Fleas/wormerQ: My cat has recently got very infested with fleas he is an inside cat but i live in the woods and have ooutside dogs anyway, i 'm getting all the fleas gone but, need to know what all i need to do to make sure he doesn't get sick. please help. thanks A: You need to use flea and tick prevention year round to prevent reinfestation from hatching eggs and larvae.
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Are yearly vaccinations needed?Q: I have a lab?chow mix and he is due for his rabies vaccination which i have to get at the vets. he has had these vaccinations @ 9mos. old: distemper-hepatisitis,parainfluenza,bordetella,canine parvovirus,coronavirus and rabies. what ones are really needed, i know rabies but what else? i know the vet is going to charge me a fortune. if i can i would like to do this myself. he will be 2 in nov. i also live in florida if this makes a difference. A: I feel that most viral vaccines of dogs today give years of immunity with most viral agents of concern, in particular parvo or distemper which are only ones that i concern myself with in most cases. every 6 months and even every year would be too much in my opinion and even all vet schools now recommend at most once every 3 year vaccinations with core viral vaccines in most adult pets
Yearly vaccinationsQ: 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
Bumps between toesQ: My jake russell as gotten 2 red bumps between her toe. it goes down then it seens to fill up again with fluid. we have gone to the vet 2 times. we got a med. called tritop. i soak her foot when i think about it in epsom salt. it helps. it seems as if something sets it off, outside or inside.the vet does not seem to know other then sometimes this happens and its nonthing to worrie about. it does not seen to upset the dog as it does me! any ideas louann A: Could be simple allergic reaction. i would not worry if not enlarging or bothering dog. only way to defintiively diagnose is with biopsy
BehaviorQ: 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
Pregnant dogQ: Is is ok to give my pregnant rott advantage? she is due within one week. A: Products such as advanatage should not be used on pregnant or nursing animals.
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Breeding?Q: My boxer is pregnant and we are not sure who the father is? she is in her 2nd heat and is a healthy young dog. while i was breeding her mother-with a stud, we discovered she was in heat or still in heat-now it appears that she's very pregnant. next question-she may have been had by her big brother, as no one saw her get breed, and she was seperated from all males except him! this is not the ideal situation-but she's very pregnant and have no knowledge of breeding between brother & sister(although this is not what we wanted-should i expect any problems or may she have a normal pregnancy. do believe her to be about 3 weeks into her pregnancy if not 4 weeks! i thank you for any answers and/or advice you may offer. the nearest local vet for us is 50 miles away 1 way, mountains of pa i thank you in advance for your time and assistance with this question and situation. respectfully donna & bill clark A: Tough situation as of course there is always risk of inbreeding genetic problems that can crop up while other times they are fine. it is like russian roulette. of course best if it did not occur
MedicationQ: My dog is 15 and taking temiral-p for his skin problems. the vet wants to do blood work. do you feel this is common practice and necessary? thank you A: Yes it is since this drug has small amount of prednisone in it and so liver/kidneys shoudl be monitored
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