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| Stay PetPop Healthy with our Pet Experts. |
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| They are here to help you with any health related questions you have for your pet, and will gladly answer them in a timely manner. |
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| Their answers will be featured here in PetPop Healthy section every week, so check in to read what they have to say. |
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| Questions & Answers |
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Q:
I have trouble with itching. My groomer says it is allergies. Mom uses Oatmeal shampoo for my baths but I still itch. Sometimes I get a rash. Right now Mom is feeding me Purina Little Bites Indoor Complete dry and mixing chicken and rice, and sometimes Lamb and Veg. Which is the best for a Mini Schnauzer? Please help with the itching.?
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A: Your best bet to get some relief is to take make a visit to the vet. Your
vet can prescribe allergy medication, supplements for the skin, and even
test to determine exactly what irritants are affecting your skin.
Brent Hinton
CEO PetFirst Healthcare
www.petfirst.com |
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| More Questions |
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A: I would recommend an evaluation by a veterinarian if your pet still has a
retained testicle. Normally, both are fully descended by four months of
age. If they are not, I would definitely recommend having your pet
neutered. Pets with undescended testicles are much more prone to testicular
and prostate cancer. They will also pass this genetic defect on to their
progeny.
Brent Hinton
CEO PetFirst Healthcare
www.petfirst.com
Date: 15 May 2008
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A: A male dog typically is physically able to breed between 10 months and a
year old. However, I would recommend a thorough evaluation by your
veterinarian and also someone knowledgeable in your breed, to assure your pet is free of genetic defects and a good representative for the breed.
Brent Hinton
CEO PetFirst Healthcare
www.petfirst.com
Date: 15 May 2008
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A: Your pet sees you as a member of the pack, and the pack will often sleep
together, touching one another.
Brent Hinton
CEO PetFirst Healthcare
www.petfirst.com
Date: 15 May 2008
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A: It is possible that Dixie is indeed suffering from separation anxiety.
She may also have learned a behavior knowing that if she scratches on the
door, you will usually open it. Another behavior she could have picked up
is knowing that as long as she barks, you will eventually return. I would
recommend a session with a behavioralist to evaluate her if these issues are
a growing concern.
Brent Hinton
CEO PetFirst Healthcare
www.petfirst.com
Date: 15 May 2008
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A: Hi there-
First, get them both neutered to potentially help with housetraing and to decrease the chances of lots of different cancers.
Also, for a while treat Buster like he is a puppy. That is, don't give him access to areas of the house where you think he might make a mistake. Instead keep him confined to a room, ex-pen or crate. This is not forever, just until you can help him establish a habit of going outside. By not letting him practice inside mistakes you are decreasing the odds that will grow into a stronger habit.
Also, if you do let him make a mistake and catch him don't yell at him. Odds are that will simply teach him to learn to go when you aren't around since you get mad when he does.
Woofs!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: 14 May 2008
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A: Hi there-
First, be sure your mom keeps you on a leash at all times when there is any chance of danger or of you not coming back when called.
Then, it's time for her to focus on teaching you to come when called. This will include calling you at any time when she as close to 100% sure as possible that you will come (i.e. when she is fixing your meal, has a special treat, etc.). The more practice sessions of even one successful recall you have each day the better. Building a learning muscle is no different than building a physical muscle...lots of repetitions are key!
Also, have your mom find people to play ping pong recall with...calling you back and forth at an increasing distance. Each time you go to the person who called you get something great!
Be sure she never, ever calls you and then punishes you (maybe for not coming quickly?) or does something you may not like (like give you a bath?).
Lastly, be sure your mom signs you both up for a gentle, positive based training class. She should be able to find a good class by going to the trainer search page at www.apdt.com
woofs!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: 14 May 2008
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A: Hi there-
When pups are born their testicles are still within their abdomen. As they mature they descend into the scrotum. This generally happens by the time they are 6 weeks old. If they haven't descended by about 14 weeks they may not. This is called cryptorchidism a disorder that may be passed on genetically. Some vets suggest that this issue may indicate a higher incidence of testicular disease (such as cancer) so you might want to talk to your vet about neutering asap.
Woofs!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: 08 May 2008
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A: Hi there-
I wouldn't suggest you breed your dog unless you have done thorough genetic testing and temperament evaluations. Once that has been done I would visit as many experts in the breed (by attending dog shows, etc.) to have them evaluate your dog's confirmation, etc. to make sure he is truly a shining example of the breed standard. We all love our dogs dearly, but with so many dogs out there already in need of homes (just check out petfinder.org for a small sample of how many Chihuahuas are waiting for homes) it really doesn't make sense to breed our pet dogs just because.
Also, chat with your vet about the benefits of neutering in regards to preventing many cancers, etc. and generally increasing the quality and length of your dogs life.
Regards!
Date: 08 May 2008
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A: Hi there-
I wouldn't suggest you breed your dog unless you have done thorough genetic testing and temperament evaluations. Once that has been done I would visit as many experts in the breed (by attending dog shows, etc.) to have them evaluate your dog's confirmation, etc. to make sure he is truly a shining example of the breed standard. We all love our dogs dearly, but with so many dogs out there already in need of homes (just check out petfinder.org for a small sample of how many Miniature Pinschers are waiting for homes) it really doesn't make sense to breed our pet dogs just because.
Also, chat with your vet about the benefits of neutering in regards to preventing many cancers, etc. and generally increasing the quality and length of your dogs life.
