Question: What can I give my cat for hairballs? Cat has a severe hairball problem. My question is in the old days we used to give them mineral oil. Is there anything we can do to help her pass them any easier? –Edward Answer: Dear Edward, Thanks for writing in about your cat’s hairball troubles…. Read More
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At Pet Life Today, our goal is to provide trusted, expert information for pet owners, especially when your pet is sick. Having a sick pet is stressful and finding reliable advice online is difficult. That's why we started "Ask The Vet." Our team of top veterinarians provide free, expert medical answers for your pet health questions. If you've got a question for one of our vets, send us an email (right hand sidebar). Send pictures too. Pictures help our vets provide more accurate pet care advice.
Question: Is my dog’s thyroid condition making him itchy? My dog has a thyroid problem and takes meds. Can this condition cause him to scratch a lot? do I need to increase his meds levothyroxine 0.2mg 1 a day? -Arleen Answer: Dear Arleen, Hypothyroidism is a pretty common problem in dogs. The most common cause… Read More
When you’re cuddling with your cat, you expect to feel soft, smooth fur, not lumps and bumps! It’s alarming to feel unidentified bumps under your cat’s skin. If you’ve been told by your vet your cat has a sebaceous cyst, you may still be a bit confused about what it is and how to treat… Read More
Question: My diabetic cat is eating tissues and plastic at night, what should I do? Adult diabetic cat on a controlled diet. Eating plastic and tissue at night. Can anything be given at night to make the cat feel full till morning? -Gary Answer: Dear Gary, You’re wise to be concerned about your cat eating… Read More
Most of my clients are somewhere between horrified and confused when little pink nodules sprout in their puppy’s mouth. If your best buddy has come down with warts, you probably want to know how to remove warts on dogs. First, let’s talk about what causes warts and how your dog got them in the first… Read More
Question: Why does my dog keep coughing after being treated for kennel cough? My dog was treated for kennel cough still has this same cough. Seems to happen as soon as we go outside it is winter here so I couldn’t see allergies being the issue. – Hunter Answer: Dear Hunter, You’re wise to be… Read More
Constipation is a condition in cat where they have trouble emptying their bowels and is usually associated with abnormally hard feces. Constipation happens occasionally even in healthy cats, but when it happens more than once a month, there may be a more serious problem. Let’s discuss why cats get constipated and what can you give… Read More
Question: Why does my dog constantly lick the air? My baby is a 4-year-old Maltezer cross Toy Pom. Abbi. She started licking “air” since she was 1 year old. She is constantly sticking her tongue out and licking at nothing. She stops when we ask her. She looks happy while doing it. I’m just afraid… Read More
Question: Why do my cats have dry, brown spots on their noses? We have moved to a new country and our cats have developed these dry patches on their noses. What are these and is there a home remedy to get rid of it? Thank you! – Nana Answer: Dear Nana, Thanks for sending in… Read More
Why does my cat have diarrhea? Surprise! Your kitty left you a slimy, stinky mess to clean up at 3 a.m. But why? Let’s talk about a few of the more common causes of diarrhea in cats. I’ll also discuss some safe home remedies you can try for mild cases. Types of Diarrhea in Cats… Read More
It’s hard not to be sympathetic when your dog is constipated. If you spend a lot of time walking or cleaning up after your dog, it won’t take you long to notice that there is a problem. What Are the Signs of Constipation in Dogs? Naturally, the most straightforward sign of constipation is producing little… Read More
Question: My dogs refuse to eat their dry dog food. What can I do to get them to eat? I have two female Dachshunds age 2 years. Recently they have both walked away from their dry dog food. I have been giving them the Healthy Weight Hill’s Science Diet for small breeds for about 1 year…. Read More
Question: What are these worms in my dog’s stool? I found a worm crawling out of my dog’s butt. The day after, I found multiple worms in her stool. How do I find out what type of worm she has? –Brianna Answer: Dear Brianna, In our civilized world, we are often lulled into a false… Read More
While dryness may not seem like a dire problem, the state of a cat’s skin can tell you a lot about their overall health. The skin is the body’s largest organ and is the easiest to observe. What appears there can hint at what is simmering under the surface. Flakes are the most obvious way… Read More
Most cat owners have observed their pets sneezing from time to time. Just like with people, an occasional sneeze is natural and not a cause for concern. It’s only when the sneezing becomes excessive or is combined with additional symptoms that you need to look into the problem further. Why Do Cats Sneeze? Cats reflexively… Read More
Question: My cat is squinting. Is anything wrong with her? Today we brought in a stray kitten to my house. I already have a cat and my cat didn’t like the kitten. I noticed today when I got home that she was squinting a lot and it was light pink around her eye. Is anything… Read More
