FAQs

There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team. Below are some answers to our most common questions.
Appointment

Spay

At A-1 Vet Care, we get a ton of interesting questions from pet parents. Below are some common FAQs that might help answer any questions or concerns. Please feel free to call us at 740-622-4443 for any other concerns you might have about your pet.

How old should a dog be before she is spayed?

6 months.

What does the term ovariohysterectomy mean?
This is the complete surgical removal of both the ovaries and uterus.
My dog has just had puppies, when can I have her spayed?

After the pups are weaned, and the breasts are no longer engorged with milk. This is usually 2 — 4 weeks after the pups are weaned.

My dog is in heat, can she be spayed now?

NO, the surgery is more difficult due to the enlargement of the blood vessels and, therefore, a slightly higher risk. Let’s wait 3-4 weeks and spay then.

After my pet is spayed, is there any special care when she comes home?

Yes, she should have limited activity as much as possible. Observe the suture line several times daily. Keep the incision dry, and leash walk her to prevent her from injuring herself. If there is any swelling, drainage, or removal of stitches, please call us.

Cat spay pricing?

If you have any questions regarding pricing, please call the practice.

I have heard that cats and dogs get fat after being spayed. Is this true?
Not usually. Only if you allow them to become fat due to overfeeding. You should be able to control this by reducing the amount you are feeding.
How old should a cat be before she is spayed?

6 months.

Why should we wait until 6 months before spaying a cat or dog?

The ovaries produce hormones that play an important part in the development of the female. By spaying at 6 months, we can catch most cats and dogs before they come into heat but after most of the desired effects of the hormones have been produced on the developing animal.

My cat has just had kittens, when can I have her spayed?
As soon as the kittens are weaned and the breasts are no longer engorged with milk. This is usually 2 weeks after the kittens are weaned.
My dog is pregnant. Can she be spayed at this time?

This is not usually advised, but under certain circumstances, they can be. I will need to make an appointment for you to have your pet examined by the doctor. He will discuss the problems further.

How much does it cost to spay my dog?

The fee is variable depending on the size of your pet. Smaller dogs require less anesthesia and surgical time than larger dogs. The cost includes anesthesia, surgery, hospitalization, and suture removal.

I would like to have my pet neutered (spay or castration).

What are your procedures: Bring your pet in any morning Monday — Friday after withholding food completely since 8 p.m. the night before. Have her here by 8 a.m. Most of our routine surgeries can be performed the same day that they are admitted, provided we don’t have emergency surgeries that necessitate the delaying of some elective surgical procedures. We will call you by noon to notify you of how your pet is recovering.

  • Why can’t I give food before surgery? Withholding food prior to surgery makes the procedure safer since they are less likely to vomit.
Is it true that animals become listless and do not play after being spayed?
Only if you allow them to become fat due to overfeeding.

Neuter

If I have my dog (or cat) castrated, will he stop fighting and stay at home?

Castration usually decreases the tendency to fight and roam.

At what age can cats be castrated?

Any time after 6 months.

What after care is required for castrations?

Same as for spays.

What is the fee for castrating a dog?
The fee includes anesthesia, surgery, hospitalization, and suture removal.
Will castration stop my dog from “mounting” people’s legs?
In most cases, castration will eliminate or reduce the tendency to mount.
At what age can dogs be castrated?

Any time after 6 months.

What is the surgical procedure for castrations?

Same as for spays.

What is the fee for castrating a cat?
The fee includes anesthesia, surgery, and hospitalization.
Will castration stop my cat from “spraying”?

This will usually help, but since other factors like bladder infection may be involved, you should have him examined and discuss the problem with the doctor.

Parasites

How old should my puppy or kitten be before checking for worms?

3 weeks. The doctor might recommend an earlier age.

I have seen small worms that look like rice in the stool of my cat (or dog). What are they?

They are probably tapeworms but you should have a specimen checked by the Dr.

How old must a puppy or kitten be to use flea sprays?
Most sprays are for 8 weeks and older.
My cat (or dog) had an ear infection that Dr. treated last year. Can I get some more medicine?

There are many causes of ear infections, such as bacterial, parasitic, and fungal infections. Therefore, it is not advisable to start retreatment without having him re-examined by the doctor.

My dog has mange, can I get it?
Mange is caused by small mites. One of these mites can cause a skin rash in people. The Dr. will need to examine your dog to determine if his problem is mange and prescribe a course of treatment. He will also discuss the possibility of transmission to people.
What signs do dogs with hookworms show?
Listless, poor appetite, dull hair coats, and diarrhea in severe cases.
How much do you charge to check for worms and to deworm?

There is a lab fee for the fecal. The charge for deworming is variable depending on the type of worms and the size of your pet.
For small dogs and cats, the fee is usually around $9. You may discuss this with the Dr. when your pet is checked.

How can I control fleas and ticks on my pet?

We supply various products to help control these parasites, such as flea and tick topical skin applicators or oral medication, and flea and tick sprays. The Dr. will be glad to examine your pet and discuss the problem with you.

Have you got anything I can bathe my dog in to stop him from scratching?

Scratching is a symptom and can be caused by many different things such as fleas, ticks, allergies, hormone problems, and many others. You should have him examined by the doctor to determine the specific cause of his problem.

My dog (or cat) has diarrhea and/or vomiting. What can I give him?

The doctor will need to examine your pet to determine the cause of his problem to treat it specifically. May I make you an appointment? Diarrhea and vomiting can be severe. Your animal should be seen today.

How do dogs get hookworms?
Eggs are picked up in soil contaminated by stools from infected dogs. The eggs hatch and mature in the intestinal tract.

Heartworms

What are heartworms?

Heartworms are long worms (parasites) that live in the heart of dogs.

How do dogs get heartworms?
Baby heartworms (microfilaria) are transmitted from one dog to another by mosquitos.
Can dogs with heartworms be treated?

Many dogs with heartworms can be treated, but you will need to have the Dr. examine your dog and discuss the treatment with you.

What signs do dogs with heartworms show?
They may not show any signs if they have a very mild infection. Signs that they may show later with heavier infections include shortness of breath, coughing, and swelling of the abdomen.
Are heartworms very common in this area?
Yes, they are very common.
Can cats get heartworms?
Yes, but it is not common.
Can people get heartworm from mosquitos and/or dogs?
No, except in extremely rare cases.

Breeding & Pregnancy

I want to breed my dog when she comes in heat. Is there anything special I need to do?

Yes, you should have her examined to make sure she is healthy and free of parasites before she is bred. The doctor will be glad to do this and discuss some aspects of breeding your dog if you would like to make an appointment.

How many times a year does a dog come into heat?
Usually twice a year (every 6 months).
How long does it take for a dog to have puppies?
About 63 days.
My dog had puppies last night. Is there anything special I need to know?
You should have her examined to make sure she has finished whelping and her milk is good. The Dr. will be glad to do this for you if you would like an appointment.
How long does a dog stay in heat?

Usually 14 days, but this is variable.

How long does a cat stay in heat?
Usually 4-10 days. A cat can have multiple heats per year.
How long does it take for a cat to have kittens?

About 63 days.

When should I have the tails docked and dewclaws removed from my puppies?
When the pups are 2-5 days old.