometimes they can grow too much and hurt their tongue in cheek, preventing it from eating or grooming itself.

The only treatment option is through your vets, who would grind the teeth back to regular length under anesthesia. However, you can prevent it from happening by making sure 80%-90% of the food is fiber.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease or Enteritis – Common Diseases of Pet Rabbits.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease is one of the widespread diseases among rabbits. Unfortunately, the disease itself is a sign of an underlying condition and not the cause.

The symptoms include:

  • Watery diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Reduced food intake
  • Mild dehydration

The above signs are not easily noticeable, and before long, the animal slips into a coma.

Rabbits are prey animals in the wild, hence have a heightened adrenaline production for any perceived threat. Your pet rabbits are also the same; Apart from maintaining acceptable hygiene practices and diet, you may want to follow the below stress management practices:

  • Protect the rabbit from excessive noise, heat, and cold.
  • Do not switch feeds abruptly.
  • Even an extended family visit is stressful.

Common Diseases of Pet Rabbits.  - Vet Looking at Rabbit X-RayUrinary Tract Disease in Rabbits

Rabbits differ from most mammals in the sense that their calcium absorption is unregulated. While the necessary calcium is absorbed, the excess is secreted via urine as much as 60% if fed a high calcium diet. It can also lead to urinary tract diseases identified by a loss of fur in the genital region and hindquarters.

Renal (Kidney) Disease

While acute renal disease is rare, chronic renal failure is commonly seen among rabbits, even in the young ones. Failure happens when the kidneys are unable to filter the waste and are irreversible. For mild cases, along with the medications, the vets use:

  • Low calcium diet
  • Fluid therapy
  • Nutritional support

The symptoms include: Lethargy, dehydration, loss of appetite, diarrhea, fever, increased water intake, depression, increased urination, weight loss, urine scalding, seizures, to name a few.

Hypercalciuria and Urolithiasis

Since rabbits excrete calcium via urine, a high amount of calcium can give cloudy and sludgy urine and lead to uroliths. Other causes may be musculoskeletal conditions, obesity, low water intake, neurologic disease, and poor hygiene practices.

Your vet may look into possible treatment options, including antibiotics along with flushing and suctioning the bladder via a catheter.

Lower Urinary Tract Infection

Accumulation of bacteria leads to lower urinary tract infection in rabbits. Even though bacteria cause the disease, the underlying reason may be a weakened immune system and high calcium content in the urine. The condition is predominantly seen in rabbits 3-5 years of age and obese animals.

Signs of the infection include:

  • Urinary incontinence
  • Frequent urination
  • Bloody/thick/beige or blown colored urine
  • Skin ulcer around the genital area and hind legs

The condition is not severe, and vets offer treatments including:

  • Increase in water intake
  • Weight loss
  • More exercise
  • Modified diet
  • Antibiotics

Gastrointestinal (GI) Stasis in Rabbits

Gastrointestinal (GI) stasis is a pretty serious bacterial disease that slows down, or worse, stops it completely. The malfunction can cause a buildup of harmful bacteria, which releases gas, causing bloating. Rabbits affected by GI stasis lose the motivation to drink and eat, getting starved without any nutrition or fiber.

This results in a buildup of toxins in the system, causing the liver to overwork and fails ultimately.

Symptoms of the disease include:

  • Small/No fecal pellets
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy

Treatment for the disease starts as soon as you contact the veterinarian. Depending on the condition of the animal, he may proceed with:

  • Pain medication
  • IV fluids
  • Motility drugs
  • Antibiotics

Tularemia – Symptoms and Causes

Also known as rabbit fever or deer fly fever, Tularemia is a bacterial disease that affects the rabbit’s eyes, skin, lymph nodes, and lungs. Humans can also become infected by this rare infectious bacteria when bitten by an animal.

The bacterial disease is caused by the bacteria Francisella Tularensis which mainly affects rabbits, hares, rodents, birds, sheep, dogs, cats, hamsters, and many more. Rabbits contract tularemia during winter, rabbit hunting season. The bacteria is prevalent all across the US except Hawaii.

