I live in maQ: I live in ma and we have lots of dogs in the neighborhood and i am not sure if any of them are on heartworm preventative medicine. i was wondering if you recommend my cat who is in and out 50/50 to be on it? thanks A: I would hope that the dogs in your community are on heartworm preventative. if your cat is out of the house a lot, i would discuss heartworm prevention with your veterinarian.
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
Ear infectionsQ: My black lab chief has chronic ear infections my husband about every two weeks when it gets real bad cleans them and puts medicine in them. my question is could he take a pill that would actually clear up the infection. i believe he never gets rid of the actual infection. help (he's 4 years old and 115 lbs.) big dog. A: Have him seen by your veterinarian.
PancreatitisQ: Dear dr., my 8 yr old vizsla suffered an attack of "pancreatitis" on mem day weekend. she was hospitalized and fasted, given iv, antibiotics and carafate. we gradually weaned her from hamburger/rice to dry dog food and she started to suffer again. her lab chemistry reports were all normal including lipase. amylase was 1538 and our vet suggested hamburger/rice and gradually wean to hills id this time. we are doing that but she seems so "depressed". could she be this way due to pain? how long does it take for the pancreas to heal so there is no more pain? should she be taking any other med or supplement to help the pancreas heal? A: Tough to say as each case of pancreatitis is different. despite sometimes even diet therapy some dogs can have relapses. usually most recover in a matter of days to a week. however i would make sure diagnosis is correct by having abdominal ultrasound done as many vets over diagnose this condition based on blood tests. also consider prozyme supplementation from 1800petmeds which can help long term as well as making home made diet as described in book dr. pitcairns guide to natural health for dogs and cats by richard pitcairn, dvm
Shop for: prozyme, 1800petmeds
Cyst?Q: My dog is about 10 years old and has had problems with allergies from flea saliva. she has developed over the years a type of "cyst" about 1/4" large on her tail and another between her shoulders, i believe from areas where fleas have bit her. they are slowly getting larger. should we have them removed? are they anything to be concerned about? lisa ps: my dog is a maltese A: Tough for me to say since i would have to see them directly. many of these cysts are benign and i leave them alone as often they recur elsewhere so often i just monitor them as this will save you time and expense and putting dog through surgeries but should have direct vet visit to make sure cysts dont appear to be something more involved
SafetyQ: We have a 5 year old chocolate lab and are considering giving her frontline plus for her fleas however, we also have a 21 month old son who is constantly crawling all over her. what side effects, if any can occur to my son should he come in contact with the medication that has been applied topically? A: Keep your dog apart from your child for about 24 hours after application. once it is dry there is no problem. it would only be a problem if your child came in contact with a lot of the product while wet on the lab.
Shop for: frontline plus, frontline
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 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
pet prescription med explanationTerms used in this page:
pet - a domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement
prescription - directions prescribed beforehand; the action of prescribing authoritative rules or directions; "I tried to follow her prescription for success"
Master of Education, MEd - a master's degree in education
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