ItchingQ: Both of my dogs take an oral anti flea agent as well as topical....but they are still itching and biting....no signs of fleas, using anti itch shampoo once every two weeks.....but still itching and pulling out hair, no rash, lumps, bumps or dry skin that i can see. any suggestions? A: Sounds like inhalent or food allergies. you could try low dose anthistamines like benadryl or hydroxyzine as well as essential fatty acids like flax seed oil added to food at 1 tea per 20 pounds of body weight daily
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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Heartworm medoicationQ: I have no doubt my dogs don't have heartworm, they were in the house throughtout the winter. how come my vet won't give my the heartworm tablets without testing and do i absolutely need my dogs to be tested. it's a monetary issue for me, since i can't really affoird both the tablets and testing. A: If you question your vet i am sure it all boils down to being assured of compliance in administration of the heartworm medication over the last year. there may be additional reasons, but only your veterinarian can disclose those to you.
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
Gas & moreQ: My dog, a 3 yr. old jack russel terrier, has a more than usual problem with gas, my god is it a problem. he eats grass a lot to make himself throw up, recently. today my wife said he had blood in his stool as well. what could cause these symtoms and what can we do to treat it? his gas was bad enough, smelled something terrible!! now, with the blood in his stool, we are more concerned.we've changed his food severial times in the last month, it dosen't seem to help.this has been going on now for a few months now, please help. thank you, sincerely, tatum A: Needsd complete workup at vet including stool check for intestinal parasites includign whipworms, hookworms and giardia which i like to check at outside lab. if all negative sometimes we will still worm with broad acting wormer like panacure just to make sure. might want to try low allery prescription diet like purina ha as well as adding prozyme from 1800petmeds o help with digestion. consider slippery elm from health food store for symptomatic relief of upset stomachs
Shop for: prozyme, 1800petmeds, panacur
