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112 W Main Street
Carrboro, NC 27510
phone: 919-967-9261
fax: 919-929-5719
Radcats: 1-877-radcats
Kennel: 919-967-4033
Groomer: 919-967-7593
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M-F 7:30a - 6:00p
Sat 8:00a - 12:00p
Closed Tues. 3:00p - 4:00p
for staff continuing education
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
* Watch for different questions and answers every few months.
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I am using a monthly flea preventative on my dog/cat and we are still seeing fleas. What else can we do?
This is a situation where a good talk with your veterinarian will provide you with options. The first place to start is to make sure you are using a quality monthly preventative. Not all of them are created equal, many of the over the counter brands can be suspect. The next step to take if you are using a good monthly preventative is to make sure the dose, application, and frequency are correct. This is often a problem that can be corrected easily with good communication.
If you find that you are still having problems you may need to treat your indoor environment. There are some good environmental sprays that can be used if you are doing a good job on your pet but still seeing fleas. The population of fleas in the house may be so great that they are overwhelming the product on your pet. Washing any bedding that your pet uses regularly and vacuuming frequently are also good ideas. This can keep the flea egg count down where your pets spend the most of their time. There are also products that can kill all the fleas on a pet almost immediately but they need to be used in combination with a product that provides lasting control.
Flea infestation can be frustrating for you and your pet. You can gain control of the situation but it will take dedication and good communication with your veterinarian. Remember that prevention is always better than cure. Once you have control of the problem make sure it does not occur again by using a quality preventative recommended by your veterinarian. Read more about flea control for dogs and flea control for cats. |
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My pet is really starting to show her age. What can I do about her arthritis?
Both dogs and cats can develop arthritis. The important thing to realize is that not only old pets show signs of arthritis. Young and middle age pets can develop arthritis for a variety of reasons. The most common signs are stiffness after lying down for a long period, limping, decreased stamina during walks, reluctance to play, and sometimes personality changes due to the discomfort. Arthritis can be managed but not cured. As cartilage in the joint begins to wear down, bone grinds on bone and this causes the inflammation that causes the pain. Treatment options vary widely and can include medication, supplements, acupuncture, regular exercise to keep the muscles strong, and other approaches as necessary.
One of the most important aspects of arthritis management is weight control. Arthritic pets are often overweight. This puts more stress on the joints, which causes them to break down sooner, which causes more pain. Reducing the weight of an arthritic patient can have an amazing effect on their comfort and happiness.
As mentioned earlier arthritis is rarely cured long term. About the only way to do this is to replace the whole joint to remove the bone on bone contact. This is available for some joints now. Ask your veterinarian about the options available for your pet. Older pets will likely need regular blood work to monitor for side effects of chronic medications as well as to assess their overall health. There is no single treatment that will relieve all of the symptoms and the pain of arthritis. Usually a combination of different treatments, weight management, and regular exercise (depending on the situation) will yield the best results. Your veterinarian can help you design a program tailored to your pet. |
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We will be traveling for the holidays this year. Should we board our pets or have a sitter come to the house?
Leaving for vacation can be a stressful time for both you and your pets. Do you take them to a boarding facility or do you have someone stay at the house? What happens if they become sick while you are away? How will the stress of a different situation or person affect them?
It is never easy to leave your pet but with a little planning things usually go very well. The first decision to make is whether you want to board them or have someone stay at the house or look in on them a few times a day. This decision should be based on your pets’ overall health, adaptability to new situations, and your personal preference.
Most pets will be less stressed staying in their normal environment even if a different person is there. For the most part they can keep their own routine. Finding a good pet sitter can be difficult on short notice. Ask friends if they have anyone they like. Another good source is your animal hospital. They often hear about good pet sitters through clients and can help get you started. Always check references and make sure the sitter has your regular hospital information and emergency clinic information readily available.
A good boarding facility can be a great home for your pet. Some places book up very early (especially for the holidays- I think we book up for Thanksgiving about 6 months in advance usually) so planning ahead pays off. Friends and your regular hospital are usually a good source of information and experiences. Take a tour of the facilities you are considering. Make sure you know what vaccines and other tests are required and how far in advance they need to be done. Another very important consideration is having a plan in place between your kennel and hospital if your pet becomes sick while you are gone. Make sure both places can contact you if possible, and arrange payment options ahead of time.
With a little forethought and good organization you and your pet can relax while you are gone. The airport or a long car ride is worry enough for me. I have a much more relaxing trip if I know our kids are well cared for. |
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© 2012,
Animal Hospital of Carrboro |
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