FAQ's

Answers to common questions.

Find answers to common questions about visits, vaccines, preventatives, testing, food safety, and welcoming a new pet home.

How often should I bring my pet into the vet?

Before one year of age dogs and cats should come in monthly until all boosters are finished. After a cat or dog has reached one year of age, they generally just have to visit the veterinary clinic once a year.

What vaccines are recommended for my dog?

All dogs must be vaccinated for rabies as required by Pennsylvania state law.

The “core-vaccines” we recommend at NBVC are the canine bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine as well as the canine distemper with leptospirosis vaccine.

We also highly recommend the lyme vaccine as our area is highly prone to lyme disease. Many pet owners also take the canine bi-flu vaccine.

What vaccines are recommended for my cat?

All cats must get the feline rabies vaccine as required by PA state law.

All cats indoor and outdoor are recommended to get the FVRCP vaccine, a combination vaccine to prevent feline viruses. In addition, outdoor cats are recommended to take the FELV or feline leukemia vaccine.

What preventatives should my dog be on?

Dogs are recommended to be on regular flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. We have many options here at NBVC for canine preventatives.

What preventatives should my cat be on?

Cats are recommended to be on regular flea, tick, and intestinal parasite prevention. We have many options here at NBVC for feline preventatives.

What is the 4Dx (heartworm) test for dogs?

The 4DX test is a quick and simple blood test that screens for four diseases which affect our dogs: Heartworm, Lyme, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia. It is recommended that canines are tested for these diseases yearly.

What is the FIV/FEL test for cats?

The FIV/FEL test is a simple blood test to detect specific antibodies to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). This test also detects the presence of FeLV p27 antigen, which if found, is diagnostic for feline leukemia infection.

What foods can't my dog/cat eat?

NEVER give your pet tylonol (acetaminophen) or advil (ibiprophine) as these drugs are toxic for both cats and dogs.

Toxic foods reference: ASPCA people foods to avoid.

What should I expect with a new pet?

Getting a new pet is always a very exciting time for all pet owners! Here are some things to keep in mind for your new puppy or kitten.

  • Both need a series of booster vaccines.
  • Intestinal parasite screenings
  • Spaying or Neutering
  • Preventatives
  • Finding a healthy diet and eating habits
  • Puppy/Kitten training
  • Pet insurance