Vaccination Questions
Q: When should my puppy or kitten start receiving vaccinations?
Most puppies and kittens should begin vaccinations at eight weeks of age. Under some circumstances we recommend starting at six
weeks of age. Please call us and we will schedule your pet's vaccinations for the appropriate age.
Q: What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a bacteria borne disease affecting dogs, that is transmitted through urine or infected water. It wasn't normally vaccinated for
in our area over the last 15 to 20 years, but now there have been cases in Denver as well as Colorado Springs. It's only a matter
of time before it gets to our area as livestock and wildlife are carriers. We here at Ark Valley Animal Hospital don't want to lose
a single patient to this, so we are vaccinating for it as prevention, before it gets here.
Q: How often does my dog need to be vaccinated against Leptospirosis?
When your dog is first given the vaccination, it will need a follow-up booster in 3 to 4 weeks, then a yearly vaccination.
Q: Is my cat in any danger of getting Leptospirosis?
No, cats carry a natural immunity to the disease. It's thought that over thousands of years of hunting rodents, felines built up an
immunity to the disease.
Dental Questions
Q: Why do I need to brush my pets teeth?
Regular dental care is important to your pet's over all health. Bacteria in the mouth can spread through the body taxing
organs and even causing heart murmurs.
Q: How often should I brush my pet's teeth?
Daily would be great but unrealitic for most people's busy lives. Once a week can make a huge difference so the realistic
answer is to try to do it as often as possible but at least once a week.
Q: Is brushing alone good enough?
Sometimes it can be if your pet has good teeth to start with. Other times we will need to anesthetize your pet to
clean them ultrasonically. While they are under anesthesia the doctor will closely examine all the teeth and repair or
extract any problem teeth.
Q: My pet has broken teeth. Can I ignore this?
A broken tooth can be painful and lead to infection. It's best to have any broken teeth X-rayed and either extracted
or repaired if possible.
Q: How important are dental X-Rays?
Pets can't tell us when a tooth hurts. Many pets are also stoic and never show any sign of pain. They simply stop
chewing on the effected side which in turn actually makes the dental disease worse. An X-Ray of the tooth can reveal
the severity of the problem so we can choose the proper course to deal with it.
Surgery Questions
Q: When do I take away food from my pet before surgery?
Pick up your pets food by 9 pm the night before so they will have an empty stomach for any procedure requiring
anesthesia. It's fine to leave water down for them.
Q: When does my pet need to be there?
Between 8 am and 8:30 am.
Q: When will I pick my pet up after a procedure?
We will schedule a pick up time for you. Usually between 4:30 and 5:00 pm. At that time we will go over any special
instructions and let you know how your pet did during the procedure.
Q: How long do sutures need to stay in?
Usually 10-14 days for routine surgeries.
