FAQs

Puppies

Do you have any vaccination packages for new puppies?
We do! We have a puppy package available for all puppies that are 1 year or younger.  The package includes the first Physical Exam with the Doctor, vaccinations, unlimited Intestinal Parasite tests, 1st dose of Revolution (Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention), complimentary bag of Ivet puppy food, 30 day trial  of Trupanion insurance (Owner activates online within 24 hours of examination), and a discount on their spay or neuter. The vaccinations included in the package are: a series of three Distemper Combo vaccines, a series of two Leptospirosis vaccines, a series of two Lyme disease vaccines, a series of two Bordetella vaccines, two Canine Influenza vaccines, and one Rabies vaccine.

The fee for the package is due at the time of the first visit and is non-refundable and non-transferrable. At your first visit, we will schedule out appointments every two to three weeks for you to bring your puppy back for boosters.


Kittens

Do you have any vaccination packages for new kittens?
We do! Like the puppies, we have a puppy package available for all kittens that are 1 year or younger.  The package includes the first Physical Exam with the Doctor, vaccinations, Feline Leukemia/Feline Immunodeficiency Virus test, unlimited Intestinal Parasite tests, 1st dose of Revolution Plus (Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention), complimentary bag of Ivet kitten food, 30 day trial  of Trupanion insurance (Owner activates online within 24 hours of examination) and a discount on their spay or neuter. The vaccinations included in the package are: a series of two Feline Leukemia vaccines, a series of three Feline Distemper vaccines, and one Rabies vaccine.

The fee for the package is due at the time of the first visit and is non-refundable and non-transferrable. At your first visit, we will schedule out appointments every two to three weeks for you to bring your kitten back for boosters. 


Fleas, Ticks & Heartworms

How often should I give Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention?
We recommend giving prevention monthly. Why do we recommend it during the winter months? During the flea cycle, fleas can lay dormant for months. The slightest warm-up or movement can start the cycle again. 


Online Pharmacies

We have an online pharmacy with products direct from the manufacturer available here 


Bloodwork

What does Senior Wellness Bloodwork check for? Why is it important?
Senior wellness bloodwork is a screening test that checks multiple organs to make sure they are functioning properly. After your pet turns 7 years old, we recommend senior bloodwork every year because it gives us a basis of comparison. If something were to happen to your pet, we would be able to check bloodwork and have a good “normal” to compare to. 


Vaccines

What is each vaccination for?
Here at Blackbob Pet Hospital, we require certain vaccinations and recommend others. What are these vaccinations and why do we require/recommend them?

Rabies  –  Canine/Feline
Rabies is transmitted through bite wounds of an infected animal – typically wildlife (raccoons, opossums, coyotes, etc) The disease is 100% deadly.

Da2PPV –  Canine
This vaccine is a combination vaccine including Distemper, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. Distemper is highly contagious and is spread through the discharges of the nose and eyes of infected dogs. Parvovirus is highly contagious, debilitating, and widespread. It is spread through infected feces and is highly resistant in the environment for several months.

Bordetella  –  Canine
Bordetella is an intranasal vaccination for kennel cough – a highly contagious respiratory infection. It is transmitted through the air and/or through direct contact with an infected dog.

Lyme  –  Canine
Lyme disease is a bacterial disease transmitted through ticks. If you live in an area with large, mature trees or that has recently converted from Rural to Urban, we strongly recommend vaccinating for Lyme disease.

Leptospirosis  –  Canine
Lepto is a zoonotic bacterial disease transmitted through infected urine, bite wounds, ingestion of infected tissues, contaminated water source, soil, food,  and/or bedding. Most commonly lepto is transmitted through the infected urine of wildlife (deer, raccoons, opossums, etc)

Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
FeLV is spread by nose-to-nose contact between cats or through shared water, food bowls, and litter boxes. It is a virus that attacks the immune system, leaving cats vulnerable to secondary diseases and infections. Cats infected with FeLV may not show signs of illness for several months to years. These cats are still infected and can transmit the disease to other cats.

