FAQ
Q: My dog/cat has little white-brown things stuck in its fur under its tail and in its bed that look like pieces of rice. What are they?
A: These are tapeworm segments. Tapeworms are long segmented parasites that can live in the intestines of dogs and cats. Occasionally, segments will detach from the worm and be passed in the feces. These ½ inch long “worms” can often be found stuck in the fur around the anal opening, in the pet’s bedding or directly in their feces. When they first come out they are white and usually still moving. They quickly dry up and look like little pieces of white or brown rice. A deworming medication specific for tapeworms is needed to eliminate the infection. Animals commonly get tapeworms by ingesting eggs found in other animal’s feces or by eating insects that carry the eggs. Fleas often carry tapeworm eggs, so dogs and cats with fleas often have tapeworms as well.
Q: My pet seems to drink an excessive amount of water. Is this normal?
A: While each pet may differ some in its drinking habits, all animals drink a basic amount of water based on their weight. During extreme hot or cold weather, water intake amounts may increase, especially if the animal gets a lot of exercise. However, excessive water drinking can be a sign of many different health problems that need to be assessed by your veterinarian. Excessive drinking and urination are common symptoms of diseases such as diabetes, kidney failure, Cushing’s disease, bladder infections, hyperthyroidism and some cancers to name a few. Many of these diseases can easily be diagnosed or ruled out by your veterinarian with a thorough physical exam and blood work.
Q: How often should I feed my pet?
A: The ultimate answer to this often asked question is “whatever is most appropriate for you and your pet”. Some people feed their pets once a day, others twice a day and others just leave food out all the time. How well this feeding schedule works depends on the pet and you. If a full bowl is always available, some pets will only eat what they need when they need it. Others, however, will gorge themselves and become overweight. If there are several pets, it may also be difficult to make sure that each pet is getting the proper amount of nutrition on a daily basis. Feeding multiple small meals each day is probably better for digestion and the overall health of your pet. Hectic and busy schedules can make multiple feedings difficult or even impossible. If that’s the case, feeding an appropriate amount of high quality nutritious food once daily is adequate.
Q: I think my pet may have fleas. How can I check?
Category: Canine, Feline
A: Take a good look.
A flea is a tiny, laterally flat and wingless insect that subsists on the blood of its host. Fleas have long legs that enable them to jump tremendous distances and they can quickly crawl through your animal’s fur. Check your cat or dog for fleas by brushing them over while they are standing over a white sheet or towel; flea feces—small, black flecks of digested blood—will fall off easily, indicating the presence of fleas.
Most fleas congregate over the rump and tail area of the pet. If evidence of fleas is noted, the animal should also be checked for tapeworm segments, which appear as cream-colored, rice-like segments stuck in the fur around the anus or in the feces. The best way to treat fleas is ongoing prevention. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations concerning flea control and prevention.
Q: How can I tell if my pet has a fever?
Category: Canine, Feline
A: Use a thermometer.
The normal body temperature of a cat or dog at rest is 99 to 101ºF. If your pet is acting sluggish or depressed, is reluctant to eat or move around, is panting or breathing rapidly, or feels warm to the touch, it is exhibiting symptoms of a fever. The most accurate method of determining whether an animal has a fever is to use a rectal thermometer.
As with taking the temperature of an infant, the thermometer should be shaken, lubricated with petroleum jelly, and inserted about one-and-a-half inches into the rectum. It is helpful to have someone hold and distract your pet while its temperature is being taken.
If the reading is above 102.5ºF, you should contact your veterinarian. A temperature of 105ºF or more will require an emergency visit to a veterinarian. If the pet holds a temperature above 106ºF for very long, it could suffer serious adverse effects, including permanent brain damage and death. As always consult your veterinarian before any treatment is given.
Q: I’ve heard that it is good to brush your dog’s teeth. How do I do this and how often should it be done?
Category: Canine
A: Use veterinary toothpaste.
