Frequently Asked Questions

1. While living in Arizona do I need to give heartworm preventative year around?: Yes, when you combine the increase usage of drip irrigation, un-maintained swimming pools, and neglected spas with daily temperatures unpredictably rising above the 72 F mark you have the potential of an active mosquito population year around.
2. Are there ticks and fleas in the Phoenix valley?: Yes. With our varied natural environment and artificial environments of golf courses and landscaping, ticks and fleas can exist and in some cases thrive in all areas of the Phoenix valley and the state.
3. When can I take my puppy jogging?: Puppies bones are at risk of damage any time exercise is excessive. The breed of your dog will play a great role in when you can start an exercise program for your pet. Your veterinarian is the best person to help you make smart choices as to your pets exercise regimen.
4. Why does my pet need I.V. catheter and fluids during surgery?: During any general anesthesia the blood flow to the brain and kidneys is decreased. These organs generally share 50% of the hearts output, but during surgery it can be decreased to less than 20%. Thus I.V. fluids will help to maintain adequate blood pressure and adequate blood flow to the brain and kidneys.
5. I do not have a male dog/cat in my house; do I need to spay my female pet?: One reason to spay is to stop unwanted pregnancies, but it also benefits the female by reducing the risk of uterine infections, mammary gland cancer, and other diseases associated with non-spayed female dogs and cats.
6. Should I keep my cat indoors?: Statistics show that all indoor cats live an estimated 20% longer than indoor-outdoor cats do. Out door cats are at risk for many more disease, dog/coyote/bigger cat attacks, and HBC (hit by car). Cat proof backyards are possible as are enclosures off of cat doors. These are not fool proof and diseases still can be transmitted.
7. My female dog is urinating in her sleep or when relaxing and my friend says this just old age, is this true?: Inappropriate urination should always be taken seriously. The causes can be from old age to severe disease. All cases of inappropriate urination should be evaluated by a veterinarian for the underlying cause and then treated correctly. Incorrect treatment can mask more serious causes and allow them to become worse, see your vet.
8. Is it OK for me to feed my dog "people food"?: "People food" as we know is not the best of diets. To ensure your dog is getting adequate nutrition and a proper balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats they should be fed a diet that meets AFSCO feeding trial criteria. Look at the back of the can or bag to see the AFSCO statement. Certain foods are appropriate for your dog such as raw baby carrots, apple slices, and frozen green beans. Consult with your veterinarian about other food choices.
9. What is Valley Fever?: Valley Fever is an infection of a unique fungus called Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii. This fungus is only found in the San Joaquin Valley of California, the Phoenix Valley south to Tucson and desert regions of northern Mexico. It is acquired by inhalation of fungal spores and begins it’s infectious course in the lungs. It can result in severe disease and death.