FVRCP –  Feline
FVRCP is a combination vaccine commonly referred to as the feline distemper vaccine. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) is a herpes virus that causes sneezing, runny nose and eyes. It can lead to permanent damage of the nasal sinues and ulcers in the eyes. Calicivirus (C) causes the same signs as FVR, but usually affects the eyes and lungs. It may also cause ulcers in the mouth. Panleukopenia (P) is a virus that causes distemper in cats. It can cause damage to the nervous system and often leads to death.

Visit www.cdc.gov/healthypets to read more about the different vaccinations and internal parasites. 


Dog Flu

Can dogs get the flu?
Yes. However, they cannot get the flu from people or give it to people. In dogs, a highly contagious strain of the influenza A virus known at H3N8 is able to cause respiratory illness. Canine Influenza virus only affects dogs and is highly contagious. It is spread through direct contact, through the air, and via contaminated surfaces. The most common sign of canine influenza is a persistent cough, low-grade fever, nasal discharge, lack of energy, and loss of appetite. Is your pet at risk for infection? If they board at a kennel or go to doggie daycare, attend group training, visit a groomer, dog parks, pet stores, or come in contact with other dogs in any way, they are at risk. What can you do to protect your pet? An influenza vaccine is available. Ask our staff for more information. 


Microchips

What is a Microchip?
HomeAgain Microchips help to identify your pet if ever lost or even stolen. The chip is the size of a grain of rice and is inserted underneath the skin like a routine vaccination. Each chip is given a number that is unique to your pet. Visit www.HomeAgain.com  to learn more about the benefits of microchipping your pet. 


Toe Nails

How often should my Pet’s nails be trimmed?
Because every dog is different it is very hard to give an exact time. Every four weeks is a good estimate.

My dog’s nails were just trimmed, but they’re still sharp! Why?
When the toe nails are trimmed it can actually make them  a little bit sharper. As they walk around (on concrete especially) they will get ground down. If you’d like, we also offer nail grinding. After we trim the toe nails, we will use a dremmel tool to round the nails off. 


Food

What brand of dog food do you recommend?
At Blackbob Pet Hospital we carry iVET brand pet food. It is a chicken and rice blend high in Omega 3’s and Fatty Acids. IVET comes in Senior Dog, Adult Dog & Cat, Puppy, and Kitten formulas. We also carry several Science Diet, Purina, and Royal Canin Brand Prescription Diet Foods.

I am going to change my pet’s food, is there anything I need to know first?
Changing your pet’s food too quickly can result in GI upset. Because of this, it is best to slowly introduce their new food. We recommend taking at least one week to gradually add a little bit more of the new food and subtract a little bit of the old food until you are giving only the new. 


Spaying & Neutering

At what age should I spay/neuter my pet?
We recommend spaying/neutering between 4 and 6 months of age. For kittens, it is best to wait until they weigh at least 3 pounds before surgery. 


Pet Insurance

Is there such thing as pet insurance?
There is! The cost of providing veterinary care is rising, as veterinary science continues to develop more and better therapeutic options for patients. While many pet owners continue to purchase veterinary care with discretionary income, savings or credit cards, an increasing number are considering pet health insurance to cover unexpected veterinary care expenses.

Pet health insurance is very similar to dental insurance. It is not true medical insurance. It is fee for service indemnity insurance, or property-casualty insurance, and is regulated by the state.

There are many choices for pet health insurance. Blackbob Pet Hospital is not affiliated with any pet insurance company and cannot provide specific information regarding policies and costs. Pet health insurance is an agreement between the pet health insurance provider and pet owner. We encourage pet owners to research pet health insurance and consider available options in advance of purchase.

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you

Location

Find us on the map

Pet Hospital Hours

Monday:

7:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

7:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-6:00 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed