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DogsIan18h agoMy ten year old shepherd mix at 6 years of age had pyometra had an emergency hysterectomyMy ten year old shepherd mix at 6 years of age had pyometra had an emergency hysterectomy. At ten years of age was diagnosed with diabetes is now insulin dependent. Had an ear infection and uti which was resolved with antibiotics. Has been aggressively knawing at both front and back paws been scouting for over a year and aggressively licking her genitalia, specifically focused on her vagina.Has had recent blood work taken and has an ionized calcium level of 1.6 the current vet recommendations are cancer or parathyroid disease. They prescribed zenrelia 8.5mg 2 tabs daily for what they believe to be a skin related issue. My concern is if it is bacterial my research has told me it could make the condition worse and with her compromised immune system, put her at high risk for other types of infection and over the long term have a more negative impact. I’m wondering given all the info provided if there could be other conditions elevating her ionized calcium and also causing her skin issues.0 repliesNo vet yet
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DogsPet parentyesterday16-year-old Yorkshire Terrier with recurrent severe pulmonary edema, mitral valve disease…16-year-old Yorkshire Terrier with recurrent severe pulmonary edema, mitral valve disease and kidney dysfunction – looking for veterinary opinions Hello, I'm reaching out to ask for veterinary advice regarding my 16-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, who has been struggling with recurrent pulmonary edema and kidney dysfunction. Unfortunately, my previous description was cut off due to the character limit, so I've included **the complete medical history, treatment details, medications, laboratory results, recent episodes, and all my questions in the attachments**. Everything is explained in detail in the three attached images, including the challenges we've faced in balancing his heart and kidney treatment. I would be extremely grateful if you could take a look at the attachments and share your professional opinion or any suggestions that might help us manage his condition and maintain his quality of life. Thank you very much for your time and help. Best regards1 replyVet answered
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DogsPet parentyesterdayHe has degenerative mitral valve disease (MMVD) and has experienced several episodes of…Hello, I am looking for veterinary advice regarding my 16-year-old male Yorkshire Terrier. He has degenerative mitral valve disease (MMVD) and has experienced several episodes of severe pulmonary edema since early September 2026. Unfortunately, intensive diuretic treatment has also been associated with a significant deterioration in his kidney values. He is regularly monitored by a veterinary cardiologist, but despite treatment, pulmonary edema keeps recurring. I would really appreciate a second opinion on his current treatment, the possible reasons for these sudden episodes, and any additional options that could help support both his heart and kidneys. ## 1. Cardiac history and echocardiography His heart condition had been relatively stable for approximately 1.5 years before the first severe episode in September. An echocardiogram performed on February 13, 2026, showed: - Diagnosis: Degenerative mitral valve disease, ACVIM stage B2 at that time - LA/Ao ratio: 1.54 - Normalized left ventricular internal diameter (LVIDDn): 1.42 - Left ventricular internal diameter in diastole: 2.27 cm - Left ventricular internal diameter in systole: 1.31 cm - Ejection fraction (EF): 75% - Fractional shortening (FS): 42% - Moderate left atrial enlargement - Mitral regurgitation with a narrow regurgitant jet - Flail anterior mitral leaflet - Preserved systolic function - No documented systolic or diastolic dysfunction - Sinus rhythm At his most recent cardiology examination on October 14, the cardiologist stated that the echocardiographic findings were still very similar to those from February, with only minor changes in cardiac dimensions. She was surprised by the severity and frequency of his pulmonary edema episodes despite the relatively limited progression seen on echocardiography. I do not yet have the exact measurements from the October examination. ## 2. Timeline of pulmonary edema and treatment **Early September – first severe pulmonary edema episode** He developed severe pulmonary edema and required intensive furosemide treatment. The initially administered doses were insufficient, and the diuretic treatment had to be intensified considerably. Eventually, the pulmonary edema resolved, but his kidney values subsequently deteriorated. **September 11** A follow-up lung ultrasound showed only a few isolated B-lines. His sleeping respiratory rate was still approximately 35–45 breaths per minute. **September 22** His