MARCS FAQs
Are flea collars very effective?
Not really. Since they are placed around the neck of the pet, they usually cannot kill any fleas which are around the tail of your pet. The insecticide from flea collars is designed to be absorbed into the pets blood stream and can be toxic. There are much better forms of flea control available. Call your local vet for more information.
What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel Cough is a respiratory disease usually contracted in areas where large numbers of dogs are housed such as a kennel or a grooming salon. It is transmitted by nose to nose contact so they can get it from any dog. There is now a vaccination available for protection against Kennel Cough.
My cat stays inside all the time. Why does it need vaccinations?
If you ever have a personal emergency where you have to board your cat or a medical emergency where your cat must be hospitalized, the unvaccinated cat will be vulnerable to any of the feline diseases. It may be even more susceptible than other cats since it has never been exposed to any type of disease. You can also unknowingly bring some viruses home on your clothing from a stray or other sick cat.
How long does pregnancy last in a dog or cat?
A dog is pregnant for 63 days and a cat for 61 days. The newborns should be examined by a veterinary surgeon within 24-48 hours.
My cat is going to his litter box a lot and seems uncomfortable. What does that mean?
Cats are very prone to a condition called "feline lower urinary syndrome". Basically, it is a urinary bladder infection which can lead to urinary tract obstruction in male cats. This is a serious condition and you should contact your vet immediately.
My dog is "scooting" his behind on the carpet - Does he have worms?
He may have worms but that is not why he is "scooting". It is usually an indication that his anal glands are full and need attention by a veterinarian. Anal glands are small glands on either side of the rectum. They contain a fishy smelling substance and before domestication dogs and cats used them to mark their territory. Pets no longer have active control of these glands and therefore they can become full and need emptying. Cats will generally lick their rectal area excessively if their anal sacs are full.
My cat has licked up some antifreeze. Will this hurt him?
Antifreeze is extremely poisonous to both dogs and cats. Please call your vet immediately for treatment.
My dog smells. What could it be?
There are three main areas that are usually associated with a dog being smelly - ears, teeth, and skin. If your dog has any brownish material in her ears she may have an ear infection. If she has tartar on her teeth or very red gums her teeth need attention. If her skin is dry or has bumps on it this may be the cause of the odour. Contact your vet if any of these conditions occur.
If I neuter my cat, will he stop spraying my furniture?
When a cat sprays, he is exhibiting the male tendency to mark his territory with urine. Neutering decreases his male hormones and makes him much less likely to exhibit this undesirable trait (Although - neutering does not guarantee that he will stop spraying).
What is the best way to identify my pet?
Keep a collar with identification on her at all times. A cat should wear an elasticized or breakaway collar. Microchipping is also available and highly recommended. It is implanted in her neck and is completely painless. All shelters and vets scan for this chip and, if your pet is lost, she could be returned to you much easier and quicker.
For more information on microchipping and general advice on purchasing a pet read Marcs Advice
Not really. Since they are placed around the neck of the pet, they usually cannot kill any fleas which are around the tail of your pet. The insecticide from flea collars is designed to be absorbed into the pets blood stream and can be toxic. There are much better forms of flea control available. Call your local vet for more information.
What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel Cough is a respiratory disease usually contracted in areas where large numbers of dogs are housed such as a kennel or a grooming salon. It is transmitted by nose to nose contact so they can get it from any dog. There is now a vaccination available for protection against Kennel Cough.
My cat stays inside all the time. Why does it need vaccinations?
If you ever have a personal emergency where you have to board your cat or a medical emergency where your cat must be hospitalized, the unvaccinated cat will be vulnerable to any of the feline diseases. It may be even more susceptible than other cats since it has never been exposed to any type of disease. You can also unknowingly bring some viruses home on your clothing from a stray or other sick cat.
How long does pregnancy last in a dog or cat?
A dog is pregnant for 63 days and a cat for 61 days. The newborns should be examined by a veterinary surgeon within 24-48 hours.
My cat is going to his litter box a lot and seems uncomfortable. What does that mean?
Cats are very prone to a condition called "feline lower urinary syndrome". Basically, it is a urinary bladder infection which can lead to urinary tract obstruction in male cats. This is a serious condition and you should contact your vet immediately.
My dog is "scooting" his behind on the carpet - Does he have worms?
He may have worms but that is not why he is "scooting". It is usually an indication that his anal glands are full and need attention by a veterinarian. Anal glands are small glands on either side of the rectum. They contain a fishy smelling substance and before domestication dogs and cats used them to mark their territory. Pets no longer have active control of these glands and therefore they can become full and need emptying. Cats will generally lick their rectal area excessively if their anal sacs are full.
My cat has licked up some antifreeze. Will this hurt him?
Antifreeze is extremely poisonous to both dogs and cats. Please call your vet immediately for treatment.
My dog smells. What could it be?
There are three main areas that are usually associated with a dog being smelly - ears, teeth, and skin. If your dog has any brownish material in her ears she may have an ear infection. If she has tartar on her teeth or very red gums her teeth need attention. If her skin is dry or has bumps on it this may be the cause of the odour. Contact your vet if any of these conditions occur.
If I neuter my cat, will he stop spraying my furniture?
When a cat sprays, he is exhibiting the male tendency to mark his territory with urine. Neutering decreases his male hormones and makes him much less likely to exhibit this undesirable trait (Although - neutering does not guarantee that he will stop spraying).
What is the best way to identify my pet?
Keep a collar with identification on her at all times. A cat should wear an elasticized or breakaway collar. Microchipping is also available and highly recommended. It is implanted in her neck and is completely painless. All shelters and vets scan for this chip and, if your pet is lost, she could be returned to you much easier and quicker.
For more information on microchipping and general advice on purchasing a pet read Marcs Advice
