TicksQ: I have been using advantage and do not have a flea problem, thank god, but i have been finding ticks on my dog. i am at a loss as to the best product to use to kill ticks. i thought advantage did this, but i guess not. also, what is the best way to remove a tick? thanks A: The k9 advantix kills fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.|when is tick is found embedded in the skin, use a fine pointed tweezers at the point of attachment, and grasp firmly. remember to wear latex gloves when doing this. |using slow, steady, and firm traction, pull the tick straight out from the skin. |cleanse the skin with mild soap and water. |if part of the tick breaks off, you can try to remove it as you would a splinter, but it is probably best to leave it alone. the body will 'eject' it in time. |place the tick in a jar of alcohol, noting the date, in case of future illness. tick identification and location of tick infestation will be important. ||tips: |do not use a match or caustic materials to try to smother the tick or get the tick to 'back out'. this doesn't work, and may be causing the tick to regurgitate more saliva (and potential pathogens) into the skin. |
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Six monthly heartgard shotQ: I wonder if i could get some advice. i have three dogs and they have been on heartgard all their lives. however, last time i went to the vet they suggested the six montly shot, which i went with. however a colleague told me that the shot was not safe and that they are trying to ban its use. do you know anything about this. many thanks in advance for any advice. A: We can only tell you that there have been some negative reports on the internet. in addition, if you use heartgard plus, you also gain protection against intestinal worms.
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Lots of fleasQ: I have two large dogs that i found several fleas and flea dust on. i've given them both baths with the flea shampo, given them advantage and would like to do a flea dip but don't know how long i should wait. i also set off foggers in the house, put flea powder down on the carpets and sprayed the outside of the house. problem is i'm still finding live fleas! shouldn't i start seeing less and less of them? A: Sometimes takes a while for environmental treatments to kick in. eggs will be hatching and by second dose of advantage next month should have no fleas around. also consider oral capstar from 1800petmeds for quick kill of fleas. no need for dips
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Sore spotQ: I am jsut trying to figure out why my dog is smelling soo bad! we found a small spot on his shoulder that looks like his hair folicils are irritated and oozing... i am not sure what it is from or if this is causing his bad smell. he is acting normal he is just smells real bad even after his bath. A: Could be overgrowth of yeast or bacteria on skin. consider chlorihexiderm shampoo from 1800petmeds every few days which treats both. if no help see your vet
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VomitingQ: Our 8 year old dog, gretchen, has been vomiting on and off for over 24 hrs now. she is a mixed breed (dachshund and terrier). she usually eats on schedule, daily about 5 pm. she's never had any digestive problems before. i have not changed her dog food. during the last 24+ hours she has been vomiting on and off every hour or so. her stool seemed normal enough earlier today. she has drank a little water but will not eat. she doesn't seem herself. she head is down, ears and tail down. she seems very tired and listless. she didn't even bark at the squirrels today. definitely not her usual perky self. is it possible that she has contracted a bad stomach virus from my 11-year old daughter who was sick earlier this week? i know it sounds crazy, but gretchen is never sick. if this is so, is there anything i can do for her at home until i can get her to the vet. her only visits to the vet have been for annual shots and checkups because she has never been sick. our family vet is out of town for the weekend. he doesn't have an answering service. A: Remotely possible that viruses can be transmitted between people and pets but hard to prove/disprove. until you get her to vet best to take off all food, only offer small amounts of fluids or electrolytes like pediolyte and can try natural remedy slippery elm which can sometimes help soothe stomach.
