Vet Q&A-Dog

Which is best to promote skin healing in dogs: Bepanthen Plus (dexpanthenol + chlorhexidine) or OmniMatrix (zinc oxide + herb extracts)? Thanks!

Thanks for using Boop by Petco! In general bepanthem would be better but this depends on the reason you are using it. If it is a fairly superficial wound it would be ok to use. However, if it is deep or there is exposed tissue, this would not be appropriate. Best of luck!

A few days ago I noticed some red bumps on my dog where her spay incision was. It’s been about 11 months now since she was spayed. They are red and kind of hard but don’t seem to be causing her pain. What is this and does it warrant a trip to the vet?

The vet most likely used a suture material for the spay that takes a very long time to dissolve (like PDS) and she is having a reaction to that suture material that is still left there. I would not be worried about this unless it abscesses and opens. For now, just monitor it.

My dog just drank about 1/16 cup of castor oil... WHAT DO I DO?!?!

That is a small amount of oil, and while Percy should be ok, I would keep an eye on him to be safe. Oil is a fat, and too much fat can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Symptoms of pancreatitis include abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, and anorexia. If you see any of those signs, rush him into a vet immediately because pancreatitis is very serious. Best of luck.

So, my dog Bailey just ate the stem of a medium sized pumpkin. Are there any concerns?

Pumpkins aren't toxic. If she swallowed a large piece of the stem it could possibly cause an intestinal obstruction, so watch her closely over the next few days for anything abnormal, including lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting or diarrhea. If see anything odd, she should get checked out by a vet.

I have an un-neutered male dog who balls look red and swollen. He is drinking and eating fine also playing with his human and other dog brother. Should I worry?

This could be caused by a local inflammation and possibly an infection. Persistent licking and rubbing can worsen the inflammation. A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly anti-inflammatory ointment are needed to solve the problem. At home, some zinc oxide ointment/cream (like sudocream) can be apply twice daily. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking (if any). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Dog fell off couch when sleeping and hurt her leg. She can put most of her weight on it but she’s limping a lot. Did not cry or wimp. I don’t feel or see any deformities

Poor Raven. I recommend resting her for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to toilet on a leash, and bring her right back in when she's done. If she still appears painful after this time, then I would take her into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. She may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I hope this helps.

Hi my dogs already have 2x 5in1 vaccine. Is it required to have 6in1 and 8in1 vaccine? or can I skip it.. I want only 5 in 1 vaccine.. because other vaccine is too expensive.. I just want to know if its fine.thanks

Hi, thanks for using Boop by Petco! The number of vaccines that are needed depends on the dogs age. If your dog is a puppy he needs the vaccine every 3 weeks until he gets TWO past 12 weeks of age. If you started vaccinating him when he was 12 weeks or older he only needs TWO 3 weeks apart. All puppies need it boostered a year later (when they are over 1 year old) then every 3 years. The difference between vaccines is that the 6 in 1 and 8 in 1 both have coronavirus and the 8 in 1 also has 2 serovars for leptospirosis. I do not thin that coronavirus is absolutely necessary and the leptospirosis is needed if your dog is at risk. Dogs can get leptospirosis from free standing water/puddles by drinking the water that could be contaminated with this bacteria from wild animal and rat urine. It causes kidney and liver failure. If your dog hikes, camps and swims then you should give it if the bacteria is present in your country. Otherwise the 5 in 1 is sufficient. I wish you the best!

After 3 days of dewormer can I cuddle my dogs and allow them on the bed/couch?

Hello, sorry to hear about your pups. You can cuddle your dogs and allow them to hang out with you as long as they are not defecating in unwanted areas. They will typically shed worms and eggs on their feces for up to 5-7 days after deworming. Precautions to take at home include cleaning any feces immediately after they poop and washing your hands immediately after picking up after them. Most common route of infection to humans is through fecal to oral, so by thoroughly washing your hands after cleaning for them, you will reduce your chanced of becoming infected. Hope this helps and best of luck.

My dog has a large red lump on his leg with a small black dot in the middle. He is acting normal and it doesn’t seem to bither him but I am worried it is something serious.

I am sorry to hear about Rocco. This looks like it could potentially be a tumor that has a small ulceration or wound. We can have tumors that are benign and do not spread/cause other problems, but others are aggressive and should be removed. I would recommend bringing Rocco into the vet for an exam. Your vet may try to get some cells from the tumor to examine under the microscope in order to determine the type/behavior of the growth and determine if it should be surgically removed or if it can just be monitored.