Dog(doberman pinsher)Q: My dog chews on both his front paws and i dont know why! at first i thought it was because of rawhide bones getting there and him biting the little pieces off but now it seems to be a habit. i have bandaged them up only for him to chew them off. he doesnt have a flea or tick problem and that is the only area he chews on so i dont think its allergies. do you have anu suggestions? thank you very much. A: Front paw chewing is often a sign of inhalent or less likely food allergies. and it can be the only area involved. you could start by trying antihistamines like benadryl at dose of 75 mg twice daily to see if helps or other anthistamines
Shop for: antihistamine, tick
Heartworm/regular wormsQ: I have a 140# great dane, and she just started licking around her anus/rear end area. i am suspecting worms. i have heartguard, however, i didn't keep up on the monthly schedule, it has been approx 4 months since i gave her a dose, is it ok to give to her now, or do i need to have her tested again? i live in western oregon. also, from reading other e-mails, you suggest that heartguard helps control intestinal worms, do i need to buy a different wormer, or will heartguard take care of all of them. A: Anal gland disease is a common problem in dogs and cats. the anal glands, also called 'anal sacs,' can become impacted, infected, and abscessed. affected pets may lick the anal area, 'scoot' along the floor, or have problems with defecation.|dogs with recurrent anal gland impactions are often placed on a high fiber diet. the high fiber makes the animal's stool more bulky. the stool will put more pressure on the anal glands and hopefully the glands will express themselves when the animal defecates. there are several commercial brands of high fiber dog food available. animals may also be supplemented with bran or medications such as metamucil which will increase the bulk of the stool.|i would also recommend your using the heartworm prevention throughout the summer months.
Sores on both cat and dogQ: We have a 4 year oldyellow tabby cat (he is an inside/outside cat that does hunt) and a 6 year old bischon. they both get raised scab-like areas on their bodies. my dog has even chewed at one area so much that it is raw and bleeding. i think he may have some skin allergy, but i have already been giving him an antihistimine for this. both animals have been given shots for a skin infection in the past--what is that and could they both have the same thing? A: Tough to say. likely allergies but should have vet exam to rule out skin parasites as well as mange, etc fleas, etc.
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
Frontlineplus for dogQ: The choices for above product list for white dog, yellow dog, etc. my sheltie is black, brown and white and weighs 40lbs. which 6pk color pack should i chose? thanks A: The colors refer to the different strengths of medication. you need the frontline plus medium, 23 - 44 pounds
Shop for: frontline plus, frontline
Infected mouthQ: My dog has an infection in his mouth. it is pussy and bloody. i need to know which antibiotic is best for him. he is a 13 year old dauchaund/cocker spaniel mix with a heart murmer. A: 20;35;2