Regards!
Date: 08 May 2008
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A: Hi there-
Tell your mom to start slow. Fill the tub with just a few inches of warm water and gentle pour it over you (starting with a loud, fast spray of water may be scary). Then lather and rinse by again gently pouring the water. Be sure she uses her hand to cover your eyes when she washes your face. When you get more used to it she might try using a spray starting lightly on your legs and moving up your body. The Rapid Bath Pet Bathing System can be a good option because it can keep bathing to as little as 3 minutes because it mixes the shampoo or conditioner in with the spray and acts as a massaging action! You should enjoy that! :)
Woofs!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: 08 May 2008
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A: Hi there-
Dogs are generally very social creatures that's part of why we love to have them as our companions. But, be careful not to become a 'velcro dog.' That is, a dog who can't feel comfortable unless you are right near or touching your mom. Otherwise, you may develop difficult to resolve separation issues. Your mom would be wise to at least 50% of the time help yo urest on your own in a bed, crate or another room.
Woofs!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: 07 May 2008
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A: Hi Dixie,
It's really hard to say why your eye is like this. It could be anything from a bug bite to something more serious.
If it doesn't clear up, a vet visit will be the only way to know.
Christine Agro
One more thing...I did some checking and Houston Humane Society has $10 vet vists - blood tests would be extra but if your parents want to get an idea of what a vet visit might cost - here's the phone number 713-433-6453.
Date: 05 May 2008
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A: Hi,
As dogs age they can slow down and sleep more, but Dixie has had a serious of problems over the past few months including a cough, vomiting and diarrhea. If you are saying that her food and water intake have increased also, it is very possible that something is physically wrong with her.
It would be best if your parents would take Dixie to the vet. The vet should do a full blood panel and should test for Diabetes and a Thyroid problem. If your parents do take Dixie to the vet, be sure to write down all the things that have been wrong with her over the past few months. This will help the vets have a the complete picture of what she has been experiencing.
If money is an issue, many vets will offer a payment plan or check with your local humane society or ASPCA to see if they offer reduced fees for veterinary services.
As for the time Dixie has left, the life expectancy of pugs is generally between 12 and 15 years.
Your concern and love for Dixie is obvious. She knows you will do the best you can for her.
Christine Agro
Date: 30 Apr 2008
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A: Hi there-
Like us, every dog ages at a different rate and in a different manner. So, Dixie could be sort of slowing down in a manner that is 'normal' for her. However, as your dog ages it is important to schedule increased routine visits to the veterinarian to continually check for changes and to learn more about ways you can possibly help improve the length and quality of her life.
Woofs!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: 30 Apr 2008
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A: It is a common condition among toy breeds. It is possible as he gets older that the ligament will tighten up and things will be fine.
Regarding his slip if he isn't limping, whimpering, there is no swelling and he doesn't have pain when you touch it our move it he's most likely ok. And especially if he didn't yelp or even blink when it happened. Puppies are pretty resilient.
If he has a sprain - there's a great Homeopathic topical gel called Traumeel that is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. You can generally get it at a health food store.
As for his knee, I always do as much with natural remedies before going to prescription drugs like Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory, or steroids. All though most vets will prescribe this without thought, they can have devastating side effects. If your vet prescribes one, I would suggest googling the product and doing your own research. If you decide you want to try a more natural approach, feel free to send me another question or find a holistic vet. I advise clients to save these drugs for the times when nothing else will help.
I hope this helps.
Christine Agro
www.christineagro.com
Date: 28 Apr 2008
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| Meet the experts: |
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Christie Shaver, is a licensed pet nutrition expert and is the founder of The Healthy Pet Gourmet visit her at www.thpg.com
Below is the story of Christie’s journey in becoming a successful pet healer:
When my dog, Goldie, became ill at 11, I knew that if I didn’t act quickly, my vet planned to euthanize him. He was very sick, but I couldn’t let him go. I knew it wasn’t his time. For the next 4 days I wouldn’t leave his side – I massaged and hugged him, kissed ...
read more ››
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Andrea Arden has written five books including Dog Friendly Dog Training (IDG, 2000), Train Your Dog the Lazy Way (Macmillan, 1999), and The Little Book of Dog Tricks (IDG, 2002).
She has also been the behavior columnist for Dog Fancy and The New York Dog magazines as well as a contributing writer for the AKC Gazette, and numerous other publications.
Andrea was the on air trainer for The Pet Department, FX’s Emmy award winning daily show and has appeared ...
read more ››
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Christine works with all animals. Her role is to act as a voice and advocate for your animal and provide support and guidance for you. Christine combines her clairvoyance and her natural healing background to address all aspects of your animal’s health, wellness and Spiritual needs. She offers insight into diet/nutrition, health, wellness, emotional support, behavioral needs and Spiritual growth.
Christine is the pioneer of the Conscious Animal Connection and during readings, she ...
read more ››
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Brent Hinton
PetFirst Healthcare
Co-Founder and CEO
Brent Hinton's mission as co-founder and chief executive officer of
PetFirst Healthcare is to help pet owners have access to the healthcare
their pets need by simplifying the pet insurance process.
For 17 years, Hinton served as an executive for various non-profit
organizations. He also is an expert in animal adoption and welfare,
having served as director of the Kentucky Humane Society for eight
years.
Hinton's ...
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