Ticks, particularly the lone star tick, dog tick, and wood tick, transmit the bacteria F Tularensis between rabbits, other animals, and humans. They may also spread through inhalation, eyes, and nose.

Rabbits are the source of 90% of the Tularemia cases in the US, of which 70% is via cottontail rabbits. Ingesting the meat of the infected animal and drinking contaminated water can also spread bacteria among humans.

Most of these animals are long dead due to organ failure before you begin to notice them. However, here are a few symptoms that have been seen in affected rabbits:

  • High fever
  • Weakness
  • Ulcers
  • Abscesses

The diagnosis of rabbit fever is difficult since the symptoms may also be a sign of another illness too. Your vet will perform a complete panel of blood tests, including a blood chemical profile, a total blood count, and an electrolyte panel. If caught early, antibiotic treatment can help the affected animals.

Since the rabbit fever is highly contagious, you may want to contact your vet anyway to report your suspicion, even if your pet is dead.

Myxomatosis in Rabbits: Symptoms and Treatment

Myxomatosis is a viral infection in rabbits caused by the myxoma virus. It is highly contagious and has a very low to no survival rate so much that vets prefer to have the rabbit put down.

Myxomatosis virus is generally spread through ticks and insects. So, if a rabbit, wild or domestic, has it in the region, the chances are that it will spread widely.

Signs of the disease can take fourteen days to manifest in an infected animal and include fever, listlessness, skin ulcer, lack of appetite, drooping ears, swollen head and genitalia, labored breathing, etc. In case you are suspicious of any rabbit of Myxomatosis, contact your veterinarian.

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease – The New Deadly Virus

Though not a new virus, it is spreading fast and fatally across the US and South America. It is caused by the rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus(RHDV), which is highly contagious and can survive in extreme conditions.

If any rabbit in your location, even a wild one, is affected by the virus, it can spread fast via your clothing and shoes. However, it doesn’t spread to humans or other animal species.

Australia and New Zealand purposefully introduced the RHDV along with myxoma virus and rabbit calicivirus to control the feral rabbit population in the country.

The disease primarily causes hepatitis and has two strains: RHDVa with an incubation period of 1–2 days and RHDV2 with 3–5 days.

Disease in Rabbits - Rabbit VaccinesVaccination for Rabbits

Although pet rabbits do not need any vaccination in the US, there are vaccines available for fatal diseases, namely:

  • Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease(both the strains)
  • Calicivirus
  • Myxomatosis virus

Conclusion

Rabbits are the most popular small animal pets in the United States. They are naturally clean animals, and by maintaining clean housing for your pet, you can avoid most diseases.

Rabbits need a balanced diet rich in fiber. They also require regular health checks from a vet to pick up the early signs of any infection and prevent diseases.

However, a regular veterinarian would not work; you need someone trained in handling exotic pets to keep your pet happy and healthy. That is where we come in. If you suspect your pet rabbit is suffering from any of the diseases mentioned above, contact Santa Cruz Pet Clinic immediately to find treatment solutions. The faster you act, the higher the odds are of your family pet surviving.

What Causes Valley Fever in Dogs? – Symptoms and Treatments

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Pet Diseases, Valley Fever.

Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis) - 3D Illustration Showing Fungal Arthroconidia

Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis) is a fungal disease pretty much common among dogs in the southwestern United States. It is prevalent among dogs in the desert regions of California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Some reports have even made their way as far north as Oregon and Washington states.

But a study by The University of Arizona Health Sciences reports that 4% of dogs are affected by Valley Fever in the state. And the dog owners spend somewhere to the tune of $60 million every year.

And if you are considering a trip or planning to move to this part of the country, you need to learn about this disease to protect your canine family members. This article walks you through everything you need to know about Valley Fever, including symptoms, treatments, side effects, and much more.

How Do Dogs Get Valley Fever?

