New Pets Always Welcome
Dogs - Cats
Small Animals - Birds

Jefferson Animal Clinic
8790 Ralston Rd
Arvada, CO 80002

Phone: (303) 423-3370
Fax: (303) 423-0827

Open Weekdays:  7:30am - 5pm
Saturdays: 8am - noon

FAQs

Why should I spay/neuter my pet?

Spaying (for females) and neutering (for males) your pet early in life has many benefits. Spaying females before their first heat cycle completely eliminates the chance of ovarian cancer (because the ovaries are removed) and practically eliminates the occurrence of mammary tumors later in life. For males, neutering early in life eliminates the chance of testicular cancer and greatly reduces the chance of prostate diseases later in life.

Besides the health benefits, spaying and neutering pets has social benefits as well. Altered pets are usually better family pets, they are more likely to bond with family members and are less likely to roam, run away, or develop aggressive tendencies. Altered males are less likely to mark their territory or spray. Finally, altered pets are less likely to bite.

The idea that females should be bred once or at least allowed one heat cycle before spaying is incorrect. There is no benefit gained by allowing females to complete a heat cycle or breed prior to spaying. In fact, postponing spaying females for any reason decreases the benefits that would be gained if she were spayed before her first heat cycle and without breeding her.

Neutering does involve the removal of the testicles, and despite what many owners think, dogs do not miss them. Most pets, male and female, are back to acting as if nothing happened within just a couple days of the surgery.

While young pets receive the greatest benefits from spaying and neutering, older pets also benefit. Altering your older pet reduces the chance of cancer though not as much as if the pet were altered before 8 months of age. In addition, altering older pets can in some cases aid in correcting behavior problems when used in conjunction with behavior modifying training.

Please contact us at (303) 423-3370 for estimates on spays, neuters, and the many surgical procedures preformed at Jefferson Animal Clinic.

Is pre-anesthetic bloodwork necessary?

Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is always recommended when a pet is going to be put under anesthesia. For pets 6 years old and older, we do require bloodwork prior to anesthesia. Bloodwork checks your pets liver and kidney function as well as red blood cell, white blood cell and platelet counts. Preforming pre-anesthetic bloodwork prior to any surgical procedure is the best medical practice.

What is microchipping?

Microchipping as a system of permanent pet identification which is used for lost pet retrieval. Microchipping involves implanting a "chip" about the size of a grain of rice under the skin between the shoulder blades of pets. Implantation is performed by injection, in the same manner as vaccines are administered. The chip contains an identification number that the owner registers along with contact information with ResQ, the microchip Jefferson Animal Clinic uses. The chip number can be retrieved by using a microchip scanner - all shelters and most veterinarians have one. Once implanted, the chip cannot be seen, felt, or lost like a collar and tags. For more information, please visit ResQ's website at http://resq.petparents.com/aboutResQ.cfm.

Year-round dewormer is recommended.

Many dogs and cats are infested with intestinal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms and whipworms. Even pets that show no signs of infestation can be carriers of the worms. These worms reproduce rapidly and in large numbers, they are also very hardy, living in the environment for long periods of time. This puts many pets at risk for infection or re-infection. Since these parasites are zoonotic and are shed in the stool, your whole family, and especially children are at risk of being infected. Luckily, infestations can be easily treated and prevented by administering one flavor tablet once a month throughout the year. A fecal exam should be performed at your pets yearly physical exam to ensure the deworming medication in effective.