These are some commonly asked questions at Woodburn Pet Hospital.

Q. Why does the type of anesthesia used for a procedure make such a difference?

A. We use the safest available anesthetic agents for different groups of animals. Each animal is an individual. Depending on age, health status and expected complications, a particular anesthetic protocol may be indicated. Our anesthesia protocols are state of the art.

Q. What causes my pet to have bad breath?

A. Bad breath in pets is usually caused by tartar buildup, peridontal disease (gum & teeth erosion) and generalized poor health of teeth and gums. Other causes are copraphagia (eats feces) and belching (excess gas production from poor diet.)

Q.  Why should I feed Science Diet instead of what the grocery store sells.

A. Science Diet has many advantages. It is a calorically dense food which means the pet will not need to eat as much to meet its needs. Because of this, fewer stools are produced. The food is free of fillers, dyes, or harmful preservatives. All vitamins and minerals exist in the correct balance, therefore, supplementation is not necessary.

On a cost analysis basis, pets will eat less and thus the cost per day to feed the pet is very similar to other foods.

Q. How long are cats/dogs in heat?

A. Cats, if not bred, 10-22 days (average = 14 days)

    Dogs, females attract males when in proestrus and estrus but tolerate their advances usually only during estrus. Proestrus and estrus average 11-22 days; estrus only averages 4-12 days.

Q. When during the heat cycle is the female fertile?

A. Cats, are induced ovulators--they are fertile after breeding.

     Dogs, ovulate 1-3 days after estrus starts and the eggs are fertile up to four days prior to fertilization.