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
Yeast and bacteria infectionQ: Does pet pharmacy stock a non-prescription that has the same ingredants or works as well as otomax/ointment ? my sharpei has seen her veterinarian over 4 or 5 months ago. he prescribed some kind of cordisone pills and otomax / ointment (15g bottle). A: Otomax is a prescription product. there are over the counter products that are used to cleanse the ears that could prevent the problem
WormsQ: I just saved a dog domestic animal services, (the pound). she had hook worm, and they gave her something for it. when i had brought her home she had ticks really bad. we gave her advantix and many baths. i even bombed my house. i just took another stool sample in and now she has tapeworms. i have a presciption for droncit 34, which was 4 pills all at once. my questions are, will heartguard prevent these worms, and is this normal to have 2 different worms within a month. also do you carry any medicines for the hookworm and tapeworms, without a presciption? A: Heartgard is for heartworm prevention only. heartgard plus will also protect against hookworm and roundworm. panacur-c is an over the counter, broad spectrum wormer, that will treat hookworm, roundworm, whipworm and tapeworm.
Shop for: heartgard, tick, heartgard plus, advantix
Reliable pill flea treatmentQ: We live in a rural community where my dogs have an acre or so to roam in, and the fleas can be a problem, treating the fenced in yard, the house and even the in door cats is taken care of, but the topical treatments, such as frontline, etc don't seem to work well on my dogs, beagle and mixed breed, is there a reliable pill for flea control that i could give? i looked on the petmeds.com flea & tick chart and the two pills that are offered don't offer anything else in the way of protection. thanks. A: You might want to consider using program orally, and adding a good flea collar like zema.
Shop for: tick, frontline
Ear infectionsQ: My lab has a problem with her ears again. she has had several ear infections and always seems to get them back every few months. she has had drops, drops with prednisone, and prednisone pills at times. she usually starts with a very dark brown wax in her ears and then she starts shaking her head and her ears get all red under the flap. she had kennel cough several months ago and i have some doxycycline left from that. would it help to give her some of that to clear up the infection? A: I wouldn't without checking with your own veterinarian. antibiotics are prescribed based on the type of infection. what's going on in your pet's ear may require a different antibiotic. only an examination can tell.
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SheddingQ: My 5yr old lab has always shed. i've become acustomed to using a lint brush daily before leaving the house. but this year, it is out of control. is it possible that this year the seasons is worse than others? and why? what weather factors create these conditions? could she be sick, and need vitamins? also, there is no simple product to elivate this symptom, dr's. recommend pills, shampoos, diet, food, ect. what is best product for yellow labs, and please explain, why do they lose so much hair? is it constantly growing back? does the summer months create more shedding, because they are hot dogs?(ha, ha) my lab loves to swim, and i keep her cool in her pool, but the fur is never ending. please help my fur monster. with fur & love, miss macey dog A: I will answer most of your many questions below. shedding is due to many factors many of which you review above, including dietary factors, seasonal factors, allergies, etc all which differ in each dog. when i have an excessively shedding dog i usually make sure they are on superior diet such as all natural ones like pet guard or innova brand or wellness brands being my favorite. i also like to supplement with extra nutrients and enzymes like brite coat xs as well as prozyme from 1800petmeds. also consider getting some kelp and lecithin granules from health food store to add to food which also helps some dogs
Shop for: vitamin, prozyme, 1800petmeds
Use of vetalogQ: My dog has seasonal allergies. it only happens late summer and into fall. our vet gives us vetalog 1.5mg to use, and starts her off with an injection of the same, stating the pills will not be as affective without it. is this true, and after what i have read of the recommendations give to others in the same situation, is this treatment safe? i was not made aware of the risks or longterm affests of vetalog. this is used only during the summertime when the symptoms occur (which seem to be early this year). A: I am not fan of long acting steroids like vetalog and much prefer with similar results tapering dose of short acting prednisone over a few weeks to alternate day therapy as best way of using cortisone in practice. no need for injections. oral way is less toxic and stressful on immune system and adrenal glands and way most vet dermatologists use cortisone
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