Skip to main content

FAQs

Q. Why do my pets need vaccinations?

A. Vaccinations prevent infectious diseases, some of which can be deadly.

Q. What vaccinations should my puppy/dog get?

A. Puppies should be vaccinated against Canine Distemper, Canine Adenovirus Type 1 and 2, Canine Parainfluenza, Canine Parvovirus, Canine Leptospirosis, and Rabies. Vaccines for most of these diseases can be given in a combination shot or separately for a certain disease. Dogs should get boosters for the same diseases as puppies, but can also get vaccinated for Bordetella if you are planning on showing, boarding or grooming your dog.

Q. When should my pet get its vaccines?

A. Puppies: start 6-8 weeks, then every 4 weeks until 3-4 months (usually a series of 3) Rabies can be done at 4 months. Boosters should be given 1 year later. Rabies is then given every 1-3 years, and every year for most other diseases. We also have a 3-year distemper vaccine available. Kittens start 6-8 weeks, then every 4 weeks until 12 weeks (usually a series of 2 or 3) Rabies can be done at 12-16 weeks. Cats should be revaccinated yearly.

Q. What are the benefits of spaying /neutering?

A. Pets that are spayed or neutered lead healthier, happier lives. Spaying/neutering prevents unwanted litters of puppies and kittens and reduces the number of animals that end up in animal shelters. Neutered male dogs are less likely to mark, roam, get into fights, be shot at, and be stolen. Neutered male cats get into fewer fights and don’t spray urine or spread FELV or FIV. Spaying a female dog before her first heat will prevent breast cancer, the most common cancer in dogs. Neutering a young male dog prevents testicular cancer. Spaying or neutering before 5 months can help prevent pets from getting overweight.

Q. What about declawing?

A. The best time to declaw is at 3-5 months, at the time the cat is spayed or neutered. Declawing can be done at an older age but is harder on the cat. The younger and smaller the cat, the faster they recover. At New Ross Veterinary Services, we will only declaw the front. We will not remove the rear claws.

Q. What about ear cropping?

A. We do not perform ear crops.

Q. Who do I call if my pet has an emergency?

A. The clinic answering machine will give you the home and/or cell phone number of the Doctor on call or Emergency hospital numbers to call.

Q. Do you make house calls?

A. Yes, we can make house calls and farm calls, but usually require at least 1-2 weeks for scheduling.

Q. Do you treat exotic animals?

A. We treat small mammals, including ferrets, rabbits, and rodents. We do not treat birds, reptiles, or exotic zoo animals at this time.

Q. What Are Heartworms?

A. Heartworms are worms that live in a dog’s or cat’s heart and major blood vessels.

Q. Why do my dogs need to be on heartworm prevention year-round?

A. Although mosquitoes (the carriers of heartworm disease) are most active during the warmer months, they can stay warm enough for mosquitoes to survive into November. If your pet is on preventative year-round, there is less of a chance that you will forget to start giving your pet’s heartworm preventative when it warms up again. Also, if you should happen to forget to give a month’s dose, continuous heartworm prevention will lessen the risk of developing heartworms, even if your pet was unprotected for a month.

Q. Why should I buy my heartworm & flea/tick meds from a veterinarian instead of the internet or mail-order?

A. Manufacturers of heartworm and some flea and tick prevention products sell only through licensed veterinarians. Products obtained for sale over the Internet may be outdated or labeled for use in other countries. When you purchase a product from your veterinarian, the company will uphold all guarantees and warranties, which they will not do if purchased elsewhere. Veterinarians also make sure that the product you choose is the right one for your pet, as the different products work best for certain pets and situations. You can also purchase single doses from us, or return or exchange unused/unexpired products to us if you would like to try a different brand or product. We honor all manufacturers’ coupons and rebates, and many times have them here for our clients to use. We want you to get the best value for your money.

Q. What vaccinations should my kitten/cat get?

A. Cats should be vaccinated against Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper), Feline Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus, and Rabies. Cats that go outdoors, or that have contact with outdoor cats, should also be vaccinated for Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).

Q. What is the normal body temperature for my dog, or cat?

A. The normal rectal temperature for a dog or cat is 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q. Why do indoor pets need rabies vaccinations?

A. In the state of Indiana, the animal most likely to carry rabies is the bat. Between 5 and 10 bats are diagnosed with rabies every year in this state. As bats sometimes like to live in houses, cats can very easily find these bats, particularly if the bat is ill from rabies. An unvaccinated animal in this situation can catch the disease and pass it on to unsuspecting family members. Treatment for rabies can cost thousands of dollars per person and is fatal if not treated in time.

Q. Who do I call if my pet has an emergency?

A. Dr. Crook can treat some minor emergencies and answer questions after hours. Since the office is not staffed after hours, Dr. Crook is not able to do any bloodwork, x-rays, surgery anesthesia, or any hospitalization or ongoing treatment. If your pet is injured or sick, your pet will receive much better care at an emergency facility. When you call 765-723-1755, the recording will give you phone numbers for some of the emergency hospitals in the area (Indianapolis and Lafayette). For minor emergencies and to ask a question, Dr. Crook’s phone numbers will be listed on the recording. (Dr. Crook is available MOST of the time)