Sometimes called “San Joaquin Valley fever” or “desert rheumatism”, Valley Fever is a respiratory illness in dogs caused by pathogenic fungi called Coccidioides immitis.

The fungus generally exists in the soil as a mold and goes into a dormant state due to the arid conditions. During the rainy season, they grow and produce long filaments that contain contagious spores. When your dog digs around, the spores are disturbed and become airborne as well. If they inhale the spores, they metamorphose into a yeast-like organism, which then infects the lungs.

Fewer than 10 spores are required to cause the disease in susceptible animals.

What Are the Symptoms?

Healthy adult dogs can ward off the infection without any minimal signs of the disease. But puppies and older dogs have a weak immune system, hence they are susceptible to Valley Fever.

The most common symptoms of Valley Fever are:

  • Fever
  • Lack of energy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Coughing
  • Signs of depression

These symptoms signal a fungal infection in the lungs. As the disease progresses, the dog may develop pneumonia, which is detected through x-rays.

Your dog may take 7-21 days to develop symptoms of Valley Fever after exposure to the spores. However, the severity of the symptoms depends on the number of fungal spores inhaled by your dog.

What Is Disseminated Valley Fever in Dogs?

When the infection spreads outside the dog’s lungs, it reaches a more severe stage. In this stage, the fungus has been disseminated and spreads to other parts of the body.

The symptoms include:

  • Lameness, swollen joints, and limbs
  • Meningitis, or inflammation of the membranes around the brain and the spinal cord
  • Swollen lymph nodes under the chin, in front of the shoulder blades, or behind the stifles
  • Skull lesions (which are quite painful)
  • Muscle aches and stiffness
  • Headaches, back or neck pain
  • Seizures and other indications of the swollen central nervous system
  • Soft lumps under the skin resembling abscesses
  • Non-healing skin wounds that ooze fluid
  • Eye inflammation with pain or cloudiness
  • Sudden heart failure in a young dog
  • Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
  • Change in mental status

How Serious Is It?

Valley Fever is deadly for dogs with a weakened immune system or underlying conditions. A small number of dogs die from the severity of the disease every year despite veterinarians’ every effort to save them.

Few may need antifungal medications for life. Then again, there is the risk of relapse or reinfections in certain other cases.

Is Valley Fever Painful in Dogs?

If the Valley Fever spreads to other parts of the body, including bones, it can then cause severe pain. For disseminated disease, the infection can spread to the bones and joints. In the event of this happening, your pet may also suffer from painful and swollen joints.

Consult your veterinarian for pain relief and cough suppressants. This will not only make him feel better but also increase his appetite. Left untreated, the dogs can lose their legs altogether. In rare cases, the infections develop on the central nervous system, which can be fatal to the animal.

Can Valley Fever Affect the Dog’s Brain?

In severe cases, Valley Fever can affect your dog’s brain. When the fungus invades the brain, it can cause seizures.

These dogs usually need treatment all through their lives. The vet will have your pet on anti-seizure medication and steroids to reduce the swelling for the time being.

What Is the Prognosis?

Generally, dogs whose infections are confined to the lungs alone have a good prognosis and respond better to treatment. However, if the infection is too severe, where it has disseminated to other parts of the body, the veterinarian will suggest hospitalization or surgery in addition to medication.

Dogs with disseminated disease may need prolonged treatment, sometimes more than a year. However, depending on the spread, few animals may be on medications for life. Another small number may die from the complications arising from underlying health conditions.

How Is the Valley Fever in Dogs Diagnosed?

The symptoms don’t correspond to Valley Fever alone but also a myriad of other conditions. Some dogs do not show any symptoms of the primary infection. The veterinarian may recommend the below tests to confirm the presence of the disease.

Titer Tests

One of the tests will include a titer test. It confirms the presence of antibodies, evidence of exposure to the fungus. Depending on the dog’s signs and symptoms, he may need the following tests:

  • Blood cell counts
  • Blood chemistry panels
  • Diagnostic x-rays (chest and infected legs)
  • Biopsy of samples (fluids and tissue)

Can It Be Cured?

