Frequently Asked Questions:
Although this list is not all inclusive, it can give you some great answers to some great questions. If your pet is experiencing a medical issue or an emergency, please contact My Family Vet as soon as possible.
1. Do I need to make an appointment to bring my pet in to see the doctor?
2.When is my cat or dog ready for his vaccines and surgery?
3.Why does my pet need an annual exam if he isn’t due for any vaccines?
4.What to do if I have lost my pet?
5. What to do if I have found a pet?
6.Why is it important to keep my pet on heartworm prevention? What products does My Family Vet offer?
7. What are the advantages of flea prevention? What products does My Family Vet offer?
8.When will my dog’s heat cycle begin and how long will it last?
9. My dog is pregnant, what do I need to be prepared?
10. What human foods are dangerous to my pet?
11. What plants are poisonous to my furry family member?
12.What pet foods are available at the clinic to purchase?
13. What is Leptospirosis and should I vaccinate my dog for it?
14. What is Bordetella (Kennel Cough) and should my dog be vaccinated?
15.Can my pet's medications be mailed to my house?
16. What do I do when I think it's time to let my friend go?
17. What are my payment options?Do you accept payment plans?
1. Do I need to make an appointment to bring my pet in to see the doctor?
Appointments are greatly encouraged to prevent long wait times and ensure your pet is seen by the doctor of your choice. To schedule an appointment give one of our friendly receptionists a call, let them know how we can help your pet and what date and time is best for you. We understand that sometimes emergencies happen. In the event of an emergency please try to call in advance so that we may prepare our doctors and technicians for your arrival.
(top)
2. When is my cat or dog ready for his vaccines and surgery?
It is best to start booster vaccines at approximately eight weeks old. Both puppies and kittens need to have at least three booster shots to help prevent harmful diseases. We recommend bringing your new friend in for an exam to meet the doctors as soon as possible. This helps to establish a doctor patient relationship and we are able to set up an individualized vaccine protocol. As a general rule we recommend an ovariohysterectomy or castration between four to six months of age.
(top)
3. Why does my pet need an annual exam if he isn’t due for any vaccines?
While research is showing that the need for annual and bi-annual vaccines may be unnecessary in some circumstances, an annual exam gives us an opportunity to assess the heart, lungs, eyes, ears, nose, joints and any other concerns that may have presented themselves in last year. In dog years, it’s an exam every SEVEN years! To ensure that your pet can receive monthly heartworm and flea prevention along with other medications, it is required by law to have one yearly exam to keep our patient/doctor relationship.
(top)
4. What to do if I have lost my pet?
Hanging up signs with a picture and contact information and placing these signs EVERYWHERE is a very good place to start. A "Reward" placed on the sign may get him/her home sooner. Signs should be placed in the subdivision, at convenience stores, grooming facilities and veterinary clinics. Try looking at local shelters or the following websites to look for them: County Pets, Pet Harbor and Pet Finder. Microchipping is a great way to reunite you and your lost pet!
(top)
5. What to do if I have found a pet?
Is he wearing a collar and tags? If so, contact the phone numbers on these tags. If he does not have tags, run him by the vet’s office or local shelter to scan for a microchip. Posting signs in your neighborhood, grocery stores, and veterinary clinics is one of the best ways of helping him find his way home. If you are unable to keep him, try contacting a rescue group who may be able to help find him a foster home.
(top)
6. Why is it important to keep my pet on heartworm prevention? What products does My Family Vet offer?
Heartworms are transmitted through mosquitos. We all know that here in Houston we have an abundance of mosquitos year round. Unfortunately if your pet is not on heartworm prevention it is only a matter of time before they become heartworm positive. Heartworm treatment can be hard on your pet and your pocket book. Monthly heartworm prevention is the easiest and safest way to keep your pet happy and healthy. We offer Trifexis, Iverhart Plus, Heartgard Plus, Interceptor, Revolution Feline (yes cats get heartworms), and Advantage Multi.