You’re not weird if you look at your cat’s poop. You’re a responsible kitty guardian. What would you do if one day, when you’re cleaning the litter box, you notice some of the stool has slimy, red clumps of blood on it. Don’t panic! Let’s talk about what to do if your cat has blood… Read More
Question: What is cherry eye and is it dangerous if left untreated? We are looking into adopting a dog from a rescue. He has a cherry eye. The vet they work with recommended they leave it alone with no treatment. I don’t know how long he’s had it as he is a rescue, is there… Read More
With approximately 20% of adults in the Western world being sleep deprived (Stranges, et. al, 2012), melatonin supplements have grown in popularity. Some folks find it helps them get a good night’s sleep without harsh side effects. Pet owners have experimented with it to treat their pets, too. But is melatonin safe for dogs? What… Read More
My dad used to have a sweet brown Chihuahua named Taco. That little guy would start sneezing like mad anytime he thought he was going for a ride in the car! It was his way of communicating that car rides were a very special event for him. As cute as happy dog sneezes are, it… Read More
Seeing your dog in pain can be almost unbearable, especially when the suffering stems from a chronic condition that can only be managed and not cured. When working to alleviate your dog’s discomfort, keep in mind that medication is not the only remedy. Supplements and complementary therapies are also available. The first step in any… Read More
Head shaking and ear scratching — it’s noticeable when your cat’s ears are bothering him. The cause can be harder to determine, however. Ear mites are a relatively common type of ear problem in cats, but thankfully, they’re also quite easy to treat. If you think your cat might be suffering from this particular pest,… Read More
Question: Why does my cat have irritated, weepy eyes? My cat Bindi’s eyes have been weeping lately. I noticed today that they look more irritated than they have in the past. Another thing I’ve noticed is that they don’t weep when she is inside. Only outside. I’m wondering if I should have a vet take… Read More
“I swear this just started a few hours ago. He was fine yesterday! What happened?” The nice lady was clearly worried about her beautiful Golden Retriever, Boomer. He sat in front of me, panting and trying to rub a sore on the side of his neck about the size of a small dinner plate. The… Read More
Arthritis is a common, progressive, and painful disease in cats, but there is some good news on the feline arthritis front. Treatments are now available that can relieve pain and maybe even slow the progression of arthritis, especially when a number of them are used simultaneously. Arthritic cats, with proper care, can still enjoy a… Read More
While we all want to spoil our dogs with a little bit of human food at times, many foods that are perfectly safe for people may be harmful, and even deadly for dogs. Here are 10 foods to avoid giving your dog, even when he is begging relentlessly for a taste. 1) Chocolate The toxic… Read More
Question: My 10-month-old pug (female) sometimes eats her poop. Why? –Glenda Answer: Dear Glenda, Thanks for sending your question. Your pup is adorable, but I bet it makes you wary of puppy kisses when she has this strange habit! The official term used to describe the eating of feces is coprophagia. Dogs engage… Read More
The word “bloat” is not appealing even under the best circumstances. When it’s applied to a medical condition in dogs, it takes on a deadly meaning. Before I answer the question, “What are symptoms and treatment for bloat in dogs?” let’s discuss what is meant by the term bloat. Definition of Bloat or GDV in… Read More
Question: My puppy has an odor inside his ears. Can you tell me what’s wrong? I have recently bought a Chiweenie he’s 8 weeks old and his name is Jackson, Jax for short. I noticed that he had an odor inside his ears. I’ve given him baths and cleaned it out with Q-tips and warm… Read More
Question: My dog has a line on one tooth and the other one is chipped. Is this an emergency? Hi! I’m on vacation with my dog and noticed a line on his tooth. I think it might be cracked? I called a local vet and they suggested to wait until I get home to take… Read More
Question: Why does my puppy have blood and mucus in her stool? My new puppy Too Too has had blood and mucus in her stool, not all the time but it’s happened twice now. She’s still playful and has an appetite and drinks water. I thought worms might be the problem. Sometimes it sounds like… Read More
Question: What is a good food for a cat with hyperthyroidism? My 16-year-old cat was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. He is currently on methimazole tablets. He has lost a lot of weight and is barely 8 lbs. I am looking for a good dry and canned food for him. I also have 4 other cats and… Read More
Question: My female puppy is in heat. How long will it last? My 6-month-old new female puppy is in heat. How long will this last? How do I deal with this besides crating or just leaving her in a confined area? –Kathy Answer: Dear Kathy, Thank you for writing with your question about your puppy…. Read More