Brushing your dog’s teeth, combined with professional dental cleanings by a veterinarian, is a very important part of maintaining the animal's health. A dog with healthy teeth and gums is more likely to keep its teeth for life, continue to eat hard food, and have less breath odor. In addition, dogs that have a consistent dental health regimen are less likely to develop bacterial infections of the bloodstream. Bacteria from the teeth are known to colonize the valves of the heart, causing a type of heart disease called bacterial endocarditis.
Dogs, especially the smaller breeds, actually require the same kind of care for their teeth as people do for theirs. Smaller breeds tend to acquire a tremendous amount of plaque and tartar on their teeth. This is most likely because they often do not chew on bones and other hard items that help with the breakdown of plaque and tartar. If your pet eats soft, canned food rather than the hard varieties, they have an increased chance of plaque and tarter build up.
Veterinary toothpaste, unlike human toothpaste, does not contain foaming agents that can cause the dog to vomit if swallowed. Most dogs love the taste of the veterinary toothpaste, which comes in a variety of flavors, including chicken, beef, and malt. (Most pets will try to lick it off the brush before their teeth have been cleaned!) Also available are fluoride sprays and gels that can be applied to the teeth after brushing in order to help prevent tooth decay.
There are many different types of toothbrushes designed for dogs. Some fit over the finger and are called "finger brushes," while others are very long and angled, with a wide brush head. These can be purchased from a veterinarian or a pet store. Some people use a human toothbrush with soft bristles that will not damage the gums.
Use the toothbrush on all the surfaces of your dog’s teeth—especially the back molars—at least three times a week and up to one to two times a day. You’ll quickly see results in the dog’s breath odor. The long-term benefits to its teeth, gums, and general health, will be rewarding to both you and your pet.
Q: How can I tell if my dog has an ear infection?
Category: Canine
A: Check your dog's ears regularly.
An ear infection is a common ailment in dogs, especially if they have skin conditions or allergies. Most owners will not pick up on the symptoms of an ear infection until the dog's symptoms are severe. The earlier an infection is detected and treated, the faster the dog will recover, and the less pain and discomfort it will have to endure.
It is recommended that you thoroughly check your companion on a regular basis. This good habit will allow you to detect problems sooner and will teach your dog to cooperate during an examination. It will be much easier to treat your pet for an illness if it has already become accustomed to having you touch various parts of its body.
To evaluate the ears, you should look at how your dog holds its head. Is it holding its head normally, or is it tilting it slightly to one side? Are both of the ears being held in the same position, or is one drooping more than the other? Is the dog scratching its ears more than usual? The best test is to lift the earflap and smell. If you detect a foul odor, chances are that an ear infection is present or is about to occur. If the infection is severe, you may even be able to see redness within the ear canal, as well as infective debris draining from the ear. Infected ears are extremely painful, so be gentle when checking them.
If you detect any abnormalities, or your dog won’t allow you to examine its ears, you should schedule the first available veterinary appointment. The veterinarian will determine the best course of action based on your dog’s level of pain and the stage of the disease.
After the acute stage of an ear infection is controlled, it is important to properly clean your dog’s ears. An experienced animal health provider can teach you how to do this. Regular ear cleanings may prevent ear infections from occurring in the future. This is especially necessary if your dog swims a great deal, since excessive moisture in the ear can lead to infection.
Q: Why does my dog scoot his/her rear end along the ground?
Category: Canine
A: Impacted anal glands.
This activity is most commonly associated with an impaction and/or infection of the anal glands. These glands are located on either side of the rectum of all dogs. They are normally emptied every time the dog defecates, but can become clogged and unable to empty, leading to discomfort and infection.
The treatment for this condition begins with a trip to the veterinarian, who will empty (or "express") the glands - a messy and smelly job - which will give your pet quick relief. If the glands are infected antibiotics will be prescribed.
Some dogs have frequent bouts of anal gland trouble making more aggressive treatment necessary. This may require infusing medicine directly into the glands or, as a last resort, surgical removal of the glands.