Broadly Yes! This Statistics Report says that 90% of the dogs recover from the disease if caught early. In a few cases, the vets might prescribe medication for life, but others get back to everyday life just as before Valley Fever.

But, ensure that you continue the full course of medication since they can easily relapse.

How Do You Treat Valley Fever in Dogs?

In the first place, your veterinarian would do tests and x-rays to confirm the presence of the disease.

Once confirmed, he would suggest one of the below medications:

The antifungal medication works to control the pathway and also restrict the spread of the fungus.

Depending on the severity of the infections, your dog will have medications for 6-12 months. In the case of a brain infection, the antifungal medication may be for life. But you should be able to detect an improvement in your dog’s health within 1-2 weeks.

The treatment may also require:

  • Intravenous fluids
  • Oxygen therapy
  • Surgical intervention for infected eyes and heart failure

What Are the Side Effects of Fluconazole in Dogs?

Due to its easy absorption in the GI tract, fluconazole is often the choice of a veterinarian.

Valley Fever - What Are the Side Effects of Fluconazole in Dogs?

The side effects of the medication include:

Dogs with pre-existing liver and kidney issues are prone to develop a bad reaction. In these cases, the veterinarian would keep an eye on his liver enzymes via a blood test.

What Is the Follow-Up Procedure after Treatment?

The veterinarian monitors the dog’s blood panels every month as long as he is on medication. Kidney and liver blood tests help the vet understand how the animal metabolizes the drugs.

  • Liver and kidney chemistry after one month of Fluconazole.
  • Blood Chemistry after six months
  • Complete Blood Count after six months
  • Titer test every six months

However, in the case of dogs on long-term treatment plans, the frequency may reduce.

How Do You Prevent Valley Fever?

Valley Fever - US States Affected by Valley Fever
US States Affected by Valley Fever

Short of moving away from the region, there is no sure-fire way to prevent canine Valley Fever. Since it is one of the endemic areas that are fastly growing, it is impossible to avoid it.

The fungus lives 12″ deep in the ground and in spotted areas. So it is not possible to treat the soil.

The better prevention method is to:

  • Avoid activities that generate dust.
  • Get the dog out of the soil.
  • Stop them from digging.
  • Do not your dog sniff rodent holes.
  • Cover your yard with gravel or grass.

Can Valley Fever Come Back in Dogs?

Yes! Valley fever is well known to come back no matter how the initial infection was treated. If a dog does not develop an antibody to the disease, he can relapse.

If your dog relapses, all you need is to get him back on the medication to control the signs. But the treatment this time around will be longer than the initial occurrence.

Can Valley Fever Cause Blindness in Dogs?

Yes! There is a chance that Valley Fever can cause blindness in your dog.

40% of the dogs suffering from the disease will have an eye infection. If your dog’s eyes are infected, then there are chances that it can develop inflammation leading to retinal detachment and glaucoma.

In rare cases, it can also cause blindness.

Is There a Vaccine for Valley Fever?

Valley Fever is a fungal infection, and as such, there is no vaccine currently available. However, considering the spread of the disease, there are vaccines currently in production.

How Much Does It Cost to Treat Valley Fever?

Treatment for Valley Fever can last from months to even years. The medication, fluconazole, costs as much as $200 per month, not factoring in the other necessary medications or tests.

Additionally, reports from Arizona state that the prices are more likely to continue to rise as they have done in the past.

Is Valley Fever in Dogs Contagious?

No! There is no record of Valley Fever being a contagious disease. Even if more animals in the household develop an infection, it is due to the inhalation of spores.

Even coughing or open sores cannot spread the disease.

Are There Vitamins or Nutritional Supplements for Dogs with Valley Fever?

Your dog can receive a multivitamin supplement to boost his overall well-being and immunity. If your dog is on ketoconazole, he will be recommended a Vitamin C supplement to aid the absorption of the drug.

Since lack of appetite is common among dogs with Valley Fever, you might have to consult your vet about his nutritional needs. He might also prescribe an appetite stimulant to help your dog eat. But if nothing else works, a feeding tube may be the only option.

