Frequently Asked Questions:

Clinic Information:

1. Do I have to have an appointment?
   Yes, we would prefer that you have an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome, but will be seen after scheduled appointments. If you have an emergency, you will be fit into the appointment schedule based on the severity of your pet's situation.
2. Do you accept drop-off appointments?
   We do take drop-off appointments. Dr. Saini will examine your pet and discuss any abnormalities/treatments with you over the phone.
3. What does a physical exam include?
   The physical exam includes the doctor checking your pet's ears, eyes, mouth, skin, lungs, and heart. A physical exam is recommended annually to better ensure your pet's health.
   
4. Do you offer payment plans?
   No, we do not accept payments spread over time, nor do we bill invoices. Payment is required at the time services are rendered, unless otherwise discussed with Dr. Saini. We do take Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Care Credit, and cash.
   

Puppy/Kitten Information:

1. What do I feed my puppy or kitten?
   Puppies and kittens need a good source of protein and vitamins to aid in their growth and development. This can be achieved by feeding them a puppy or kitten maintenance diet until they are one year of age. If your puppy/kitten fails to gain weight every single day up to the time it is 7 weeks old, then it should be examined by a veterinarian.
2. When should I get my puppy/kitten vaccinated?
   The typical puppy/kitten vaccine series starts around 6-8 weeks of age. Boosters are administered every 3 weeks until around 16 weeks of age in hopes of narrowing the window of opportunity for infection. For their first year, we offer a wellness package for new puppy/kittens which will help them get off on the right "paw". This group of services also provides a cost savings to you as compared to purchasing each service individually.
3. How soon can I bathe my pet?
   Puppies and kittens can safely be given baths at the age of 8 weeks. Prior to 8 weeks, you can use a baby wipe or waterless shampoo to remove soiled areas on your pet. Any shampoo labeled for use in puppies/kittens is recommended, however, human shampoos are not advised given that they can be too harsh. Owners should be advised to use warm water, dry the pets with a towel and keep them in a draft free area until completely dry. Extreme caution should be taken if using a blow dryer since puppies and kitten can overheat easily.

Surgical Information:

1. When does a cat/dog go into heat?
   Most female cats begin to go into heat between 5 to 10 months of age and will go into heat every month after that. The cycle typically lasts for 14 days. Female dogs usually have their first heat cycle between 6 and 12 months of age. Some larger breed dogs don't go into heat until they're over one year of age. Dogs go into heat every 6 to 9 months, lasting for 14 days. Please note that this is general information; not all females will follow these patterns. Sometimes cycling problems can be a warning of more serious problems.
2. How long are cats/dogs pregnant?
   Female cats will be pregnant for 63-65 days. Female dogs will normally be pregnant for 63 days; puppies can be delivered between 58-68 days.
   
3. Can my pet be spayed while in heat?
   Your pet can be spayed while in heat, however we recommend for female dogs to wait until after their heat cycle to be spayed as they have an increased tendency toward bleeding. Cats can also be spayed during an early pregnancy, although there will be an additional cost.
4. Should I let my pet have a litter before being spayed?
   There are no psychological or physiological need for your pet to have a litter before being spayed.  In fact, it is advantageous to have your pet spayed before her first heat cycle. This reduces the risk of reproductive organ infections/cancers.
   
5. What if my pet already had a litter, how soon can she be spayed?
   You can spay the mother as soon as the kitten/puppies are weaned; typically 5 to 6 weeks for kittens and 4 to 5 weeks for puppies. 
6. What are the advantages of spaying my female pet?
   There are numerous advantages to having your female pet spayed. These include: reducing the risk of mammary and ovarian cancer, pyometra (infected uterus), and other female problems.
   
7. What are the advantages of neutering my male pet?
   There are numerous advantages to having your male pet neutered. These include: reducing the risk of aggressive behavior, desire to roam, urge to spray, and reproductive organ infections/cancers such as prostate, penile, and testicular cancer.
8. How long do sutures stay in?
   Procedures involving sutures usually require removal between 10-14 days from the time of surgery unless noted otherwise by the veterinarian.
   
   

Rescue Groups:

Companion Animal Rescue Effort - www.carepets.org

Humane Society Silicon Valley -  www.hssv.org

Nike Animal Rescue Foundation (NARF) - www.narfrescue.org

Town Cats No-Kill Adoption Center/Shelter for Cats - www.towncats.org

Services:

American Kennel Club - www.akc.org

ASPCA Animal Behavior Center - www.aspca.org

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center - www.aspca.org

Home Again, Pet Recovery Service - www.homeagainid.com

Pet Loss Support and Hotlines - www.pet-loss.net

Agility Information - www.cleanrun.com

Center for Veterinary Medicine U.S. Food and Drug Administration - www.fda.gov/cvm/

Financial Support:

Care Credit - www.carecredit.com

Spay Neuter Animal Birth Control Assistance Inc. - (408) 244 - 8351