A: These are tapeworm segments. Tapeworms are long segmented parasites that can live in the intestines of dogs and cats. Occasionally, segments will detach from the worm and be passed in the feces. These ½ inch long “worms” can often be found stuck in the fur around the anal opening, in the pet’s bedding or directly in their feces. When they first come out they are white and usually still moving. They quickly dry up and look like little pieces of white or brown rice. A deworming medication specific for tapeworms is needed to eliminate the infection. Animals commonly get tapeworms by ingesting eggs found in other animal’s feces or by eating insects that carry the eggs. Fleas often carry tapeworm eggs, so dogs and cats with fleas often have tapeworms as well.
Q: My pet seems to drink an excessive amount of water. Is this normal?
A: While each pet may differ some in its drinking habits, all animals drink a basic amount of water based on their weight. During extreme hot or cold weather, water intake amounts may increase, especially if the animal gets a lot of exercise. However, excessive water drinking can be a sign of many different health problems that need to be assessed by your veterinarian. Excessive drinking and urination are common symptoms of diseases such as diabetes, kidney failure, Cushing’s disease, bladder infections, hyperthyroidism and some cancers to name a few. Many of these diseases can easily be diagnosed or ruled out by your veterinarian with a thorough physical exam and blood work.
Q: How often should I feed my pet?
A: The ultimate answer to this often asked question is “whatever is most appropriate for you and your pet”. Some people feed their pets once a day, others twice a day and others just leave food out all the time. How well this feeding schedule works depends on the pet and you. If a full bowl is always available, some pets will only eat what they need when they need it. Others, however, will gorge themselves and become overweight. If there are several pets, it may also be difficult to make sure that each pet is getting the proper amount of nutrition on a daily basis. Feeding multiple small meals each day is probably better for digestion and the overall health of your pet. Hectic and busy schedules can make multiple feedings difficult or even impossible. If that’s the case, feeding an appropriate amount of high quality nutritious food once daily is adequate.
Q: I think my pet may have fleas. How can I check?
Category: Canine, Feline
A: Take a good look.
A flea is a tiny, laterally flat and wingless insect that subsists on the blood of its host. Fleas have long legs that enable them to jump tremendous distances and they can quickly crawl through your animal’s fur. Check your cat or dog for fleas by brushing them over while they are standing over a white sheet or towel; flea feces—small, black flecks of digested blood—will fall off easily, indicating the presence of fleas.
Most fleas congregate over the rump and tail area of the pet. If evidence of fleas is noted, the animal should also be checked for tapeworm segments, which appear as cream-colored, rice-like segments stuck in the fur around the anus or in the feces. The best way to treat fleas is ongoing prevention. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations concerning flea control and prevention.
Q: How can I tell if my pet has a fever?
Category: Canine, Feline
A: Use a thermometer.
The normal body temperature of a cat or dog at rest is 99 to 101ºF. If your pet is acting sluggish or depressed, is reluctant to eat or move around, is panting or breathing rapidly, or feels warm to the touch, it is exhibiting symptoms of a fever. The most accurate method of determining whether an animal has a fever is to use a rectal thermometer.
As with taking the temperature of an infant, the thermometer should be shaken, lubricated with petroleum jelly, and inserted about one-and-a-half inches into the rectum. It is helpful to have someone hold and distract your pet while its temperature is being taken.
If the reading is above 102.5ºF, you should contact your veterinarian. A temperature of 105ºF or more will require an emergency visit to a veterinarian. If the pet holds a temperature above 106ºF for very long, it could suffer serious adverse effects, including permanent brain damage and death. As always consult your veterinarian before any treatment is given.
Q: I’ve heard that it is good to brush your dog’s teeth. How do I do this and how often should it be done?
Category: Canine
A: Use veterinary toothpaste.
Brushing your dog’s teeth, combined with professional dental cleanings by a veterinarian, is a very important part of maintaining the animal's health. A dog with healthy teeth and gums is more likely to keep its teeth for life, continue to eat hard food, and have less breath odor. In addition, dogs that have a consistent dental health regimen are less likely to develop bacterial infections of the bloodstream. Bacteria from the teeth are known to colonize the valves of the heart, causing a type of heart disease called bacterial endocarditis.
Dogs, especially the smaller breeds, actually require the same kind of care for their teeth as people do for theirs. Smaller breeds tend to acquire a tremendous amount of plaque and tartar on their teeth. This is most likely because they often do not chew on bones and other hard items that help with the breakdown of plaque and tartar. If your pet eats soft, canned food rather than the hard varieties, they have an increased chance of plaque and tarter build up.
Veterinary toothpaste, unlike human toothpaste, does not contain foaming agents that can cause the dog to vomit if swallowed. Most dogs love the taste of the veterinary toothpaste, which comes in a variety of flavors, including chicken, beef, and malt. (Most pets will try to lick it off the brush before their teeth have been cleaned!) Also available are fluoride sprays and gels that can be applied to the teeth after brushing in order to help prevent tooth decay.
There are many different types of toothbrushes designed for dogs. Some fit over the finger and are called "finger brushes," while others are very long and angled, with a wide brush head. These can be purchased from a veterinarian or a pet store. Some people use a human toothbrush with soft bristles that will not damage the gums.
Use the toothbrush on all the surfaces of your dog’s teeth—especially the back molars—at least three times a week and up to one to two times a day. You’ll quickly see results in the dog’s breath odor. The long-term benefits to its teeth, gums, and general health, will be rewarding to both you and your pet.
Q: How can I tell if my dog has an ear infection?
Category: Canine
A: Check your dog's ears regularly.
An ear infection is a common ailment in dogs, especially if they have skin conditions or allergies. Most owners will not pick up on the symptoms of an ear infection until the dog's symptoms are severe. The earlier an infection is detected and treated, the faster the dog will recover, and the less pain and discomfort it will have to endure.
It is recommended that you thoroughly check your companion on a regular basis. This good habit will allow you to detect problems sooner and will teach your dog to cooperate during an examination. It will be much easier to treat your pet for an illness if it has already become accustomed to having you touch various parts of its body.
To evaluate the ears, you should look at how your dog holds its head. Is it holding its head normally, or is it tilting it slightly to one side? Are both of the ears being held in the same position, or is one drooping more than the other? Is the dog scratching its ears more than usual? The best test is to lift the earflap and smell. If you detect a foul odor, chances are that an ear infection is present or is about to occur. If the infection is severe, you may even be able to see redness within the ear canal, as well as infective debris draining from the ear. Infected ears are extremely painful, so be gentle when checking them.
If you detect any abnormalities, or your dog won’t allow you to examine its ears, you should schedule the first available veterinary appointment. The veterinarian will determine the best course of action based on your dog’s level of pain and the stage of the disease.
After the acute stage of an ear infection is controlled, it is important to properly clean your dog’s ears. An experienced animal health provider can teach you how to do this. Regular ear cleanings may prevent ear infections from occurring in the future. This is especially necessary if your dog swims a great deal, since excessive moisture in the ear can lead to infection.
Q: Why does my dog scoot his/her rear end along the ground?
Category: Canine
A: Impacted anal glands.
This activity is most commonly associated with an impaction and/or infection of the anal glands. These glands are located on either side of the rectum of all dogs. They are normally emptied every time the dog defecates, but can become clogged and unable to empty, leading to discomfort and infection.
The treatment for this condition begins with a trip to the veterinarian, who will empty (or "express") the glands - a messy and smelly job - which will give your pet quick relief. If the glands are infected antibiotics will be prescribed.
Some dogs have frequent bouts of anal gland trouble making more aggressive treatment necessary. This may require infusing medicine directly into the glands or, as a last resort, surgical removal of the glands.
A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal, But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.
(Proverbs 12:10)
(Proverbs 12:10)
