Q: My vet’s office has a sign that says dogs need dental care just like humans.  However, a dental checkup/cleaning costs around $700, due to the anesthesia, the antibiotics and pain medicine following the procedure. 

Q: I have a Rottweiler that is 11 yrs old. All of a sudden she was out doing her business and she yelped. Now she can't put any pressure on her hind legs and is having a hard time standing up.

What can I do to help her? She is a great dog and it hurts to see her like this.

Q: Can an older kitty (15-year-old neutered male) be given glucosamine for arthritis and stiff joints? He weighs about 8 pounds?  

A: An older cat can be given glucosamine. You would just want to watch for any increase in thirst.

Q: I have a rescue puppy that is approximately five months old. When I rescued her earlier this year, she was already spayed. About a month later she developed a lime green vaginal discharge. Of course I took her to my vet with concerns that something was left inside of her during the spaying, but she did not feel this since the puppy was otherwise fine, eating and playful.

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Q: I have a pug that will be turning one this month. I noticed last night and this morning that his bowel movement was covered in mucus. Is this something I need to take him to a vet for? What causes it?

Q: I have a cat that I rescued a couple of months ago. Before they would release him he had a bladder infection that they needed to clear (no crystals). When I got him he was going to the bathroom wherever he wanted. So I took him to the vet and he still had a slight infection. 

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Q: I have been seeing more and more on organic cat foods available not just in specialty stores, but now at PETCO and PETSMART.  What are your thoughts?  With our more recent scare on cat and dog food, what do you recommend as far as making choices for our cats?  My kitties are typical indoor, mature cats that do not yet have any chronic diseases other than probably a bit of extra wei Read More »

Q: Is it bad for a dog to eat bees? My dog catches them and will eat them!

Q: My seven-year-old cat was diagnosed with arthritis of the spine recently.  My doctor prescribed prednisone and I do not want to keep her on it long term as I know she may experience problems from it in the future. I now have her on Cosequin and a supplement called NuCat which contains New Zealand Green Mussel for her joints.  She is responding well to these supplements. Are there any known side effects of using these Read More »

Q: My nine-year-old cat was just diagnosed with an enlarged heart and liver -- no liver disease.  She also has a mass above her heart.  I don't know if it's malignant, I wouldn't let them aspirate it with a needle.  From her blood test the vet thinks the mass is cancer.  She has no symptoms of any of these illnesses.  Can you tell me if there's anything I can treat her with holistically?