FAQs

Can I give my pets chocolate?

NO!! Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine which can cause excitement, tremors, seizures and cardiac arrhythmias. If your pet ingests any amount of chocolate, please call our clinic immediately.

Do I need to get my dog heartworm blood tested every year?

It is important to get your dog a heartworm blood test at least once a year. In accordance with FDA recommendations, our doctors highly recommend yearly blood tests even if your pet is on the preventative medicine year round. If the preventative was missed for one or two months, it is possible that your dog became infected with heartworms, therefore the blood test is imperative. Ask us for more information.

How can I tell if my pet is in pain?

Animals do not necessarily show pain the way humans do. Any behavioral abnormality can cause pain. Some signs would be depression, limping, lethargy, no appetite, aggressive behavior and inappropriate vocalization. Please come see us when you see these signs. Pain can actually further debilitate an already injured or sick pet. Arthritis is a common cause of pain, especially in the older pet. Once discomfort and pain are controlled, pets generally become much more active and are able to play and enjoy their environment again.

My pet is going to have surgery. Will there be pain afterwards?

Your pet may experience some discomfort after surgery, depending on type of surgery. Your veterinarian will be able to prescribe pain medication to make the healing period more comfortable. Medications used today to control pain are safe.

What is CDS in dogs?

CDS (Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome) is a clinical syndrome manifested by one or more behavior problems in older dogs that cannot be attributed ton an unrelated medical condition such as neoplasia, infection or organ failure. Come and see us for more information.

My dog gets carsick often! What can I do to make the trip easier and more comfortable?

Do not feed your pet 6-8 hours before the ride starts. Having an empty or almost empty stomach will most likely make him feel better. And if he does vomit in the care, there is no food coming up. Some pets travel better on empty stomachs, while some do need a small meal. Take your dog on short, short car trips to get him used to motion. Go to the bank drive-thru. Drive to the mail box and go back home. It is okay to roll down the window, a little. The fresh air will make your pet feel better. Take it slower than normal with your pet in the car. Sitting in the front seat may be better. There tends to be less movement in the front of your car. Invest in a doggy seat belt for safety. In extreme cases, you may let him run from the front to the back seats. Give him a treat. After a couple of days, start the car and then gradually start taking the short trips. All this takes time, and if all fails, you may need to consult us for motion sickness medication.

Do my housecats, who do not go outside, need to have ID collars and tags?

It is always a good idea for all pets to wear identification and proof of rabies vaccination should they accidentally get outside or if an unexpected tragedy (fire or burglary) leaves them stranded from home. We also recommend a Break-away type collar for added protection against injury should your pet's collar get caught on something. Having a microchip implanted will aid in identification and reuniting you with your pet.

Should I be brushing my dog and cat's teeth?

Yes! You can slowly establish a pleasant, daily brushing routine with your pet using patience, treats and special toothbrushes and toothpastes designed for animals. Proper daily home care may mean less professional dental prophylaxis in the future.

My dog is six months old. How should I go about changing from three feedings a day to two a day?

Try feeding your dog in the morning and then again in the late afternoon or early evening. Skip the midday meal. Measure the total amount of food your dog has been eating each day and simply divide that amount in half and feed this at each feeding. Your dog should not feel hungry as you will be feeding the same amount in two larger meals rather than three smaller ones.

When should I change my puppy's diet to an adult dog food formula?

The staff recommends at 12 months for most breeds and at 18 months for large breed dogs. Remember to change the diet gradually to avoid gastrointestinal problems.

Why should I have my pet neutered?

Early altering of pets prevents future medical problems related to the reproductive tract. Early age spaying of the female pets prevents mammary cancer and potentially deadly uterine infections, known as pyometra. Male dogs should be neutered to prevent testicular cancer, certain kinds of prostate disease, hernias, and bleeding anal tumors. Male cats should be neutered to decrease the chance of spraying and to eliminate highly pungent urine odor.

You can always visit us at Ramsey Animal Clinic during our normal business hours for any specific question(s)

What Are Pet Vaccines?

