1)   Where are you located?

We are located at 19139 Bloomfield Avenue in Cerritos, California.  Our nearest cross streets are South Street and Bloomfield Avenue.  We are in the small shopping center behind the Carrow’s Restaurant on the corner of South and Bloomfield.

2)   What are your office hours?

Monday through Friday except Thursday our normal operating hours are from 9:00AM to 1:00PM and 3:00PM to 6:00PM.  Saturday we are open from 9:00AM to 2:30PM.  We schedule surgeries Tuesday through Friday except Thursday, and the procedures are usually performed between 12:00PM and 3:00PM.  Because of this schedule, we try to minimize regular appointments during our surgery time so the doctor and his staff can give their full attention to the surgery patients.  We are closed on Thursday and all major holidays.

3)  Do you take walk-ins or do I need to make an appointment?

We prefer our clients to call ahead and make an appointment.  Walk-ins are welcomed, however, clients with scheduled appointments or emergencies will always receive top priority. 

4)   If my dog just needs a rabies vaccine, why do I also have to pay for an exam?

We are not in the business of simply administering injections and quickly sending patients on their way.  Our primary goal for each and every patient that comes through our doors is a long and healthy life.  An annual physical exam is an essential factor in maintaining your pet’s health, and ensures that any problems are diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

5)     When can I get my pet spayed/neutered?

We strongly recommend to spay/neuter kittens and puppies at approximately 6 months of age.  This ensures that kittens and puppies have been administered all the necessary vaccines.  Also, by spaying a female puppy at this age, before her first heat, we can help prevent the possible development of future complications including breast and uterine cancer.  In males, neutering can reduce the occurrence of prostate hyperplasia and prostatitis.

6)   When can my puppy get vaccinated and which vaccines does he/she need?

Assuming your puppy received its first set of shots while still with the breeder, we prefer to continue your puppies vaccination program at 9, 12 and 15 weeks of age, or as close to these times as is reasonably possible.  Although our staff determines specific vaccination needs based on your pet’s lifestyle and risk of exposure to disease, generally we prefer to vaccinate dogs against DHLPP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvo), Coronavirus, Bordetella (Kennel Cough), and Rabies.  For more specialized protection, our clinic also offers vaccines against Lyme disease and Giardia.

7)   I just got a new kitten.  Which vaccines does he/she need?

We prefer to vaccinate kittens at 9, 12, 15 weeks of age, or as close to these times as is reasonably possible.  Our doctor generally prefers to vaccinate cats against Feline Distemper, upper respiratory viruses, Feline Leukemia, and Rabies.  For cats with more specialized needs, our clinic also offers protection against Giardia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.  During your visit, please ask the veterinarian for advice on vaccines for your pet.

8)   My pet has a scheduled surgery with your clinic in a few days.  Are there any special instructions?

Do not feed your pet any solid food after 8:00PM the night before his/her surgery day nor on the morning of the surgery.  Water is o.k.  On the day of the surgery, please drop off your pet at our clinic at around 9:00 – 9:15AM.  Your pet will be ready for pick-up on the same day usually between 4:30PM and 5:00PM unless otherwise advised by the doctor.  Of course, if you have any question, concerns, or simply want to know how your beloved companions are doing, please feel free to give us a call, and we will gladly answer any questions you might have.

9)   Can I refill the medication you prescribed to my pet?

Each and every refill MUST be cleared by our doctor before being filled.  Generally,   the doctor will authorize a set number of refills (usually 1-6 months worth) at the time the medication is initially prescribed.  When these predetermined refills have expired, the doctor will require a follow-up examination to reassess the effectiveness of the medication and/or reevaluate blood chemistries before authorizing additional refills.  We abide by very strict refill protocols, following the standards of federal and state laws.  Above all, our primary concern is always the welfare of your pets, and proper monitoring of prescribed medication(s) is our way of ensuring that we provide the utmost in quality veterinary care.

10) Do you offer a Vaccine Clinic at any time?

We offer a vaccine clinic every Saturday from 12:30PM to 2:00PM.  During the vaccine clinic visit, the patient receives a complimentary exam performed by a veterinary technician or the doctor and the exam fee is waived.  These vaccine clinic visits are reserved for patients who have had regular physical exams with our doctor and whose pet's vaccines are current.  New clients and/or new patients must first schedule a visit and exam with our doctor prior to being able to take advantage of our vaccine clinic privileges.  Our doctor and staff want to not only ensure the health of your pet, but also establish a hopefully long-standing relationship with the pet owners.

11) My dog/cat has been scratching his ears and they have a foul odor coming from them?  What can I do?

If your pet has a foul odor emanating from the ears, this generally is indicative of an infection setting in.  You should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to assess and treat the condition.  If the ears are not sore and inflamed, you can try to give your pet some relief and comfort by gently cleaning the ears with ear cleaning solution. 

12) What is Hip Dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition that causes poorly fitting hip joints.  It can occur on one or both hip joints and will eventually lead to arthritis, which will cause pain in the affected joint.  The amount of pain usually depends on the amount of arthritis formed and the pain threshold of your pet.  There are many available medications to help control the pain associated with hip dysplasia.  Consult with your veterinarian if any concerns arise regarding your pet.

13) What is kennel cough?

Kennel cough (a.k.a. canine cough) is a respiratory disease usually contracted in areas where a large number of pets are housed, such as a pet boarding facility or a pet grooming facility.  There have been outbreaks of kennel cough in recent years at leash-free parks where a lot of dogs run and play together.  If your dog frequents these types of places, you should protect him from this disease by vaccinating him against kennel cough.

