Temperatures continue to rise as August opens, matching the burning questions we have about our precious furry pals as summer rolls on. Fortunately for us, we can rely on Dr. Arlianne Velez who has all the answers for our pressing questions from fecal matter ingestion to traveling with pets.
My family loves to go swimming and we try to take our Lab as often as we can. He loves it but sometimes after we go swimming he won’t stop scratching. Why is this and what should I do?
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“There are certain chemicals and/or substances in the water that can irritate your pet’s skin,” says Dr. Velez. “Ideally you want to rinse off your pet after swimming in a pool, beach or lake.”
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She says after having fun swimming, owners should take their time washing the pet’s coat with a mild shampoo and rinsing them off thoroughly. Don’t forget to take care of their ears.
“If your pet continues scratching even after the bath or consistently daily,” says Dr. Velez. “They might have an allergy problem and should see the veterinarian.”
This inviting weather has my family quite eager to take our puppy outside, but we’re not sure when that might be okay. At what age would it be alright for my puppy to go outside?
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Dr. Velez recommends that once the puppies have received the last of their boosters, they can be introduced to the outside. She mentions that this is usually around the four to five month age range.
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She also recommends that owners follow up with heartworm, flea, tick, and intestinal parasite prevention on a monthly basis since they can be exposed to different pathogens while in the open.
On walks with my dog, I occasionally have to redirect him away from fecal matter. On rare instances he sometimes eats it. Why does he do that?
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“The act of eating fecal matter is called coprophagia,” says Dr. Velez. “For some species, like with rabbits, it is a normal behavior in order to obtain certain nutrients. However, for dogs, it could be the cause stemming from different reasons.”
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Dr. Velez says that coprophagia in dogs can be related to health problems such as vitamin/nutrient deficiencies, gastrointestinal and malabsorption syndromes, and intestinal parasites. She notes that this could be a learned behavior but urges owners to consult with their pet’s veterinarian to have their pet examined and treated.
My cat is almost always inside, so how do its ears always get so dirty with smelly, crusty stuff?
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Indoor cats can also get ear infections, which Dr. Velez says can be related to underlying medical problems such as allergies, bacterial and/or fungal infections, ear mites, autoimmune diseases, and environmental irritants.
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“If you notice that your pet is showing signs of discomfort which can be observed through ear scratching, head shaking, and head tilting, owners should see the veterinarian for a complete physical exam,” says Dr. Velez. “This should include a full ear exam.”
I’m getting preparing to go on vacation with my pet for the first time. Is there anything I should know before we fly?
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“Before your trip, visit the USDA’s website and research the requirements for the country you are traveling to,” says Dr. Velez. “Then, owners should make an appointment with the veterinarian to ensure that those requirements are met.”
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Pet owners should also be sure to follow the airlines’ guidelines for travel with animals and confirm that they have a proper carrier, among other things. Â
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Moreover, Dr. Velez urges pet parents to consult with their pet’s veterinarian for safe medication to help pets keep calm during the trip. They should also make sure the pet is comfortable being in a carrier for a longer period of time. If not, Dr. Velez says that owners should get the pet accustomed to it by keeping the carrier out and around them.
The staff of PetMio, value the trust that readers have with us. Yet, we always recommend that pet owners consult with their pet’s veterinarian before making any sudden changes to their pet’s health care regimen and diet.
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