FAQs
Q: My dog has an ear problem—can I pick up medication again?
A: If we have a pretty good handle on the type of infection (bacterial, yeast, mixed) and your ability to treat it, we’ll refill. If the problem seems to be stubborn, treatments have not worked, or if these infections keep recurring too quickly, we’ll probably want to see your pet.
Q: My cat is starting to “go” places other than his litterbox. What can I do?
A: The best minds in veterinary behavior medicine struggle with this problem in cats. We’ll start off by saying that it is far more likely to be rooted in stress/change/anxiety than in your cat deliberately engaging in vendetta. Furthermore, there may be physical causes, too. Or, it might have started with stress or a physical problem, and now he is learning to enjoy the place behind your sofa as his latrine. Once discovered, this habit should be vigorously investigated and treated, as each episode outside the box reinforces the habit. We successfully treat many of these, but also rely on the services of behavior specialists for some patients.
Q: My dog is vomiting—what can I do until I can bring her in?
A: You should withhold all solid food (treats, biscuits, food, scraps). Also, pick up the water bowl and offer only ice chips periodically. Common causes include “dietary indiscretion” like bottom-feeding in the kitchen trash, foreign material in the stomach or intestines (we’ve removed dish towels, telephone cord, rocks, underwear, golf glove, socks, and one neatly chopped police duty belt from pets’ intestinal tracts). Call the office or our emergency referral hospital for more specific advice.
