Can I give tylenol or aspirin to my dog?
Answer:It is not a good idea to give your pet any over the counter medications without first consulting your veterinarian. Some types of anti-inflammatories such a Tylenol (Acetominophen) and Advil (Ibuprofen) are toxic to dogs and cats. If you feel your pet needs an anti-inflammatory, your veterinarian can provide you with an alternative anti-inflammatory that is much safer and effective than aspirin.
Can dogs have allergies? My dog seems to scratch all the time.
Answer: Yes, our pets can have allergies just like we do. You should set up an appointment with the doctor to see if allergy medication or even allergy injections would help to alleviate his discomfort.
Are grapes bad for my dog?
Answer: Yes, it is known that grapes can be toxic to our pets when given on large amounts. We recommend not giving your pet any grapes.
Should I wait to spay my female dog until after she has her first heat cycle?
Answer: No, It is actually better to spay your female dog before her first heat cycle as this will greatly reduce the risk for developing mammary cancer. The best age to spay or neuter your dog is between 4 and 6 months of age.
What is Parvo?
Answer: Parvo is short for Parvovirus, which is a highly contagious virus that attacks the small intestines in puppies and/or unvaccinated dogs. The symptoms of Parvovirus will begin with lethargy and inappetance and then progress to vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Parvovirus is a life-threatening disease because the patient cannot absorb water or nutrients through their small intestine. Treatment can be very expensive but may be successful. Treatment involves fluid therapy, antibiotics and anti-emetics. Parvovirus is preventable by keeping your dog's vaccines up to date.
How long do dogs stay pregnant?
Answer: A dog's gestation period is 59 to 63 days maximum.
Is chocolate toxic to my dog?
Answer: Yes, The type of chocolate used in baking is the most toxic form but milk chocolate ingested in large enough quantities can be toxic as well. Even if your dog does not ingest the toxic amount of chocolate, they may still develop symptoms such as vomiting and/or diarrhea. If your dog ingests chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Does Alta Vista offer discount spay/neuter for my cat or dog?
Answer: We participate in the Maddies Fund Project and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control Voucher Program. Please visit the Charties and Donations on our website for more information.
Do you have payment plans?
Answer: We do offer CareCredit at our office. It works just like a credit card, but only can be used for Veterinary Services. This will allow you to make low monthly payments. Please visit
www.carecredit.com to apply online.
How long does a pet stay in the hospital after a spay or neuter?
Answer:Our hospital keeps spay and neutered pets a full day. We will have you drop the pet off the morning of surgery before 8:30am and typically they are ready to go home later that evening. We do this so that your pet may be observed at home after hours in case of problems.