condition improved significantly. His sleeping respiratory rate decreased to approximately 15–24 breaths per minute. He became more active, resumed walking and appeared much more comfortable. A lung ultrasound described the lungs as dry, without pleural or pericardial effusion. **September 23–29 – kidney deterioration** Blood tests showed severe azotemia, increased phosphorus and low potassium. Fluid therapy was recommended to support kidney function. **Late September – October 6** He initially received intravenous fluids, including approximately 160 ml on one occasion. Daily subcutaneous lactated Ringer's solution was subsequently prescribed at 125–150 ml per day. Because I was concerned about his heart disease, I actually administered approximately 100–120 ml daily for about one week. The last subcutaneous infusion was given on October 6. His kidney values improved considerably during this period. **October 9** His respiratory rate suddenly increased again. Lung ultrasound showed renewed signs of pulmonary congestion. Additional furosemide injections were required. **October 10** His breathing improved considerably, and the follow-up ultrasound showed only isolated B-lines. **October 11–12** He again developed increased respiratory effort, restlessness and difficulty sleeping. On October 11, he received two additional intravenous doses of 10 mg furosemide, according to my records. On October 12, lung ultrasound showed several B-lines on the right side, while the left side appeared considerably better. His regular oral furosemide was increased to 10 mg three times daily. **October 14 – another severe pulmonary edema episode** At approximately 2 AM, he developed another very severe episode of pulmonary edema. His respiratory rate reached approximately 80 breaths per minute at rest. He was coughing, very restless, unable to settle comfortably and had difficulty lying down and sleeping. Additional subcutaneous furosemide was administered as emergency treatment. I estimate that the total subcutaneous dose during that night was slightly over 30 mg. He was examined by his cardiologist later that day. The cardiologist decided to replace his regular oral furosemide with torasemide. Following the change, his respiratory rate gradually decreased from approximately 80 to 44 and then to around 36 breaths per minute while calmly awake. Today is much more better. His appetite and general behavior improved, and he became interested in his surroundings again. Because of the 1 replyVet answered
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DogsEsther Naomi3d agoHe is 5 and a half months oldHi All, My little boy recently had xrays due to suspected short ulna syndrome and surgery has been recommended as soon as possible. He is 5 and a half months old. He had a limp pop up out of no where one morning two weeks ago - which I didn't think it was so serious at the time. I thought he may have sprained it or something. I waited a day but given it was still there the next morning I went to the vet. The vet looked at him and immediately said she believes he has Short Ulna Syndrome and needed xrays. I then took him to a vet hospital I know well for the xrays and they diagnosed him with Bilateral Short ulna syndrome. My boy has stopped limping now and is running around. but the recommendation is surgery as soon as possible. As Tibbies naturally have bowed front legs and the surgery is very extensive and could lead to further complications later on, I’m keen to hear some other opinions. Thank you in advance.1 replyVet answered
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DogsMarie4d agoSkye got spayed October 6, 2026 and she’s 6 days post surgerySkye got spayed October 6, 2026 and she’s 6 days post surgery. I noticed dried sticky brown blood coming from her private area last night. I wiped it away and now it’s back this morning. I want to know wether it’s normal or if it’s a concern. And I want to know if it’s a normal mount or a lot. The first photo is from last night and the second one is from this morning.0 repliesNo vet yet
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DogsPet parent7d agoHe swallowed a deer hoof a few nights agoHe swallowed a deer hoof a few nights ago. And then vomited it back up the next morning he was fine for 2 days after that but today he's not been feeling well he hasn't eaten today he's drinking water not vomiting and been pooping fine but he's lacking energy and has sad look on his face1 replyVet answered
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DogsPet parent10d agoYorkie/chihuahua 6 y/o is sick, she drinks water but vomits most of it has diarrhea or…Yorkie/chihuahua 6 y/o is sick, she drinks water but vomits most of it has diarrhea or has problems pooping is weak and cant move much like she is clenching to poop when we touch her stomach she sometimes hardens up and she is currently in heat and now know if a big dog could have gotten her or not0 repliesNo vet yet
