Patient FAQs
DC Dog Registration
To register your dog in the District of Columbia, please proceed to the following DC site:
Pet Food Guidelines
Choosing a pet food can be overwhelming! There are a myriad of brands, types, and flavors, and it can be hard to know where to begin. Like anything else you are choosing for your pet, there are plenty of good choices, and a few to avoid.
What food brands does AtlasVet recommend?
It is best to start with a brand that is trusted and well reputed. Of course, there is a lots of controversy regarding “what is trusted” on the internet.
In the veterinary community, the brands that are recommended are Purina (specifically the Purina ProPlan line, though all lines are safe), Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin Diets, and Iams/Eukanuba diets. Within these, you will find many different flavors, types, and varieties. It is a common misconception that veterinarians work for these food companies and thus promote them, but we can promise that at AtlasVet, this is not the case.
It is best to be consistent with your choice, as this can prevent stomach upset. Keeping a diet consistent early on can also help us manage food allergies later on, should they arise.
If you want to do a deep dive around choosing the best food for your pet, see refer to this handy link from the WSAVA.
Also: Savvy Cat Owner’s Guide to Nutrition on the Internet & Savvy Dog Owner’s Guide to Nutrition on the Internet
How much should I feed?
Just like human food, each type of food has a different caloric density. For that reason, usually we recommend going by the feeding guide for your food choice (this can usually be found on the bag, or in some cases online). Be aware that rapidly growing pets will have a rapidly evolving caloric need, so you may need to adjust the food volume regularly. If you are struggling with a weight issue in your pet, you may need to work with your pet’s doctor to develop a tailored food plan.
How do I transition my pet to a new food?
Whether switching from puppy/kitten food to adult food or just switching brands, it is important to switch food gradually to prevent stomach upset or food aversion. Transition from the old diet to the new diet over at least 7 days. On day 1-2, add a small amount of the new food to their current diet. Every two days, reduce the amount of old food and increase the amount of new food until your pet is exclusively eating the new food.
For a more visual representation, visit this site
What about Grain Free? I heard that was best.
Grain Free diets have come about as a result of an increased awareness of gluten sensitivities in humans. These sensitivities are very uncommon in pets, and the popularity of these grain free and boutique diets is due to marketing alone. There is almost never a medical need for them, and feeding them can be dangerous (more on this below). Gluten and gain sensitivity in pets is extremely rare, and should not be a factor when choosing a food for your pet. Most food allergies in pets are actually due to a protein sensitivity, and are usually acquired allergies. Similarly, some pet food companies tout that their ingredient lists are similar to what humans would eat, with ‘real’ meat, bone meal, and organ meats, rather than by-products. It is important to remember that by-products are real meat, and are often composed of things like organ meats and bone meal! Further, those perfect looking ingredient lists often look pretty on paper but are not always formulated for optimal digestion and nutrient absorption. This can lead to diarrhea and nutrient deficiencies in some cases.
Are Grain Free diets safe?
In a word, no. As such, we can’t recommend them in good conscience. So called “B.E.G.” (Boutique, Exotic ingredient, Grain free) diets have been linked to serious cardiac disease. This link is still poorly understood and being actively researched by the FDA. When possible, we recommend changing away from these diets. The safest diets are Hill’s Science Diet, Purina ProPlan, Royal Canin, Iams or Eukanuba. Be aware that some of those brands also make lines that are grain free, so be sure to avoid those. Below are several links for you to review.
What about Raw diets?
Raw diets are considered to be boutique diets, and many are also grain free, so by definition they fall into the category of diets being linked to heart disease. Further, dogs on raw diets have been found to carry higher loads of salmonella and e.coli in their mouths and on their skin. Dogs are actually quite unlikely to become sick from these pathogens, but people are very susceptible to them and can absolutely get them from contact with a pet eating a raw food. For all those reasons, we do not recommend raw food or “BARF” (Bones and Raw Food) diets.
Can I cook for my pet?
If you want to make them an occasional treat, sure! Be sure to review the ASPCA toxin chart and avoid anything toxic (such as grapes, raisins, types of avocado by products, macadamia nuts, onions and garlic, to name a few!). Treats should always be less than 5% of your pet’s meal. Pets are also very sensitive to higher fat foods, so if you want to feed human food try to stick to lower fat and blander options. Some ideas include white meat chicken without added fat, plain rice or pasta, low fat cheese, or some raw or steamed vegetables.
Some owners do elect to home cook a diet for their pets, either due to a nutritional or medical need, or just because they want to. These diets are notorious for being nutritionally unsound, and can lead to problems with kidneys, eyes, and even osteoporosis and broken bones! If you do want to cook your pet’s diet, you’ll need professional help to do so. You can get this either through a nutrition consultation or through a website called balanceit.com.
New Puppy
What vaccines are recommended for puppies?
Vaccines that are recommended for all new puppies in the DC-area include DHPP (distemper/hepatitis/parainfluenza/parvovirus), rabies, leptospira and bordetella (a.k.a. “kennel cough”). DHPP is given every 3-4 weeks until a puppy is 16-18 weeks old. Leptospira is given in two boosters 3-4 weeks apart starting at 12 weeks old. Rabies is generally given at 16 weeks old, and bordetella can be given at any visit after 8 weeks old.
