Vet’s Views
SB Mathur
One of the most experienced veterinary specialists in India, Dr SB Mathur is running a successful practice in Lucknow
Q: When should I give my pet medication for heartworm, fleas, or ticks? Amar Jaiswal
It is always best to consult with your vet regarding any specific pet medication question; that being said, there are some general guidelines you can follow regarding these three types of common treatments. Heartworm medication should be provided for pets consistently by the time they reach the age of six months. This is especially relevant for areas of the globe, like North America, where mosquitoes, the carriers of heartworms, are relatively prevalent. Flea medication can be applied as a preventative or on an as-needed basis, i.e., when an infestation occurs! There are various types of flea medication including pills and ointment. Some work better than others, so talk to your vet! Much of the time, medications on the market combat both ticks and fleas at the same time. So, when should you invest in these types of pills? Some people try to be proactive in fighting off these pests since ticks especially can be very harmful to our pets if they pounce. During the months of summer and spring, the likelihood of infestation is at its highest, but that doesn’t mean the bugs won’t show up when the weather gets cold! Though fleas and ticks are less prevalent at certain times to be sure; during winter, medication is still a good idea.
Q: Is there a way I can stop my dog from digging holes in the lawn? Manjari Shukla
Hole digging can pose a huge problem for pet owners! Our furball friends often love to dig up the lawn at times; and to them, digging through the flower beds seems to be just as fun—if not more so—than digging through other, less glorious parts of the lawn. We want our pets to have fun, but we all know there have to be better ways! So, the solution? You can always go the tried-and-true route of monitoring your dog outside. With you on the lawn, preventing damages becomes as simple as a “Rambo, No!” However, some experts suggest providing a place for your dog to dig! Encouraging him to enjoy his possibly favourite hobby with guidelines could be the happiest solution for you both!
Q: My dog sometimes eats his faeces! What should I do? Karan Tiwari
The reality is, that some canines just do this! An animal might eat his faeces or that of another pet when he feels that he needs some kind of vitamin that is lacking in his diet. A pet might do this when he has “messed up” by pooping in the house. The theory is that the pet understands he might get in trouble for his action and therefore eats up the poop to hide the evidence! So, the solution! Clean up quickly after your pets, and also find out from your vet the best options for food supplements that can keep this from happening in the future!
Q: My female pet dog has started urinating and drinking a lot. What could be the reason? Jasline Kaur
There are several reasons why your pet may be drinking extra water and urinating frequently. Some of them are rather serious, so if you notice changes in this type of activity do speak with your vet. Following is a list of possible reasons: Your pet could be pregnant. This would not necessarily cause your pet to drink more, but it would put pressure on the body that does not allow for long retention of urine. Your pet could have diabetes, liver disease, or Cushing’s disease. All of these three health issues would likely lead to your pet drinking and urinating more frequently. As a general rule, a pet who starts drinking more and urinating more than usual should go to the vet because such activity is often an indicator of potentially serious health issues.
Q: Can I give my pet Benadryl for allergies? Sahar Sood
Benadryl is a very common treatment option to help pets with allergies and other problems. So yes, it is okay to give your pet these pills/syrup. However, you need to consult with a vet about dosage amounts and whether your pet in particular would benefit from the medication. Generally, dogs and cats are given proper dosage amounts based on their size, so find out from your pet doctor just how much your pet may need.
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