Is testing necessary?Q: Our dog takes heartworm meds during the mosquito months. when calling for a blood test appointment, the non-vet person on the phone assured me i could begin treatment prior to testing. when i said everything i have read states a test must precede the meds, she said that was with old meds. with "today's" newer meds, it's no longer necessary. she would not give me an appointment before june, and i think i need a new office! please help. A: Actually person you spoke with on phone is quite educated. there are virtually no risk to using once monthly heartworm pills even if dog has heartworms. risks were with old daily preventatives which are no longer available
Dry skinQ: I have a border collie, austrailian shepard mix. his skin is very dry and flakes. he doesn't like to take pills is there anything i can give him to stop him from scratching? i have used a dry skin shampoo with aloe in it but he still scratches. A: Purchase the brite coat xs capsules. puncture a capsule with a pin and mix the liquid in with his food.
Liquid pain reliefQ: Our dog suzie is a poodle mix. she is diebetic and partially blind. suzie has some problems with her back hips. her hips were injured several years ago and never healed properly. she has now developed a large tumor like lump that my hand can fit around on her right shoulder. suzie fights me so if i try to give her pills and will walk away from food if she senses any kind of medication. is there any kind of liquid pain medication i can inject as i do her insulin. our vet will not give her steriods because of the insulin. A: I am not aware of any injections i would reocmmend for home use. you could try metacam which dogs usually readily take in their food
Heart wormsQ: Our dog tested positive for a moderate case of heartworms. we took him to a teaching hospital for treatment, where he received 2 injections and stayed 3 nights. they said he did very well, and he could have his last injection in a month at a regular vet. when i called to find a vet, they didn't give a third injection. we can't afford to have him return to the vet school again. should we just begin heart worm pills or is there an injection i can buy and give? A: The two injections might be enough. but i would ask for letter from teaching hospital stating what injection isneeded likely immiticide, which most vets carry. but might be able to get away with just starting monthly heartworm pills as usually the two injections is enough in most cases if you cant find vet who will give 3rd injection
My dogs nose is really dryQ: Please tell me how to help my golden retrievers nose it is really dry and when we got him (harlie ) he had a real bad cold we took him to the vet and got pills to help that but i"m worryed about his nose being so dry not wet at all A: I recommend having him rechecked by your veterinarian. there are many potential causes for the dryness. your veterinarian can help resolve this.
Proin dropsQ: I see you have chewable proin tablets. my almost 17 year old doxie has very few teeth and has always had trouble with pills and tablets. i'm currently using proin drops that i got from our vet before our moving. by any chance do you carry the drops? thank you, A: We do not carry proin drops.
Shop for: proin
Dog has bumps on his skinQ: My dog has small bumps on him after he pulls his hair out and chews open the lumps he stops the itching and chewing i take him to the vets at least 3 times a year and all he ever does is give him a chortazone shot and pills this works for a few months then i have to take him in again won't all of these shots and pills hurt him and why can't my vet tell me whats wrong. at 135.00 a visit 3 times a year he should be able to find out why he itches and chews and what the lumps are.. i have another dog and he is fine can you help A: I agree. you need definitive diagnosis if problem persists or reoccurs so that you can treat underyling problem. for example you may want to ask about blood allergy testing to find out what he could be allergic to such as inhalent allergens of grass, dander, pollens, dust, etc. also could be food allergic so should try low allergy diet like california natural lamb and rice diet by natura brand. also could have skin biopsy done of bumps if not simple infection
