ConfusedQ: I have a 15 month old cocker spaniel. i took her to the vet and they said not to use any over the counter flea treatments( like flea collar, etc) so i took it off and i shampooed her with a mild shampoo and now she has fleas again. i applied the frontline treatment they gave me but she is still not flea free. she is an indoor dog and i don't want to get them. how long does it take for the frontline to work and are over the counter flea shampoos and collars bad? help!!! thanks!!!! A: Frontline is itself an over the counter product and is very effective at controlling fleas. it usually begins to kill fleas within 18 hours of application. contolling a flea problem involves treating the pet, treating the house and treating the yard.
Shop for: frontline
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
Uncontrollable at groomersQ: I have a five year old cocker spaniel who has never been very social with anyone but the family and sometmies not even with us. the only way i could get him groomed was to stay at the groomers and physically hold him so he could be cut - he growls at the groomer (and me), has snipped at the groomer (but never bitten her) and is in general what i can only call a coudgedty old man. he had seizures when he was much younger but has not had any for several years. his hair now looks like he belongs to scatchswatch what with all the mats. he also has skin problems which i have treated with oatmeal baths that seem to sooth the itch. am at the point of trying to shave his hair off myself - what would you suggest? he is a beautiful dog and i love him to pieces but he is certainly more than i can handle at the groomers anymore. A: Perhaps see vet who has grooming services so they can give him mild sedative so can be clipped correctly. unfortunately have to avoid such common sedatives prescribed orally by vets such as acepromazine which can actually pricipitate seizures in susceptible pets. so best for injectable sedation
Swollen leg causing toeing inQ: I have a rescued mix breed dog estimated to be 6 or 7 years old weighing 48 lbs. she had a small swellin on her right front ankle, and i immediately took her to a vet. diagnosis - wait and see as nothing requiring immediate attention. it has swollen so much it has caused her foot to toe in dramatically. after two sets of x-rays, the vet (a second opinion agreed) stated it was not a tumor, but scar tissue or soft tissue swelling. rymedyl no long works, now on deramax. is there anything i can do to help alleviate discomfort - including different or additional meds, wrapping the leg (i've tried but not very good - either too tight or too loose), or alternative strategies. i love this dog a lot! A: Tough for me to tell without seeing it but if you have been to see vet orthopedic specialist just to make sure, then i would consider homeopathic vet options www.theavh.org to find one in your area. many also offer phone consults
Shop for: homeo
Eye discharge or cat coldQ: I have approximately 9 week old kittens with eye discharge or cat colds. please advise medication. A: Need vet visit for diagnosis. see article on education part of this website for supportive eye care until vet visit
DiarrheaQ: Good morning, my 7 year female doberman has been having loose stools and diarrhea for a period of about two weeks, there is a new baby in the house not sure if it that is what is effecting her or not :( i see in a previous question and answer you said to fast them for a period of 24 hours and a treatment of slippery elm, how much slippery elm should be given. thank you in advance. karen A: Follow directions given for people. no side effects. also see dr. pitcairn's book called dr. pitcairns guide to natural health for dogs and cats which goes into more detail
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
