Colonial Animal Hospital FAQs

Flea and tick prevention isn’t 100% foolproof. Even the best preventatives can sometimes fail — ticks can still bite your pet before the product kills them. Most tick preventatives work after a tick latches on, and Lyme disease can be transmitted in as little as 24–48 hours after a bite. The Lyme vaccine adds an additional layer of protection. It helps your dog’s immune system fight off the bacteria that causes Lyme disease faster, and can lessen the severity of the disease. So even if a tick gets through the preventative and starts feeding, your dog has a built-in defense system.

When used continuously, heartworm prevention can be very effective at preventing an infection, but is not 100% perfect. Even a single missed or late dose can leave your dog vulnerable to infection. The first stage of the parasite is transmitted by a bite from a mosquito, and unfortunately, the mosquitoes seem to be emerging earlier in the year and lasting longer into the fall, even winter.

Heartworm preventatives kill the first stage, or “baby” heartworm parasites, and do not kill mature, or “adult” heartworms that eventually live in the heart. Our annual testing looks for adult worms, which would indicate a failure of the prevention. Our goal is to ensure that your dog is free from heartworm disease annually, and if they are infected, early detection is of utmost importance.

Heartworm disease can cause serious damage to a dog’s heart, lungs, and arteries, and early detection allows for more effective treatment. If found to be positive, heartworm disease can be dangerous to complete due to side effects, and can get expensive. Prevention, therefore, becomes the best and easiest way to prevent this disease. If you have any further questions, the American Heartworm Society is a great source for all information regarding heartworm disease, prevention, and treatment

Even though your pet is indoors, rabies is still a risk (via accidental exposure to wildlife or other animals), and the vaccine is both required by law and essential for their safety and public health. Rabies is a fatal disease for all mammals (dogs, cats, humans), so it is not something that should be left up to chance. Plus, it’s usually needed for boarding or travel.

Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial infection that can be spread through contact with contaminated water or soil, and it can cause liver and kidney damage. The good news is that vaccination is available and can prevent or lessen the severity of the disease in most cases. If you live in a high-risk area or if your dog is active outdoors, it might be a good idea to ask about the leptospirosis vaccine.

Canine distemper is caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV), which is related to the human measles virus. It attacks multiple body systems, including the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal system, and the nervous system. It spreads through airborne droplets (from coughing or sneezing), shared food/water bowls, or direct contact with infected animals. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are especially at risk.

The normal body temperature for cats and dogs is anywhere between 100° to 103° Fahrenheit. It is normal for cats to run a little higher than dogs. Anxiety levels and outdoor temperature can be a large factor in evaluating a pet’s temperature.

When antibiotics are removed too early from disease-causing bacteria, the bacteria may start to grow or multiply again, causing the infection to return, and possibly leading to resistance to the antibiotic.

FVRCP is a combo vaccine that protects cats against three serious diseases:

• FVR: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis. Caused by the feline herpesvirus-1. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, eye ulcers, and fever.
• C: Calicivirus – Causes upper respiratory infections and painful mouth ulcers. Spreads easily in multi-cat homes or shelters.
• P: Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper) – Caused by feline parvovirus. It’s extremely contagious and often fatal, especially in kittens. Attacks rapidly dividing cells, causing vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and severe immune suppression.

These viruses are everywhere in the environment and can be picked up even by indoor cats (on clothes, shoes, etc.). They’re highly contagious. Two of them (FVR and calicivirus) can cause lifelong infection or recurring symptoms. Panleukopenia is basically the feline version of parvovirus and is incredibly deadly in young or unvaccinated cats. Indoor cats are still at risk: You can carry viruses in your hands, clothes, or shoes. Some viruses can survive in the environment for months. If your cat ever escapes, goes to the groomer, or stays at a boarding facility, protection is essential.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a contagious, immunomodulating, and often fatal virus that weakens the immune system and can lead to cancer, anemia, and infections. It has been known as the “friendly cat disease, as it can be transmitted via mutual grooming, sharing bowls, etc. If they go outside, even occasionally (on a leash, in a yard, or balcony), foster or bring new cats into the home, live in a multi-cat household with unknown FeLV status, they can be at risk of becoming infected.

As kittens, many vets recommend initial FeLV vaccines for all kittens regardless of lifestyle, to strengthen their immune system. There are many cats that can be considered “low-risk,” and may not necessarily need to continue with this vaccination – if they are strictly indoor only, young, otherwise healthy adults,
they have no exposure to other cats, and you have no plans to introduce new feline friends.

Yes, year-round prevention is usually recommended for pets in warmer climates, those that go outdoors frequently, or those with higher exposure to fleas/ticks. When the weather is getting colder, we tend to think fleas and ticks are no longer active, but this is when they can become desperate. With our temperatures in the North East changing quickly day to day, week to week, some of these parasites can be around earlier and a lot longer in the year.

