The heat cycle is the mating period for female animals. Cat's normally have their first heat cycle between 5 to 10 months of age with the average being 6 months. Dog's first heat cycle are normally between 6-12 months. Some females of larger breeds may not have their first cycle until they are 12-24 months of age. Remember the above information is general not all females follow these patterns. Consult with your veterinarian if your pet does not seem typical.

Although Estrus cycles can vary greatly among individuals, small breed dogs typically come into heat around 6 to 8 months old. Large breed dogs may not come into their first heat cycle until 8 to 10 months old and may be even later for some giant breeds. Puberty in kittens typically occurs at 6 to 10 months of age depending on when the kittens are born. Typical breeding season for cats is February to August.

We recommend against spaying a dog that is in heat but it can be done. During this time the ovaries and uterus are swollen and filled with blood, increasing the risk of hemorrhage. We prefer to wait until about 4 weeks after your dog goes out of heat to perform surgery. We can spay cats that are in heat. What is a neuter and what are the benefits? Neutering is the surgical removal of both testicles.

This can vary from one dog to the next. Typically, the heat cycle lasts around two to three weeks. The female's vulva will swell and then bleed for several days. Mating is typically done after being in heat for a good 10 days. Some females have what is called a silent heat. This occurs when a dog does not show the typical signs of being in heat but can still get pregnant. Be careful if your dog is in heat and you do not wish her to be bred.

Canine heat cycle occurs 2 times a year,and lasts for 3-4 weeks. They bleed for a week, cease for a week during their fertile period, then bleed for the last week. If you think your dog is pregnant, gestation is 63 days from time of breeding.

We can never know in advance if two animals will get along. When considering adopting another pet, always consider a trial period when both animals can be exposed to each other to see how they both will react. Cats and dogs have a natural tendency (instinct) to not like each other. In the wild the feline and canine are enemies. The hyena takes off lions and the lion takes off hyenas. Which is natural. The same with wolves and bobcats, cheetahs and coyotes, etc.

Most people understand puppies and kittens have to go through a basic series of vaccinations to be well immunized but it's also important to get them boostered on an annual basis. For dogs, the minimum basic vaccination requirements would be DHLP-P-C =Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvo, Parainfluenza, Corona, and Rabies For cats, the minimum would be the FVRCP and RABIES, and we also recommend the FELINE LEUKEMA vaccine. Those same vaccines are boostered each year.

If ingested, make sure the pieces pass in the pet's bowel movement. If nothing passes within 24-48 hours or the animal seems uncomfortable, contact your vet and let them know of the incident.

Yes - Although rare cats have been infected by the H5N1 avian influenza virus. Dogs at this time have not been found infected with the H5N1 avian influenza virus, however other mammals have become infected and it is thought dogs could also become infected.

Please refer to the list provided on Metro Animal Services website). An application can also be downloaded from the Metro website.

Call the Oakland Pet Adoption Center at 248-391-4102 to find out if the pet has been reported missing. If so, you will be given the name and phone number of the possible owner. If you wish to keep the pet for a few days to see if the owner turns up, you should leave a found report at the Pet Adoption Center. Otherwise, you can bring the pet to the center or request that the pet be picked up.

All Rock Island County residents should obtain their pet registration tags from Rock Island County Animal Care and Control. Pet tags may be purchased at the county animal shelter located at 4001 - 78th Avenue in Moline, or by calling (309) 558-3483 and requesting a tag by mail. Pet owners must have a copy of a current rabies vaccination certificate to buy a tag.

A dog is in season about 21 days. The first 10 days include bleeding from the vagina, then your dog is ready to accept the male. A cat is completely different from a dog. They go in and out of season from January to June. It is always best to neuter your pet if you do not intend to breed her so that she does not develop breast or uterine cancer.

In the world of breeding cats, the female cat is usually called a "queen". Her heat cycle is often called the "estrus cycle" or simply "estrus". There are many factors that contribute to the length and frequency of the estrus cycle, including the female's age, her overall health, her genetic background, and also environmental factors such as temperature and daylight hours. Once a queen begins her estrus, she may stay in heat anywhere from several days, to 2-3 weeks.

Every cat will be a bit different while in heat. Where dogs have vaginal bleeding during estrus, this is very rarely the case with cats. However, you will surely notice a change in their behavior! The majority of queens become quite vocal and loud, and become very needy and wanton of affection. They may roll around on the floor or lay down right in front of your feet as you are walking. Constantly wanting to be with you and to be stroked may be an understatement for most queens.

A female goes into heat about twice a year. They may skip a heat cycle occasionally, but will seldom have an extra one. The cycle lasts 21 days in dogs. Cats will go into their first heat between 5-8 months. A cat will remain in heat until she is bred. Small breed dogs at about 6 months and medium breed dogs at 8 or 9 months.

Dogs and cats are most commonly infected when they ingest (eat) intestinal worm eggs that have been passed through the feces of an infected dog or cat. Tapeworms can be transmitted to pets that ingest fleas or other intermediate hosts, such as small rodents, that carry tapeworm larvae. Some worm species can be transmitted to puppies and kittens through the mother’s placenta and milk.

The magnet is adjusted on the collar so that is sits over the side of the neck where the blood vessels are close to the surface. This is approximately 1/3rd of the way up from underneath the chin. In this way it can affect the fluid in the bloodstream. The Bioflow should be close fitting but not restrictively tight ie you should still be able to get two fingers underneath.

About Dogs - The Wacky Habits Our Dogs HaveViewer Viewpoint: Keeping Goldfish - Veterinary Medicin...Oppositional defiant disorderBiting and Scratching Behavior in CatsAthlete's foot Degenerative MyelopathyDealing with guilt Flea and Tick Control TipsFly Strike in PetsVeterinary Knowledge Quizzes

the price includes spay/neuter surgery, preliminary shots, dewormer, physical exam, heartworm test for a dog and feline leukemia/feline AIDS test for a cat. PLEASE NOTE: As of September 1, 2007, the adoption fee (for all dogs and cats, regardless of age, breed, or size) will increase to $75. The increase will cover the cost of microchipping all adopted pets, along with the registration of the chip into a national database.