by telepawsadmin | Sep 11, 2019 | Uncategorized
Scratching and licking are common symptoms of skin conditions and allergies in dogs. Allergies can be seasonal, environmental, or caused by food. If your dog is suffering from skin conditions, get an appointment with an online veterinarian at TelePAWS. Your dog does not have to continue to scratch, lick, or bite at their skin any longer.
1. Online Vets Can Prescribe Leading Treatments for Skin Conditions in Dogs
(Note: Not all states allow online prescriptions)
Cytopoint and Apoquel are two very effective treatments for skin conditions, particularly allergies in dogs. These medications work by decreasing the body’s response to allergens in the environment through targeting of cytokines (proteins involved in the itch pathway).
Cytopoint is an injection given every 4-8 weeks and can be given at home by you. There are no side effects and it works very quickly to combat the body’s response to allergens. This medication may be prescribed by an online vet (see Note above) and ordered through an online pharmacy.
Apoquel is an oral tablet given daily to prevent the body from reacting to allergens. There can be side effects if given long-term, so your vet will discuss the benefits vs. risks of using this medication. Short-term, it is very safe and effective at giving your pet complete relief from all of the itching and scratching. This medication is meant for animals only, so it must be ordered through an online pharmacy.
Steroids are also an option to treat allergies in dogs. There are side effects of increased urination and drinking of water while on steroids, but they are very effective at controlling the symptoms of allergies. Ideally, steroids are used only for short-term treatment as there can be many long-term undesirable side effects. Your online vet can prescribe steroids at a local pharmacy or an online pharmacy easily and quickly.
(See Note above.)
2. Online Vets Can Prescribe Specialized Diets to Treat Skin Conditions in Dogs
Food allergy is a skin condition in dogs that is generally caused by the protein source in their food. By switching to a new protein source, you can treat underlying food allergies. A prescription diet is the recommended treatment for food allergies in dogs. Over the counter diets tend to run all their foods over the same machinery, causing contamination of other proteins, therefore causing them to be ineffective for allergy treatment. An online vet can prescribe this specialized food for your pet through an online pharmacy and have it delivered to your house.
(See Note above.)
3. Online Vets Can Treat Skin Infections Secondary to Skin Conditions in Your Dog
Bacterial and fungal infections are common results of chronic allergies in dogs. Your online vet can prescribe antibiotics and anti-fungal treatments if they feel that these types of infections are occurring in your pet. These medications come in multiple forms including orals, topical ointments, and shampoos.
(See Note above.)
It is important to treat the secondary infections to give your dog the most comfort and help the skin to heal completely. Call your online vet to discuss thorough treatment options for your dog’s skin conditions.
4. Online Vets Can Help You Get Treatments For Your Dog’s Skin Conditions Quickly and Hassle Free
When your pet is itching and irritated from skin conditions, you don’t want to wait days or even weeks to get in to see your regular vet. Get the help you need quickly and efficiently from an online vet. Waiting too long can result in worsening skin infections and suffering for your pet. An online vet will be able to see you soon and get the necessary medications ordered for you right after your appointment.
(See Note above.)
Some medications can be called into a regular pharmacy. Pet specific medications will need to be ordered through an online pharmacy. Most pharmacies will deliver your medications to you in 2-3 days. You can choose to have these medications overnighted to you for an additional cost. Your online vet will talk to you about these options and determine which is best for you and your dog.
(See Note above.)
Check out more information on skin allergies in dogs.
Talk to an Online Vet Today! For only $50 you can book an appointment with a vet and get help for your dog’s skin conditions.
by telepawsadmin | Sep 11, 2019 | Uncategorized
1. Online Vets Can Assess the Cause of Your Dog’s Upset Stomach
There are many different reasons that pets get vomiting or diarrhea. Common causes include infection with viruses, bacteria, or worms, consuming foreign material, inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies, and metabolic disease such as liver or kidney disease. Cancer can also cause an upset stomach in dogs, but this is not as common.
No matter what the cause of the vomiting or diarrhea, online veterinarians can help determine what started the symptoms. The vet will ask a series of questions that will help with diagnosis. You may be asked to send recent blood work from a vet hospital to rule out potential causes.
2. Your Dog Can Receive Treatment Advice for an Upset Stomach From an Online Vet
Depending upon the cause of the vomiting or diarrhea, your online vet can suggest over the counter treatment or medications to help alleviate the symptoms. Treatments vary, but many pets will be treated with an antacid, anti-nausea medication, dewormer, change of diet, and sometimes an antibiotic.
NOTE: Many states do not allow online prescriptions.
