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How do you care for puppies or kittens without a
mother?
If the pet is less than 6 weeks old, it may not be able to eat
regular food. Commercial milk replacement diets are available at most pet
stores or vet hospitals. Very young pups or kittens may need to be bottle
fed; those that are 3 to 4 weeks old may be able to lap milk
replacement. Very young
pups and kittens will need to be fed every few hours; follow instructions on
the milk replacement product. It is also important to rub a warm, wet washrag
on the anus of pets this young after they eat in order to stimulate urination
and defecation. Kittens and puppies this age also cannot regulate their own
body temperature very well; it is thus VERY important to keep them
warm. Caring for pets this age is hard work, and it is a good idea to visit your
veterinarian for additional advice and a health check of the young one. Click
HERE for more
information
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When will my puppy or kitten lose it's baby teeth?
The
adult incisors will begin to appear and push out the 'baby' incisors at 3 1/2 to
4 1/2 months of age in the cat and 4 to 5 months of age in the dog. The adult
canine teeth appear at about 5 months in both species and are fully 'in' by 6
months.
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When should I start vaccinating my kitten or
puppy?
Typically vaccinations are started in both species at 6 to 8 weeks
of age. It is very important for puppies and kittens to finish their
complete series of vaccines to fully protect them against disease.
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When should I spay or neuter my dog or cat?
There are
many different views on this subject. Recent studies have shown that it is safe
to spay or neuter pets as early a s 8 weeks of age. The most important thing is
to spay or neuter prior to puberty to prevent some behavioral problems and
reproductive diseases. We usually recommend spaying or neutering at 4 to 5
months of age.
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Should I have my cat declawed? When?
Declawing is the
surgical removal of the last bone of each toe and is a painful and permanent
procedure. It is important to exhaust efforts at training a cat not to scratch
before deciding to declaw. Often regular trimming of the nails is enough to
prevent most scratching. Soft glue-on tips are also available. Squirt guns
often work well for training. If you decide to declaw your cat, we recommend
having the procedure performed at about 3 months of age. Remember, declawed
cats are stripped of their main defense and will need to be inside only for the
rest of their lives.
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What should I feed my pet?
There are many foods
available for dogs and cats. Any good quality food will work well for most
pets, but your dog or cat may have special needs. Check with your veterinarian
for specific recommendations. Do NOT feed a generic food.
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Can my dog have bones?
Many dogs have gone all their
lives eating bones with no problems, but we recommend that you never feed bones
that can splinter (such as chicken or sharp pork bones) to your dog. They can
splinter and puncture the esophagus or intestine and cause fatal peritonitis.
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Can my dog eat rawhide?
Rawhide chews are fine for most
dogs. In some dogs that don't chew much and tend to swallow these treats whole
they probably are not a good idea. Also, some dogs have sensitive stomachs and
may get diarrhea or an upset stomach from rawhide.
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Can my pet have table scraps?
Table scraps should never
comprise more than 10% to 15% of your pet's diet. Fatty table scraps can be
very bad for some dogs and cats lead to pancreatitis and other digestive
problems. Sugary foods can also lead to various problems and should be
avoided. Vegetables and fruits can be a very good supplement to your pet's diet.
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How much exercise does my pet need?
This varies greatly
with your pet, your lifestyle, and your pet's physical condition. Exercise is
as important to your pet as it is to you. The main thing is to not overdo your
pet's exercise. Do NOT take a dog that is used to being a couch potato and
suddenly go on a 10 mile hike. If is very beneficial to most dogs to get
regular exercise, but work up slowly and avoid exercise when it is very
hot--dogs always have a fur coat on and can get easily overheated in the summer
months. In general, just use common sense, and remember you are responsible for
your pet--your pet can't decide for his or herself what is appropriate.
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How can I take care of my pet's teeth?
Pets are
susceptible to dental problems the same as humans. The best preventative is
brushing. Flavored toothpastes and special brushes are available and many pets
can learn to at least semi-enjoy regular brushing, especially if you start when
they are young. For more reluctant pets, there are different treats available
that help with tartar control. We carry a brand of rawhide soaked in an enzyme
that breaks down tartar for dogs, and a freeze-dried fish treat treated with an
enzyme to break down tartar for cats. There are also special foods available
that help with dental care. Discuss the option best for your pet with your
veterinarian.
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How much should I feed my pet?
This varies drastically
from pet to pet. Recommended amounts on dog food bags tend to be too high for
most dogs. Basically you need to feed your pet the amount that will maintain a
healthy body weight. This means your pets ribs can be easily felt. Check with
your veterinarian if you have questions on your pet's weight. Some dogs can
suffer from hypothyroidism (low thyroid). This condition often results in a dog
being overweight in spite of a low caloric intake. This condition can be easily
tested for by your
veterinarian.
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Do I need to clean my pet's ears and how?
Cat ears
rarely need cleaning. If they are dirty, they should be examined by a
veterinarian. Some dogs, especially floppy-eared breeds, may need to have their
ears cleaned regularly (probably no more often that once a week). You can use
an over-the-counter cleaner (some people use a 50-50 mix of water and
vinegar). Squirt a small amount in the ear, massage the ear, and wipe out excess fluid
with a cotton ball. If your dog's ears start having a lot of discharge, or if
your dogs is shaking his/her head, or if the ears smell, they should be seen by
a veterinarian.
