QUESTION: Is antifreeze from my vehicle really fatal to my cat or dog?
ANSWER: YES! This is sad but true. Usually by the time most people realize their pet drank antifreeze it is too late, the renal (kidney) damage has already been done. If you see your pet drinking this toxin, induce vomiting and rush your animal to your veterinarian ASAP. Cats and dogs like the taste of antifreeze, so make sure you don’t leave any sitting around.
QUESTION: Is it okay to give my pet human pain medicine?
ANSWER: NO! Not without consulting your veterinarian first. You should NEVER give your pet acetaminophen (“Tylenol”), ibuprofen (“Advil” or “Motrin”), or any human prescription for pain.
QUESTION: Help! I cut one of my dog’s toenails too short and now my dog is bleeding all over the place! What should I do?
ANSWER: First, DON’T PANIC! This is not life threatening to your pet. There are a couple of things you can do, first simply hold pressure on the bleeding toenail with a cloth until it stops. The other thing to do is grab a WET teabag and put pressure on the nail until the bleeding stops.
QUESTION: Help! My dog just ate some chocolate, what should I do?
ANSWER: Eating chocolate can be a problem for dogs (and some cats), but it depends on how much they ate. Baker’s chocolate is worse than milk chocolate and quantity eaten is important, as well as the size of your cat or dog. Most likely your pet will be OK if he only ate one piece, but if an entire box was consumed that is a different story. To be on the safe side, you can induce vomiting if you are concerned. As always, consult your veterinarian.
QUESTION: My cat/dog is pregnant. How long will it be before they have their kittens/puppies?
ANSWER: The gestation period is the same for both cats and dogs, approximately just 63 days for both.
QUESTION: My dog is scooting his behind on the floor. Does he have worms?
ANSWER: He could possibly have worms or maybe his anal glands are full or infected. The next time you are visiting your veterinarian, have him/her show you how to check your pet’s anal sacs to see if they need to be expressed. If you suspect your furry friend may have parasites, call your veterinarian. They may need to check a stool sample to test for worms.
QUESTION: How often do I need to bathe my cat or dog?
ANSWER: You can bathe your cat or dog once a month. It is not typically necessary to bathe them more frequently. Summertime baths for a dog can be done every few weeks if they need it. Cats rarely need to be bathed.
QUESTION: My dog and cat are itching like crazy! What could be wrong?
ANSWER: First thing to do would be to look for fleas. Check along the back of your animal (move the fur “backwards”) to see if you see any fleas or anything that looks like pepper (flea dirt). You can also roll your pet onto his back and check his stomach. . Your pet may have a skin condition, requiring testing for allergies, microscopic mites or infections; and may need oral medication, injection or topical treatment. Call your veterinarian to be sure.
QUESTION: How much should my pet weigh?
ANSWER: Download the Purina Body Condition System for your dog and cat.
QUESTION: Do I really need to brush my pet’s teeth?
ANSWER: Yes! Your dog or cat should have their teeth brushed every day (or as often as you can). Talk to your veterinarian about tooth brush options and flavored tooth pastes. If you start practicing good dental hygiene while your cat or dog is young, it will be easier to do as they grow older.
QUESTION: When do puppies and kittens first get their teeth?
ANSWER: Puppies and kittens get their temporary teeth when they are approximately two or three weeks old. Permanent teeth should start to come in about three to four months of age. By the time your pet is six or seven months old, he or she should have all of their adult teeth. If a baby tooth is still present when the adult tooth comes in, ask your veterinarian about extracting it.
QUESTION: Can I use human toothpaste to brush my pet’s teeth?
ANSWER: No. Human toothpaste can foam and could upset your pet’s stomach, causing him/her to vomit. Consult with your veterinarian about pet-friendly dental products to use.
QUESTION: Our family is thinking about getting a cat. What are some things that we should consider?
ANSWER: Cats are now the most popular pet in North America and Europe. If you are considering bringing a cat into your family, you’ll need to decide whether your new pet will live outdoors (maybe coming inside occasionally) or strictly living indoors.
A free-roaming cat is more prone to illness and has a shorter life expectancy. It can be hit by cars, attacked by other animals and exposed to fleas, worms and ear mites.
Should you decide to keep your cat always indoors, you will need to provide him with a clean toilet area (litter box), exercise and some toys (possibly a scratching post).
QUESTION: My cat has been spraying urine in the house and he/she has a litter box. Why does he do this and what can I do about it?
ANSWER: Spraying (or urine marking) is actually normal behavior in cats. Unfortunately this can occur whether they are neutered or spayed, although neutering and spaying does help.
Spraying is often associated with the presence of other cats (both inside and outside the home). Other stresses or changes in the cat’s environment can bring on this behavior as well. Is there a new roommate, baby or pet in the house? Has your cat been left alone more lately, causing anxiety?
Elimination and urinating outside the litter box can also occur from various medical conditions. If you suspect your cat may have such a condition, please contact your veterinarian for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.