BiospotQ: I've recently heard of severe spasmodic reactions and even deaths in cats who had been given biospot topical treatments. both my vet's office and the head of a local rescue told me of these problems. they think that using biospot on large dogs seems to be safe, but highly recommended that i avoid using it on my cats altogether. have you heard of more such problems with biospot? where can i find this kind of information? i appreciate whatever help you can provide. A: Unfortunately, these types of reactions can occur with the use of any topical flea and tick product. i usually rfecommend frontline plus because of my experience and the lack of adverse reactions.
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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
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.
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
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FleasQ: I have 2 dogs who go out as well as inside. i have 3 cats that are strickly indoor. my dogs seemed to have brought fleas into the house after having been flea free for 6 years in several states. i have a 6 month old baby and am unsure how to treat all of the animals as well as the house without hurting my baby. i have only seen 3 fleas, but where there are 3, there is sure to be more. can you please tell me how to go about correcting this problem? A: You can give your pets, both dogs and cats, a product called program. this is given by mouth, once a month, instead of using a topical product.
Unusual furQ: My dog has recently grown a odd white fur on his left side and it has a black ring around it. i was wondering what it was because my friend said it might be scabies. A: I doubt it is scabies which causes intense itching in dogs. likely some sort of innocent hair follicle change, but you should take to vet to examine
Black lab with scaling skin and hair loss/extremeQ: Can you recommend a treatement for my dog. he is about 18 months old , and has scaling flaking skin, and extreme hair loss on his back, rear area, and thigh area. i have treated him for mange, and that did not help. his skin seems similar to a human if they had sorioas? i did not spell that correctly, but sometimes he also has sores. i can not afford to spend hundreds of dollars for vet treatments. what do you think would treat him? thanks, tess A: He needs diagnosis for best treatment so really needs vet visit to examine skin and determine if overgrowth of yeast, bacteria or skin parasite, etc as well as underyling allergies that can predispose to these issues. you could try chlorihexiderm shampoo from 1800petmeds and use every few days as wella s 1800petmeds aloe vera conditioner after shampoo.
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