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DogsPet parent21d agoMy dogs eye is red and a little wateryMy dogs eye is red and a little watery0 repliesNo vet yet
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DogsPet parent22d agoMy dog has been panting heavily and his breathing looks like his stomach is working hardMy dog has been panting heavily and his breathing looks like his stomach is working hard. When he lies down the panting sometimes stops, but it starts again when he gets up. He isn’t taking any medications. Is this something that needs emergency care tonight?0 repliesNo vet yet
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DogsDawn27d agoI have a 12 year old yorkie terrier mix who is pooping like every 2-3 hours - even…I have a 12 year old yorkie terrier mix who is pooping like every 2-3 hours - even through the night. It is soft, but not diarrhea. At first, because it sort of looked like diarrhea, we started him on a bland diet, but that didn't seem to work. We then gave him a dose of metronidazole for 2 days - that seemed to help for a day, but again, stopped being effective so we stopped it. It has been happening for about 2 weeks, the majority of the poop size is much smaller than usual (round like a nickel vs. a log) but this isn't consistent. This round nickel sized poop isn't always what he evacuates...he will poop a normal log sized soft poop every now and then. There is no mucus or blood, he is definitely straining. He eats Purina Pro Plan sensitive skin and stomach dry dog food, salmon and is eating normal. He isn't losing weight and behaves normal.he was on a Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements FortiFlora Dog Probiotic up until 2 days ago because we weren't sure that was helping anymore. He does squat for quite a while and repeatedly reposition/squat several times before that little nickel-sized piece finally comes out, but for as long as we've had him (10.5 years of his 12 year life), we've called him the "poop-walker" because he always squats and walks around in a squat position while pooping. He is definitely taking taking much longer to poop and the poop-walk can take up to like 5 minutes.1 replyNo vet yet
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DogsPet parent27d agohe’s 2.5 years old His whole body becomes tense, and he has difficulty moving his legs…he’s 2.5 years old His whole body becomes tense, and he has difficulty moving his legs properly, especially his front legs. He also starts trembling. It can happen twice a day. What should we check? What could be causing this?0 repliesNo vet yet
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DogsPet parent27d agoI recently noticed a lump in his testical today but he gets neutered next weekI recently noticed a lump in his testical today but he gets neutered next week.1 replyVet answered
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DogsPet parent29d agomy dog is 3 years old, 10 lb is a Bichon frizemy dog is 3 years old, 10 lb is a Bichon frize. she has been vomiting a thin liquid that's yellowish and some that is brown all day and it is now 8:00 p.m. this isn't usual for her but her stomach doesn't seem swollen, and she's been drinking water like usual. she's also able to walk normally and go downstairs normally. now she has a thick saliva liquid that may be drool covering her mouth.1 replyVet answered
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DogsLynneSep 15Our indoor female dog weighs about 50 lbsOur indoor female dog weighs about 50 lbs. She started having diarrhea couple days. I gave her some pumpkin it stopped for few days and started again. Going out every couple hrs at night. Today she threw up in her crate. What can I do?1 replyVet answered
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DogsSaimaSep 12My dog got sick in the 9th September mid nightMy dog got sick in the 9th September mid night. The following day on the 10th she has been sleeping the whole day not eating nor playing. On the 11th which is today she started vomiting green liquid during morning hours ,then white foam in the afternoon, then yellowish stuff around 6pm today . And now she is trying to excrete but nothing is coming off and she keeps isolating herself💔😭🙏. Please help me I am begging you I am not able to take it to the vet because I cannot afford it.3 repliesNo vet yet