Veterinary care is getting more expensive because of advancements in medical technology, rising labor costs, higher demand for services (especially post-pandemic), and the increasing cost of supplies and medications. While it’s frustrating, these factors help provide better care for our pets, but also come with a price tag. To help manage costs, some pet owners look into pet insurance to offset emergency bills, and others may explore payment plans offered by clinics.

Parasites can be present without any obvious symptoms, can affect health over time, and it’s part of our general wellness check. Animals that go outdoors are at a higher risk of exposure, but indoor animals can become exposed via plants, soil, shoes, etc. A fecal test checks for intestinal parasites (roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, giardia, coccidia, etc). While your dog’s stool may look normal, an annual fecal test is a simple way to ensure they’re free of parasites that could cause health problems down the line. It’s a quick, preventive step to keep them feeling their best!

Even if your pet is acting fine, yearly blood work is a preventive measure that helps catch hidden health issues, create a health baseline, and provide a clearer picture of your pet’s overall well-being. It’s a proactive approach that can save time, money, and health complications down the road.

For most pets, the general guideline is: Once a year for a professional dental cleaning. But like most things in vet care, it depends on your pet’s individual situation. Small breeds (like Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds) often need more frequent cleanings — sometimes every 6–9 months. Their teeth are tightly packed, and they’re more prone to plaque and periodontal disease. Large breeds may go longer — every 12–18 months — if they’re genetically lucky and have a good at-home dental routine. Once a year for cats is also a good rule of thumb, but some cats, especially those prone to dental diseases like FORLs (tooth resorption) or gingivitis, may need cleanings every 6–12 months. If your cat has bad breath, drooling, or avoids food, those are red flags for a dental checkup sooner.

Pre-surgical blood work is one of those behind-the-scenes things that’s super important for your pet’s safety, especially before anesthesia or surgery. It’s a set of lab tests your vet runs before your pet goes under anesthesia, usually done a few days to weeks prior. Think of it like a safety screening to make sure your pet is healthy enough for the procedure. The first part we look at is the chemistry. Two of the important factors we are looking for are the liver and kidney values, as they are the organs that process most of the anesthesia. If either isn’t working well, anesthesia can be risky. We also check hydration and electrolytes, as dehydration or imbalanced electrolytes can make anesthesia riskier. Complete Blood Count (aka CBC) checks for anemia (low red blood cells), infection/inflammation (abnormal white cells), and platelet counts, which show if your pet can clot properly during/after surgery.

These are all recommended because even young, healthy pets can have silent health issues. It gives your vet the green light — or helps them adjust the anesthesia plan. In older pets or those with known conditions, it’s extra important.

For small to medium dog breeds, the ideal age is around 6 months. These dogs mature faster and generally benefit from early spay/neuter before puberty.

For large and giant dog breeds, the recommended age is around 12–18 months. Waiting until they’re more physically mature helps with joint and bone development, especially in males (less risk of orthopedic issues and some cancers).

For females, waiting until after their first heat (but not too many cycles) may help reduce certain risks, but it’s a balance. With each heat cycle, female dogs are at a higher risk of developing mammary tumors, fatal uterine infections.

Every individual may have different concerns, including unwanted aggression, marking, etc. Based on the individual, you and your veterinarian can come up with a plan that works best for everyone.

For cats, both males and females, the ideal age is 4–6 months. Cats can go into heat and reproduce very early, as young as 5 months. Early spay/neuter reduces the chances of spraying, yowling, fighting, and escaping to find mates.

Knowing when it’s vet time can be tricky, especially since pets are champs at hiding pain or illness. But there are definitely signs to watch for! Here’s when to bring your pet to the vet:

• Right away / Emergency signs: Trouble breathing, Repeated vomiting or diarrhea (especially with blood), not eating or drinking for 24+ hours, difficulty urinating or defecating, Bloated belly or signs of pain when touched, Seizures or collapse, Sudden weakness or inability to stand, Heatstroke signs (panting, drooling, lethargy, collapse), Bleeding that won’t stop, Hit by car or any trauma — even if they seem okay.
• Within a day or two: Coughing or sneezing that doesn’t go away, Limping or favoring a leg, Itchy skin, hair loss, or hot spots, Ear scratching or head shaking, Red or goopy eyes, Change in appetite or thirst (more or less than usual), New lumps or bumps, Scooting or signs of anal gland issues.
• Routine care and preventive visits: Puppies/kittens: Every 3–4 weeks until ~16 weeks old (vaccines, deworming, checkups). Adults: Yearly wellness exams (vaccines, heartworm test, general health check). Seniors (7+ years): Every 6–12 months (bloodwork, arthritis check, organ function).

Our online pharmacy is a convenient way for you to get your pet’s medications and food — all from the comfort of your home. You can easily order what your pet needs, and we’ll approve it to be delivered right to your door. Because it’s connected to our clinic, you can trust that everything is vet-approved, safe, and high-quality. Whether it’s a one-time prescription or a monthly refill, our online store makes it simple to keep your pet happy and healthy, without extra trips to the clinic.