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
Loose bowels a lotQ: Dear vet, my dog buddy a black lab gets a upset stomach and loose bowels very often. i can hear his stomach making growling noises. his vet has given him some pills that stop the condition almost immediately but after a few days it seems to come back. i don't know what to do about this it worries me he is 7 years old. thanks, dodie A: I recommend further diagnostics to determine the cause of the problem. lab tests and x-rays along with a parasite check may be helpful. you might need to ask for a referral to a specialist in veterinary internal medicine.
Serious infestationQ: I am at my wits end. we bombed the house, laid seven dust in the yard, put frontline on the dog, gave him the oral flea pills, gave him a flea bath and dip, and have a flea collar on him and he is still infested. i don't know what else to do. i have an exterminator coming on saturday but i don't see how that will help if the dog is covered in them already. would it help to shave all of the dog's hair off? A: It wont help to shave. consider excellent quick kill product like capstar which you can use orally for a few days. you have to treat house appropriately to solve this one. exterminator is good idea.
Shop for: capstar, frontline
Heartworm pillsQ: My 1yr. old cat ate my dogs heartworm chewable pill. what if anything should i do. will this be life threatening? A: Should not a problem at all. dont worry
Muscle spasms and lamenessQ: My mini dachshund is 5 years old. she recently had severe muscle spasms in her back left leg. after several spasms she began having problems walking. she is very stiff in the morning & after napping. she doesn't seem to be in constant pain, but if my other dog bumps into her she howls & cries. she is normally very active & happy, but now is lethargic. she can't even step down a 2 inch ledge, i have to pick her up. vet diagnosed pulled muscle & gave pain pills/muscle relaxers, which helped a little but she is still not acting normal. what else could be causing her problems? i know dachshunds have issues with their backs-could she have a disc problem? thank you. A: Sounds like a disc problem to me which actually is not always seen on routine x rays but you should have complete spinal x rays done. if continues may need mri for accurate diagnosis. some need low dose prednisone to help. you also may want to check out altvetmed.com for alternative ways of treatment including chiropractic and acupuncture
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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
Hip painQ: What can i do to help my cat with hip joint pain. tried the powder on her food but would not take it. any liquid i can give her? she cannot take pills either.any help would be appreciated. A: You can ask your vet about new prescription drug known as metacam. although not approved for use in cats, many vets across north america have been using it very effectively off label for arthritic cats. has to be dosed just right and monitored for side effects. also you could try cosequin for cats from 1800petmeds which can help long term. also consider giving cat extra antioxidant vitamins like vitamin c in form of ester c which may come in liquid at dose of 250 mg twice daily(try health food store) also vitamin e at 100iu daily mixed on food. also consider proanthocyanidins from health food store at dose of 10 mg once to twice daily
Shop for: vitamin, 1800petmeds
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