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DogsMeganSep 11Labored Breathing in DogsQ: What is labored breathing in dogs? A: Labored breathing in dogs means they are having difficulty moving air in and out of their lungs. Q: What does labored breathing look like? A: Labored breathing may look like rapid or shallow breathing, excessive movement of the chest or abdomen, open-mouth breathing when they are not hot or exercising, flared nostrils, extended neck, or elbows held away from the body. Q: Are there any other visible signs with labored breathing? A: Other signs can include coughing, wheezing, unusual restlessness, weakness, or gums that appear pale, gray, or blue. Q: How do I count my dog’s breaths? A: Count the breaths for 30 seconds and multiply by 2, or count for a full 60 seconds for the most accurate result. A normal resting respiratory rate is generally around 10-30 breaths per minute; consistently elevated rates, especially when accompanied by increased effort or other concerning signs, warrant veterinary attention. Q: When should I seek veterinary care? A: Seek emergency veterinary care IMMEDIATELY if your dog is struggling to breathe, breathing with significant abdominal effort, has blue/gray or very pale gums, collapses, becomes extremely weak, or cannot settle comfortably. Even if the breathing difficulty seems mild but is persistent or unusual for your dog, contact your veterinarian promptly rather than waiting for it to worsen.0 repliesNo vet yet
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DogsBridgetteSep 10Heat stroke in dogs: knowing when “too hot” becomes an emergencyOne thing I wish every dog owner knew is that heat stroke isn't something to “wait and see” if your dog cools down on their own. Once a dog is showing signs of heat stroke, it can become a true emergency very quickly. Heavy or abnormal panting, excessive drooling, weakness, confusion, vomiting or diarrhea, stumbling, collapse, or a change in responsiveness are all signs to take seriously—especially after exercise or being outside in hot/humid weather. If you suspect heat stroke, start cooling your dog while arranging immediate veterinary care. Move them out of the heat and begin gentle cooling with cool/room-temperature water and airflow. Avoid ice or extremely cold water, which can cause blood vessels near the skin to constrict and interfere with heat loss. Don't delay veterinary care just because your dog seems to be improving. Prevention is huge. Don't rely only on the temperature itself—humidity, direct sun, exercise, lack of acclimation, and individual factors can all affect how quickly a dog overheats. Dogs with short noses, thick coats, certain medical conditions, or those who are overweight can be at higher risk, but heat stroke can happen to any dog under the wrong conditions. One of the easiest things you can do is learn your dog's normal behavior and breathing, plan outdoor activity around the weather, provide shade and water, and give them plenty of opportunities to cool down. As a general rule, if your gut is telling you something isn’t right, listen to it. You never need to worry that, “I might be overreacting", for calling your veterinarian or an ER when you’re worried about your pet.1 replyVet tech answered
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DogsPet parentSep 10My dog has not been able to eat for about a month now and he don’t eat his kibbles and…My dog has not been able to eat for about a month now and he don’t eat his kibbles and when I do wanna give him food he don’t wanna eat it only tiny bites , my dad said he noticed that he also don’t eat when I’m not home so maybe it could be because I’m not home ? But also he has had contact with fleas and they gave him 2 shots for the fleas to die on impact and also one for his stomach bc they said his stomach was hard so he may have a stomach problem. Please help me he’s so sad when I see my dog6 repliesVet tech answered
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DogsArielSep 5My dog has a red, swollen, irritated area around his toe/between his toesMy dog has a red, swollen, irritated area around his toe/between his toes. It looks painful and crusty. I have pictures of it. Can you tell me what it might be and what I can safely put on it at home? I also want to know if he needs to be seen in person urgently.4 repliesVet answered
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DogsPet parentSep 1Im not sure what this can beIm not sure what this can be0 repliesNo vet yet
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DogsPet parentAug 31Dog deathHello, my 13-year-old terrier passed away 6 days ago. The veterinarian told us she was in the terminal stage of a spleen tumor and ascites, and her hind paws were also swollen. In her last days she was immobile, in diapers, and on her last day she was refusing even water. My question for you, since I am very troubled by one moment—a few moments before death (I am not sure exactly, but no more than 1 minute to 2)—I squirted between 5-10 ml of water into the corner of her mouth through closed teeth using a syringe, because the day before she drank a lot of water and that day not at all. Shortly after, she passed away, and it troubles me whether I could have caused her some suffocation or if I caused her death with that amount of water (I am not even sure all of it went into her mouth because it's possible it leaked out the side). I have an OCD and situation is very hard for me. Thank you2 repliesNo vet yet
