Q: What’s the best way to remove a tick embedded in my dog Floyd’s skin? I tried covering the tick with alcohol, nail polish, and petroleum jelly, but nothing loosened its grip. I’ve heard that touching a lit match to the tick works, but I’m afraid I’ll burn Floyd. What do you recommend? A: None…
How to Trim Your Cat’s Claws
Q: I recently adopted a cat named Max, and I need to learn about trimming his claws. What’s the procedure, and how often should it be done? A: Start by choosing whatever equipment is most comfortable for you. I use human toenail trimmers, but many people prefer cat claw trimmers from the pet supply store….
How to Keep Your Pet Safe in the Car
Q: My seatbelt will help protect me if I’m involved in a car accident, and I want the same for my dog, Gucci, who often rides with me. What’s the best way to keep him safe? A: You’re wise to restrain Gucci in the car. Not only could he be injured in a crash, but…
Overweight Cats Risk Serious Disease
Q: My cat Fred’s fat underbelly swings when he walks. I think it’s cute, but his veterinarian says he needs to lose weight. What’s wrong with a cat being overweight? A: Fred has lots of company: The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention reports that 60 percent of U.S. cats are overweight or obese. That statistic…
Use Hand Signals to Train a Deaf Dog
Q: We’re enchanted by Eva, a sweet, young Dalmatian available for adoption through the nearby Dalmatian rescue. Our only concern is that she is deaf. If we adopt her, how will we train her? A: Deafness is inherited in some breeds, including Dalmatians, especially those that are mostly white and have blue eyes. Fortunately, with…
While Pregnant, Keep Cat, but Avoid Toxoplasmosis
Q: I am planning to become pregnant, and a friend says I should give away my cat, Myrtle, because she can transmit a disease that could harm my unborn child. Is this true? A: Rest assured that you may keep Myrtle. It sounds like your friend is referring to toxoplasmosis, nicknamed “toxo,” a disease caused…
Dogs See Blue, Yellow, and Gray
Q: We’re concerned that our middle-aged Labrador–German shepherd mix may be nearsighted because he can easily spot his nearby toys but doesn’t see those that are far away. Still, he can always find his blue ball. I thought dogs were colorblind but otherwise had good vision. Please explain. A: While dogs’ smell and hearing are…
Ask the Vet: Monitor Diabetic Pet’s Blood Sugar Levels at Home
Q: Pebbles, my 9-year-old terrier, was diagnosed with diabetes several months ago. I give her insulin injections and monitor her diabetes with urine test strips. Is there a better way to determine how well her diabetes is being controlled? A: Diabetes mellitus arises most often in middle-aged dogs, usually around 7 to 9 years of…
Ask the Vet: Develop a Backup Pet Care Plan
Q: I walk my dog, Buster, several times a day. I’m worried about how to care for him if I contract COVID-19 and can’t walk him. I’m even more worried about what would happen to him if I were to die from the virus. What’s your advice? A: It seems to me that you need…
Ask the Vet: Protect Cats Traveling in a Motor Home
Q: My spouse and I want to take our dog and two cats on a month-long trip across the United States in our 30-foot recreational vehicle. The dog is no problem, but we are concerned about whether this is feasible with the cats. What’s your advice? A: Your family can make this work, but only…
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