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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long are dogs in heat & pregnant?

    A non-spayed female dog's heat cycle lasts a total of 3 weeks. A female in heat will attract a male for 3 weeks. They bleed for the first 5-7 days and are generally most receptive to the male during the second week. The average length of pregnancy is 63 days from the breeding date.

  • How long are cats in heat & pregnant?

    A non-spayed female cat can fluctuate in and out of heat for weeks at intervals of 5-7 days with about 2 week intervals between episodes. The average length of pregnancy is 65 days, but can be between 61-69 days.

  • Why does my indoor dog/cat need vaccines?

    All pets need vaccines. No matter how hard we try, our pets can escape from us and be exposed to communicable diseases. Some viral organisms such as parvovirus can live on shoes and clothing and be introduced to the home. Also, any pet that is groomed outside of the home will be in an environment full of dogs and cats, and may be exposed to viruses in that setting. If we quit vaccinating, we will see a resurgence in diseases such as canine and feline distemper.

  • Why does my dog have to be tested for heartworms every year?

    Annual testing is recommended for several important reasons. First, many of us do not take our own medications as directed let alone medicate our pets. We're busy; we forget; we miss a dose here and there. Second, even if you never miss a dose there is nothing to prevent your dog from eating some grass and vomiting up the medication you just gave. Your pet would be without protection for an entire month. Third, if your pet accidentally became infected with heartworms, your veterinarian needs to detect it as soon as possible before irreversible heart and lung damage occur. Early detection and treatment are always best. Annual testing provides peace of mind in knowing that your pet is free of heartworms, and should your pet be infected, it assures you of early diagnosis.

  • Why does my indoor pet need heartworm preventive?

    Indoor pets need heartworm preventives because heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, and mosquitoes can certainly enter our homes. Both dogs and cats should be on heartworm preventives.

  • What can I give my pet for vomiting?

    If your pet is vomiting, it should be examined by a veterinarian. If that is not possible, then food and water should be withheld for 12 hours. After those 12 hours, food and water can be reintroduced in small amounts. If the vomiting starts again, your pet should be examined immediately. Vomiting should never be allowed to continue for more than 12 hours.

  • Should I be concerned if my dog ate chocolate?

    Chocolate is a dose-dependent toxin. One M & M will not cause a problem. A pound of chocolate will cause a problem. Dark chocolate has twice the amount of toxic substance as milk chocolate. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, hyperexcitablity, and irregular heartbeat. If you suspect your pet has eaten chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately.

  • I'm seeing something in my pet's stool. Should I be concerned?

    Dogs and cats ingest many things they should not, such as string, clothing, and plastic toy parts. They can also pass parasites such as roundworms and tapeworms. When in doubt, place a sample in a plastic bag and bring it to the clinic for examination.

  • Why does my pet have blood in his stool?

    Animals often pass blood in their stool and it may be caused by parasites, inflammatory bowel disease, dietary indiscretion, bleeding disorders, or even just straining. If your pet is passing blood in its stool, it should be examined as soon as possible.

  • What can I use to prevent fleas?

    There are many great products available for flea prevention. Some products such as Feline Revolution and Canine Trifexis will prevent both fleas and heartworms. Advantage and Frontline are products that are applied topically to the skin, while Comfortis and Capstar are given by mouth.

  • Can dogs take aspirin?

    There are medical instances where aspirin is used in veterinary medicine, but it should never be used without approval by your veterinarian. Aspirin can be irritating to the stomach and cause prolonged bleeding times. No OTC anti-inflammatory drugs should be used without your vet's consent. Ibuprofen, Tylenol, and Naproxen can be toxic to both the liver and kidney, and therefore NEVER given.

  • Why do you require labwork before surgery?

    Labwork is done prior to surgery to help assure us that our surgical patients have no underlying problems prior to anesthesia. We want to be confident that kidney and liver values are normal, that there are no electrolyte imbalances, and that the patient is not anemic or does not have an abnormally elevated white blood cell count. If any problems are found, they can be addressed prior to surgery.

  • When do I need to worry if my pet's labor doesn't go well?

    In a dog or cat that has never had a litter, hard labor should not last more than 2-4 hours. A pet is in hard labor when having very hard abdominal contractions. In a pet that has had a previous litter, hard labor should not last more than 2 hours. Also, a dog or cat should not go more than 2 hours between puppies or kittens. If labor is prolonged, or time between puppies/kittens is prolonged, your pet needs to see the veterinarian!

Our Clinic

4041 Pontchartrain Dr,
Slidell, Louisiana 70458
Office: 985-643-9672
After Hours: 985-626-4862

Our Hours

Monday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 12:00pm
Sunday Closed
Our Clinic

4041 Pontchartrain Dr,
Slidell, Louisiana 70458
Office Phone: 985-643-9672
After Hours Phone: 985-626-4862

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