Preventing an infestation is safer and more economical than eliminating these pests. We offer a variety of flea and tick prevention products. We would be happy to discuss our products with you and make a recommendation that best suits the needs of your pet and family.
Microchipping
Cats and dogs can be permanently identified as a member of your family. A pet identification system is available through HomeAgain Microchipping. Our veterinarians can place this microchip in during any appointment.
Q:Heartworm and Lyme disease. Should I test my dog?
A:YES!! Lyme disease is currently on the rise in our area. Testing our canine companions for Heartworm, Lyme and Ehrlichiosis is now possible at a reasonable fee. This test is performed at our facility and results are acquired in less than ten minutes. Pet's that are diagnosed in the early stage of a disease process may begin treatment and have a greater chance of recovery or slowing the progression of the disease.
Q:Feline Leukemia and FIV? Should I test my cat?
A:YES!! Two diseases that are incurable and highly contagious to cats are feline leukemia and FIV. Any cat that has contact with an infected cat is at risk. Testing is recommended to prevent the spread of these diseases. Vaccinations are available to protect your cat after testing is performed. Please feel free to contact us for further information about these diseases and vaccinations.
Q:Should you do a yearly fecal on your pet?
A:YES!! Both cats and dogs are at risk for contracting intestinal parasites. The Doctors and Staff at Foxcroft Veterinary Services recommends testing pet stool samples at least once yearly.
Q:How soon can I have my pet Spayed or Neutered?
A:We recommend having your pet spayed or neutered between the ages of 5-6 months. Having you pet spayed or neutered at this age prevents health issues later in life, as well as unwanted pregnancies.
Q:What about vaccinations? When do I start the course? Are they really necessary?
A:Vaccinations are a vital part of healthcare for your puppy/kitten. Puppies and Kittens should start their series of vaccines at 8 weeks of age. They will continue to get one shot every 4 weeks for a series of 3. At the time they receive their 3rd vaccination they will also receive their 1st Rabies vaccination, which will be good for 1 year. This is the recommended vaccination schedule, however it is NEVER to late to start vaccinating your pet.
Distemper (DHLPP): (Canine)
Distemper is a highly contagious disease of dogs. It is a caused by a virus that is easily spread through the air and by contaminated objects, much like a cold virus spreads in people. The combination vaccine protects against canine distemper virus, canine hepatitis, canine leptospirosis, and canine parvovirus.
Rabies: (Canine and Feline)
Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus usually spread when an infected animal bites another animal or person. The State of Maine requires your dog to be vaccinated against rabies.
Kennel Cough (Canine)
Infectious tracheobronchitis or "kennel cough" as it is commonly called, is an infection of the upper respiratory system in canines, primarily caused by the bacteria, Bordetella. While it is not considered dangerous, it is highly infectious and causes a hacking cough for 14 days.
Lyme Disease (Canine)
Dogs can now be safely vaccinated against Lyme disease. PLEASE NOTE: An initial 2-part vaccination is done 3-4 weeks apart.
Distemper (FVRCP) (Feline)
Distemper is a highly contagious disease of cats. It is a caused by a virus that is spread through direct contact with an infected cat or its body secretions, especially feces. The combination vaccine protects against feline panleukopenia (distemper) virus and upper respiratory viruses, herpesvirus and calicivirus.
Leukemia (FELV):
Feline leukemia virus is one of the most common and destructive of all cat viruses. It is highly contagious and is spread primarily by saliva during catfights, grooming or mating, but can also be spread by blood, urine and feces. A simple blood test can be performed to detect the disease at 8 weeks of age.
Q:Can I do a pregnancy test on my dog?
A:Yes. You are able to do a blood pregnancy test on you dog on the 25th day post breeding. This test can be performed in the office with results returned to you in less than 10 minutes.
Q:When will my dog come into heat for the first time?
A:Canine heats vary. They range any where from 6 months to 1-1/2 years of age on average. This is why your vet recommends having your dog spayed around 6 months of age.
Q:How long will my dog be in heat?
A:The average canine heat last approximately 30 days. Normally your dog will be in a bleeding heat for 14 days followed by a "silent" heat for another 14 days. Your dog cannot be bred during the bleeding heat. During the silent heat she will usually show signs to the male dog, such as "flagging" her tail (holding tail up and off to one side) which means she is ready to be bred