Do you have any questions you would like added to our frequently asked questions page? If so, please email us at brynmawrvet@gmail.com! 

1. What could be toxic to my pet?
2. When should I bring my new puppy or kitten in for their first check up?
3. Why does my puppy/kitten need a fecal sample checked 3-4 times as a puppy then once a year after that?
4. Why should I spay/neuter my pet?
5. What is the best way to prevent flea and tick problems?
6. Why do I need to get my pets teeth cleaned, and how do I know if my pet needs a dental?
7. What is a ResQ microchip and how does it work?
8. What are the benefits of having pre operative blood work and EKG on my pet prior to general anesthesia?
9. What can I do to help my overweight pet lose some pounds?

Q. What could be toxic to my pet?

A. Homes contain many potential hazards to pets. Many of the foods humans enjoy can be harmful to your pets. Some of the more common foods that are toxic to animals include chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, avocado, alcohol, mushrooms, yeast, and even xylitol which is found in chewing gum and some candies. You might not voluntarily give your animal any of these items, but pets can be good at getting into places they should not be, such as trash cans and purses. Even some foods which are not acutely “toxic” to pets can harm pets if not given in moderation – when pets eat more fatty foods than they are accustomed to, an inflammation of the pancreas can result. This is also known as “pancreatitis” and can be deadly. In addition to food items, there are other potentially harmful items in homes, such as some plants, holiday gifts and decorations, insecticides and rodent baits, household chemicals and cleaners, and fertilizers. Medications, both for humans and animals, can also be dangerous. These include ibuprofen, acetaminophen, decongestants, cold medicines and anti-depressants. Even medications prescribed for your pet can be harmful if they eat more than intended in a sitting. This list is not all-inclusive, so if you have any particular questions, please contact your veterinarian or contact the ASPCA Poison Control Center, at 1-888-426-4435. A number and address for a local 24-hour emergency clinic should also be kept on hand in case of emergencies.

Q. When should I bring my new puppy or kitten in for their first check up?

A. We recommend your new pet come within the first 72 hours to receive a full physical exam from a veterinarian.

Q. Why does my puppy/kitten need a fecal sample checked 3-4 times as a puppy then once a year after that?

A. Puppies and kittens are more likely to have intestinal parasites; we like to receive at least 3 negative stool samples in a row to make sure your pet if free of intestinal parasites. Generally, one fecal examination yearly after that helps ensure they have not picked up any parasites from their environment.

Q. Why should I spay/neuter my pet?

A. The biggest reason to spay or neuter your pet is to prevent unwanted pregnancies! Spaying and neutering your pet is also the safest and healthiest lifestyle unless you plan to breed or show them. Spaying your female pet reduces the risks of breast, uterine and ovarian cancers; and neutering your male pets prevents testicular and prostate problems, as well as helps curtail the development of dominant and aggressive behaviors.

Q. What is the best way to prevent flea and tick problems?

A. For dogs, we recommend a topical flea and tick prevention -either Frontline or Advantix. These are pre-packaged oils that are applied between your dog’s shoulder blades once a month. If ticks are a concern in your area, you may need to consider using a tick collar as well as a topical prevention. For this, we recommend Preventix collars.

For cats, we recommend using a topical product as well - either Frontline or Advantage. As above, this is also applied between the shoulder blades once monthly.

Q. Why do I need to get my pets teeth cleaned, and how do I know if my pet needs a dental?

A. Your pet’s dental health can affect the rest of their body! If your pet has an infection in their mouth from dental disease, it can become systemic. Dental disease can also cause oral pain and lack of appetite. The best way to know if your pet could benefit from a dental cleaning is to have them examined by a veterinarian.

Q. What is a ResQ microchip and how does it work?

A. A ResQ microchip is a small chip about the size of a grain of rice, which is placed under your pet’s skin, between its shoulder blades. In the event that you’re pet is ever lost and taken to a veterinary hospital, animal shelter, or picked up by police they will be scanned with a “special” wand for a microchip. Your pet’s specific microchip number is linked to you and your contact information. This ensures that your contact information is with your animal, even if they should lose their collar. This permanent and safe form of identification is perfect for outdoor cats or dogs that may jump or even dig a hole under a fence!

Q. What are the benefits of having pre operative blood work and EKG on my pet prior to general anesthesia?

A. Pre-operative blood work and EKGs offer the veterinarian a great insight to your pet’s general health prior to anesthesia. Blood work includes a blood chemistry, complete blood count and electrolytes. These give a good idea of liver and kidney disease as well as if there are any underlying infections. The EKG is sent out to a cardiologist before surgery, who will tell us if there are any abnormalities, and if so, what the next step should be to insure the safety of your pet. Whether that is to use a different anesthetic protocol, take a radiograph of the heart, or even the recommendation of an echocardiogram prior to anesthesia.

Q. What can I do to help my overweight pet lose some pounds?

A. Exercise and diet are the first steps to help any overweight pet shed those extra pounds. We offer a wide variety of prescription diets that are low in calorie, to start. Exercise for a cat can be tricky, and we have found that laser pointers are a great tool to get your cat up and moving! For dogs, extra walks and trips to the dog park are great. Sometimes exercise and diets are not enough for dogs, and we can provide a product to give that final push. Slentrol is an oral medication given to dogs only to help get the weight off. Please ask a veterinarian for additional information.