Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay with a credit card?

Yes. We accept Cash, Check, Mastercard, Visa & Care Credit with zero or low interest options.

Can my cat get Heartworm Disease?

Yes. Dogs and cats of any age or breed are susceptible to infection. Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms living in the arteries of the lungs and occasionally in the right side of the heart of dogs, cats and other species of mammals, including wolves, foxes, ferrets, sea lions and (in rare instances) humans. At this time there is no approved treatment for Heartworm disease in cats. There are excellent approved Heartworm preventatives for cats.

Should my pet stay on heartworm preventative year-round?

The CAPC(Companion Animal Parasite Counsel) recommends year-round treatment with broad-spectrum heartworm preventatives that have activity against other parasites with zoonotic potential for several reasons:

• Although experts agree heartworm transmission does not occur year-round in all areas, a significant portion of the United States experiences transmission during most of the year.
• Presence of mosquitoes and their ability to transmit heartworm is unpredictable.
• Year-round prevention may improve compliance (currently less than 50 percent) and eliminate the need to predict potential transmission seasons and minimize chance for breaks in protection.
• Pets may travel to regions where transmission is active.
• Dogs and cats may be exposed to and become infected with roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and other parasites throughout the year. Consequently, stages capable of transmitting parasites can be shed into the environment, regardless of season or climate.
• Adult dogs and cats may develop patent infections leading to environmental contamination.

Why does my dog need to be Heartworm tested every year?

Nothing in life is 100% guaranteed. As lack of effectiveness has been reported for all macrocyclic lactones, annual retesting is an integral part of ensuring that prophylaxis is achieved and maintained. For full recommendations from the American Heartworm Society visit www.heartwormsociety.org.

Does my indoor cat need to be vaccinated?

Yes. Many infections are airborne or transmitted by fomites. That means even if your cat doesn't go outside, we do. Sometimes humans and other pets can carry germs inside from outside. Rabies virus strains in Michigan are primarily bat strain. It is more likely for an indoor cat to catch a bat that got into the house than an outdoor cat due to the sonar ability of the bat.

Do I have to give up my cat if I'm pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant?

No. You should follow these helpful tips to reduce your risk of environmental exposure to Toxoplasma.

• Avoid changing cat litter if possible. If no one else can perform the task, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards.
• Change the litter box daily. The Toxoplasma parasite does not become infectious until 1 to 5 days after it is shed in a cat's feces.
• Feed your cat commercial dry or canned food, not raw or undercooked meats.
• Keep cats indoors.
• Avoid stray cats, especially kittens. Do not get a new cat while you are pregnant.
• Keep outdoor sandboxes covered.
• Wear gloves when gardening and during contact with soil or sand because it might be contaminated with cat feces that contain Toxoplasma. Wash hands thoroughly after gardening or contact with soil or sand.

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