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
OrbaxQ: My vet perscribed orbax along with otc pepcid for my dog. i just read that orbax should not be used in conjunction with antacids. should i be concerned? A: The plain pepcid(not the pepcid complete) will not interact with the orbax. the second pepcid product contains an antacid to neutralize any acid in the stomach. the pepcid portion stops the production of acid. it is the alkaline nature of the antacid that reacts with the orbax.
Lucky, my dogQ: Who is avma? i am in the 310 area code. thank you, p.t. A: The acronym stands for the american veterinary medical association.
Lab mix/hair lossQ: 2 yr old male lab/mix scratching, chewing on fur. vet says allergy, skin test neg for parasites. giving fatty acid and a spray. scratching until the point of bleeding. please help! A: Likely will need short course of oral pred to help get initial itch under control. in future if recurs, could try antihistamines or allergy testing dog for best long term solution
Shop for: antihistamine
SymptomsQ: What are symptoms of heartworm? should all dogs be taking heartworm? A: Symptoms include exercise intolorance or shortness of breath; dry gagging or wet cough; swollen abdomen or difficult breathing and other vague signs of illness such as lethargy, loss of appetite, etc. some dogs have no signs. others display only one or a few of above. all dogs should be on once monthly heartworm preventative meds
Dog vomitingQ: My 5 year old female german sheppard has been vomiting a lot this past few days(3 times) its only her food and she seems fine otherwise should i take her to the vet or wait thank you A: I would ideally take to vet for exam and x rays. you could try fasting her for 24 to 36 hours only offering small amounts of fluids and pediolyte to maintain hydration. after this time introduce bland hamburger and rice diet. also at same time as fast can try pepcid ac at dose of 1/2 mg per pound orally twice daily in addition to slippery elm from health food store which can soothe bowels