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DogsErikaAug 30Mi perrita tiene pulgas como una invasión porque cada vez que me quito le salen más por…Mi perrita tiene pulgas como una invasión porque cada vez que me quito le salen más por esto tiene pequeños granitos en su cabeza y esto le produjo un fuere olor a sarna pero solo en su cabeza, y hace un mes estuvo enferma con fiebre alta fue a un veterinario y me recomendó darle hígado, pero aveces se pone así y el olor a sarna aún sigue y nose como hacer con sus pulgas1 replyNo vet yet
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DogsPet parentAug 30She is a 4 year old blood hound who ate a sock with two magnets in the sock I don’t know…She is a 4 year old blood hound who ate a sock with two magnets in the sock I don’t know what to do my mom knows but not my dad and it’s late at night and I don’t know what to do and all our vets are closed I need to know what to do.2 repliesVet tech answered
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DogsDesireeAug 28Sick ChihuahuaI have a seven-year-old female Chihuahua, and we've taken her to the vet three times, and have yet to find an answer or medicine to take care of what's wrong with her. We have been experiencing events where she acts completely different. She runs around in circles. Seems like she doesn't know where she's at. She lifts her foot up and down, up and down, up and down, moves her head all around, all around, won't eat, whines, doesn't act like her personality at all. It will last for a day to a day and a half, and then she just comes out of it, and she's back to normal again. And then it could last clean for a day, maybe two, three, and then all of a sudden she does it again. There's nothing that triggers her. While she's in this fit, she whines and whines, runs around in circles again, repeats all the same behaviors, and then just comes out of it. A couple days later, or it could even be one day, she does it again. It's been an ongoing event that we don't know how to handle it. We've taken her to three vets. Nobody's been able to diagnose it yet. Please, please help us. Anybody that has had a dog that has acted like this. please get ahold of us1 replyNo vet yet
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DogsPet parentAug 20My dog has developed muscle wasting/atrophy on one side of the face, and that side of the…Dear Doctor, My name is Gayatri, and I am from India\. I am seeking online veterinary guidance and a second opinion regarding my dog’s health condition\. My dog has developed **muscle wasting/atrophy on one side of the face**, and that side of the face appears sunken compared with the other side\. There is also **redness in the affected area**\. A few months ago, my dog also experienced **bleeding from the nose**\. I am concerned about the underlying cause of this one\-sided facial muscle loss\. Could this be related to **Masticatory Muscle Myositis \(MMM\), a neurological condition, an inflammatory/autoimmune disease, an infection, a tick\-borne disease, or another underlying condition?** ### Current medications prescribed by our veterinarian: - Tab\. Freezyme TBR - Tab\. Claupet - Tab\. Doxycycline 300 mg - Tab\. Pred - Inj\. Doxycycline 200 mg - Inj\. Pred 2 ml I would be very grateful for your guidance regarding the following: 1. What are the possible causes of one\-sided facial muscle atrophy in my dog? 2. Is **Masticatory Muscle Myositis \(MMM\)** a possibility in this case? 3. Would a **2M antibody test** be appropriate and useful? 4. Would a **CT scan or MRI** of the head/face be recommended? 5. What additional blood tests or diagnostic investigations should be performed? 6. Does the current treatment require any changes or special precautions? I have photographs of my dog and available medical/blood test reports\. I can share them online if required\. I would sincerely appreciate it if you could review my dog’s case and provide any guidance possible\. An opinion from an experienced **Veterinary Neurologist or Internal Medicine Specialist** would be extremely helpful to us\. Thank you very much for your time and consideration\. I look forward to your guidance\. Kind regards,0 repliesNo vet yet
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DogsMichaelAug 18What is your dog's one weird non-negotiable?Not a health question, just a good one. The thing they will not budge on. Won't walk past one particular house, drinks from exactly one bowl, has to be touching a door frame to fall asleep. Go.0 repliesNo vet yet
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DogsPawsRx TeamAug 18What finally worked for your dog's leash pulling?Everyone tries roughly the same four things and one of them eventually sticks. Curious which one, and how long it actually took, because the timeline is the part most advice leaves out. Harness, a specific training method, a trainer, or did they just grow out of it?1 replyVet tech answered
