FAQ

Goose Creek Veterinary Clinic
501 Red Bank Road
Goose Creek, SC 29445

Frequently Asked Questions

Canines
Why should my dog be vaccinated?
Which vaccines are needed for my dog?
Puppy Vaccination Schedule?
Rabies
Distemper
Parvo
Lyme Disease
Leptospirosis
Corona
Kennel Cough
What are Intestinal Parasites?
Roundworms
Hookworms
Should I give my dog a parasite preventive year-round?
What sort of poisons should I worry about around the house?
What sort of diseases do I have to worry about?
How much should we be feeding our dog?
How do I know if my Dog is overweight?
What is normal or abnormal for my dogs pregnancy?
Should I Brush my dog's teeth?
Why should I neuter/spay my dog or should I breed my dog?

Felines
When should my cat be vaccinated?
Why should indoor cats be given heartworm preventative?
What do I have to worry about that may effect my cat around the house?
What sort of diseases do I have to worry about?

Exotics
Why is my reptile's diet so important?
What sort of cage should I use?
What about temperature and humidity?
Guinea Pig Handout
fleas
Ferrets Handout

Canines:

Why should my dog be vaccinated?

In a young dog, a series of vaccinations are given early in life to help develop the immune system. Immunity is a defense mechanism that helps your pet resist diseases and the harmful consequences of infections. Without vaccinations your pet may be susceptible to infectious diseases.

Which vaccines are needed for my dog?

Depending on where you live some infections may be less likely. The Doctors here at Goose Creek Veterinary Clinic will be glad to help assess the risks and advise you accordingly. The range of vaccines available are: Rabies, DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvo), Leptospirosis, Coronavirus, Lyme Disease, and Bordetella (Kennel Cough). "Core" vaccines are recommended for all puppies and dogs by the American Animal Hospital Association. Rabies is REQUIRED by South Carolina state law to be given yearly. "Non-Core" Vaccines are recommended for puppies and dogs in special circumstances. These consist of Lymes, Corona, Bordetella and in some instances, Leptospirosis. These vaccines are not as common but depending on the risk of exposure may be recommended.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

6-9 weeks old- 1st DHPP

10-13 weeks old- 2nd DHPP and Rabies (if 12 weeks)

14-16 weeks old- 3rd DHPP and Rabies (if not given at last visit)

The booster shots for DHPP must be given 3 weeks apart not to exceed 4 weeks. If late you must start the vaccine schedule over to ensure proper immunity. We also advise to continue giving the DHPP yearly as an adult to keep immunity.

Rabies

Rabies is a fatal neurological disease that is transmitted thru the saliva. We offer a 1 year and a 3 year Rabies. You must have a 1 year Rabies before you can receive a 3 year. Puppies must be 12 weeks of age to receive the vaccine.

Distemper

This virus is closely related to the human measles virus. It can be passed from dog to dog by coughing. It first attacks the respiratory system, it then moves onto the GI tract. From there it moves onto the nervous system where the neurological phase begins. Once its reached the neurological phase mortatality rate is very high. There is no cure but symptoms can be treated. Some symptoms may be but aren't limited too, coughing, runny nose, and poor appetite. Canine distemper is not transmittable to people.

Parvo

The parvovirus invades the intestinal wall and causes inflammation in mainly puppies. It can be contracted by the feces of an infected dog. The virus begins to shed just before clinical signs develop. Unlike other viruses parvo is stable in the environment and is resistant to heat, detergents, alcohol, and many disinfectants. Parvo has been detected on surfaces contaminated after three months at room temperature. Some clinical signs of parvo are vomiting, foul smelling diarrhea, and listlessness. Parvo is not transmissible to people or cats.

Lyme Disease

If your pet lives or plays around woods you may be interested in getting the Lyme vaccine. Lyme Disease is transmitted by Deer Ticks. Canine Lyme disease can go undetected for a long time. It's not a very serious disease but shouldn't be overlooked. A major symptom of Lyme disease is joint pain, but would need to be confirmed by a blood test. People may be infected by Lyme disease but they would need to be infected by a tick. Never use your bare hands to remove a tick from your pet. You can also contract the disease by touching an infected tick.

Leptospirosis

Lepto is a bacteria that attacks the kidneys resulting in kidney damage or failure. Dogs become infected when abraded skin comes in contact with urine or ingestion of urine of an infected host. The organism travels through the bloodstream and settles in the kidneys to reproduce. Other organ failure can be seen as well. If caught early Lepto can be treated with heavy antibiotics but can be life-threatening. Some symptoms are jaundice, excessive drinking, and fever. This bacteria can be transmitted to people through the same urine contamination. You should always use gloves or paper towels when cleaning up urine or feces. Always wash your hands afterwards.

Corona

Coronavirus is an intestinal infection in dogs that is usually short-lived. It can cause considerable abdominal discomfort for a few days. Dogs may become infected with the virus by ingesting contaminated food or by direct contact with an infected dog. If boarding your pet most kennels will require the corona vaccine because it's more common in crowded conditions. There is no treatment for this but secondary bacteria infections can be contained with antibiotics. Corona can not be transmitted to people.

Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is a respiratory disease characterized by a harsh, hacking cough. Many dogs left in crowded conditions, shelters or boarding facilities, are more prone to Kennel cough. If you plan to be boarding make sure to get the Intra-trac. Kennel Cough can be treated and is not generally transmissible to people.

What are Intestinal Parasites?

There are several different types of intestinal parasites. Parasites are rarely life-threatening, but in some cases small puppies may become very ill. In some cases parasites can be found in the stool and vomit, other times we locate eggs in the feces during a physical exam. Parasites can be treated with a quality dewormer and a monthly prevention. Some parasites can be transmitted to people with contact of contaminated feces.

Roundworms

These parasites live freely in the intestines feeding off of partially digested intestinal contents. These worms are more harmful to puppies because they can cause growth reduction. Roundworms cause a "pot-belly" appearance in puppies as well as recurrent diarrhea. You may see roundworms in stool or in vomit. They are long tubular shaped and can be transmitted to people.

Hookworms

Hookworms are found attached to the intestinal wall. They ingest large amounts of blood and can cause anemia. Adult Hookworms can not be transmitted to people but larvae can burrow into the skin and cause itching. As few as a hundred roundworms can kill a young puppy.

Should I give my dog a parasite preventive year-round?

Yes. GC Vet Clinic will work with you to decide the best preventative that is most effective against the threats to which pets in your areas are most likely to be exposed. These may include seasonal threats, such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, as well as roundworms and hookworms, which can infect your dog at any time.

What sort of poisons should I worry about around the house?

Many common plants and household items can be poisonous to dogs. Signs of ingestion will vary depending upon the type and amount of toxin ingested, but may include nausea, vomiting, increased salvation and ulcers in the mouth. Be aware of these potential hazards to your dog's health:

Antifreeze (as much as a teaspoon can kill your dog!)
Pest bait
Daffodil
Iris
Poinsettia
Tropical seed pods and berries (common in dried arrangements)

What sort of diseases do I have to worry about?

There are many infectious diseases that your dog can contract. Some of which are:

Canine parvovirus
Canine coronavirus
Canine distemper
Hepatitis (CAV-1)
Canine parainfluenza
Bordetella bronchiseptica
Leptospirosis
Lyme disease
Internal parasites (such as heartworms, hookworms whipworms and roundworms)

How much should we be feeding our dog?

You can Follow the manufactures directions on the bag but be cognizant of your pets metabolism which will change with age. As a general rule if food is being left or pet is overweight you need to reduce the amount of food.

How do I know if my Dog is overweight?

Depending on the breed of dog, you should be able to see the last two ribs.

What is normal or abnormal for my dogs pregnancy?

Should I Brush my dog's teeth?

Felines:

When should my cat be vaccinated?

In a young cat, a series of vaccinations is given early in life to help develop the immune system against disease. Mature cats require regular vaccinations for a number of diseases. GC Vet Clinic will work with you to assess your cat's risk factors and recommend a vaccination plan.

Why should indoor cats be given heartworm preventative?

Like dogs, cats are susceptible to heartworm disease. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, which can get inside a house to feed on pets. Even indoor cats should be protected from risk.

What do I have to worry about around the house?

There are many common plants and household items that can be dangerous to cats. Signs of ingestion of poison will vary depending upon the type and amount of toxin ingested, but may include nausea, vomiting, increased salivation and ulcers in the mouth. Be aware of these potential hazards to your cat's health:

Acetaminophen
Permethrin
Antifreeze
Pest baits
Daffodil
Iris
Poinsettia
Tropical seed pods and berries (common in dried arrangements)

What sort of diseases do I have to worry about?

There are many infectious diseases that your cat can contract. Some of which are:

Rabies
Feline panleukopenia
Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR)
Feline calicivirus
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
Chlamydia psittaci (pneumonitis)
Internal parasites (such as heartworms and hookworms)
External parasites (such as fleas and ticks)

Exotics:

Reptiles and other exotic pets require special attention including their diet and overall environment.

Why is my reptile's diet so important?

Reptiles that are fed an improper diet can become immunosuppressed and develop secondary bacterial or fungal infections. Metabolic bone disease is the most common nutritionally related disorder of reptiles.

What sort of cage should I use?

Cage design should minimize environmental stress. Cages that are too small make it difficult for reptiles to exercise; lack of exercise may lead conditions such as constipation and dystocia, especially in snakes. Cages should provide hiding places and branches for reptiles. Consult with GC Vet Clinic to determine the best habitat for your pet.

What about temperature and humidity?

Reptiles are exothermic, and each species has an optimum temperature range that should be maintained for the animal to remain in a normal physiologic state. Many pet reptiles remain healthy with daytime temperatures between 79-89 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures between 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit. Overall, relative humidity between 50%-60% is normally adequate for most reptiles. Contact GC Vet Clinic to discuss your individual pet's needs.

Home Contact Us FAQ Services