If your dog has been on medication for months at a time, he may have elevated liver enzymes. Denamarin, a blend of milk thistle and SAM-e, can bring down the levels.

However, they should be used only under the advisement of a veterinarian.

Can I Give Natural Medicine for Valley Fever in Dogs?

Yes! You can give natural medications to your pet. However, it should be under the consultation of a holistic animal care practitioner.

When treating naturally, your treatment plan would be to:

  • Boost immunity
  • Feed antifungal foods, anti-inflammatory foods, and nutraceuticals

Instead of conventional antifungal medications, your vet might prescribe:

  • Caprylic Acid
  • Olive Leaf Extract and Grapefruit Seed Extract
  • Oil of Oregano
  • Colloidal Silver

Another option is to feed your pet foods containing chitinase like banana, kiwi, peach, apricot, tomatoes, turnip, watermelon, celery, apple, squash family, etc.

Conclusion

Dog Wearing Blue Mask

Valley Fever or desert rheumatism is caused by a fungus common in the desert regions of Arizona and the nearby states. When your dog inhales the spores of the fungus, it causes Valley Fever.

The most common early signs of Valley Fever include cough, fever, lack of appetite, and more. In the primary stage, the disease is confined to the lungs. But later on, it can disseminate and spread to other parts of the body.

While 90% of the dogs recover quickly, few others can develop complications, including seizures, blindness, brain swelling, etc. A small percentage can die from these.

Even if you don’t live in or around the Valley Fever endemic area, should you plan to visit or vacation in one of the affected states (mentioned at the outset of this article), take precautionary measures to protect your dog’s health. Do what you can to reduce your pet’s exposure to soils and airborne dust. For example, keep your dog indoors as much as is practical and leash-walk him on paved sidewalks.

In the unfortunate event your dog is feeling unwell or starts showing some of the initial symptoms of Valley Fever (upon return from your trip), make sure to inform the vet of your recent travel history and ask whether a Valley Fever test should be administered. Early detection and intervention can help control your dog’s symptoms and even save your dog’s life. Your vet will prescribe the appropriate antifungal medication(s) along with pain relief and cough suppressants.

If you suspect your dog is suffering from Valley Fever, contact Santa Cruz Pet Clinic immediately to find treatment solutions. The faster you act, the higher the odds are of your family pet surviving. You may also enjoy reading this related article:

Valley Fever in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know

How to Treat Parvo in Dogs

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Parvo, Pet Diseases.

Canine Parvovirus Under Microscope

Much like humans, dogs are susceptible to a wide range of different diseases and viruses. Some of them are deadly when left untreated, and sadly parvo in dogs is quite common.

So, as a conscientious pet owner, you will want to know how to spot the disease and infection in your dog early on. One of the most highly-contagious viruses dogs have to contend against is commonly known as parvo (Canine Parvovirus or CPV).

This DNA virus was first discovered in 1967 and has rapidly become a serious threat to canine health. While canine parvovirus is not airborne, it can be found on many surfaces within the environment. It is spread orally by contact with contaminated feces.

When this virus infects the bone marrow, it attacks the young immune cells, reducing the amount of protective white blood cells. This weakens the body’s immune system, the ability to protect itself, and allows the virus to more easily invade the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This is unfortunately where the worst damage happens.

While treatment options are available, the best way to ensure your dog survives the disease is by preventing it in the first place. However, life happens, and you can’t control everything your pet does every moment of the day. So if your dog already has parvo, you need to educate yourself about treating it properly and immediately.

How Does a Dog Get Parvo?

Chihuahua with Parvo

As stated earlier, dogs contract the parvovirus through the mouth. There are places where dogs have a higher chance of contracting the disease compared to others.

Some of those places include:

  • Apartment Complexes
  • Municipal Parks
  • Dog Parks
  • And More…

Look at this article by Advanced Animal Care to find out more about familiar places dogs can contract parvo.