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DogsMichaelAug 17Learn what bloat looks like before your dog has itGastric dilatation volvulus, GDV, is the one where every hour counts and where a lot of owners lose the hours that mattered because it looked like an upset stomach. The stomach fills with gas and then rotates on itself. Once it twists, nothing can leave in either direction, blood supply to the stomach and spleen gets cut off, the dog goes into shock. Untreated it kills, and not slowly. The sign to burn into your head is unproductive retching. The dog heaves over and over and nothing comes up. Along with that: a hard swollen belly, especially behind the ribs, pacing and unable to settle or lie down, heavy drooling, standing with the elbows out and the neck stretched, pale gums, collapse. A dog that's vomiting and actually producing vomit is usually a much less frightening situation than a dog heaving up nothing at all. Risk concentrates in deep chested dogs. Great Danes are the extreme case, then standard poodles, weimaraners, german shepherds, dobermans, setters, boxers, akitas, basset hounds. Older dogs are higher risk, and so are dogs with a close relative who has bloated. It does happen to mixed breed and smaller dogs, just a lot less often. If you've got a high risk dog, ask your vet about a prophylactic gastropexy, which tacks the stomach to the body wall so it can't rotate. It's commonly done at the same time as a spay or neuter, which is the cheap way to get it, and for something like a Great Dane it's a reasonable default rather than a paranoid one. The feeding advice you'll run into, smaller meals, slow feeder bowls, not exercising hard right after eating, is worth doing and the evidence behind individual pieces of it is mixed. Worth knowing the raised bowl advice actually reversed in the research, so don't buy an elevated feeder as a bloat measure. Mostly though this comes down to recognition. If your dog is heaving and nothing is coming up, go now. Don't wait to see how it looks in the morning.0 repliesNo vet yet
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DogsPawsRx TeamAug 17Foxtail season is right now, and they do not come back out on their ownIf you're in California, or anywhere dry and grassy out west, this is the summer problem that turns into a surgery problem faster than people expect. Foxtails are the dried seed heads off certain grasses. The seed is barbed like an arrowhead and the barbs only let it travel one direction, forward. It doesn't work its way back out and it doesn't dissolve. Once it's in, it migrates, and it drags bacteria along with it. UC Davis has case after case of these ending up in a lung or buried in the body wall after going in through a paw or a nostril. Season here runs roughly late April into October and is worst June through September, once the grass has dried out and started dropping seed. Where they get in and what it looks like. Between the toes, and you get a red swollen bump the dog won't leave alone. Up the nose, and it's violent sudden repeated sneezing that starts out of nowhere mid walk, often with discharge from one nostril only. In an ear, and the dog is suddenly shaking its head, tilting it, pawing at that one side. Under an eyelid, squinting and discharge. Anywhere under the skin, a lump that drains and won't heal. None of these get better with time. The only treatment is getting it out, and the further in it's traveled the more that costs and the more invasive it gets. Prevention is mostly avoidance and checking. Stay out of tall dried grass, particularly the brown stuff along trail edges and sidewalks. Check the dog after every walk: feet and between every toe, ears, armpits, groin, face. Trim paw fur on long coated dogs in summer. There are mesh hunting hoods, the OutFox being the common one, if you live somewhere genuinely bad for it. And pull the foxtails out of your own yard while they're still green. If one's sitting on the surface and you can see all of it, tweezers are fine. If it's gone below the skin or into a nostril or an ear canal, stop, because poking at it drives it deeper. That's a vet visit.0 repliesNo vet yet
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DogsPawsRx TeamJul 20It's July. Do the asphalt check before walks, pleaseQuick seasonal one because we're in peak heat. Pavement gets way hotter than the air. On an 87 degree day, asphalt in direct sun can be over 140 degrees. That's burn-your-dog's-paws territory. The test: press the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds. If you can't hold it there, it's too hot for paws. Walk early morning or after sunset, stick to grass when you can. Heatstroke signs to know cold: heavy relentless panting, thick drool, bright red gums, wobbly walking, vomiting, collapse. Flat-faced breeds (frenchies, pugs, bulldogs, boston terriers) overheat much faster than other dogs because they physically can't move enough air to cool themselves. Same for seniors and overweight dogs. If you suspect heatstroke: get them into shade or AC, pour cool (not ice) water over them especially belly and paws, and go to a vet immediately even if they seem to bounce back. The dangerous damage is internal. And the car thing, because every summer it happens: the AVMA's numbers show a car interior climbs about 20 degrees in 10 minutes, cracked windows barely help. There is no safe amount of time in a parked car in summer. Just don't. Stay cool out there.0 repliesNo vet yet
