Vet Q&A-Fish

My fish can’t open it’s mouth, and Is resting on the bottom of the tank, has a swim then goes back to the bottom of the tank

Check the water chemistry and quality first. Elevated ammonia or nitrite levels can be toxic. Partial water changes can be done to stabilize and improve water chemistry. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. For goldfish, a range of 65F to 72F is recommended. Check the filter and rinse the sponge with tank water, not tap water, to spare beneficial bacterial populations and to maintain water quality. The tank may not be large enough to support 5 goldfish. Generally, 20 gallons should be allowed for the first goldfish then a 10 additional gallons should be provided for each additional goldfish. This is due to the larger than average bio load (wastes) they produce. Consider a larger tank or decrease the number of fish in one tank. Use a filter that is rated for at least twice the volume of the tank and add an airstone and pump for increased oxygenation. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt). Can be used as a general tonic. It will reduce stress, improve gill function, aid in any recovery and may treat or prevent minor infection. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 10-14 days. When performing water changes, add salt only to the amount of water being replaced, not the entire tank volume.

My dog always has tons of dander and really dry skin. Can I give her fish oil, flaxseed oil, and coconut oil?

I would not recommend using all three of these oils together, as you can cause problems with the liver and pancreas in some cases by "overloading" fats like this. Fish oil has been shown to be the most helpful with skin issues like this, so you could try a good fish oil supplement such as Welactin for dogs - just follow the instructions on the label for dosing, based on your dog's weight.

Hi there! I would like to start giving my kitty omega 3 fish oil. I've read different things on here like if over supplemented it can cause health problems and that it needs to be given with the right amount of omega 6's ? I also read that it can cause loose stools . Is any of this true ? Also, would she benefit from getting it a couple of times a week or does it need to be given daily ? Thanks so much .

Over supplementation of fish oil can certainly cause diarrhea. And some animals are sensitive to it even in small doses, so I always recommend starting with a low dose then working up. For cats, I would recommend a liquid pump in order to make that process easier. We have found that even though we are not exactly sure of the "correct" ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6 fatty acids that since Omega 3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and Omega 6 fatty acids tend to be pro-inflammatory, that we prefer that ratio to be higher than we used to think. Omega 3 fatty acids work over time, so while daily supplementation is ideal, a few times a week is certainly better than nothing. So, I normally recommend a cat specific liquid in a pump and start with 1/2 the recommended dose for a few days to make sure there isn't any soft stool, then increase to the recommended dose daily (if possible). I hope that was helpful and answered your questions. Thanks for using Boop by Petco.

I have a Betta Fish that has a large white lump near his tail I'm not sure if it is swim bladder, tumor, or a fungus

It is likely not his swim bladder since that is an internal organ. Fungal infections appears as fuzzy growths on fins and scales. A tumor would appear much more solid than a fungal infection. Fungal infections can be treated using an antifungal medication which can be purchased online or in the aquarium section of most pet stores. A tumor could be removed, but you would need to have a veterinarian experienced in treating fish examined it first. Check the water quality and make adjustments as needed. Confirm proper temperature (78-80F). Monitor the lump for rapid change or growth.

I changed my goldfish to new tank, and now he's staying on the bottom and not swimming around. When I go up to the tank he try's to move around. It's like he can't swim

Hi there, when you change a tank over you should take some water from the previous tank then make it up with freshwater. You should let this stabilise for one week before adding the fish. If you put a fish straight into a new tank without letting the water acclimitise it can be a shock to it's system. At this point all you can really do is let the fish settle in and don't disturb its tank for a week or so.

Hello, I have 2 goldfish who recently had a pleco added to their tank. A week after one of the goldfish had red spots all over. Being concerned we removed the pleco but the goldfish is still showing symptoms. I did a complete water change adding antibotics. The goldfish is staying at the bottom of the tank and seems very lethargic. What should we do

Check the water chemistry. Two goldfish can quickly overwhelm a tank with their large bio load. Aim for 0.25 ppm (parts per million) or less ammonia, 0 ppm nitrites and 40 ppm or less nitrates with a temp between 65 and 72F. If water chemistry is good, it is possible the red marks are from the pleco. They are notorious for sucking the slime coat off goldfish leaving red marks and wounds. Partial water changes, 30-50%, using aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched are safer and less stressful than complete changes. Give the antibiotics time to work. You can add in plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt) to aid healing. Dissolve one teaspoon per gallon of water in a cup of tank water and gently pour it in the tank. Perform partial water changes after 10-14 days to reduce salt content.

I bought a 2 month old belgian puppy yesterday (june 15) and She is so thin. I feed her like 3 cups of topbreed (her food) around 2 in the afternoon and she drinks lots of water. After 3 or 4 hours, her poop is so soft (like watery) until today (june 16). As per my mom her poop is improving but still soft. Is it because of stress or is that something I need to worry about? PS. Her poop is brown in color and has a fish kind of smell. I'm worried. Thank you so much..

Hi, thanks for using Boop by Petco! Mallows is very cute! There is a period of adjustment for puppies to their new home and to their new food. I think it is encouraging that her stool is improving. Intestinal parasites are very common in puppies and she does need to start her vaccines. I would take her to the Vet to have her stool tested, have her dewormed and get her first DHPP vaccine. If deworming her and time doesn't improve the stool then I would recommend changing her food. Have a great day!

My betta fish is still recovering from a bacterial infection, bur now he's started to make his bubble nest. I know that this is normal, but day by day, his bubbles increase to cover the surface of the water. The rare of bubbles seems a little erratic, some daysbit reduces, and then others increases spontaneously. Should I be concerned that there is something else going on with him? His water is clear and his responses are normal. He is eating properly.

This is normal behavior and no cause for concern. A Bettas bubble nest is unique to each fish in size and pattern. The fact that he is building one is a testament to his recovery and improved health. A sick Betta will not build a bubble nest.

Can I put red blood parrot fish Discus fish together in a same tank ?

I do not think it is advisable. Blood parrot fish need a different temperature range from Discus fish. It is also likely that the parrot fish will bully the discus fish, which would stress them extensively possibly even causing their eventual death.