14) If I don’t board my dog, is it necessary to vaccinate my dog against kennel cough?

Kennel cough is caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria that are airborne.  If your pet walks with you in public areas with other dogs or visits the groomer, then a kennel cough vaccination may prevent him from contracting this disease, or at the very least make the signs less severe and easier to treat.

15) What is parvovirus?

Parvovirus is a disease that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, often bloody, with lack of appetite and depression in dogs.  The disease is considered deadly and since viral diseases cannot be treated, the best we can do is to give supportive care to the affected dog until its own system is strong enough to fight off the disease.  Vaccinating against parvovirus is strong recommended to prevent the possible contraction of this often fatal disease.

16) What can I expect after my pet has been vaccinated?

Muscle soreness, lethargy, and mild fever persisting for a day or two are common reactions associated with vaccinations.  Vaccine reactions beyond this are uncommon, but still possible.  More severe reactions, such as facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and diarrhea, are a strong indication that special care should be taken in administering future vaccines. Since allergic reactions can become potentially worse with each subsequent episode, it is vital that pet owners consider these severe reactions a very serious condition.  If you pet experiences any one of these severe reactions, you should call your veterinarian immediately and you will most likely be advised to bring in your pet immediately for evaluation and treatment.

17) My cat is an indoor pet.  Do I still need to vaccinate him?

Feline distemper (Panleukopenia) is an intestinal disease that is transmitted via an airborne virus.  Cats affected by feline distemper often show signs of fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, lethargy, and loss of coordination.  As far-fetched as this may seem, since feline distemper is caused by an airborne virus, indoor cats can be inadvertently exposed to this deadly disease via opened household doors and windows that are exposed to the elements and any diseased stray cats that may linger around the yard.  Because of this risk factor, it is important to always vaccinate against feline distemper for your cat’s protection.

18) My dog keeps licking his side and it has turned “pink and raw.”  What is going on and what can I do?

Your dog may have what is called a “hot spot.”  In a very short time, especially in hot weather, this “hot spot” may progress to a more severe case of deep pyoderma, or skin disease.  “Hot spots” may be caused by a variety of different factors, including fleas, a scratch from a thorn, an insect bite, or any other minor irritation that may initiate scratching.  If the symptoms don’t subside after 24 hours, consult your veterinarian for evaluation and treatment. 

19) My dog smells.  What can I do?

Generally, if your dog “smells,” you need to look at three things: his ears, teeth, and/or skin.  If there is brown or grayish material on your dog’s teeth and an odor is emanating from his mouth, then your dog may have periodontal disease.  Also he may be licking his skin with an infected mouth causing the foul odor.  If you inspect your dog’s ears and it is foul smelling and/or inflamed, he may have an ear infection.  Looking at your dog’s skin, if he has dry skin, bumps on his skin, and/or moist, sore, or itchy areas, this may also be causing the odor.  In order to properly identify the odor, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian for a thorough physical examination.

20) I saw some small worms in my pet’s bowel movement.  What are they and what can I do to get rid of them?

Small white worms, about the size of a grain of rice, are probably tapeworm segments.  Tapeworms are contracted from swallowing fleas or other infected intermediate hosts.  Tapeworms, and many other problematic parasites, can be effectively eliminated with the proper deworming medication obtained only from your veterinarian.  Also, to keep your pet from being infected with tapeworm again, you should practice good flea control on your pet and around your household.

21) What is going on if my cat is going to his litter box a lot and seems uncomfortable?

Cats are very prone to infection and inflammation of the lower urinary tract, which can lead to urinary tract obstruction (blockage of the urethra causing an inability to urinate).  While infection is an irritating condition, urinary blockage is a serious life threatening condition and you should contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat is showing this type of behavior.

22) How long is a dog/cat “in-heat?”

A female dog will go into heat about every 6 months and she will be in-heat for approximately 21 days.  The most notable sign to look for is vaginal bleeding, which will occur sometime during the first 7 days and will last about 10-14 days.  There will usually also be noticeable swelling of the vulva.  During this time, ovulation occurs and male dogs will be extremely attracted to her.

Cats’ heat cycles are completely different from dogs.  Female cats go into heat many times each year, and the heat cycle last about 2-3 weeks.  If she is not bred, she will return into heat in 1-2 weeks, and this cycle will continue for numerous cycles or until she is bred.  Telltale signs of cats in heat are usually behavioral with increased vocalization, rubbing against furniture and their owners seeking increased attention and raising their hind end and treading their hind legs when stroked along the back.

23) How long does pregnancy last in a dog/cat?

Pregnancy in both cats and dogs lasts 60-67 days with the average being 63 days.

24) Which chew treats would you recommend to give to my dog?

We recommend rawhide treats such as CET Chews or those that resemble a bone with knots at both ends.  Cow hooves and pig ears are NOT recommended.  Cow hooves are too hard and may fracture teeth.  Pig ears contain unhealthy levels of fat.

25) Why does my dog lick his paws all the time?

Dogs that chronically or seasonally lick their feet, rub their face, or excessively scratch themselves may be showing signs of an allergy.  Dog can be allergic to any number of things including house dust, pollen, grass, or food.  Consult your veterinarian about this condition, especially if your dog has any degree of hair loss, skin abrasions, or discomfort.

26) How can I tell if my pet has an emergency and should see my veterinarian immediately?

An emergency exists if your pet:

·        Cannot urinate

·        Is bleeding

·        Has trouble breathing

·        Is suddenly very ill

·        Is suddenly bloated

·        Is convulsing

·        Is unconscious

·        Has ingested poison

·        Is in hard labor (delivering puppies or kittens) for more than 2 hours