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Pet ownership isn’t always easy — but we’re here to help. Noticed a behavior change in your animal recently? Not sure if you need to bring them in for a visit, or just wait it out? Send us your questions.

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Q. We are looking for a Shih Tzu puppy. One of the breeders I’ve been communicating with has the puppy neutered at 8 weeks. My daughter, who is a vet tech says she thinks that is too early and can wind up with incontinence problems? So, now I am asking you. Thanks

It has been shown that dogs neutered before the age of 4-4.5 months have a higher potential for urinary incontinence later in life because they never get the benefit of certain sex steroids. Waiting too long to spay or neuter … Continue reading →

Q. I have a small dog she is 3 years old, and my friend’s dog mated with her 2 times. Can she have puppies?

Thanks for contacting us with your question. The short answer is yes. If your female dog has not been spayed and your friend’s male dog has not been neutered, then breeding can result in puppies. I would strongly advise a … Continue reading →

Q. When and what age should we have our puppy neutered?

While animal shelters often neuter puppies at an earlier age such that they can be neutered prior to adoption, we generally recommend waiting until four to six months of age for neutering. This additional time allows puppies to mature a … Continue reading →

Q. I would like to get our male dog fixed but would like to leave his testicals on. Who does it?

Thanks for your question about your pet’s surgery. The usual procedure when a male dog is castrated is to remove the testicles. This has several benefits including: i) stopping the pet from reproducing, ii) eliminating the risk of testicular cancer, … Continue reading →

Q. After you have your female dog spayed, will she still bleed at that time of the month?

A spay procedure (ovariohysterectomy) involves removing the ovaries and uterus. The ovaries are responsible for producing hormones that control the estrus or heat cycle and the bleeding that occurs during heat comes from the uterine lining, since these reproductive organs … Continue reading →

Q. I would like to get our young male rabbitt neutered. Do you provide this service?

Yes, we perform rabbit neuters and spays regularly. Dr. Peter Helmer is an avian and exotic specialist and does procedures at our Temple Terrace, Pebble Creek, and our North Bay practices. Dr. Pam Borderieux at our Pebble Creek office has … Continue reading →

Q. I have a 6 year old pitbul that is not spayed. Is it too late to spay her? She is in heat and has been bleeding for over a week, is that normal? How much would it cost to spay her?

It is never too late to have your pet spayed. There are many benefits to having your pet spayed at any age including: eliminating the risk of unwanted puppies, stopping the heat cycles that she is currently experiencing, eliminating the … Continue reading →

Q. Are there alternative methods to neuter a dog other than castration?

Q: I just bought a 7 mo old AKC Reg. english toy spaniel with the hopes of breeding him to my 3 yr old female AKC reg english toy spaniel at her next heat which will be about 6 more … Continue reading →

Q. Should you fix your female dog while she is in heat or starting to come in heat?

During the estrus or heat cycle there is increased blood flow to the uterus and it’s size is temporarily enlarged, this may require some extra surgical time to ensure that all blood vessels are properly ligated to prevent bleeding, but … Continue reading →