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DogsMichaelJul 19What the research actually says about separation anxiety in dogsWent down a rabbit hole on this because it's one of the most common behavior problems and also one of the most misunderstood. The biggest thing veterinary behaviorists agree on: the destruction is panic, not spite. Your dog isn't punishing you for leaving. Which is why punishment doesn't just fail, it actively makes it worse. You come home, yell about the shredded couch, and now the dog is anxious about you leaving AND about you coming back. What has actual evidence behind it: Graduated departures. Leave for 30 seconds. Come back before the panic starts. Slowly stretch it. The dog learns that departures end with you returning, at a pace their brain can handle. Boring exits and arrivals. No big dramatic goodbyes, no excited greeting party. The calmer the transitions, the smaller the emotional cliff. A food puzzle or stuffed kong that ONLY appears when you leave. Turns the scary event into a predictor of something good. Exercise before you go. A tired dog has less fuel for panic. And for moderate to severe cases, medication plus behavior work together beats either alone. Fluoxetine is well studied for this in dogs. It's not "drugging your dog," it's lowering the panic floor enough that the training can actually land. If your dog is injuring themselves, breaking teeth on crates, or destroying doors, that's a talk-to-a-vet situation, not a try-harder situation.0 repliesNo vet yet
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DogsNateJul 16The cheapest thing you can do for your dog's long term health is brush their teethNot glamorous but the numbers are wild. The AVMA says most dogs and cats show signs of dental disease by age 3. Most. And a proper dental cleaning has to be done under anesthesia, which usually runs a few hundred bucks minimum and can go over a thousand if they need extractions. Meanwhile a toothbrush costs like 4 dollars. Couple things I learned the hard way: Use pet toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Human stuff can contain fluoride and sometimes xylitol, both bad news for dogs. The pet ones come in chicken and beef flavors so most dogs actually tolerate it fine. Start slow. First few days just let them lick the paste off your finger. Then a finger along the gums. Then the brush for literally 30 seconds. If you go straight to full scrubbing you'll lose the war on day one. Daily is ideal, but even a few times a week beats nothing. If your dog absolutely will not accept brushing, look up the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) accepted product list. Those are the chews and additives that actually have evidence behind them. A lot of the stuff at the pet store does basically nothing, the VOHC seal is the filter. Bad breath in dogs isn't "just dog breath" btw. It's usually the first sign of dental disease.0 repliesNo vet yet

What this forum is

A free pet health forum, open to read without an account and free to post in. It is split by animal rather than run as one room, because a rabbit question and a labrador question have almost nothing to do with each other and the exotic ones get buried everywhere else.

Veterinarians answer here, and their replies are labelled. A reply marked as coming from a veterinarian means PawsRx checked an active license against the issuing state board before that badge appeared, and the whole check is written down. Everyone else posts as a pet owner and is shown as one. That distinction is the point: the usual problem with pet advice online is not that it is wrong, it is that you cannot tell who is talking.

A veterinarian answering a thread is giving general information, not diagnosing your animal, and says so on every reply. PawsRx does not review or endorse what anyone posts, and nothing here replaces examining a pet. Asking a vet privately is the other half of this, free as well, if your question is not one you want to post in public.

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Nobody minds a beginner question, and the ones that get the best answers are specific: the animal, how long it has been going on, and what you have already tried. The guides cover the questions that come up most, including finding a vet who treats exotics and what to ask when you call a clinic.