Poodle Won't Drink Out of Bowl

Question:

The last few months my poodle Adam will not drink water out of a bowl. We have tried all kinds of plates and etc. and none works. He want to splash out the water and drink from the floor. This leaves a mess on our floors. Can you help us with this problems?

Thanks,
Janet

Answer:

Janet,
It sounds like you are having a frustrating time with your little poodle! The only possible solution that I can think of to this problem, since you have tried all different kinds of bowls and such, is to try a water bottle like the ones used for rabbits or guinea pigs or that type of caged animal. You should be able to rig it up somehow and coax him to lick the ball to get the water out. Another possibility is a water fountain made especially for pets to drink out of.

Good luck to you with this problem!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Dog Recovered from Heartworms but Now Losing Balance

Question:

Our female mixed breed dog was treated for heartworms in July. Came through it OK. Acted like a young dog running around and playing. On heartguard preventive for 5 months but started falling over when excited.

Since I dont know the breed that my dog is, wondering if preventive heartguard damaged our pet. What can we do to keep her from losing balance and falling over when she gets excited or starts to run? If we keep her on a leash so she cannot run around she doesn't have the problem. Vet put her on propanol (beta blocker 10mg twice a day) doesn't seems to help with the balance and racing of heart but does help with the coughing and fluid. What are your suggestions? Hard to believe she was fine after treatment of heartworms and now she is having a problem. When she loses balance it takes about 6 secs for her to recover.

- Dianne

Answer:

Dianne,
It sounds like you are describing syncopal episodes, which are secondary to heart disease. It is possible that because of heart disease she is not getting enough blood to her brain when she gets excited and this causes her to "pass out." Your veterinarian needs to be the one to make this diagnosis, but in light of the history it is very likely that your dog is in congestive heart failure as a result of the damage the heartworms did to her heart while they were there, NOT from Heartgard. There are medications available to decrease the fluid and help her heart pump better and help prolong her life.

Good luck to you and KEEP HER ON HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE!!!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Cat with Hair Clumps in Fur

Question:

My cat has a lot of hair nodes, it's like a bump on his back. How can I remove the old hair? Can I give him a bath to remove?

Answer:

It sounds like you are referring to mats, or clumps of hair. The only way to remove these is to cut or shave them out. If they are not bad, you may be able to brush them out with a stiff wire (slicker) brush. Bathing usually causes them to tighten up or get worse. But you should be able to prevent them from recurring with daily brushing.

Good luck to you and your kitty,
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Dog Losing Weight and Has Lost Bladder Control

Question:

Mercy (10 year old, unspayed pit bull/boxer mix) has suddenly lost a lot of weight where her ribs are showing, she drinks water constantly and has lost total control of her bladder. Her urine is clear, no color in it whatsoever. What might be the cause and what can be done to help her?

- Sandy

Answer:

Sandy,
The two most common problems that I would suspect with the symptoms you are describing would be diabetes and kidney disease. Both of these problems can have dire consequences if they are not diagnosed and treated.

Since your dog is not spayed, uterine infection (pyometra), which is also very common in older intact female dogs must be placed on the list. This can also be fatal if left untreated. Many people do not realize how important is is to spay or neuter their pet, regardless of whether it will ever be purposely bred or not!

You should take your dog to the vet immediately to have diagnostic testing so that your veterinarian can determine what is wrong and formulate a treatment plan!

I hope everything turns out well for her,
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Remedy for a Dog with Allergies and Seizures?

Question:

My Scottish Terrier is prone to seizures & has allergic dermatitis. What natural remedy can i use for her constant itching & scratching? I have used everything from shots every month to oatmeal baths every week. I will not use any more chemicals on her due to her recent dx of seizures.

- Cee

Answer:

Cee,
Allergic dermatitis can be a very frustrating problem, for the pet, as well as their owners. As far as natural remedies go fatty acid supplements can be very effective in breaking the itch cycle. You did not mention what diet your dog is on, so I am unable to comment on whether there are sufficient fatty acids being fed. There are prescription diets available from your veterinarian for dogs with allergies. A good, high quality diet is instrumental in treating these patients.

