I heard some plants are poisonous, where can I find out if my plants are harmful?

• Removing harmful plants from your home and garden can help keep your pets safe.  Here is a website which lists common household poisonous plants. http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/protect_your_pet_from_common_household_dangers/common_poisonous_plants.html

Why should I spay or neuter my pet?

• Spaying (removing the ovaries and uterus) a dog or cat eliminates heat cycles and pregnancy, ovarian cancer, uterine infections (called pyometra), and uterine cancer.  If they are spayed before their first heat cycle, it reduces the risk of mammary (breast) cancer too. 
• Reduces roaming behavior.  Most of the pets that we see that are hit by a car are intact, especially intact male dogs.
• Neutering (removing the testicles) pets eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces risk of prostate disease.  It also reduces urine marking and certain types of aggression.

At what age should I spay or neuter my pet?

• We typically recommend having the procedure performed between four and six months of age.  This way they do not go into heat or have the desire to mate with others. 
• As long as the pet is healthy, we can do the procedure well into their senior years, as there are still health benefits.

Why should I brush my pets teeth?

• Gingivitis (swollen gums), fractured/broken teeth, anc abscessed/infected teeth can be very painful and greatly affect their overall health.  Periodontal disease (disease of the teeth) can also lead to bacteria being spread through the bloodstream to damage the liver, kidneys, and valves of the heart. 
• Toothbrushing can help prevent gingivitis, tartar, and plaque accumulation.  Other things such as tartar control diets/treats and certain types of chew bones can also help minimize tartar accumulation.
• Professional teeth cleanings may also be needed to avoid or treat painful periodontal disease. 

What are the benefits of LASER surgery?

• The LASER seals blood vessels and nerve ending as it cuts tissues, which lessens bleeding, pain, and swelling.
• The LASER can be used for a wide variety of surgeries including:  spay/neuter, declaw, dewclaw removal. wart removal, vascular tumor removal, stenotic nares ("pinched nostrils"), and oral surgeries.   

What is microchipping?

• Microchips are small (size of a grain of rice) permanent identification chips that can be used to ID your pet should they be lost or stolen.
• Microchips can be implanted when awake or during anesthesia (such as with spaying/neutering).  It is implanted similar to how a vaccination is given.