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Why does my dog eat grass?
I'm not sure anyone really
knows, but in small amounts it isn't a problem (except that it makes some dogs
throw up). Ravenous grass-eating may indicate an upset
stomach.
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When will my pet first come into heat?
The
average age of first heat in dogs is 9 months, but this can vary
by several months. In cats, first heat is usually at 4 to 6 months.
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How often will my pet come into heat?
The
average for dogs is every 7 months, but this can vary. Cats can come
into hear every 2 to 3 weeks, especially during spring and summer months. They
will continue to come into heat until they are bred.
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How long will my pet stay in heat?
Dogs
stay in heat for an average of 3 weeks. Cats stay in heat about 5 to 7
days.
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How do I know if my pet is in heat?
Dogs
will have a bloody discharge from their vulva, and will attract male dogs.
Cats
will cry excessively and try to get out. Both dogs and cats may have
personality changes.
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Why should I spay or neuter my pet?
Spaying
dogs before their first heat decreases their chance of mammary cancer by almost
100%. Spaying and neutering prevents other types of cancer and diseases as
well. Spayed and neutered animals tend to roam less, live longer, and will not
contribute to the pet overpopulation problem in this
state.
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When should I spay or neuter my pet?
We
recommend spaying and neutering at 4 to 5 months in most cases.
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What is a "spay"?
A spay is a total
hysterectomy. The pet is anesthetized and the uterus and ovaries are
removed. Young animals usually recover within a few days and have few complications, but
must be kept quiet and must be kept from licking their incision like with any
surgery.
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What is a "neuter"?
Male dogs and cats are
"neutered" or "castrated". Their testicles are removed through a small
incision. Young animals usually recover in a couple of days.
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How does my pet get fleas? What can I do about
them?
Fleas can be picked up from other animals or the environment.
Often you will see them on your pet, but since they burrow into the fur
sometimes they are hard to find. Fleas can carry tapeworms and diseases such as
the plague, as well as being annoying, so it is important to keep your pet
flea-free. There are currently many safe and effective treatments available, so
check with your
veterinarian.
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How does my pet get tapeworms?
Tapeworms
are intestinal parasites that pets get from ingesting fleas. They are common
here in New Mexico if pets live or hike around rabbit holes. They show up as
rice-like segments in your pet's feces, and can be treated easily.
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What other intestinal worms can my pet
get?
The most common intestinal parasites are roundworms, hookworms,
whipworms, coccidia, and giardia. Most of these can be diagnosed by microscopic
examination of your pet's feces by your
veterinarian.
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Can I get worms from my pet?
Although
uncommon, humans can pick up an infection from roundworms or hookworms where the
parasites migrate in the body. Basic hygiene when handling feces avoids this
problem. Humans can easily get flea bites or ticks from their pets.
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How does my pet get ticks?
Pets pick up
ticks from the environment. Ticks carry a variety of diseases, the most common
in New Mexico being Ehrlichiosis. There are many good tick preventatives
available from your
veterinarian.
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Tell me about the plague?
Here in New
Mexico, we see several cases of plague each year. Pets contract the plague from
squirrels and other rodents. Cats that hunt are most at risk. Humans can
contract the plague from handling dead rodents, flea bites, or from sick
animals. Since there are different forms of plague, symptoms vary. Pets
usually get high fevers and stop eating, and may have swollen lymph nodes or
respiratory problems. Pets that are ill should see a veterinarian
immediately. Plague is usually treatable, but prompt therapy is vital in order to treat the
disease and protect pet
owners.
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What are heartworms?
Heartworms are
worm-like parasites, several inches long, that can live and reproduce in your
pets heart therefore causing severe heart disease and sometimes sudden
death. Heartworms are most common in dogs. The microscopic babies (called
microfilaria) are carried by mosquitoes and are injected into dogs when
mosquitoes bite them. Heartworms are easily controlled by giving monthly
preventative available from your veterinarian. Pets should be tested before
starting on preventative to make sure they are not infected. Dogs that are
infected can be treated, but treatment can be dangerous and costly so prevention
is best.
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My pet has a dry nose. What should I do?
A
wet or dry nose isn't really very informative (especially here in the
desert!). You can take your pet's temperature with a rectal
thermometer. Give it 60 seconds. Normal temperature for dogs and cats is between
101° F to 102°
F.
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My pet has bad breath. What does this
mean?
Pets can have bad breath from bad teeth or abscesses in their
mouths, from eating foul-smelling stuff ( a favorite!), or from diseases (some
serious such as kidney failure). Bad breath should always be checked out by a
veterinarian.
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My pet has a lump. Is this something
bad?
ALL lumps should be examined by your veterinarian. A biopsy is the
only sure way to find out what a lump is, but an experienced veterinarian can
evaluate your individual case. If a lump is cancerous, sometimes early removal
can be curative so get lumps checked out early!
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My dog has a discharge from his penis. Is this
serious?