Pet vaccines are medications intended to reduce an animal’s risk of contracting a contagious disease. Your Ramsey veterinarian administers vaccines to protect your pet from the diseases most likely to occur in this part of the country. Vaccines provide protection from highly contagious diseases, including rabies, distemper, and parvo. Vaccination is required every one to three years, depending on the type of vaccination and the recommendations of our veterinarian at Ramsey Animal Clinic.

What Do Vaccines Contain?

Vaccines contain weakened (modified) or killed viruses or proteins taken from bacteria or viruses.

How Do Vaccines Work?

Vaccines are somewhat like a training course for the immune system. The presence of the weakened virus or protein triggers an immune response from the body. This ‘teaches’ the immune system what to do in case it ever encounters the virus again.

How Important Are Vaccines To The Health of My Pet?

Pet vaccinations are one of the most important things you can do for the health of your pet. Vaccinating your pet, or running a titer test to confirm protective immunity can prevent your pet from contracting a serious infectious disease, or lessen the symptoms of an infectious disease, upon exposure at dog parks, grooming salons, boarding facilities, and even in your own backyard or inside your home. An animal that seems healthy may be sick with a contagious disease that can spread to your pet. Even indoor cats can contact rabies-infected bats in small spaces in your attic. Contagious illnesses often require emergency veterinary care.

Vaccinating your pet can also protect you and your family from infectious diseases, like rabies, which can spread from animals to humans.

Are There Any Risks?

All medications and drugs, including vaccines, pose some risks. The benefits of pet vaccinations greatly outweigh these risks.

It is extremely rare for pets to experience an allergic reaction to vaccination. Some pets do experience minor side effects after vaccination, as vaccines work by stimulating an immune response

What Vaccinations Do Los Angeles Pets Need?

All Ramsey pets need core vaccines for protection against the most common infectious diseases affecting animals in California.

What Are Core Vaccines?

Core vaccines are a group of vaccines that provide protection from the most common infectious diseases.They are fundamental to the health and welfare of your pet and to all animals in the Los Angeles area. All pets should receive core vaccines and vaccinations against rabies. Depending on your pet’s health needs and lifestyle, your Ramsey veterinarian may recommend additional vaccinations to keep your dog or cat healthy.

What Are The Core Vaccines For Dogs?

Dogs receive their core vaccines in one shot. The vaccination, known as the DA2PP, protects your canine companion against distemper, hepatitis (Adenovirus type 2), parainfluenza, and parvovirus. The other vaccine that many veterinarians consider core here in Los Angeles is Bordetella bronchiseptica.

What Are The Core Vaccines For Cats?

Cats also receive their core vaccines in one shot, a vaccination known as the FVRCP. It protects your feline friend from viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia, which is also known as feline distemper.

What Vaccines Should My Puppy or Kitten Get?

The puppy/kitten shot series includes the DHPP for dogs and FELVP for cats, along with a rabies vaccination. Depending on your new pet’s risk for exposure, our veterinarian may recommend non-core vaccines, such as bordetella.

When Should I Have My Puppy Or Kitten Vaccinated?

Puppies should receive their first round of vaccinations when they are seven to eight weeks of age; kittens can be as young as six weeks. Puppies should then receive vaccines every 4 weeks until they are 15 to 16 weeks of age. It is believed that kittens can mount a long-term immunity after 12 to 13 weeks of age, but many veterinarians recommend completing the series at 15 to 16 weeks of age as well. By law, the Rabies vaccine for dogs should be given at 16 weeks of age.

Is A Rabies Shot Required In New Jersey?

New Jersey requires rabies shots for all dogs over the age of 4 months. While the state does not require rabies vaccinations for cats, vaccinating your kitty against rabies is still a good idea if your cat might be at risk (such as a cat who spends a lot of time outdoors, or in an environment where your cat will be exposed to many other cats) in that it reduces the risk that your cat will contract this serious disease.

Where Should I Have My Pet Vaccinated?

Pet vaccines are an essential part of a comprehensive veterinary wellness program. Your Ramsey veterinarian can vaccinate your pet. Ramsey Animal Clinic is located at 44 E Main St in Ramsey, NJ. Schedule an appointment with us to discuss your pet’s vaccination needs by calling 201-934-4000.

Ramsey Animal Clinic

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