Puppies 3 weeks old
Q: My lab had puppies 3 weeks ago tomorrow and i was wondering what i should use on them for fleas and ticks, one of my dogs has fleas and i just want to see if there is something that i can use on them or the mother since she is still feeding them.
A: I dont use typical chemical spot ons, etc until pups are at least 8 weeks old. for now you could use avon skin so soft 1.5 ounces diluted in 1/2 gallon of water and applied as leave on rinse. greasy but effective. also could try flea powder safe for puppies that you can get at pet store
Shop for: tick
Severe scratching
Q: My little doggie, a jack russell/daschund mix, is scratching himself non-stop. his vet recommended benadryl, however it does not seem to be helping. he has really dry skin, flaking, and very red spots. his hair is also thinning, and he has always had a beautiful coat. he does not have any fleas on him, nor have i seen any around. the itching is bothering him so much he can't sleep. i have been washing him in oatmeal shampoo, and even tried a spray the vet gave. what can i do to help my baby feel better???
A: Sounds like need stronger shampoo such as oxydex shampoo or chlorihexiderm shampoo used a few times weekly which you can get from 1800petmeds. also should have vet check skin for overgrowth of yeast of bacteria that might need oral antibiotics or antifungals. also might need to address underyling allergies with stronger prescription antihistamines, etc
Shop for: antihistamine, 1800petmeds
Behavior
Q: We have two large dogs, each 6 yrs old. during the day they are in a pen adjacent to the house, when we are home they are in the house. they (not for sure which one) are getting very destructive when left alone outside while we are at work - like chewing up the door frame and even the door knob. i have used chew-stop, but has not stopped the problem. what would you suggest?
A: Sounds like separation anxiety and you coudl ask your vet about meds like amitryptylline or clomicalm
Frontline
Q: Is it alright to use frontline for dogs on cats? my old vet would sell me the dog dosage of advantage to use on my cats. he gave me a dosage guide, to determine how much to use on my cats. it was cheaper to do it this way, rather than to buy an individual dose for each cat. can i do the same thing with frontline for dogs?
A: We cannot advise using products in any manner different than the labeled information.
Shop for: frontline, advantage
Arthritis
Q: My 7 year old lab has arthritis. he weights about 100 pounds. what would you remend? thank you.
A: We often prescribe many effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents for arthritis. many of these are quite expensive for a dog your pet's size. you should first see your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis as we often will check blood work to make sure that your pet can handle these medications. some of the better ones include rimadyl and |deramaxx, which all may be available somewhat cheaper through pet meds.|you can also add vitamin c in the form|of ester c to your pet's diet at a dose|of 1 to 2 grams a day in addition to|vitamin e at 400 iu a day, which have no side effects. there are also some|excellent glucosamine supplements including cosequin, and i often use a group of nutrients known as bioflavenoids in helping pets with arthritis. proanthocyanidins are such examples and can be harmlessly added|to a 100 pound dog's diet at 100 mg once to twice daily. hope this helps.
Shop for: vitamin, rimadyl, deramaxx
Double topical medications
Q: Is it safe to use frontline plus and advantage k9 together at the same time in order to get the best of both medications i have a 70 lb lab
A: Just use the k9 advantage alone and you should get the desired effectiveness without overdosing your dog.
Shop for: advantage, k9, frontline plus, frontline
Yearly vaccinations
Q: My vet sends a yearly reminder for an annual physical examination and vaccinations for distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, rabies, heartworm check, and stool check. i think the physical exam is very important for preventive health care. i have been reading about changing guidelines for vaccinations. are all the shots needed for my 5 yr old felmale dachshund? she has been taking soloxine .3 one half twice a day. your customer service does not have this prescription. do they have same medication with a different generic name? also should this be on going and how often should she have a blood test?
A: Ask pharmacist about soloxine alternative. thyroid medication is usually lifelong with periodic blood checks at your vet to make sure dose is ok. i would not keep on vaccinating her every year for these viruses especiallly given her breed which are prone to vaccine reactions and fact she has an autoimmune thyroid disorder. most vet schools now recommend every 3 year vaccinations at a minimum for things you ask about in adult dogs
Pregnant dog not eating
Q: My pitbull is pregnant but since she has been pregnant she hasn't been eating nearly at all. is this dangerous? is there something that should be done?
A: I would take to vet for exam and check to make sure no infections, etc.
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