 Why
should I spay or neuter my pet?
Neutering your pet is one of the best things you can do for
him/her. Intact female dogs and cats can suffer from infections of
the reproductive system as they get older, while male dogs and cats
can suffer from prostate problems. Cancers of the reproductive
system are difficult to detect and spread quickly, and the risk to
the intact dog or cat of developing such cancers increases with
age. Neutered pets live longer healthier lives.
My pet has diarrhea. What can I
give?
Since there are so many reasons for
your pet to have diarrhea (diet changes, parasites, stress,
obstructions, bacterial infections, etc.) We recommend an exam and
a fecal test before medications are recommended.
My sister’s dog just died from Parvo. She gave it shots that she
bought over the counter when it was 6 and 9 weeks old. Can you tell
me why it got sick?
Parvovirus (Parvo) is a viral disease that affects puppies most
commonly. It causes a life threatening vomiting and diarrhea. It can
also attack the heart muscle. Without aggressive medical care
involving IV fluids and antibiotics most puppies will die. About 80%
of dogs survive with veterinary treatment.
Puppies should be vaccinated by a veterinarian at 6, 9, 12, and 16
weeks of age to ensure proper protection. For good reason
manufactures do not guarantee their products if it is bought over
the counter or given by a lay person. There is poor quality control
in vaccines bought at the store and we frequently see dogs with
parvo or distemper who were given vaccines by the owner. Proper
vaccination in a good investment in good health.
Whenever my dog is home alone, he barks nonstop. How do I keep
him quiet?
Teach your dog that there is no need for drama when you leave the
house. Use this simple behavioral modification technique: leave the
room for five minutes, then come back, rewarding him with a treat or
praise when he’s calm. Ignore him until he is calm. Try this with
short trips out of the house. If you’ll be gone for a few hours, you
may want to try tiring him out with a long walk or play session
before your leave.
Why does my dog scratch himself silly? The most likely reason
is that he has allergies either to fleas or ticks or to things in
his environment. Dogs can be allergic to ingredients in their food,
pollen, grass, trees, mold, even dust mites in your home. Very
effective flea and tick medications are available through your vet.
They can also help identify the source of an allergy problem.
Why does my dog need a heartworm test yearly, I never had to have
it done before? Things happen! Owners forget a month and dogs
hide or spit out their pills. We regularly see pets that get
infected because their owners forgot “one or two pills this winter”.
It is important to catch the infection early before heart and lung
problems occur.Do I have to use heartworm prevention in the winter?
Absolutely! Here in the Mid-South we have a very mild winter and
therefore have the mosquitos that carry heartworms all year round.
Don’t skip a single month. We see dogs every week that are infected
because they missed a “few months”. Heartworm prevention is very
effective and much cheaper than treatment.
My dog never goes outside so why do I need to use Frontline and
heartworm prevention? I know very few dogs that “never” go
outside. Regardless, mosquitoes and fleas come in your house and
bite you and your pet. Fleas actually live in your carpet and couch
and get on your pet to feed. If you use prevention you won’t get a
flea infestation and can prevent a life threatening Heartworm
infection.
|
