Ask a Vet Your Pet Health Questions on Facebook! #ASKAVET
Where do you go for information about your pets? Online? The vet’s office?
While both can at times be great sources of information, the internet is chock-full of misinformation (some of which can be downright dangerous to your pet) and many websites offer “information” that’s just a thin veneer for a sales pitch. And while veterinarians are a valuable and trusted source of good animal information, many are too busy caring for sick animals to answer some of the more routine animal health questions right when you need it.
Last month I had the pleasure of entertaining pet-owner questions for PHC during a Facebook #ASKAVET event. We had a great turnout, with dozens of pet-related questions spanning the spectrum from the silly to the serious. I really enjoyed helping people with their pet issues and getting to know the PHC fan base a little better. I had great backup and help from the good folks at Sergeant’s who streamed me questions just as fast as I was able to answer them.
My PHC colleague and fellow blogger Dr. Rod also participated in an #ASKAVET event on June 26.
As a pet owner, I know that you have lots of questions about how to keep your pet healthy and active, and this is the perfect place to get the right answers to your important questions. Don’t rely on outdated and potentially dangerously incorrect online information from untrusted sources or wait for your vet to return a phone call — come to the next PHC #ASKAVET event and get your knowledge from trained and trusted veterinarians who can help you right away.
I hope you’ll be able to join me on July 17th at 1 p.m. EST for the next session. Bring your questions and comments and come by to learn something new about pet health!
Tags: vets
My cat has suffered from Inflammatory bowel disease for most of his life. He has seen different vets & has been tried on different foods (he is currently on Hill’s Prescription Diet Z/D low allergen) but nothing has ever slowed or stopped his chronic vomiting or diarrhea/loose stools until my vet put him on 1/4 pill of 10mg famotidine twice per day. Like a miracle he has almost completely stopped vomiting! He now very rarely vomits! The vet said I can leave him on it long term, since he’s almost 12 years old. But another vet at the same clinic who also sees him, said not to have him on it long-term because there could be negative side effects. But when I don’t give famotadine to him, he starts vomiting again. Is it safe to leave him on it for the rest of his life?
Hi Melody; Any drug can have side effects and is best avoided if you can. In general famotidine (Pepcid) is a safe drug that can be taken in most cases for years with no problems. Talk to your vet about seeing in internist (if you haven’t already) as there may be a few good options left, but if the famotidine helps with his quality of lifer (and yours) then the benefits probably outweigh the (few) risks.
My pug circles around on his bum all the time. We had his anal glands expelled but he continues to do it.
The gland may be infected or impacted. In sever cases, the glands can be surgically removed. Have your vet check them out one more time and discuss removal.
How sage is the sergeants flea and tick collars for cats? Do they treat the whole cat or just the area around the neck were the flea collar is?
It works on the entire cat. If you have specific questions about the product, please feel free to call us at 1-800-224-PETS. Our experts will answer any questions you have.
I have a 14 year old cat who tries to bring me pieces of clothing. It used to be my sons socks, shorts or shirts on the floor. Now it is my husband’s clothing. What is she trying to tell me? Her kittens from her only litter were taken away too. early. She missed them dearly and called for them for weeks.
You might want to try a calming collar and see if the behavior stops. Take a look at this link for more information: http://www.sentrypetcare.com/goodbehavior/.
Ive got a long hair cat. His hair has gotten really matted, its so bad that Ive tried cutting out the matts, but its not working. How can I take care of this without hurting him ?
Hi Gina;
If he is that matted, he will likely need to be sedated or anesthetized and have the matts cut off. It hurts to do it when they are severe, so some form of pain medication will be needed. It’s like trying to comb out dreadlocks. Daily brushing once this is done will help cut down on matted fur, hairballs and shedding.
Is there a low-cost wormer (for tapeworms), dog & cat, that I can get over the counter? I have 4 dogs and 6 cats, all rescues, and it gets very expensive buying for all of them!
Try this product. It prevents seven strains of the tapeworm: http://www.sergeants.com/products/ProductCatalog.asp?one=1&two=18&three=86&pr=10292
My chocolate Labrador has been coughing and hacking the last two days, she has mucus coming from both her eyes and she’s been throwing up. I think it’s because she is having trouble breathing and starts to cough, will this clear up on her own. I just started to give her Benadryl and keep the fluids and plenty of rest and hope that this will help. Yesterday and last night was very bad I thought I was going to lose her, this morning she ate food is wagging her tail and wanted outside but she still is hacking any help would be appreciated thank you.
Hi David;
Your dog needs to see your veterinarian right away. Don’t delay. Call today and make an appointment. These are serious symptoms and there are many possibilities for what is going on. I would be concerned that she may have developed pneumonia, but anytime there is trouble breathing, she may be very uncomfortable and deserves medical attention. I wish you the best of luck.
Hi every one – the event is over, so meet us next time for Dr. Rod’s awesome Q&A session! I will answer a few of the ones posted here.
Sorry everyone! The event is now over. As Dr. Tony said – we will meet next time for Dr. Rod’s Q&A session! Thanks for your questions. Dr Tony – Thank you for answering some of these for us after the event. That is much appreciated. ~Nichole