TapewormsQ: I have owned a 16 month old male sheltie for 6 months. when we first got him he had tapeworms. he has been treated and they come back after 2 months. i have given him fronline on a monthly basis (even though we are in the winter months when fleas have not been a problem). we just noticed that they are back and we must treat him again). this will be the fourth time and i would like to know if you have any suggestions. i spoke with my vets office today and they said some dogs are more into self-grooming than others and once the flea is swallowed the worms come back. i have owned shelties and collies for the past 25 years and have never encountered this problem before. i ordered my last worm treatment from you because i got two doses for the price of one from the vet. i would hate to think that this dog would have to be treated for tapeworms every 2 months for the rest of his life (i'd do it but would want to know about any health complications. please send me your advice.......in no great hurry but would like a response. thanks so much. A: Are we sure that they are tapeworms and not other type of worms. if so, treating him periodically with droncit is fairly safe and can be repeated as needed. is highly unusual unless he is constantly being exposed to fleas. make sure you have treated house for fleas to make sure no eggs around
Shop for: droncit
Over weight dogsQ: I have scottish terrier & schnauzer(mut). they get walked daily. recently put them on hills r/d foot for weight reduction. first week. they both did well switching foods cost is @ $3.00 a day. is there an equal product less costly available through you? both dogs weigh 23 to 25lbs. schnauzer is 12years old. scottie is 8 years old. A: Sorry, currently we do not carry dog food.
Sudden bad breathQ: My dog's breath has gotten really bad just recently...it's normally not great but recently has gotten really putrid, almost fishy. this has been consistent for almost a week so i don't think it's something he ate. i'm planning to take him to the vet soon for a check-up but is there anything that you know may be causing this in the mean time? A: Could be build up of tartar on teeth or gingivitis or oral infection. might need teeth cleaning and antibiotic therapy. take to vet when possible
Which one?Q: We live in north carolina and have a golden retriever. right now we are using hartz flea and tick spray but it doesn't seem to be working. we want to get him on some other kind of treatment. he also needs something for heartworms. what do you think the best product would be? also, to use the heartworm medication does he need to be tested for heartworms first? thank you! A: If you golden is an outside dog we recommend the k9advantix. if mostly indoor, you can use frontline plus. |in response to your question about heartworm preventatives, most veterinarians would require a negative test first. you can then mail us the rx, or ask the office to fax or phone the rx in for you. you do have a choice where you have your prescriptions filled.
Shop for: advantix, tick, k9, frontline plus
Irratable bowelQ: My cat just turned 10 years old she has had blood and mucus in her stool off and on since she was 5 years old. the vet puts her on metronidaz 50 mg. liquid form to control it. i would like to know if there is a diet that could help control her condition? she has been on select care neutral formular for 8 years. also can you tell me more about this condition and if it will get worse with age and if this medication is good to take as she gets older? A: This medicine is fine and safe for long term or intermittent use in cats. might want to consider low allergy natural diet like wellness brand low allergy diets that exist for cats or possibly california natural lamb and rice diet by natura brand as choices. also could consider home made diet as described in book the new natural cat by anitra frazier. inflammatory bowel disease is very common in cats and dogs. make sure complete cbc/chem and thyroid done as well as ultrasound done to make sure no other problems. many often eventually need oral prednisone if diet and metronidazole does not control
Shop for: prednisone
Kennel coughQ: I have a 13 year old dog that went to a kennel for 3 days. they gave him a shot for kennel cough. he come home about a week he stared to cough. went back to vet. they gave me a 2 week of clavamox he has taken them. now he is stell coughing just like he was. are there something i can give him that home to help him and his cough? james gaddis A: Can try a a teaspoon or two of robitussin a few times daily but need to see why still coughing. could be other problem here and not kennel cough. make sure chest xrays done and no heart or other lung issues going on
NeuteringQ: I have a male lab who has already fathered 3 litters and is 2 years old. he is becoming more aggressive lately to our other dogs, even when a female is not in heat. would neutering help him any, as far as aggressiveness and marking his territory in the house? A: Certainly worth a try and is next step
