Chihuahua questionsQ: I recently rescued a chihuahua from the pound. he was abused and neglected and very skinny when i got him. i have had him now for almost a month and he doesnt seem to be gaining any weight. he has opened up and is beginning to learn how to love, be loved, and be a normal dog. he is playing now, probably for the first time in his life. the problem; he is approximately 3 years old and weighs 4 pounds. the vet said he is in good health, no heartworm or anything. he is utd on shots and recently neutered. i am concerned because you can see his ribs and spine. i feed him purina one. i fill a bowl and leave it out all day so he can take what he wants when he wants, and he typically eats small helpings 3 times a day. i am also worried because i have some in-laws coming to visit for 4 days next week and they have a toddler who i am afraid will make amigo nervous. is there anything i can give him to calm his nerves while they are here that will also help him to gain weight? thank you for your help. A: Two different issues. try rescue remedy from health food store to help with stress of toddler. also consider better diet like pet guard or canidae as well as flax seed oil 1/4 teaspoon added to his food in addition to prozyme from 1800petmeds to see if can help with weight
Shop for: prozyme, 1800petmeds
TicksQ: We live in the northeast (lyme disease) and we will be applying frontline plus next week. but our lab/boxer mix dog already had 2 ticks (white) on him. it took us two days of trying to pull it off with tweezors and my husband's arm muscle and we finally were successful. others have said they should come off with one pull of the tweezor. this took two days of pulling (poor alvin). any advice of an easier way to get them off. it is still snowing here so our vet thinks it is too soon for the frontline. A: One quick pull with tweezers is usually suffice. if leave head in , it will eventually fall out
Shop for: frontline, tick, frontline plus
HeartwormsQ: How can you tell if you dog have heartworms she is breath very hurt. A: You need to take dog in for exam and heartworm blood test to find out
WeightQ: My yorki is not quite 2# at a year old-how much frontline plus do i put on her topically? A: You cannot use frontline plus. you need to use frontline topspot (sku 3088. frontline plus is only for dogs over 11 lbs.
Shop for: frontline, frontline plus, frontline topspot
Flea, and heart worm controlQ: Is it ok to use both "interceptor" and "program" monthly. for example, i would use the interceptor on the first of the month and the program on the 15th of the month. i want to know if there is any harm that will come to the pet using the combination. the dog is a 5 month old heeler mix, weighing 22 lbs. frank A: It should not create any problems, but may i suggest switching to a single combination product like sentinel.
Shop for: interceptor, sentinel
Cushings diseaseQ: My dog patch has just been tested for cushings, his tests revealed an 19.5. my vet said she would not treat unless that level was 20. i would like to know if there was anything i could get over the counter to give him some pep or to help with his panting. he was a rescue that we have had for four years and we think he is about six or seven years old. he weighs 75 lbs. thanks, in advance for your help. A: Dogs can pant for lots of reasons from being heat intolorant(as this is way they sweat) to pain, to many others. have to address underyling cause of panting to make suggestion.
ScratchingQ: My dog is constantly scratching. i have try flea spray, the hartz flea and tick medicine that you put down his back and he is still doing it. i have also treated the carpets and his room. A: You can treat the allergy symptoms with diphenhydramine (benadryl). give 1mg per lb every 8 to 12 hours.
Shop for: tick
Acidity in urineQ: I have a 2 year old maltese that had an urine analysis. his vet says his acidity is too high in his urine, but he has no crystals (which is good). we have been tring different foods to lower his acidity. he has become a picky eater, and he is holding his urine. he only potty once or twice a day, and it lasts a long time. i am worried he is suffering. is there anything to help him? thanks! A: I dont change dogs diets based on urine ph if no symptoms. i simply stress all natural diets such as pet guard or wellness brands and in this breed might want to consider home made diet as described in book dr. pitcairns guide to natural health for dogs and cats by richard pitcairn, dvm, phd, who knows much more about nutrition than most vets given above background