This may be normal in male dogs.
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My dog has a discharge from her vulva. Is this
serious?
A bloody discharge in an unspayed female dog may mean she is in
heat. A yellowish discharge in a young female puppy is called 'puppy vaginitis'
and is common in puppies, usually not treated, and will clear up when she
reaches puberty.
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My pet has dry, itchy skin. What can I
do?
Dry, itchy skin can be caused by a variety of things, including
parasites, allergies, illness, infections, or just dryness! Skin conditions
should always be checked out by your veterinarian--some parasites and fungal
infections can be transmitted to humans. Dry skin can often be helped by
changes in diet, moisturizing baths, or adding fatty acid supplements.
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My pet is "scooting". What is this?
The
most common causes of "scooting" or licking at their hind end are tapeworms or anal gland problems. Anal glands
are sacs near the anus that normally produce a strong scented discharge. These
sacs can get impacted and infected and need to be treated. Other causes of
scooting could be tumors, sores or infections around the anal area.
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How long can my pet go without eating or
drinking?
Pets can become dehydrated quickly if they are not
drinking. Not drinking is especially serious in young animals or in pets that are vomiting
or that have diarrhea. Adult dogs can go days without eating without any harm,
but cats that don't eat for even a few days can develop severe liver disease.
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My pet is vomiting. Is this
serious?
Occasional vomiting can be normal in both the dog and cat, but
chronic vomiting should always be checked out. Any animal that vomits several
times over a short period of time should be seen immediately. The most common
cause of vomiting in healthy cats is hairballs--over the counter hairball remedy
is very effective. The most common cause of vomiting in healthy dogs is
'dietary indiscretion'. Withholding food for 24 hours is frequently
curative.
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My pet has diarrhea. Is this
serious?
Occasional diarrhea can be normal in both the dog and cat, but
chronic diarrhea should be checked. Usually the first step will be doing a
fecal examination. The most common cause of diarrhea in healthy dogs is
'dietary indiscretion'. Withholding food for 24 hours and giving a product such
as Pepto-Bismol® is frequently curative.
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My pet is starting to have trouble getting up in
the morning, is limping some, and is just slowing down. What can I
do?
Pets can frequently develop arthritis, and are susceptible to all the
same problems as they age. Check out your pet's age in human years. Any slowing,
limping pets should be examined--age or arthritis is not always the
cause!! Click for information on arthritis or aging.
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My cat is spending a lot of time in the litter box
and/or urinating in strange places. What can I do?
There are many, many
reasons for inappropriate urination in cats. All cats with urination problems should be examined.
A urine
sample will have to be examined. You can collect one from a clean litter box
with a few pieces of litter added, or get special plastic litter from your
veterinarian, or try to bring your cat in with a full bladder. IF YOUR CAT IS
STRAINING TO URINATE BUT NOT PRODUCING URINE, BRING HIM TO A VETERINARIAN
IMMEDIATELY!!
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What should I do if my pet is bit by a rattlesnake?
The
best thing you can do is get your pet to an animal hospital as soon as
possible. Do NOT waste time trying to place a tourniquet or apply
suction. DO
try to prevent your pet from exerting himself until he or she can be seen by a
veterinarian. The more your cat or dog moves, the faster the toxins will enter
the bloodstream. Severe pain is likely, and shock can begin to occur
quickly. Some effects of the rattlesnake toxin are not seen until days after the bite.
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What should I do as my pet ages?
Dogs and cats are
generally considered 'geriatric' if they are 10 years or older. Giant breed
dogs age faster and may be 'elderly' as early as 6 years of age. See chart. As pets age they become more likely
to develop certain medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and kidney
disease. More frequent exams and routine testing are warranted to monitor for
such conditions. Sometimes a senior or lower protein diet is suggested for
older animals. Speak with your veterinarian about your concerns about your
aging pet. See our section on care of the older pet.
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Can I give my dog or cat aspirin or other human
medications?
As a general rule of thumb, you should ALWAYS check with
your veterinarian before giving any medications to your pet. Many human
medications are used routinely in dogs and cats but a few can cause serious
problems. One example is aspirin or Tylenol in cats. As little as one
Tylenol can be fatal in cats because they lack the enzyme necessary to
metabolize the drug. They metabolize aspirin so slowly it cannot be given more
than once every 72 hours. Buffered aspirin is sometimes used in dogs for pain,
but it is probably safest to check with your veterinarian for a dose that is
okay to give.
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What are common toxins my pet could get into in my
home?
Two of the most common and serious toxins found in the home include
rat poison and antifreeze. Other hazards are mothballs, some disinfectants and
cleaning products, chocolate, cigarettes, and pesticides. If your pet ingests
something your are concerned about call the Poison Control Center at
1-800-432-6866 and then your veterinarian.
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Do I need to license my pet?
Most cities including Santa
Fe require that pets kept within the city limits are licensed. Check with an
animal control officer for details. Santa Fe City Animal Control can be reached
at 984-6775. Licensing within the counties is less routine but sometimes
required. County Animal Control phone numbers are as follows: Los Alamos
662-8179, Rio Arriba 753-3169, Santa Fe 424-2050.