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Below are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQs).

If you don't find your answer here, please email us at info@pawsplus.com and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Can the veterinarian at your clinic give me a prescription for Heartworm prevention?
Our veterinarians can dispense prescriptions at the clinic. A heartworm test and a negative test result is required before you can safely start your dog on heartworm prevention. We also sell heart worm prevention at our vaccination clinics and full-service hospitals at very low prices. Please call our Customer Service department with any questions.

Where do I call for test results?
If you did not receive your test results at the clinic, please call our toll free number 1-888-PAWSPLUS (888-729-7758) and follow the prompts to speak to our pet health records department.

Which vaccines are required by law for licensing my pet?
The Rabies Vaccine is the only vaccine required by law. Rabies can be a health threat to people as well as animals. Our rabies shots start at $10, depending on your location. You can view our low prices here.

Does PawsPlus provide low-cost spay and neuter surgeries?
We do at our VETCO Hospitals in Southern California only. Spay and Neuter services are NOT offered at our mobile vaccine clinics. Please feel free to call us and we may be able to direct you to a low-cost veterinary facility in your area.

What is the 6-in-1 Vaccination?
This vaccine protects dogs against Canine Distemper, Parvo Virus, AdenovirusVirus Type 2, Hepatitis, Letpospirosis, and Parainfluenza. It may also be abbreviated as DHLLP+PV or DA2LPPV+PV.

What is the 3-in-1 Vaccination?
This vaccine protects the cat against Feline Distemper (panleukopenia), Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus. It may also be abbreviated FVRCP.

What is Parvo?
The Parvo Virus is a very detrimental intestinal virus to dogs of all ages, especially to young puppies.

What is Kennel Cough or Canine Cough?
Kennel Cough is caused by various airborne viruses. It is very contagious between dogs. Bordetella, Parainfluenza, and Adenovirus are three strains that we are able to vaccinate against. These vaccines are almost always required for your dog to be admitted to a boarding kennel or to a veterinary hospital. However, since this is an airborne disease, a dog can contract Bordetella even if they are not boarded at a kennel.

What is the Feline Leukemia Virus?
Feline Leukemia (abbreviated FeLV) is a very contagious disease spread between cats. It is spread through saliva, therefore making it very contagious. It suppresses the immune system making them susceptible to many illnesses. Kittens can be born with it, or cats can contract it at any time in their lives and harbor it in their systems for years before showing any signs. A test is recommended prior to vaccination, yet not required. Vaccinations can be given without a test, because the vaccine will not help or hurt them if they prove to be positive.

What is F.I.P.?
FIP is Feline Infectious Peritonitis. It is a very contagious fatal disease to cats. All high risk cats, namely cats in catteries and outdoor cats should be vaccinated against this deadly disease as exposure is difficult to prevent. Testing for the presence of this disease requires diagnosis through different types of tests. If you suspect your cat to be positive with FIP, it is necessary to get the required diagnostics at a full service veterinary hospital.

What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme Disease is mainly contracted through Tick bites. It causes arthritic, feverish and neurological symptoms, Transmission to humans is a valid concern through tick bite of the tick type, Borrellia Bergdorfeli, commonly known as the deer tick.

What is "Feline Aids" and do your veterinarians test for it?
Feline Aids is F.I.V. or Feline Immunodefeciency Virus. We offer a vaccine and a test that is in combination with the test for Feline Leukemia Virus. Bite wounds are a common transmission of FIV.

How long do the vaccines last?
All vaccines are labeled to provide optimal immunity for one year. Some counties in some states recognize a 3-Year Rabies vaccine. In order to receive a 3 Year vaccine, you must bring proof that your pet received at least a 1 Year Rabies shot given in the past year.

How many vaccines does my puppy or kitten need?
In order to provide optimum immunity, veterinarians recommend puppies and kittens should be vaccinated every 3-4 weeks until they reach the age of at least 16 weeks. The best ages to vaccinate are 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age.

How long does it take for these vaccines to take effect?
Generally, the vaccines take two to seven days to take full effect. If the pet is to be boarded or exposed to other pets, the vaccines should be administered at least one week prior to exposure to other animals.

If the vaccine history is unknown, how does one vaccinate?
In most all cases we will not vaccinate sick or unhealthy pets at our clinics. Their immune system is already stressed and we do not want to cause any unnecessary added stress. Pets on medications under a veterinarian's care may be vaccinated, although the final decision lies with the our attending veterinarian. All medications should be noted to the customer assistant at the clinic site as well as to the veterinarian prior to vaccination.

When can I get my cat or kitten tested for Feline Leukemia or AIDS?
Kitten and cats can be tested at any age for Feline Leukemia and AIDS. We offer these affordable tests at our veterinary clinics.

Can my cats contract dog diseases or vice versa?
Generally no. Almost all diseases and viruses are species specific, which means they only affect a certain species. Three exceptions to this are Rabies, intestinal parasites (such as roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms), and bordetella.

What is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm is a deadly disease that is transmitted to dogs and cats via mosquitoes. The worm eventually directly invades the heart and is fatal if it goes undiagnosed and untreated. Hearworm is preventable. We offer various products to prevent heartworms including Heartgard, Trifexis, Interceptor, Sentinel and Revolution. Our veterinarians recommend and require your pet to have a negative blood test result before the dog can be started on any heartworm preventative. However, cats can be administered Heartgard without a blood test. Interceptor can also be administered to cats, although the manufacturer recommends testing prior to administration of the product.

Is my pet too old to start to receive vaccinations?
Any pet can receive vaccines at any age. If a new vaccine is introduced, a booster vaccine is highly recommended 3-4 weeks after initial vaccine in order to provide optimum immunity.

What is a fecal test?
The fecal test allows us to examine the stool of a pet for intestinal parasites (such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms). Tapeworms can also be detected by seeing segments in the stool. It is recommended annually. An owner can have their pet dewormed at our clinic without a test. However, some worms are not affected by certain medications so it is best to have a test done to ensure the correct medication is dispensed.

I see worms in my pet's stool. How do I get rid of them?
First we need a description of what you are seeing. If it is something we can identify by the description, our veterinarians can advise accordingly.

Are worms contagious to people?
Humans, especially children, can possibly contract tapeworms by ingesting a flea. People are susceptible to roundworms and hookworms. Hands should always be washed after any exposure to pet's feces.

Can I get copies of my pet's records?
Absolutely. You will receive a copy of all services performed at our vaccine clinic. If you've lost your copy, we keep records for at least 3 years. Email or call us 7-days a week at info@pawsplus.com or 1-888-729-7758.

Please let us know if there are any other questions we can answer! Thank you.
 

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