Additional vaccines that are optional and recommended based on lifestyle are CIV (canine influenza virus) and lyme. Both require an initial vaccine and a booster vaccine 3-4 weeks apart.
At what age is the spay or neuter surgery recommended?
For female dogs, the spay surgery is recommended at 6 months old, prior to their first heat cycle.
For male dogs, a neuter surgery is recommended any time after 6 months old.
If your pet is not already microchipped, this will be done during the procedure.
What else is discussed at their first visit?
We will discuss starting heartworm prevention and flea/tick prevention. Both of these are given regularly for the entire life of your pet (usually monthly but some products have longer frequencies).
Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes and are not easily treated. Heartworms cause heart and lung damage, so prevention is very important.
Fleas and ticks are prevalent nuisances, even in the city. Ticks can spread Lyme disease and other blood parasites. Fleas cause itchy skin and can spread tapeworms if ingested.
Why is a fecal test recommended at their first visit?
Most new puppies, even if already given a dose of dewormer, commonly have intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, or coccidia. These are
diagnosed at the lab by examining the feces under the microscope. Based on the type(s) of worm(s) present, an appropriate dewormer and treatment length will be prescribed.
Does AtlasVet recommend pet insurance?
Pet insurance can be invaluable, particularly in emergency and other unplanned situations. Depending on the insurance company and the plan you choose, a
significant percentage of medical costs can be reimbursed back to you. There are many companies out there who offer pet insurance, and we encourage you to do your research. Here are a few options to explore:
https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/
Other helpful puppy/dog sites:
https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/responsible-pet-ownership.aspx
https://www.canine.vet.cornell.edu/
https://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
New Kitten
What vaccines are recommended?
For all kittens, we recommend FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia) every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Rabies is given at 16 weeks old.
If your kitten will go outside, feline leukemia virus vaccine is also recommended and given in two boosters 3-4 weeks apart, starting at 12 weeks old or anytime if a change in lifestyle warrants it.
At what age is the spay or neuter surgery recommended?
For female cats, the spay surgery is recommended at ~5 months old, prior to their first heat cycle.
For male cats, the neuter surgery is also recommended at 6 months old.
If your pet is not already microchipped, this will be done during the procedure.
Why is a fecal test recommended at their first visit?
Most new kittens, even if already given a dose of dewormer, commonly have intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, or coccidia. These are
diagnosed at the lab by examining the feces under the microscope. Based on the type(s) of worm(s) present, an appropriate dewormer and treatment length will be prescribed.
Does AtlasVet recommend pet insurance?
Pet insurance can be invaluable, particularly in emergency and other unplanned situations. Depending on the insurance company and the plan you choose, a significant percentage of medical costs can be reimbursed back to you. There are many companies out there who offer pet insurance, and we encourage you to do your research. Here are a few options to explore:
https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/
Other helpful kitten/cat sites:
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center
https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats
International Travel
Visit the following website for comprehensive information about the international travel and pets https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel
Preparing international health certificates (IHCs) can be a complicated process which is why it is important to plan ahead.
When scheduling, please provide your destination country and date of travel. Also let us know if you plan to stop in another country on your way to your final destination.
If the country you are traveling to is not listed on the USDA pet travel website, it is your responsibility to check with the consulate/embassy of that country for further guidance about the travel requirements.
Many countries require that the documents we issue at the IHC appointment be endorsed by a veterinarian at the USDA office (often referred to as the “official” veterinarian). For some countries, this can be done electronically (through a system called VEHCS) but for other countries, the paper document has to be sent to the USDA by the client.
Always check with your airline to see if they have any other requirements we need to meet.
The fee to issue an IHC can range from $345 – 468 which does not include any required laboratory tests or fees to the USDA for endorsement of the certificate (if required).
Domestic Travel
Check with the airline to find out what their requirements are for your pet to travel as there is no national standard. Some airlines only require proof of vaccination and other airlines require the pet to be examined by a veterinarian within a certain time period prior to travel and that veterinarian to issue a domestic health certificate.
Sedation- not every pet needs to be sedated to travel. However, there are options for oral sedatives for pets that are traveling in the cabin. It is not permitted nor is it safe to sedate animals that will be in the cargo area.
Car Ride Anxiety and Nausea
My dog/cat has nausea and/or vomits during car rides. What can I give?
The only veterinary and FDA-approved medication for motion sickness in dogs and cats is a medication called Cerenia. This is a pill (dose varies based on weight) given 1-2 hours prior to car rides. This medication is by prescription only. Contact us if you are interested in obtaining a prescription from your veterinarian.
My dog is very anxious during car rides. What can I give?
A safe over-the-counter option that can be given is Benadryl (diphenhydramine). It should be given 1-2 hours prior to the car ride.