When it comes to treating the virus, there are several options.

Oral medications and IV fluids are two of the primary treatments for parvo. In some instances, tube feeding and injectable medicines are used to treat the virus.

An interesting thing to note is that certain dog breeds are at increased risk of contracting parvo.

Here are some dog breeds with a high susceptibility to parvo:

  • German Shepards
  • American Staffordshire
  • English Spaniels
  • Doberman Pinschers

You can check out this article by AKC to learn more about particular dog breeds with higher odds of catching parvo.

Curative Treatments for Parvo in Dogs

Parvo does not have a cure at the moment. Veterinarians can only provide intermittent treatment for parvo. Since it’s a virus, your dog may catch it again after getting through its first infection.

With an aggressive treatment approach, the great news is that the survival rate of parvo can reach 91%. To get the best outcome after your dog catches parvo, you need to contact a reliable veterinarian clinic.

Santa Cruz Pet Clinic offers reliable and effective parvo treatment services. Backed by years of experience.

You should always take your pet to a reputable clinic like Santa Cruz Pet Clinic when you notice your dog displaying the signs of parvo.

Parvo has many signs and symptoms. Common symptoms of parvo include:

  • Fever
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting

FAQ: Parvo in Dogs

Parvo in Dogs FAQs

How Does a Dog Get Parvo?

Parvo enters the canine system via the mouth. This can occur when your dog eats off the floor or cleans itself. It’s commonly spread from dog to dog.

How Do You Treat Parvo in Dogs?

There are several treatments for parvo in dogs. The most common ones include controlling your dog’s nausea, keeping them hydrated, and reducing bacterial infections when possible.

Can a Dog with Parvo Survive?

According to reputable veterinarians who have treated the condition, the survival rate of parvo in dogs is 68% – 92%. While your dog can survive, you must catch the disease early in its progression.

Contact Santa Cruz Vet

If you suspect your pet is suffering from parvo, contact Santa Cruz Vet immediately to find treatment solutions. The faster you act, the higher the odds are of your dog surviving. Protect your dog’s safety and health by using all of the tips we’ve included in this article. You may also enjoy reading this related article:

Everything You Need to Know About Parvo in Dogs

At What Age Should a Cat Be Spayed?

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Spay & Neuter.

At what age should a cat be spayed?Cats are furry little creatures that bring warmth and joy to the heart. For some people, the more, the merrier. For those, having just one to call their own is sufficient. But, regardless of your preference for quantity, cats are animals, and they breed. If you’re someone who wants to enjoy the company of your cat only, look out for unwanted pregnancies.

It can happen at any time, while out on a simple walk or even while taking your cat to visit a friend. Aside from the contraceptive benefits offered by the spaying process. It also provides some direct health benefits, which is something to consider.

Spaying can protect cats from developing certain types of cancers later in life. But, it can also expose them to the early development of certain conditions when done improperly. So, you need to follow the proper procedure related to spaying your at.

There are several factors to consider before spaying a cat. You need to consider these variables to avoid any accidents during the process. Age is one of the most critical variables to consider, amongst other things. You should always take your cat to a professional veterinarian clinic like Santa Cruz Pet Clinic.

Doing so protects you from dealing with any potentially fatal side effects of the procedure.

To learn more, continue reading.

What is the right age to spay a cat, according to Santa Cruz Pet Clinic?

Before we get into the right age to spay a cat. It’s essential to know the entire reason behind doing so. Spaying your cat aids in reducing the number of homeless pets on the streets. So, in essence, spaying is a form of birth control. Spayed cats also exhibit different behaviors after the treatment.

In terms of overall benefits, spaying has been proven to extend the lifespan of cats. You also won’t have to worry about your cat going into heat. The cost of caring for a kitten or a litter is way higher than the cost of spaying. Which is another main benefit of the procedure.

For most kittens, you should spay them at eight weeks old. Doing so provides a safeguard against any potential problems that could arise during the process. But, keep in mind cats can be spayed at older ages too.

