Frequently asked questions.

At Purrfect Pets we like to spay females before their first heat, which occurs between 6 and 9 months old. We regularly schedule spay and neuter appointments shortly after the series of vaccinations is completed. If your pet is older, an examination to determine their health status should be performed and your vet can advise you when is an appropriate time to spay or neuter.

Puppies should begin their series of vaccines ideally between the ages of 6 and 8 weeks old. Vaccines are only given to healthy puppies.

Heartworm prevention should start as early as 8 weeks old. It should be given once a month, every 30 days, for the lifetime of the pet. Watch your pet closely to make sure they eat the full pill in front of you. Heartworms, which can be fatal, are transmitted by mosquito, so protecting your pet every month is extremely important.

No. It might seem economical to buy a larger size of Heartgard and split it between two smaller dogs, but it is not advisable and should never be considered an alternative. Heartworm tablets are not scored, which means the medication is not evenly distributed throughout the pill. Splitting it can have serious consequences and can result in an animal becoming positive for heartworms because they are not receiving the proper dose. Always administer the preventative as instructed for your pet's weight range.

At minimum, with no outward problems, your dog should see the vet at least once a year. That visit should include a comprehensive physical examination, vaccination boosters, deworming and heartworm testing. The older your dog gets, the more complex their visits may become, and some pets develop chronic age related issues that need managing throughout the year. The earlier these problems are detected, the better they can be managed long term.

Poor appetite and vomiting in a puppy should be taken very seriously. There are many possible causes including worms, parvo virus and obstructions, and a veterinary visit is the first step in figuring out what is wrong. Call or visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. Trying to medicate a sick animal at home without veterinary advice may delay the care they need and lead to a bad outcome.

No. This is a myth that has circulated for as long as we can remember. After canned food a dog's stool may change from firm to soft or watery, and soft stools are often associated with worms, but the food is not giving them worms. Pet foods undergo rigorous testing before they reach the market. If your pet develops loose stools after a diet change, or with no cause you can think of, seek veterinary advice.

Puppies typically eat puppy food until they are between 1 year and 18 months old. Even though they are growing, they are not considered fully grown until 18 months, and proper nutrition during this phase is important for proper development.

Absolutely. The earlier you introduce your pup to the idea, the better, but only veterinary or pet approved toothbrushes and toothpastes should be used. Do not be fooled into thinking it will be an easy task. Not all dogs accept having their teeth brushed, and that is where your veterinary team comes in. We perform dental cleanings twice a year to maintain proper oral health.

Yes, but your dog should be fully vaccinated first. Bring adequate fresh water, keep them on a leash, and never let them roam off leash. Do not let them drink the sea water, and if they keep trying, move them away from the water and encourage fresh water instead. Sand and beach can be extremely hot and dogs do not have sweat glands like humans, so they need shade to avoid heat stroke. Make sure your pet wears a collar with a name tag and is dewormed regularly. When you get home, wash the salt and sand out of the coat to prevent dryness and irritation.

Yes. Simply call the clinic and make a request.

The most common are onions, grapes, chocolate and macadamia nuts. Other foods are toxic as well, so call us if you are unsure about something your dog has eaten.