Expiration datesQ: Does hearguard have a shelf life beyond the expiration date? after giving my dog his monthly dose of heartguard, i noticed the expiration date was 3 months ago! is he protected or should i re-medicate? A: Expiration dates are the point at which the manufacturer can no longer guarantee effectiveness of theproduct. you should not use any medication beyond it's expiration date. i would not re-medicate since there is a lingering effect if you have been giving heartgard each month. however, i would suggest you give in-date medication for the next dose.
Shop for: heartgard
SkunksQ: What should i use to get the smell of skunk out of my dogs when they get sprayed ? i have a golden retriever who gets sprayed atleast 4 times a summer and he smells for months. A: Great product called skunk off. if not available then could bathe in tomato juice
Still has fleasQ: I have a cat that is 2 years old and he doesn't go outside at all. i also have 2 dogs. all of the animals are on frontline plus. the dogs do not have any fleas but my cat still gets them even though i have him on frontline plus. he is a large cat, about 15 lbs. please let me know if i should give my cat a different flea medicine because frontline plus doesn't seem to be working and these fleas are driving me crazy!! A: For the immediate problem i would recommend your using capstar tablets for your cat for about 3 days or so. that will kill all the adult fleas on him. the problem is probably that there are fleas in his area in the house. you have to vacuum the area every day for a few days and perhaps use a spray to clean the area. you can get information on flea control on our website but this should work.
Shop for: frontline, frontline plus, capstar
Ringworm treatment addition?Q: I know the common thought now is that the once hopeful treatment, program, does not cure ringworm. however, if you are not depending on program to do the job by itself, might it sometimes assist somewhat with a good ringworm topical treatment plan and house disinfecting? i heard that ringworm has a hard time reproducing without the chiton layer which program eliminates. also, could it help some pets ie., cats or dogs, young or old, more than others? (i have a four month old kitten.) A: It is controversial topic and i have heard opinions of many dermatologists on this one. probably cant hurt and might be useful in young kittens particularly those in cattery situation where ringworm is more prevalent. however by itself does not do job. but as you state can be part of more comprehensive ringworm control program which includes topical therapy, clipping, oral antifungals, etc
Shop for: ringworm
LupisQ: My dog has been dianosed wih lupis recently he is a ten year old lab mix, i was wondering if this is rare and how will it affect my dog and his lifespan A: This is a fairly uncommon disease, but is an autoimmune disease where his body is attacking his own joints. it is usually treated with high doses of ccrtisone and related drugs, however there are side effects to them ; you may want to check out a holistic vet; i have used some supplements in my practice which has helped. my website is www.canineworld.com/drdym
Heartworm prescriptionsQ: My vet refuses to give me a prescription for heartworm medicine, unless i put my dog through blood tests for heart worms. she has been on heart worm medicine all of her life, and is very healthy. my personal feeling is that he wants me to only buy the heart worm medicine from him, so he makes it difficult for me. A: If your veterinarian has never asked you to give your dog a heartworm test ih the past and has sold you the product, your feelings are probably very genuine.
Hair loss due to itchingQ: We adopted this pup from the pound about two months ago. she sort of looks like toto but a little larger. never having had a terrier before, do they have skin problems. is their a diet that might work for her. she is on pro plan chicken with my other dog. we have bathed her and used a fungicide, and malesab pads on the trouble spots. not at the same time. anything else we can do? A: I like california natural lamb and rice diet for allergic dogs by natura pet foods.
Oral rabies vaccineQ: Is there a oral version of the rabies vaccine that can be given to my dog(rottweiler) although he is a great dog and has been trained he has a great fear of needles and becomes very aggressive when i need to muzzle him for this.. its to the point now that i need to have him sedated completely to accomplish this(which makes me feel terrible for days that i have to do this) although this only happpens once a year it would be nice if this type of vaccine is available for dogs as it is for wild/zoo animals. thanks jim A: There is no oral form of the vaccine. you might also ask your veterinarian about the new once every 3 year rabies vaccine that certainly be helpful in your situation.
