FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: When should I change my pet's diet from pediatric formula to an adult formula?
A: For small breed dogs we recommend a pediatric formula from eight weeks to 8-12 months of age at which time your animal should be placed on an adult formula.
For large breed dogs we recommend a pediatric formula from eight weeks to approximately four months at which time your animal should be placed on an adolescent formula. Then approximately a year to a year and a half of age your animal should be placed on an adult formula.
For cats we recommend a pediatric formula from six to eight weeks to approximately one year of age at which time your animal should be placed on adult formula. However, you may need to change your cat's diet at an earlier age if they experience significant weight gain.
Q: When should I change my pet's diet from an adult formula to a senior formula?
A: For small breed dogs we recommend an adult formula from a year of age to approximately nine to ten years of age at which time your animal should be placed on a mature formula.
For large breed dogs we recommend an adult formula fromula from a year and a half of age to approximately seven to eight years of age at which time your animal should be placed on a mature formula.
For cats we recommend an adult formula from a year of age to approximately nine years of age at which time your animal should be placed on a mature formula.
For any animals experiencing weight gain, senior or reduced calorie diets may be recommended earlier.
Q: At which age should my pet be spayed or neutered?
A: The optimum age to spay or neuter an animal is six months of age. There may be individual circumstances that will affect this recommendation, please consult with a veterinarian.
Q: Why should I spay or neuter my animal?
A: Spaying or neutering your animal will dramatically reduce the risk of developing mammary, ovarian, testicular, and/or prostate cancer. It also decreases the behavioural vices in both males and females which may include spraying, aggression, and wandering. These surgeries prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Q: How often should my pet be vaccinated?
A: Puppies and kittens require their first set of vaccines at eight weeks of age, the second at twelve weeks of age, and their third and final set at sixteen weeks of age. After the initial set of vaccines your animal should visit your veterinarian for an annual wellness exam to discuss any concerns you may have and the appropriate vaccines will be given at this time.
Q: Why do young animals require three sets of vaccines?
A: Newborn animals receive antibodies to various diseases from their mother. The protection from these “passive” antibodies declines over a varied period of time. We need to stimulate “active” antibody protection by multiple vaccinations.
Q: How often should I deworm my animal?
A: For most indoor pets deworming should be done annually. For animals with higher risk of exposure deworming should be done up to four times a year. If your pet is currently suffering from parasites, treatment should be discussed with your veterinarian.
Q: My animal has fleas or ticks, what should I do?
A: There are a variety of topical treatments available that are very simple and easy to use. Some of these treatments also aid in the prevention of heartworm, roundworms and ticks.
Q: Is heartworm common in Alberta?
A: Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitos and is dependent on their life-cycle as well as the weather. In order for the heartworm to manifest into an infectious state, it requires a certain number of consecutive days of warm weather. In Alberta, the cold weather interrupts the mosquito's life cycle and often times the weather is not consistant enough for the worm to develop. In 2006 there were no reported resident dogs (dogs that did not leave the province) diagnosed with heartworm in Alberta. However, with the changing weather patterns many owner's have started their pets on a prevention program of heartworm. Anyone travelling outside Alberta with their pet should consult a veterinarian as to the risk and alternatives for prevention.
Q: What is the vaccination protocol for foals?
A: The vaccine protocol for foals is dependent on the vaccine history of their mother. If the foal is born from a fully vaccinated mare the first set of vaccines should be administered between five and six months of age. If the foal is born from a mare that has not been vaccinated over the past year the first set of vaccines should be administered between three to four months of age. The vaccines should be boostered approximately three to four weeks later.
Q: What is the vaccination protocol for horses?
A: There are standard vaccines that all horses should receive. These are generally administered annually in the spring. There are additional vaccines administered to horses in specific risk situations. Consult a veterinarian to develop a protocol for your horse's individual needs.
Q: What is an appropriate deworming schedule for horses?
A: Foals should be dewormed at approximately two months of age and should receive a repeat dose every six to eight weeks until they reach the age of two. Please note, there are some deworming products not recommended in foals, please check with the clinic.
Mature horses should start their deworming program between the months of April and May when the grass begins to grow. Depending on the product used, deworming should be repeated every 8 and 16 weeks until heavy fall frost. The final deworming after the frost should be a product that controls bots. At least one of the dewormings should control tapeworms.
Q: What is an appropriate vaccination program for cattle herds?
A: Cattle vaccine protocols will vary depending on your situation. One of our veterinarians will be happy to discuss your individual needs and tailor a program that is suitable for you.