Frequently Asked Questions

Is my pet overweight?
It has been shown that keeping your pet at a healthy weight can extend their life up to two years. Ideally, dogs and cats should have shape to their waist line and a tuck in the abdominal area. Dogs and cats were not designed to look like sausages!! Overfeeding your animal is the primary way to obtain this unhealthy look. Resist giving your pet table scraps, lunch meat treats and extra meals. It is important to exercise both cats and dogs. Dogs should be walked once or twice daily to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Encouraging your pet to play is often enough to help them exercise. Please call to set up an appointment with our nutritionist if you would like your pet evaluated!

What should I do about fleas and ticks?
Definitely protect your pet. Fleas and ticks are prevalent in WI from the time the temperature reaches 50° F until there has been several hard frosts. In addition to causing itching and more severe skin problems, fleas transmit tapeworms, and ticks transmit Lyme disease and other diseases. Fleas and ticks can be controlled through a variety of methods. Your veterinarian will help you decide which method is best for you at your pet’s annual check-up.

Should I be brushing my pet’s teeth?
Yes, the best thing for owners to do is, START AT AN EARLY AGE. Brushing your pet’s teeth is an effective way of controlling tooth and gum disease. Be aware that human toothpaste cannot be used on pets. We have special toothpaste for dogs and cats that can be purchased in our office. We also recommend having your pet’s teeth cleaned on a yearly basis. A dental cleaning helps control bad breath caused by micro-organisms growing on the teeth and in the gums and other soft tissues of the mouth. (Advanced tooth decay can lead to discomfort, inflammation of the gums, loss of teeth, eating and digestive problems, and even serious diseases of the major organs as the disease organisms spread.) In between cleanings you can help your pet by brushing teeth twice weekly. Please call to set up a dental examination.

How do I know if my pet is sick?
Contrary to popular myth, a cold wet nose is not always a good indicator of your pet's health. It is better to monitore your pet's appetite as well as urine and stool production every day to learn what is normal for them. Changes in the amount your pet eats or drinks, whether increased or decreased, is a very important signal. Also, keeping track of frequency and amount of urination and defecation is important. Other signs that may indicate a problem include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive panting, limping, vocalization or other signs of pain. If you have any concerns about your pet, please call us so we can discuss the symptoms and arrange for an examination.