Blog
Surgical removal is only necessary for field dogs. Question: We recently adopted a 6-month-old German Shepherd-mix puppy from an animal shelter. He is “double dewclawed” on his hind legs. Do they need to be removed? One vet said they should be removed; the other said it’s optional. I’m planning on walking him every day in fields and on forest trails, also some rugged hiking in New Hampshire. I understand that removing dewclaws is more of a prophylactic measure–“just in case” they get snagged–as well as cosmetic. (Personally, I don’t care what his feet look like!) What are the chances…
What do they really need & what’s unnecessary. Question: My kids and my wife and I have decided that we want to have a pet but we can’t agree on a dog or a cat so we got both. We know they need shots but I’ve called a few vet clinics and I’m getting different answers on how many shots they need. Can you advise us on what’s best? Dr. Nichol: Boy, am I glad to hear this question. It is painful for me to recall the number of these babies who have died of preventable diseases only…
Our best methods at disease prevention have a down side risk. Here are the facts. Question: Last year, my standard poodle had a very severe reaction to her annual vaccinations. In fact, she almost died. She was literally unable to move without a great deal of pain and her eyes were glazed. She was treated but barely survived. They told us that they give the same dosage of vaccinations to all dogs, whether Chihuahua or Great Dane. I find that hard to believe. Now, I am extremely reluctant to chance it again. And why is it necessary to vaccinate…
Age is not a disease. Safety is really a function of health. Complete lab work will solve the safety question. Question: My beloved Cairn Terrier is 13 and his vet has recommended neutering him to prevent testicular cancer and prostate problems. He will also clean the dog’s teeth and remove some warts. At the equivalent of 91 human years, I’m of course worried about Excalibur surviving the surgery and wondering how long his possible life span might be after such surgery (or, for that matter, without it). Dr. Nichol: I can understand your concerns about Excalibur’s safety. You…
No Treatment Necessary Question: I never thought I’d be writing to you (sounds like Dear Abby). I have a 5-month-old Basset Hound named Homer who has a terrible problem with hiccups. He seems to get them daily and I can’t imagine using any human remedies on him. He’s a little high strung so I’m afraid that scaring him would kill him! Just joking. Any ideas? Dr. Nichol: Abby and I are old pals, having shared this page for a while. Lately our readers have been confusing our identities. I’m concerned that, having spent so much time together, we may…
Nothing Important to Worry About. Tapeworms & Hanta Virus are Highly Unlikely Question: I recently caught my pedigree-challenged dog chasing and catching a field mouse. She dropped the mouse when I shouted, but I’m sure this is not an isolated incident. Can she get sick if she catches/kills/ingests a field mouse? Dr. Nichol: Dogs can be such animals, can’t they? You’d never catch a human hunting, killing and eating a defenseless creature. No sir, we’re all so peaceful. Now I feel better. Your dog is quite unlikely to get any diseases by exercising her predatory instincts. In fact,…
Impacted anal glands make a dog scoot and/or lick his/her rear end. Relief is simple but important. Question: I have a daschund (wienie dog, female) about 7 years old. She seems to be trying to scratch here anus, and unfortunately see can’t seem to reach. She’s a tad over weight. She even drags or circles on the floor in a futile attempt to scratch. I do not find the usual suspects of fleas or ticks. I don’t see any signs of worms. I have sprayed her for fleas. None of this seems to help. Even baths do not seem…
Wet nose, dry nose-no big deal. Question: Should my cat have a wet nose? In the mornings, his nose is wet. He did have an upper respiratory infection when I got him at the shelter. Dr. Nichol: Assuming the infection has resolved your cat can have a wet nose because of excessive tearing. Are you making your cat upset? Does he read romance novels in bed? Some of my best friends have wet noses and I’m not complaining.
Joint Pain makes it Hard to get Outside Question: 15 year old terrier/collie mix is losing control of anal muscles. Has difficulty holding squat position. Outside walks in straight line, dropping as she goes. Occasionally drops several “bombs” in house without meaning to. Looks sheepish. Have not scolded her. Dr. Nichol: Thank you for not punishing your senior dog for her bombing missions. She knows she’s breaking the rules but her tired old joints hurt so much she just can’t get outside in time. Joint pain is common in geriatric dogs, especially those who are large breed or…
Forget Tempting Treats-Get Medical Attention for that Sick Senior Dog Question: In January my 16-year-old dachshund/cocker cross stopped eating her dry dog food. Canned food caused her to have diarrhea and vomiting. Now she’s eating very little. She’s very thin, and I’d like to know what I can feed her that might help her gain a few pounds. Dr. Nichol: I can tell how much you love this girl. The reason for her weight loss and poor appetite is that she’s sick. No amount of tasty morsels will make her well. She could have cancer, organ failure, or a…