In some cases the root of the problem may be an allergy to a specific ingredient found in the food that she has been eating. Seizures have been linked to food allergies as well. There are prescription diets available for dogs that have been diagnosed with a food allergy. Allergies in dogs, just like in humans, are not curable, but there are options other than monthly steroid injections.

Good luck!
Sara F. Jennen

Lhasa Poo with Allergies Pulling Out Hair

Question:

My lhasa poo has had allergies for about 2 years now... was on nutro lamb and rice then their senior stuff, cookies and tartar control. She has lost some teeth. We don't seem to be winning, she is pulling her long fur out in spots, bare, now both front legs and chest, was her back up against the neck that she could reach. Any ideas how to 'cure' her please, we are old and disabled and it's hard on us watching her pull her fur out like that all over the floor. Thanks for any help, can't afford to make her food, it's supposed to be way to expensive for us on our low income, can't stand her in this 'pain' of never sitting still anymore.

thanks,
Angeline

Answer:

I know how miserable it can be for an itchy dog and how painful it can be to watch them be uncomfortable Unfortunately there is no cure for allergies. It is about finding the best way to control them. It does sound like a food allergy, especially if it is non-seasonal. Your best bet at this point would probably be a prescription dog food that has very limited ingredients because non-prescription diets can have things hidden in the ingredient list that she could be allergic to. You could try a 50:50 pinto bean and yam diet. If the itching continues after several weeks on this diet, it most likely is not a food allergy. If the itching stops, you can gradually add ingredients back to her diet to see what she can tolerate.

Good luck!
Sara F Jennen DVM

Dog Rescued from Puppy Mill

Question:

Recently rescued from a puppy mill. Five years as a breeding dog. She is a very sweet, smart, gentle dog. We are foster "parenting" until she is ready for adoption. Unfortunately, she is terrified of humans. I work with her daily and am making some progress in getting her to relax around us. Do you have any suggestions on how to work with/train what is essentially a "feral" dog?

Thank you.

Answer:

It sounds like you are doing the right things if you are making headway with her. All you can do is give her treats and try to help her trust you. Unfortunately if she was not socialized as a puppy she may never make anyone a good pet. I would not consider the Shiba Inu a very trusting breed, as a general rule. It is possible that you could work with her extensively and she will begin to trust you and then the new owners will have to start all over. It may prove to be a difficult task to find someone willing to take the project on when they could possibly save a dog that has not been neglected for 5 years and doesn't already have socialization issues from being euthanized at a shelter. I applaud your efforts because this can be a very difficult breed to work with.

Good luck to you!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Housebroken Dog Still Lifts Leg at Son's House

Question:

Fred, the dog, is housebroken. Has been housebroken forever. But, a few times when we have gone to my son's house, he has lifted his leg, once on furniture and once on the floor. My son has animals; dog, cats, fish, tortoises, frogs, and probably other things. So, why would Fred, the dog, lift his leg there, but would never dream of doing it at home?

Thanks,
Janet

Answer:

He is probably trying to express dominance over your son's animals. This sounds like marking behavior, which is a separate issue from house-training. It is unusual since he is fixed, but it is still possible. I am guessing that he does not lift his leg when he urinates at home. If he does, it is possible that he was neutered too late in life.

Good luck to you,
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Cat Chewing on Electrical Cords

Question:

My cat has a thing for chewing on thick electrical cords like cable cords or any of that thickness. Is there anything safe that I could rub on them that would keep her from wanting to chew on them? I've tried various spray repelent products but has not helped. I'm so afraid that some day she will get to one that has become unhidden or she has found a way to get to & will end in tragedy.
- Vicky

Answer:

As you know, chewing electrical cords can be very dangerous! You could trying spraying the area with Feliway, a feline hormone product which can sometimes deter a cat from going to a certain area. If you can catch her in the act, a good spray with a water bottle or a loud blast from an air horn might help. There is a product called a scat mat that delivers a mild electrical current that is aversive to the cat. There are all manner of products available to protect cords from damage. It will probably be a matter of trial and error. I wish you luck!

Sincerely,
Sara F Jennen DVM