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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Medicine protocol for older dogsQ: We have a 16 1/2 year old bischon who has had addison's diease since she was 1 year old. she has a #3 heart murmer and suffers from urinary infections all the time. clavamox works initially and then when she is off of it for a few days it comes back.tried 125mg only at night and she started getting nausas from it so we took her off of it. right know we are in limbo getting her stomach better. can you recommend something else we could do. we have her tested and the infection is e-coli every time. at this age the fewer tests we do the better she will be. thank you very much we appreciate your recomendations. she weighs about 18 pounds and eats ivd hifactor. could a different food help? A: You could try low dose baytril in evening which i find causes less upset stomachs then clavamox which fairly commonly causes digestive upset in pets. also try extra vitamin c in her food in form of ester c at dose of 250 mg twice daily; you can also supplement her with cranberry tablets which can help with urinary tract infections
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Shakes headQ: Hi, my 3 yrd old rottie/pit mix has started shaking her head as if her ear is bothering her. it is not red or inflammed nor does it have any odor. it is a bit dirty but no more than the ther ear. taking her to the vet is such an ordeal as she does not play well with other dogs..haha can i try to treat it at home first with something safe? she has never had an ear problem or infectin previously. thanks A: It is likely underlying inhalent seasonal allergy. you could try oral benadryl at dose of 1/2 to 1 mg per pound orally twice daily in addition to 1800petmeds ear clear as well. however if persists will likely need prescription topical meds from your vet, also check out article i wrote on this website on ear care.
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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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Frontline plus allergy - dogQ: I have a 1 year old white german shepherd dog. i have been applying frontline plus since she was old enough to use it. in the last 3 months, every time i apply it, she paces and acts crazy for almost 2 days. she moves from room to room as if something is chasing her, tries to hide under our legs for protection, and when she lies down she can't stay still for more than 30 seconds. i'm worried that she's senstive to the frontline plus - especially the neurotoxicity. she loves the water and i want to know if i should be worried. are other waterproof options? thank you, ~becky A: Some pets can indeed develop hypersenstiivities to any of the topical flea/tick products with continual use over time even though nothing seen originally. i would try other alternative such as oral program if fleas an issue and natural tick prevention such as cloud 9 by company called halo.
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What do i needQ: I have a litter of pups (5) that need first shots. what do i need to purchase from you? A: You can use the univac 5 puppy da2pp (sku #3313)for the first shots.
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.
