Ask A Vet #1: Overheating, Picky Eaters & Allergies
Taking care of a pet can be overwhelming. There are a lot of questions that come up throughout the day to day care of our beloved pets - from general hygiene to what they eat.
So, we asked a veterinarian, Dr. F, to answer some of the questions you submitted.
Q: What is the best way to cool down a hot dog?
Slowly. Start by wetting all 4 paws with cool water. You can also hose down the back of the dog. A fan can be placed nearby facing the dog as well. Do not use ice as this will cool the dog off too quickly and can actually drop the temperature below normal range.
Q: What can help soothe itching for dogs without getting a shot?
Oatmeal shampoo baths can help relieve dry skin, but ultimately getting to the source of the dog’s itchiness is the best solution. Seasonal allergies are the most common reason for itchy skin in dogs and can be caused by fleas, a particular protein in food, or from the environment. Be sure to keep up to date on good flea prevention all year round to prevent itch from flea bites.
Q: How can I get a dog that’s particular about her food to eat?
Most dogs who are particular about their food usually develop this behavior due to being spoiled by eating only the “good stuff." Unfortunately, the best way to get a dog to get back to eating normal dog kibble/food is to give them no choice but to eat only that. When they get hungry enough and have no other choice, they will eventually eat it.
Q: How often do I need to clean my dog’s ears?
This is highly dependent on if your dog has chronic or previous ear infections or one that is currently present. The ear cleaning products to use for cleaning is also determined by the presence or absence of an ear infection. Consult your veterinarian for more specific advice and frequency on cleaning your dog’s ears.
Q: How often do we need their teeth cleaned?
It is recommended to do dental cleanings yearly; preventative care is the best when it comes to dental hygiene as dental disease is quite common in dogs as they begin to age. Tartar starts to show as early as 1 year old in dogs. Brushing a dog's teeth at home daily or weekly can help prolong dental disease, but cannot effectively remove stubborn tartar already present.
Q: Are there any truly safe vet-approved bones?
We recommend only giving treats that your fingernail can make an indent into. If your fingernail cannot penetrate the bone/treat, then it is too hard and can possibly cause a tooth fracture.
And that's it!
We hope you liked this first edition of "Ask A Vet." Be sure to follow us on IG to submit your questions for a future "Ask A Vet" blog post!