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Q: Help! My pet was sprayed by a skunk. Tomato juice didn't work...what next?
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A:
Try a mixture of 10 parts hydrogen peroxide to 1 part baking soda. Add several drops of Dawn dishwashing soap and pour into a spray bottle. Spray heavily over a dry coat making sure to avoid the eyes and allow to dry. Alternatively, Massengill Douche used on the coat is an effective treatment. |
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Q: Why does my dog have bad breath?
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A: Plaque and tartar form because some dogs and cats do not adequately chew their food, and therefore do not benefit from the natural cleaning process from chewing. Also, some dogs and cats appear to be prone to dental plaque and tartar the way some people are. The best way to prevent dental plaque and tartar is to brush your pet's teeth on a daily basis. The only way to remove dental plaque and tartar once it has formed is to have your pet's teeth cleaned by your veterinarian.
Internal diseases such as kidney disease and stomach problems can also cause bad breath. Have your pet examined by your veterinarian to determine the cause of your pet's bad breath and to correct the cause.
The most common cause of bad breath is the buildup of plaque and tartar on your pet's teeth. Plaque is the accumulation of bacteria, mucin, and sloughed epithelial cells adhering to the dental surface. Tartar is formed when the plaque becomes mineralized. The bacteria in the plaque and tartar produce the bad odor and can also cause gingivitis (inflammation of the gum). Periodontal disease may cause painful chewing and may eventually result in the loss of teeth. Bacteria from infected gums may gain access to the blood stream and cause damage to your pet's kidneys, liver, and heart. |
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Q: How long is a dog pregnant?
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A: If you think your dog may be pregnant, or if you are planning to breed her, talk with your veterinarian. Know what to expect and what changes to make in your dog's care and feeding.
The normal length of pregnancy in dogs is 61 to 65 days. However, because the conception date may be undetermined, a pregnancy may last anywhere from 58 to 70 days following a single breeding. Most dogs have an uneventful pregnancy and deliver puppies without assistance.
However, certain breeds may have problems delivering naturally (e.g., toy breeds, bulldogs) and may require a Cesarean section. |
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Q: Is there a pregnancy test for dogs?
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A: Another way to determine if your pet is pregnant is by performing an ultrasound examination (sonogram). This allows the veterinarian to see the developing puppies in your pet's uterus. Puppies are identifiable with ultrasound starting at 21-24 days after breeding.
Yes, there is a safe, accurate, and inexpensive pregnancy test for dogs. The test requires a blood sample to be taken from your pet. The test is most accurate 28 days or more after the breeding date. |
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Q: Sometimes when I trim my dog's toenails, I cut them too short and they bleed. What is the best way to stop the bleeding?
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A:
Occasionally, bleeding toenails can be treated successfully with household ingredients. A small amount of flour packed onto the end of the nail may help. Sometimes pressing a bar of soap on the end of the nail will stop the bleeding. However, the best way to stop the bleeding is to use styptic powder. This may be purchased at a drug store, local pet supply store, or at our hospital. It is a good idea to have the styptic powder in the house before you begin the nail trim. |
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Q: My older dog's eyes are becoming cloudy. Does this mean my pet is going blind?
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A: A less common but more serious cause for cloudy eyes is the development of cataracts. Cataracts cause an opaque, white alabaster-like density in the lens, which causes visual deficit. Mature cataracts in both eyes result in blindness. It is best to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to determine the cause.
The most likely cause for your older dog's cloudy eyes is nuclear sclerosis. Nuclear sclerosis is a normal aging process of the lens of the eye. This causes the lens to become more dense, thus causing it to appear cloudy.
By the way, a similar phenomenon occurs in human eyes, but instead of getting cloudy lenses, we need to hold the newspaper farther away to read the fine print! Nuclear sclerosis does not cause blindness. It is like looking through a foggy window. |
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