(top)
7. What are the advantages of flea prevention? What products does My Family Vet offer?
First and foremost fleas are a nuisance, but they can also cause allergies and even tapeworms in your pet. Some animals are extremely sensitive and have a condition called Flea Hypersensitivity which can lead to costly skin issues. We carry many brands of flea and tick prevention to suit your pet needs: Comfortis, Advantage, Advantage Multi, Revolution Feline.
(top)
8. When will my dog’s heat cycle begin and how long will it last?
Generally, a dog will have her first heat cycle between 6 to 8 months and it normally lasts between 2-4 weeks. Dogs can have up to two heat cycles a year.
(top)
9. My dog is pregnant, what do I need to be prepared?
Supplies: Digital Thermometer, KY Jelly, Wash Cloths – Warmed in the dryer, 3' Plastic Pool
Instructions:
The gestation period is approximately 64 to 68 days. Use lots of towels for her bedding in the puppy pool and begin getting her used to resting / sleeping there now. On the sixtieth day, begin taking her temperature 2 times a day. 101 degrees is normal. Labor generally starts when her temperature reaches 98 degrees. This is the best time to contact your veterinary office. The first puppy should be born between 2 to 6 hours of contractions. The following puppies should be delivered every 30 minutes to an hour after that. If it has been longer than one hour since the initial puppy please contact your veterinary office. There could be complications that are best handled by a veterinarian. To read further information on birthing puppies visit Veterinary Partners website.
(top)
10. What human foods are dangerous to my pet?
As a general rule it is best not to give your pets any human food. However; if your pet consumes any of the following items, please call your veterinarian immediately : Chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts and/or chewing gum.
(top)
11. What plants are poisonous to my furry family members?
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals website has a comprehensive, alphabetical list.
(top)
12. What pet foods are available at the clinic to purchase?
We carry prescription diets as well as grain free diets for both dogs and cats. Hill’s, Purina, and Royal Canin provide us with many different prescription level diets to meet your pets specific health needs. These foods are considered a part of medical treatment and do require a prescription.
(top)
13. What is Leptospirosis and should I vaccinate my dog for it?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects animals and humans. It is most commonly found in tropical or temperate climates, but due to the heat and high humidity levels, lepto is found in our area occasionally. Our pets can be exposed to lepto by contact with contaminated urine from rodents. This disease is rare in cats, although it can affect all mammals. Symptoms may include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, lack of appetite, diarrhea, renal failure and possibly death. If your dog's environment includes raccoons, opossums, squirrels and other wildlife, it is highly recommended to vaccinate.
(top)
14. What is Bordetella (Kennel Cough) and should my dog be vaccinated?
Kennel cough is a very contagious infection in dogs characterized by a harsh, hacking cough. A dog with kennel cough typically feels active and maintains a normal appetite despite frequent fits of coughing. The cough typically sounds like a deep hack and often is described as "something stuck in the throat". This infection is easily treated by the veterinarian. We recommend all dogs get the Bordetella vaccination if exposed to a kennel, grooming facility, doggy day care, dog parks or visits to the animal hospital. There are two ways to vaccinate for this infection, an injection or intranasal vaccine.
(top)
15.Can my pet's medication be mailed to my house?
Yes, we do mail out medications. There is a mailing service fee of $4. There must be a payment over the phone before we can mail anything out to your house.
(top)
16. What do I do when I think it's time to let my friend go?
We understand that this is a very difficult time. If you feel you need help making this decision we offer quality of life exams. To ensure a more comfortable experience, it is best to call in advance to request your doctor of choice. You can choose to have your pet's ashes returned to you in an urn, scattered over dedicated grounds or take home for burial.
(top)
17. What are my payment options? Do you accept payment plans?
Payment is due at the time services are rendered. We accept cash, checks, VISA, MC, Discover and Care Credit. We do offer payment plans through an outside financial service. If you'd like more information please visit their website CareCredit.com.
(top)