Puppies and kittens require need a series of 3 vaccines. They need their first one at 6-8 weeks old. They need a booster 3-4 weeks later when they are 10-12 weeks old. They need their last booster 3-4 weeks later when they are 14-16 weeks old, and they also get their rabies vaccine at that time. After they had their puppy vaccines, they get their vaccines annually. Both puppies and kittens that are not 14 to 16 weeks should not receive their rabies vaccine.
Routine & Emergency Veterinary Care for Dogs, Cats, Farm Animals, Horses & More
When does my cat or dog need their vaccinations?
What is the difference between spaying and neutering?
Spaying is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterine horns in a female dog or cat. It prevents heat cycles and pregnancy, and it also eliminates the risk of uterine infections and tumors while significantly reducing the risk of mammary cancer.
Neutering is the surgical removal of both testicles in a male dog or cat. In addition to preventing unwanted litters, neutering helps prevent or improve prostate enlargement, reduces the risk of perianal hernias, and can help reduce certain behavioural concerns such as roaming.
When should I get my cat or dog spayed or neutered?
Cats should generally be spayed or neutered at around 6 months of age, before they start spraying or have accidental litters.
For dogs, the ideal timing can vary depending on breed, size, and overall health, but 6 months or later. We recommend discussing the best age for your pet with your veterinarian during your dog’s vaccine visits, so you clearly understand the risks and benefits for your individual pet.
Do you perform vasectomies?
No, we remove both testicles. Neutering a dog decreases many unwanted behaviours of a male dog. Examples of these behaviours are A – Aggression B – Marking Territory with strong urine. C – Mating – A male dog can sniff out a female dog in heat for miles away. This can cause your dog to be want to leave your yard and run at large, which could cause him to be hit by a car or stolen. Yes an intact male can jump a six foot fence.
When should we deworm our pets?
We recommend year-round monthly deworming. During your visit, our veterinary team will help identify which parasites your pet is most at risk for and create a prevention plan tailored to your pet’s lifestyle.
My puppy seems to have a double row of teeth. Is this normal?
Puppies have baby teeth and adult teeth, just like humans. Puppies start teething at about 3 1/2 months and they finish teething at 6 months. Sometimes when the adult teeth come in, the baby teeth don’t fall out. This is very common in small breed dogs. We do recommend removing the baby teeth, usually at the same time the dog is spayed or neutered. If you don’t remove the baby teeth, there is a chance that the dog could loose both teeth to dental disease because of food material getting wedged between the two. If you aren’t sure if your puppy has retained baby teeth, we can certainly take a look for you!
Can I pick up prescription medications, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and vaccines for my large animals at the clinic?
Yes, but only if you have a valid Veterinarian-Client-Patient-Relationship (VCPR) with the Montague Veterinary Clinic. In December 2018, Health Canada issued new regulations regarding the prescription and dispensing of medication for use in animals. These regulations led to antibiotics being removed from feed stores and the requirement of a valid Veterinary-Client-Patient-Relationship (VCPR) for the purchase of prescription medications. To have a valid VCPR, a veterinarian must be familiar with you and your animals through regular farm visits or examination of your animal. Alternatively, MVC and SVC can dispense medications with a written prescription from another veterinarian.
When does my puppy switch to adult food?
Puppies should remain on puppy food until they reach maturity, which varies based on their expected adult size:
• Toy & small breeds (<20 lbs adult weight): mature at 9–10 months
• Medium breeds (21–50 lbs): mature around 12 months
• Large & giant breeds (>50 lbs): mature at 18–24 months
Once your puppy reaches maturity, you can transition them to an adult diet. If you’re unsure when your puppy is considered mature, please speak with our veterinary team—we’re happy to guide you. You can also watch for signs such as consistently leaving food in the bowl, which may indicate they need fewer calories rather than a different diet. In those cases, try reducing the portion slightly while ensuring they maintain a healthy body condition.
When is my pet considered a senior?
Both cats and dogs are considered senior when they turn 7 years old. At this point in your pets life, their dietary needs change, and they should be fed a senior diet. Their health requirements may also change. Remember that for every year that passes for us, it’s equivalent to 5-10 years for our pets. If you were 70 years old, it probably wouldn’t be wise to wait until you were 80 years old, before you saw your family doctor again! Blood work, teeth cleanings and more frequent exams may be necessary, so it’s important to talk to you veterinarian about what you can do for your pet so they can live a long happy life!
How often should my pet be groomed?
The average is every 6-8 weeks.
Why is my dog scooting their bum on the floor?
A common misconception is that a dog has worms when they scoot their bum on the floor. What is really happening is that the dogs anal glands are full and they are irritating the dog. Anal glands are scent glands that are on the dogs bum. What happens is that when your dog poops, those glands express a little bit and leave a scent marker for other dogs. Most people say that the smell is a skunky/fishy smell. If your dog is doing this behaviour, just give us a call and book an appointment with one of our doctors, and they will be able to express those glands for your pet.
Why does my dog eat its poop?
A lot of people think that dogs eat their poop if they aren’t getting enough nutrition from their food. This isn’t true. It is now believed that eating poop is a bad habit, and that it isn’t related to diet. There are numerous products on the market that will make their poop taste “bad.” These products are great and work well, but only while you give it to your dog. If they decide to take another taste after you’re done treating them, it will taste “good” again and then you will have to treat them again. The easiest fix for this problem is to clean up after your dog right away.
Does my pet need to have their teeth brushed?
Ideally, pets should have their teeth brushed once every 24 hours. If your dog won’t tolerate brushing, there are excellent dental diets, chews, and supplements available. Even with consistent home care, most pets will still need routine dental assessments and professional cleanings under general anesthesia—just as we rely on regular dental visits ourselves.