The dose for dogs and cats is about 1 milligram per pound of body weight:
<15 lbs: 1/2 a tablet (12.5 mg) every 8-12 hours
16-40 lbs: one tablet (25 mg) every 8-12 hours
40-70 lbs: two tablets (50 mg) every 8-12 hours
75-90 lbs: three tablets (75 mg) every 8-12 hours
91-110 lbs: four tablets (100 mg) every 8-12 hours
If this does not help, a prescription sedative called trazodone can be discussed with your veterinarian. Please ask about it at your pet’s next exam or contact us to request a prescription.
It is generally recommended to give a trial dose at home without taking a car ride to see how it affects your pet first. Some pets can become more anxious with sedating medication.
*As always, an up-to-date annual exam is required to obtain prescription medications for your pet.
Cicadas
Brood X is coming!
What do I do if my pet eats a cicada? Will my pet get sick?
The short answer, probably not.
Cicadas are not poisonous or toxic to pets. However, just like anything that isn’t part of their diet, cicadas may cause vomiting or diarrhea for pets with sensitive systems or pets that consume the insects in excess. Try to limit your pet’s cicada consumption as best you can – 1 or 2 likely won’t hurt, but anything more may potentially cause gastrointestinal upset. Additionally, albeit rare, pets could also be allergic to cicadas and have an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction include sudden itching, swelling, and a swollen face/muzzle after consumption. If your pet has an allergic reaction call AtlasVet immediately or proceed directly to an urgent care or ER clinic.
The bottom line: your dog or cat may love to eat cicadas, but you should do your best to try to discourage a cicada feast!
Emergencies and Toxins
What symptoms are a potential emergency?
These symptoms should always be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. Whenever possible, a pet displaying these symptoms should be taken to the closest emergency facility (Friendship Hospital for Animals in DC; VCA Southpaws in Fairfax, VA; Dogs and Cats Veterinary Referral in Bowie, MD)
Labored or difficulty breathing
A seizure that lasts more than 5 minutes or more than 2 seizures in a row with incomplete return to consciousness in between
Collapse, loss of consciousness
Large and/or open wounds especially if bone or body cavities are exposed.
Non-productive retching/vomiting with or without a firm, bloated abdomen
A male cat straining to urinate with little or no urine production
**This list is not exhaustive, and if you are ever concerned you should call AtlasVet or take your pet to the closest emergency room.
What should I do if my pet ingests a potential toxin, a plant that may be toxic, or a prescription or over-the-counter medication for humans?
Please call the ASPCA Pet Poison Control Hotline (888) 426-4435
Resource for toxic and non-toxic plant questions:
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants
What are common toxins potentially in or around the home?
For dogs: grapes, raisins, antifreeze fluid, chocolate, marijuana, human medications (anti-inflammatories, Tylenol, blood pressure medication, antidepressants, and others), sugar-free gum containing xylitol, onions and garlic (dose dependant)
For cats: lilies (Stargazer, Easter, etc), antifreeze fluid, human medications (Pepto bismol, Tylenol, and others)
**This list is not exhaustive, and if you are ever concerned you should call the ASPCA Pet Poison Hotline
Does AtlasVet see emergency appointments?
In the event of an emergency during our normal office hours, please call us at (202) 552-8600. If possible, we will see you as an urgent care appointment if it is the best interest of your pet, or we may refer you to a 24 hour ER for optimal care.
For after-hours emergencies please contact one of the local 24 hour emergency centers listed in the “in case of emergency” link on our homepage.
Preventatives for Fleas, Ticks and Heartworms
Preventatives
What parasite prevention is recommended?
All dogs in the DC area should be on heartworm prevention and flea/tick prevention.
Depending on lifestyle and risk of exposure, some cats should be on flea and tick or heartworm prevention.
What brands of preventatives do you recommend?
There are many reliable brands and types of preventatives available. At our hospital, we carry:
Heartworm prevention (for dogs): Heartgard Plus (monthly chewable) or Proheart (annual injection, like a vaccine)
Flea and tick prevention (for dogs): Nexgard (monthly chewable) or Frontline (monthly topical)
Heartworm, flea, and tick prevention (for dogs): Simparica TRIO (monthly chewable)
For cats: Revolution (monthly topical – best for indoor/outdoor cats – prevents heartworms, fleas, ticks, ear mites, some intestinal parasites) and Frontline (monthly topical for fleas and ticks)
What is the difference between a monthly chewable heartworm preventative and an annual injection?
Both are safe, effective, and roughly similar in cost (comparing one injection to 12 months of Heartgard)
Heartgard is safe for all puppies and dogs over 8 weeks of age, and is safe regardless of possible heartworm infection status. It must be given once a month for protection against heartworms.
Proheart 12 is an injection given once every 12 months for heartworm prevention. It is only available to dogs over 1 year of age. It is necessary to be sure that a dog receiving Proheart does not have a heartworm infection, so a negative heartworm test within the last 6 months is necessary to start Proheart and evidence of consistent monthly heartworm prevention is required.
New adoptions (adult dogs) and dogs who have not been consistently on heartworm prevention need to have two negative heartworm tests 6 months apart while also taking monthly preventatives during that time.
What if my dog rarely goes outside? Does he/she really need these?
The risk is still there, and we still recommend preventatives, especially heartworm prevention. Since mosquitoes can (and do!) get inside and heartworms are difficult and costly to treat, prevention is still important.
