Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do pets have allergies? YES! Not all pets will experience allergies, but a large percentage does especially during the summer months. If the allergies are caught in the first stage of symptoms, we can usually treat them with different medications. Some pets will require allergy injections, special foods, or regular medicated baths. We can help you determine the degree of your pets allergies by doing a physical exam when you notice your pet suffering from the summer itch.
Can my family get sick from the diseases
or viruses my pet can carry? On the most part the answer to that question is no. Most viruses are
host specific. This means a cat virus will be contagious between
cats and so on with all other species. There are such things like
sarcoptic mange and ringworm that can be contagious
between humans and their pets. With proper hygiene,
most can be prevented.
When should I start heartworm preventative and flea control? Our clinic recommends year round heartworm preventative. This eliminates the need to rush the pet in during the months of March and April to be tested. If you give you pet Heartguard all year you are able to test at any point during that year. It is a full proof way of ensuring that you don't fall into the summer months with out keeping your pets protected against those pesky mosquitoes. As far as flea control goes we believe you should start your pets during the months of March/April and go through the first good frost (usually October/November).
How often does my pet need
to have their vaccines boostered? Each pet should have a regular visit to their veterinarian
once a year. With a 3 year rabies booster your pet should
go through a physical exam 
to make sure there are
no abnormalities such as tartar build up on teeth,
heart murmurs, tumors, ear or eye problems.
What type of food should my pet be eating? Well this question can be a tough one with so many food products in the market place these days, and we obviously recommend keeping "human food" down to a minimum. There are certain foods, such as most veggies, that can be given to your pet as a substitute for those very high calorie snacks sold in most grocery stores. This makes a good alternative if you like to reward your pets frequently. Remember an overweight pet can lead to many health risks just their human counterparts. If you need help deciding please feel free to contact any of are staff members to lend a bit of advice.
Behavioral Questions:
There are so many points to touch with this subject and so many different ideas. If you have any questions regarding the following subjects please call us personally so we can decide the best plan of action that suits your needs.
- Housebreaking
- Introduction of new pets to already established, faithful family friend
- Socialization skills
- Aggression problems
- House soiling problems
Why can't you prescribe medications over the phone? Without doing a proper physical it is hard to give a diagnosis! There can be so many causes to your pets problem that without seeing the pet it's hard to decide what the best treatment will be. Please understand we are trying to avoid making the pets problem worse in any way.
The Facts of Life
Important reasons to spay or neuter your pet:
Spaying your Female Pet: (Ovariohysterectomy)
- Removal of the ovaries and uterus. Ideal age is 4 to 6 months of age.
- If spayed before first heat cycle, your pet has a less than 1 percent chance of developing breast cancer.
- If spayed after one heat cycle, your pet has an 8 percent chance of developing breast cancer.
- After each heat cycle, the risk increases eventually to about 25 percent.
- Pets with diabetes or epilepsy should be spayed to prevent hormonal changes that may interfer with medication.
- Eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer.
- Eliminates heat cycles and the mess associated with that.
- Eliminates unwanted pregnancies.
Neutering your Male Pet:
- Removal of the testicles. Ideal age is 4 to 6 months of age.
- Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer.
- Greatly reduces the risk of prostatitis and prostatic cancer.
- Reduces the risk of perianal tumors - tumors that are seen around the anal area.
- Reduces roaming and fighting.
- Eliminates or reduces spraying (cats) or marking (dogs) behaviors in males neutered before 6 months of age or before the onset of these behaviors.
- Eliminates the risk and spread of sexually transmitted disease.
Unfortunate Reality 
More than 4 million pets are euthanized in the U.S. animal shelters each year simply because they have no home. Many are puppies and kittens less than 6 months of age. Help stop this needless loss of life. Spay and Neuter your pet.
Common Myths
Spaying and Neutering your pet does not:
- Cause laziness or hyperactivity.
- Reduce its instinct to protect your family or home.
- Cause immature behaviors. Postpone or delay normal behavioral maturity.
- Alter its personality in any manner.
The staff at Frankfort Animal Care Center can answer your questions about spaying or neutering your pet or any other procedure your pet may undergo at our care center. Please don't hesitate to ask!