Clevengers Corner Veterinary Care

Q: Our Maltese woke up this morning slobbering and very anxious. She is shaking, has a dry nose and may be feverish. She has not been exposed to any toxins or rabid animals. My husband is sick with a severe throat. Could she have caught this from him? A: It is unusual for pets and people to share most germs. Almost all viruses are specific to a particular species. There are some types of bacteria that can pass from people to pets, so it is not impossible that your husband and your dog's illnesses are related. The sudden onset of your dog's symptoms make me think there may be something else involved. For example, anxiety and salivation are common symptoms of a tooth infection. Sometimes stomach irritation from unusual food, like rawhide treats or table scraps, can lead to anxiety and salivation. If her appetite is reduced, it would present further evidence of upper GI or mouth problems. To determine if she has a fever, use a digital rectal thermometer. Normal dog temperature is 101-102.5. Anything above 102.5 degrees would be considered a fever. Do not attempt to treat your dog with the medications you may be using for your husband. Tylenol and Advil are toxic to dogs. Antibiotics should only be prescribed by a doctor. It sounds like a trip to your family veterinarian is warranted.

Q: Do shampoos rinse off flea and tick control?

A: It depends on the product you are using and the shampoo you choose. The most waterproof products are veterinary-quality flea and tick monthly spot-ons. However, even these products will become less effective unless proper shampooing products and techniques are utilized.

These products should be applied to a dry pet, preferably at least twenty-four hours before or after a bath. When bathing the pet, it is important to use a “soap-free” formulation. These specially designed pet shampoos wash away dirt and debris without significantly diminishing the natural oils on the skin. Since many spot-on flea and tick products rely on this oil layer, regular pet shampoos and soaps can reduce their ability to kill fleas and ticks.

Most veterinarians will stock at least one general soap-free shampoo that is safe to use with veterinary-quality parasite control products. Be sure to ask for a recommendation.

Q: I have a five year-old dog that will try to feed the pups from a dog that she had in her last litter. What causes her to want to take over the care of pups that are not hers?

A: In the wild, only one female dog in a pack breeds. The remainder of the females go through hormonal pregnancies along with her so that they can serve as nurse maids for the alpha female. This offers evolutionary advantage in case the alpha female is killed. The others in the pack will ensure her offspring survive. Depending on the breed of dog and the individual female, this instinctual drive remains in varying strengths. If this female went through a heat 6-8 weeks ago, her nursing hormones would be very strong now even if she was not bred. Even if she is out of her heat cycle, her instinct may still be strong enough to cause her a desire to nurse. If she is producing milk, it will not harm the pups to have more than one nurse. Of course, it is natural for pups to seek out anything remotely resembling a nipple to suckle – another survival instinct. If this female is not producing milk, it will frustrate the pups and may lead to nursing troubles. If so, discourage this female from being around the pups long enough to mock nurse until the pups are 4 weeks old.

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