RednessQ: I have an 8 month old american bulldog/boxer mix that has slowly developed a redness under the hair on his back (he has white hair and it appears to be a red line on his back. i don't have the money for an immediate vet visit, and he doesn't seem to be terribly bothered by it, but i want to resolve this before it does become a problem. what would the signs be of mange? how would i determine if this was mange or an allergy? thank you for your help here. A: I doubt mange which usually does not appear this way. only way to diagnose it though is skin scrape at vet. more likely an allergy
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
Pregnancy and heartwormQ: My dog may be pregnant and i was wondering if it is safe to continue to give her sentinel heartworm medication? A: Sentinel is safe to use in pregnant and nursing dogs.
Shop for: sentinel
Ear mitesQ: I have a 5 year old 75 ld male dog, his right ear has a lot of dark brown build up and it has a very pungent odor, in the past my other dog had the same symptom. the vet diagnosed as ear mites. what can i use and can i order it thru petmed. A: I would not be so quick to call 5 year old dog with dark brown wax in ear as ear mites as more common in this age to have overgrowth of yeast or bacteria. if you want, you coudl try mitaclear from 1800petmeds but i would certainly recommend vet exam of ear for best treatment. also see article i wrote on ear care on education part of this website
Shop for: ear mites, 1800petmeds
Chewing and diggingQ: My rot is constantly scratching and digging. her fur is falling out and i don't know what to do. i was told that it was her dogfood because of corn being the main ingrediant. is that a correct assumption? if so what would be a good and affordable brand of dogfood? A: Corn mayor may not be involved. can have allergies to any ingredients. io would try low allergy natural diet such as wellness fish and potato or california natural lamb and rice diet by natura. if no help after 6 weeks, then you might want to have inhalent allergy workup via skin or blood allergy testing at vet dermatologist
Which is best for a tiny dog?Q: I just aquired a 3 yr. old yorkie/llhasa mix. (girl). her owner passed away and she was left in my care. she has been very well taken care of as far as vet care and immunizations. i do think she has worms and also needs flea and tick meds. what would you reccommend for my new dog.? she only weighs about 3 lbs. very tiny. thank you, kathie kiter A: I would use monthly interceptor or heartgard which will prevent most intestinal worms and of course heartworms. as for flea/tick meds be very careful with topical products on such a little dog as they can react, you may want to try oral program.
Shop for: tick, heartgard, interceptor
Sick dogQ: My shitszu went next door and ate some greens and becon. she is sick and vomiting blood what can i do for her? A: Take her to vet for exam, etc. if not possible, then you coudl try 1/2 pepcid ac once daily. fast her for 24 hours, and then only offer small amounts of water during this time. then bland diet of boiled hamburger and rice and continue pepcid but really needs vet visit
CoughingQ: My 105# rottie had all shots/ kennel cough vacs. on july 10th. july 20th in the early am he started a dry, deep cough as if something was cought in his throat. he doesn't cough much. could you tell me if this sounds like kennel cough. is kennel cough airborn. he has been staying in a crate that was used by a puppy approx. 6 weeks ago A: Kennel cough is stress induced disease caused by various viruses and bacteria some of which are normal inhabitants of dogs airways but overgrow under periods of stress. can be worsened or spread by airborne issues. also a good case example as why i am not big fan of kennel cough vaccine as i dont feel it has been shown to be effective in my opinion and in fact i think i see more kennel cough in vaccinated dogs in my experience and opinion
