Frequently Asked Questions

Kipling Veterinary Hospital and Wellness Center recommends that all cats be current on the core vaccines, which are Rabies and the Distemper/Upper Respiratory combination (FVRCP). The Rabies vaccine is needed for the safety of your cat, as well as all the people and animals that your cat encounters. This is because Rabies is still fatal once signs are noted, and the virus is spread in the saliva of infected animals. The Distemper/Upper Respiratory combination vaccine protects your cat from feline Distemper virus (Panleukopenia), Herpesvirus (Rhinotracheitis), and Calicivirus infections. Many cats are exposed to the Herpes virus as kittens, resulting in sneezing and eye discharge. Just like people with Herpes virus infections, this virus stays within your cat's body for life, waiting for stress or a weakening of the immune system to attack again. This vaccine keeps the antibody levels high, preventing many cases of re-infection and lessening the severity of those breakthrough infections.

For outdoor cats, we also highly recommend the Leukemia virus vaccine. This disease is spread in the saliva and nasal secretions of affected cats. It acts very similar to AIDS in the human world by suppressing the immune system and allowing cancers and other illnesses to surface and take their toll on the body. This is where the virus got its name. Many cats die from the virus and the secondary infections/cancers within months to years of contracting it. All cats should be tested for the disease and then either kept from meeting other cats by being kept indoors or kept vaccinated to reduce the risk of contracting this virus.

The start time and duration of the transition from baby teeth to adult teeth varies with each individual pet. The loss of baby teeth usually starts about 3-4 months of age and ends about 6-8 months of age. You may find baby teeth in the carpet, stuck in toys, or in your pet's fur. Most often, the lost teeth are swallowed and are never found.

Pets that do not lose their baby teeth have a condition called retained deciduous teeth. Retained teeth should be removed, usually at the time of spaying or neutering, to prevent other problems from developing. Removal of these teeth allows the adult teeth to grow properly and prevents breakage or infection of the more fragile baby teeth.

Anal sacs are located just inside the anus of dogs and cats. They secrete a malodorous substance that is thought to be a means of territorial marking or communication between dogs and cats. Animals may drag their bottom or "scoot" on the floor, lick or sometimes leak if these sacs become too full. Anal sacs may become impacted or infected if not emptied properly. It depends on each individual pet how often the sacs need to be emptied. Overweight animals or animals with softer stools seem to experience more anal sac issues. Keeping your pet at an optimal weight will help. Some pets are helped by adding fiber to the diet to help bulk up the stools.

This could be an age-related issue or something requiring medical attention. Urinary tract infections can irritate the bladder and cause leaking, as can crystals in the urine or stones in the bladder. Diseases such as diabetes or kidney problems can lead to increased thirst and urination, causing leaking urine. As some dogs age, urinary muscles and sphincters aren't as toned as they once were, and urine can leak out, causing age-related incontinence. Some incontinence is related to hormonal influences. It is necessary to make an appointment with us for a physical examination, urinalysis, bloodwork, and abdominal x-ray to make sure there aren't other disease issues going on. Medications are available to help strengthen the muscles for better urinary control if the dog has urinary incontinence.

There are many disease processes that can lead to frequent urination. First and foremost, your cat should be examined by one of our veterinarians as soon as possible. The second thing that should be determined is if your cat is urinating large amounts frequently (total urine than normal) or small amounts frequently (same total amount of urine as normal). Also, has the amount of water consumed changed? The most common diseases that cause increased water consumption and frequent, larger urinations include diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney failure, and sometimes hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid). These vary greatly from the causes of urinating in small amounts frequently, such as a urinary tract infection, bladder stones or crystals, cancer of the lower urinary tract, or idiopathic (unexplained) inflammation of the bladder. An examination, urine sample, bloodwork, and an abdominal x-ray can provide an answer in nearly all of these cases. Great strides have been made in the last 20 years in the treatment of all of these conditions, but a diagnosis must be made first.

Reverse sneezing is a fairly common respiratory event seen in dogs. It is caused by a spasm of the soft palate and laryngeal area. The dog inhales air rapidly and forcefully instead of expelling air, as with a sneeze. During a reverse sneeze, which lasts a few seconds to a minute or two, the dog stands with its head and neck extended. When the episode is over, the dog resumes normal behavior. Reverse sneezing is caused by irritation to the throat, pharynx, or laryngeal area. This can be from excitement, pulling on the leash, inhalant irritants (pollen, strong odors), respiratory infections, postnasal drip, nasal mites, foreign body, or sudden changes in temperature. Reverse sneezes are usually self-limiting and are not treated with medication. Prolonged bouts, bloody or yellow nasal discharge, or other respiratory problems require a visit to us as soon as possible.

Dogs lick their paws for a variety of issues. It could be a medical or behavioral problem. Some causes include local irritants, inflammation/infection from bacteria, fungus, or parasites, or foreign bodies. Licking can also be caused by inhalant allergies causing general itchiness, arthritis, or other painful "interior" conditions. Any growths, cysts, or abscesses can cause discomfort and licking. Foot licking can be a habit behavior as well, seen when the dog is relaxed, stressed, or bored. It is necessary to bring them in for an examination to determine what is going on, and treatment to stop this behavior is aimed at the underlying cause.

How often a dog needs a bath depends on the breed, environment, coat, and existing skin issues. Outdoor dogs need baths more often than indoor dogs. A shorthair dog may require fewer baths than a dog with longer hair that traps dirt and debris. If your dog has dry or flaky skin after a bath, decrease the frequency or try cooler water. If you notice any skin issues, bring your dog in to see us as soon as possible.

As a rule of thumb:
• Double or undercoat -bathe once every 4-8 weeks
• Silky long coats-bathe once every 3-6 weeks
• Non-shedding curly coats-bathe once every 6-8 weeks
• Smooth coat-bathe every eight weeks or when it gets dirty
• Wiry/coarse coats-bathe every 4-6 weeks