Tuesday, August 28, 2007

My dog is scooting an the carpet, it looks like he is trying to itch his butt....what is he doing?

Well this sounds like a common problem, and something you will have to go see a vet for. Dogs have two small glands inside their anus that build up liquid, usually the animal expresses the liquid on their own but it is common that the dog can not express their glands. This causes discomfort thus they scoot trying to relieve the discomfort. If not treated, it can lead to further proplems including infection. A veterinarian can help you with this problem.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Is there anything to give my cat to stop shedding?

Regular brushing will help this problem, butIf shedding results in hair loss or bald areas, a medical problem or a skin condition may be the culprit. Ongoing hair loss should be examined by a veterinarian to determine the cause.

What is catnip, and why does my cat like it?

Catnip is a form of mint which acts on some cats’ sense of smell. It is a stimulant for those animals who are sensitive to it.

How often should I bathe my dog?

This question is best addressed on an individual basis. Some dog breeds have more oily coats than others. These dogs may need to be bathed every two weeks. Other pets have dry skin and require a moisturizing shampoo. Bathing also is a personal preference for you as well. Many pet owners are sensitive to a "doggy" smell in the house. If this is the case weekly baths may be best.

What vaccines do my pet need?

Dogs need distemper, hepatitis, parvo, para influenza, corona virus, (DHPPC),Bordatella(kennel cough), and rabies. As puppies the DHPPC needs to be boostered every 3 weeks until at least 16 weeks of age.

Cats need feline distemper (which includes feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia), feline leukemia, and rabies. These also need to be boostered until at least 16 weeks of age.

Hope this helps

When do I spay or neuter my pet?

It is recommend that you spay or neuter your pet between 5-6 months of age. This age is before sexual maturity, so the reproductive tract is still immature.

Common Vet Questions

I will be answering a variety of vet questions on this site, I hope you find the tips and advice useful. There is a lot of information on this site, and I urge you to browse around and contact me if you have any questions.