When spaying older cats, you should always get them inspected before doing so. This will protect your cat from developing any potential medical problems as a result of the procedure.

Once the spaying process is complete, you need to care for your feline correctly.

Caring for your cat after the spaying process

After being spayed, your cat will likely experience several mood swings and behavior changes.

To help them deal with these life changes, you need to set out a few precautions to ensure they remain comfortable during the process.

There are several things you can do to ensure the safe recovery of your cat after spaying.

Here are some steps you can use to ensure your cat remains comfortable after being spayed:

  • Create a quiet area in your home for your cat to recover
  • inspect the incision area daily to check for any potential infections
  • Try to stop your pet from licking their incision
  • Reduce the physical activity of your cat for at least two weeks after surgery
  • Don’t bathe your cat for at least 10 days after spaying

These are all things that will enable you to ensure your cat recovers fully and comfortably. They will also help safeguard your cat from developing infections near the incision area.

People Also Ask

Q: What is the best age to spay a cat?
A: you should spay a cat only after they’ve successfully taken all of their primary vaccinations. The age at which this occurs is typically about four months old. This age also increases the odds of reducing unwanted pregnancy.

Q: Is a cat too old to be spayed?
A: contrary to popular belief, the answer is no. Cats of all ages can be spayed with the correct preparation.

Q: Why should you not spay your cat?
A: spaying does carry potentially fatal side effects. It can trigger various cancers and other illnesses in your feline. To avoid issues, always get a proper veterinarian check-up before spaying.

Understanding at what age should a cat be spayed

By following these tips, you can save your cat tons of stress and medical issues. There are several benefits to spaying you should explore. Talk with your veterinarian to see the best options for your cat. For more information please contact Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic today.

Why Should You Spay Your Dog?

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Spay & Neuter.

Why should you spay your dogTLDR: spaying your dog early on reduces the odds of them de eloping uterine diseases. A reduction in breast tumors also occurs after spaying. Spaying is a process that removes the female reproductive organs. Doing so removes the odds of you having to care for accidental offspring. Spaying only takes a few hours, and you can often get your dog back the same day.

You should worry about keeping their reproductive organs under control for those who own a female dog or cat. Failing to solve your dog or cat’s sexual organ issues, you can expose them to various diseases. In addition to disease exposure, your cat or dog will also suffer from possible accidental pregnancy. For female cats and dogs, the surgery used to remove their sexual organs is called spaying.

Benefits of spaying your dog

Spaying your dog reduces the odds of them developing uterine cancer. It also reduces the chances of breast tumor development. These are just some of the primary benefits of spaying your dog. To achieve optimal birth control, following the recommended advice for spaying your dog.

Below, we will provide you with a detailed view of why you should spay your dog and do so the right way.

Why should you spay your dog?

Spaying your dog before her first heat is the best way to avoid all of the conditions mentioned above. Spaying promotes a healthier life for your female dog all around. Spaying eliminates your dog’s cycle, so they don’t go into heat around random males. Spaying your dog maintains strict control over their behavior, ensuring they don’t roam.
Spaying saves you the money you’d otherwise spend caring for your dog’s offspring. Spaying your dog has no significant impact on weight gain or loss, so there is nothing to worry about. While some dogs can be spayed as early as 4 months, the average age is about 6-9 months.

Once you decide to proceed with the spaying procedure, your veterinarian will give you pre-surgical tips on making the process go as smoothly as possible. While the spaying process is fairly painless, proper after-care is important.
The spaying process itself only takes a few hours. But, some veterinarians may want to keep your dog overnight. Regardless of when you pick your dog up, you’ll need to ensure they receive proper after-care.

Caring for your dog after spaying

Here are some basic after-care tips everyone should follow when getting their dog spayed:

⦁ Create a comfortable and quiet space for your dog to recover
⦁ Check on the site of the surgical incision to ensure adequate healing is occurring
⦁ Do not bathe your dog for at least 10 days after surgery
⦁ Try to prevent your dog from licking the incision site

Following all of these after-care tips, you can expect a speedy and full recovery from your dog. At the sight of any redness or swelling at the surgery site, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

People Also Ask

Q: Why you should not spay your dog?
A: you shouldn’t spay your dog before 1 year to avoid bone cancer development.

