vet questions.... going today, need help!

[ellingtonsmama]

Hi! Ellington and Oliver are going to the vet, ellington for his 1 year shots, oliver for his 6 month shots. Anything I should ask them in particular?

If anyone knows these answers, I'd appreciate it!

· Do vets squeeze their little glands or do groomers do that?
· Do vets microchip? If not, where should they get that done?
· what about heartgard? they're outside so little time, and the smallest tablet is for dogs "under 25 lbs", so isn't that a lot of extra meds? Could I split it in two and feed it to them?

Thanks!!
:: nicole ::

[Ellie May]

Most dogs shouldn't need their anal glands expressed. You can learn to do it yourself or vets and groomers can do it. If it ain't broke (if your pup isn't having problems), don't fix it (don't start expressing them).

Your vet can microchipped but it is best done during spay/neuter under anesthesia.

Heartworm preventative is very important and the pill shouldn't be cut in half.

[Teiya]

I agree with the microchipping being done under anesthesia. They use a big needle to implant that and it can be painful. Teiya is getting hers inserted when she gets spayed and a dental cleaning next month.

I use Interceptor. While it's a little more expensive, Interceptor takes care of heartworms and most parasites in one does and it comes in a 2-10lbs formula. Revolution would be my next choice. I know it seems like a waste of money, but trust me, treat one dog for heartworms and you'll never forsake it again. When in Westie Rescue, I had several of our rescues go through treatment for HW. it's not pretty. The dogs are sick for at least 30 days and it dramatically shortens their lifespan. It only takes ONE mosquito.

[Dara311]

Originally Posted by ellingtonsmama

Hi! Ellington and Oliver are going to the vet, ellington for his 1 year shots, oliver for his 6 month shots. Anything I should ask them in particular?

If anyone knows these answers, I'd appreciate it!

· Do vets squeeze their little glands or do groomers do that?
· Do vets microchip? If not, where should they get that done?
· what about heartgard? they're outside so little time, and the smallest tablet is for dogs "under 25 lbs", so isn't that a lot of extra meds? Could I split it in two and feed it to them?

Thanks!!
:: nicole ::

Good LUck!

Usually dogs don't need to get their anal gland expressed, unless the dog cannot do it themselves, anals are usually expressed when a dog is nervous or frightening, scooting on their butts is usually an indication that this should be done. Groomers typically go from the outside and express them- which is not the right way of doing it, i would ask the vet to look to see if they need to be done.

Microchipping is done with the vet. Usually if your dog/cat gets spayed/neutered they will ask if you would like your dog chipped, it is always easier and a lot less painful to do this while the dog will already be under anethesia, since the needle they use is HUGE.

as far as heartguard goes, i am a firm believer in using heart worm medicine, they are carried by mosquitos, and although you are stating your dog is not outside a lot , mosquitos still come into your house, so i would make sure you leave them on it for life, year round.

you may want to bring in stool samples as well , just so they can look for any worms or other parasites.

[ellingtonsmama]

Thanks for these great suggestions!!

Does anyone know how much microchipping costs? Ellington's insurance policy covers only $20 of it, but is it really costly?

[MizMaRLeysMoM86]

Originally Posted by ellingtonsmama

Thanks for these great suggestions!!

Does anyone know how much microchipping costs? Ellington's insurance policy covers only $20 of it, but is it really costly?

It cost my yorkie 16 bucks to get chipped. I got it done with her 6 month shots and now i wish i would have waited until it was time to spay her. The needle they use is HUUUGE!! i wouldnt let a doctor come near me with that size. It looks so painful. She took it like a champ though. It took all i had to hold back my tears though when the vet did it. I felt horribly guilty for subjecting her to this pain but here where i live ( on a military base in japan ) its the pet policy. hope this helps if you havent gotten them chipped already