Question: I just moved to a new place and now my cat won’t eat. How can I help him? So I just moved in with my boyfriend on Sunday and I brought my cat along of course. For some reason, he is not eating or drinking of what I know of. Food/water hasn’t been touched…. Read More
Question: Which vaccines does my 11-year-old dog really need? My mini Schnauzer is 11 yrs old he has been diabetic since he is 3 yrs old. What shots does he need at this age? He is never boarded and he is inside all day except for his walks. I do not want to give him… Read More
Question: Is it safe for a rabbit to stay outside when it’s 88 degrees F? Hi, we are rabbit sitting for a friend for 3 weeks. They told us the rabbit recently went through an ear infection and completed a course of antibiotics. He is normally kept in a cage indoors, but my son built… Read More
Question: How can I ease the pain of my dog’s ear infection? We just brought a foster dog home. He has terrible ear infections, the left one is worse. He is taking prednisone, neomycin polymyxin sulfate with hydrocortisone, ciprofloxacin. He is in a lot of pain. I was wondering if I could put ice on… Read More
Question: What are these scabs and bumps on my dog’s skin? We have taken my dog to numerous vets to get more opinions but they all want to give us the same medication (Cephalexin) to “treat the problem.” It doesn’t treat anything. All it does is give him diarrhea and puke up his food. Onyx… Read More
Question: What is This Lump/Swelling on My Dog’s Cheek? I discovered this lump near my dog’s cheek. The area feels hard and solid. She recently had an infected tooth (or so the vet said but wasn’t positive) that would not stop bleeding a few weeks back but I thought that had passed. Perhaps this could… Read More
All dog owners have experienced the agony of waking up or coming home to the foul smell of diarrhea in your home. The range of emotions usually progresses from concern for your dog, to frustration about cleaning, then ultimately to worry that it will continue. The good news is, many times, uncomplicated diarrhea can be… Read More
Ear infections are common in dogs, and certain breeds are particularly prone. Sometimes, we pet owners miss the early signs and do not realize there is infection until the ears are really angry, painful and itchy. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to minimize veterinary bills and decrease the frequency of this painful condition…. Read More
Question: What are These Red Spots on My Dog? My 10-month-old dog has red round spots on her belly. She does not lick or itch them. Here’s a picture. -Sandra Answer: Dear Sandra, Thanks for sending the great photos of your dog’s skin. I would describe the red spots as “papules,” meaning circumscribed, elevated solid lesion… Read More
Question: My Dog Just Ate Chocolate! Should I Be Worried? My 60-pound female shepherd mix just ate about a half bar (standard size) of dark chocolate. What are the consequences and is there anything I should do? –Mike Wagner Answer: Dear Mike, Dogs seem to love chocolate almost as much as we humans do. In… Read More
If you have never experienced the itching, hair loss and skin and ear infections associated with mites in dogs, consider yourself fortunate. Dogs can be infested with several different species of mites, all of which cause unpleasant symptoms that range from itching and discomfort, to severe skin infection secondary to the damage caused by these… Read More
Question: How Can I Help My Dog Recover from Chronic Staph Infections? My dog, Riley(Long coat Chihuahua) started having these breakouts on him in either 2014 or 2015… My vet said that he had staph. She gave him an antibiotic shot & it cleared, however it ended up returning… I have noticed that it isn’t… Read More
Heartworm disease is a condition affecting the lungs and heart of infected dogs, and is common in certain areas of the United States. It has been reported in all of the contiguous 48 states, although high incidence of the disease in the U.S. occurs in the Southeast, the Mississippi River Valley, and the Mississippi Delta… Read More
It’s 2:00 am and you are outside with your sick pup, again, for the third time since bedtime, when you notice bright red blood in his stool. As if being awakened repeatedly to the sound of vomiting and diarrhea was not difficult enough, you now feel a little panicked about this recent development. Worried, you… Read More
Obesity in the developed world is increasing at an alarming rate, and our pets are not excluded. We enjoy loving our dogs through the gift of food, especially when they are so grateful to receive. It is instantly gratifying to see the joy in canine eyes while sharing a few morsels from our plates. But,… Read More
The obesity epidemic in cats has mirrored the epidemic in the human population in industrialized countries. Cats that were once hunters for vermin and insect control are now living the good life inside of our homes. While there are many benefits to having cats in our homes – improved lifestyle and longevity, safety, companionship and… Read More
When you were a child, you likely received a series of vaccinations designed to protect you from diseases such as polio, measles and mumps. These diseases are rare today due to widespread vaccination. Similarly, many diseases that were once common in puppies are now prevented by vaccines. Parvovirus and canine distemper virus were initially highly… Read More