Q: Do female dogs change after being spayed?
A: yes, female dogs become less aggressive after spaying. Their behavior patterns also become more consistent.

Q: What is the best age to spay a dog?
A: as per general guidelines, it’s acceptable to spay most dogs between 4 and 6 months.

Understanding why should you spay your dog

We’ve covered all of the critical facts and information you need to know about spaying your dog. Use this article to ensure your dog has a successful spaying procedure with optimal recovery. For more information on getting your dog spayed contact Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic today.

How Do I Comfort My Dog after Being Spayed?

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Spay & Neuter.

How do i comfort my dog after being spayedTLDR: to help your dog recover as comfortable as possible after being spayed, you need to do a few key things. Make sure you have enough food and water for your dog so that they will be able to replenish their vital nutrients and fluids. You also want to make sure that your dog has a quiet place that is free of any small children or other pets so that they can recover uninterrupted.

Whether you have a female or male dog, spaying them is a process by which their reproductive organs are removed permanently. The spaying process will always occur when your dog is under some anesthesia medication; consequently, the odds of feeling pain while the surgery is happening are very low.

However, that doesn’t exempt them from feeling pain after the treatment process is complete. You need to be aware of several things as it relates to the aftercare involved with dealing with a dog after spaying is complete. Depending on the particular process used to spay your dog, they may need to have some stitches removed.

Let’s break down how you can comfort your dog after being spayed

To ensure you take care of your dog correctly after being spayed, continue reading to find out all the critical facts you need.
How do I comfort my dog after being spayed

One of the best ways to make your dog’s recovery process go smoothly is by ensuring they have a quiet place to recover in. It would be best if you also made sure that no distractions are interfering with your dog’s recovery process.

There are some essential tools you’ll need to make the entire recovery process streamlined, take a look below to see what they are.

Essential tools you need to help your dog recover after being spayed:

⦁ Dog kennel
⦁ Blanket or towel
⦁ Quiet space
⦁ Dog bed
⦁ E-collar
⦁ Food and water
⦁ Garbage bags or puppy pads

All of these tools will be used during the recovery process to help your dog deal with whatever lingering pain they may be experiencing. If you know that your dog has a favorite toy, try comforting them by bringing it around during the recovery process.
Remember, what your dog needs most during the recovery process is to heal without any interruptions. All of the tools listed above are simply additions which will make that process much easier.

Helping your dog through the recovery process after being spayed

Consider using an inflatable cone collar on your dog during their recovery process as it will decrease the odds of them injuring themselves accidentally by making the wrong move. When handling your dog, make sure you use soft gestures and try to move as slowly as possible; this will ease their emotions and bring them into a peaceful state of mind.

As long as you have enough food and water for them to consume, you shouldn’t face too many problems recovering after spaying.

Q: How do I make my dog comfortable after being spayed?
A: make sure your dog has a nice and quiet place to rest after the spaying process. Try to maintain room temperature during your dog’s recovery process and keep away small children or other pets until the recovery process is complete.

Q: What can I give my dog for pain after being spayed?
A: some of the best medications you can give your dog after being spayed include: Rimadyl & Torbugesic. You should only follow the official rules and guidelines outlined by your veterinary specialist when it comes to giving your dog pain medication for the spaying process.

Q: How long does it take for a dog to recover from being spayed?
A: on average, it takes about 14 days in total for dogs to heal after the spaying process. In some instances, it can take longer depending on if your dog has any pre-existing medical conditions.

How do I comfort my dog after being spayed?

Using all of the tips and information in this article will help you make the spay recovery process soothe and calm for your dog. Make sure you have all of the prerequisites in line before your dog arriving back home after surgery, so you don’t disturb their recovery process. For any spaying services contact Santa Cruz Pet Clinic today.