Whether your pet is nauseated or having loose stools, you will want to receive treatments that work well. Online vets are able to prescribe most of the same medications as a vet hospital. You can trust your pet’s care with an online vet whenever they are sick.
3. Online Vets Can Determine if Your Dog’s Upset Stomach Requires Further Testing
Some diseases can result in an upset stomach. Kidney disease, liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, Addison’s disease and cancer are a few examples of diseases that result in chronic upset stomach symptoms.
Your online vet may advise you to have further testing performed to determine the exact cause of your dog’s vomiting and diarrhea. Tests can include blood work, fecals, x-rays, ultrasound, endoscopy, and specialized blood tests. Your dog will need to be seen at a vet hospital in order to run these tests. The veterinarians at TelePAWS are happy to review the results of the tests and advise the next steps.
4. Online Vets Can Determine if Your Dog needs Emergency Treatment for an Upset Stomach
It can be difficult to decide if your dog needs emergency care when they are sick. Lean on the expertise of an online veterinarian for deciding whether or not to take your pet to the ER when they are having an upset stomach. By asking several questions, an online vet can assess the severity of your dog’s illness and determine if a trip to the ER is necessary.
The veterinarian may ask you to check the temperature on your pet and will explain how to get this done. If the temperature is very high, your dog is extremely lethargic, or the vomiting/diarrhea is severe, there is an increased likelihood that the vet will tell you that seeing an emergency veterinarian is best.
5. Online Vets Can Advise Long-term Care and Prognosis for Your Dog’s Upset Stomach
If your dog was previously diagnosed with a chronic illness like Addison’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic kidney disease, or hepatitis, an online vet can discuss long-term care and prognosis for your pet.
Most chronic diseases can be easily treated with medications that are ordered through an online veterinary pharmacy. Your pet can stay comfortable and receive the care they need by leaning on the help of an online vet.
NOTE: Many states do not allow online prescriptions.
6. Your Dog Can Receive Quick and High-Quality Care From an Online Vet
If your pet has an upset stomach, you don’t want to wait days to get in with your regular veterinarian. Make an appointment with an online vet at TelePAWS. Your online vet will be able to assess the situation and help you and your pet receive efficient, effective care without the travel, wait times, and stress of having to go into a vet hospital.
Talk to an Online Vet Today! For only $50, you can book an appointment with a vet and get help for your dog’s upset stomach.
by telepawsadmin | Sep 6, 2019 | Uncategorized
When summer arrives, many pet owners seek to find outdoor activities that can be enjoyed with their dogs. We have listed a few of the top summer activities that you can do with your dog. The summer heat can be difficult on some dogs, so take precautions to keep them safe while having fun.
1. Fun at the Dog Park
Dogs that love to play with other dogs will enjoy this summertime activity. Be sure to check your local dog parks for the things that will keep your dogs safe while they play. You will want to look for proper fencing, adequate drainage, well-mowed grass, cleaning supplies (bag dispensers and trash cans), plenty of shade and water, parking nearby, and benches.
Be sure to take water with you, treats, and a ball or two to throw. You’ll want to check the rules of the park which may require you to bring your pet’s vaccination records each time. Have fun meeting other dogs and their owners while you are at the park!
2. Dog Play at the Ocean
The ocean provides ample room for running and playing games with your dog during the summer. Before you pack, you’ll need to plan which beach to visit as not all beaches allow dogs. Look for a beach that will allow off-leash activity any time of the day. This will give you plenty of time to enjoy the fun times at the beach.
There are several essential items to take with you when you go to the beach with your dog: Bottled water, water dish, food and treats, collar with ID tag, vaccination records, dog-safe sunscreen, blanket, towels, dog toys, dog waste bags, Also consider a canine life vest and dog goggles (doggles) as well as a GPS tracker for the collar.
3. Taking Your Dog Hiking
Hiking provides exercise and entertainment for you and your dog. Whether you hike in the woods or on a trail around a lake, there’s so much for your dog to see and places to explore. From squirrels to deer to ducks, your friend will see so many new and exciting sights.
Your dog can even help carry the load on your hike. Dog back packs will hold all of the items you need to bring. Be sure to bring plenty of water, treats, collar/harness and leash, as well as dog booties if you’ll be hiking for long hours or on hot/rough surfaces.
4. Summer Fun at Home With Your Dog
If you have a dog that does not like being with other dogs, an aging dog, a young puppy, or it is extremely hot outside, you may want to find things to do at home instead of venturing to other places. There are many interesting ideas for you and your pet to do from the convenience of your home.
If you have a swimming pool, this is a great way for your dog to cool off on the hot days. If not, you can purchase a plastic kiddie pool to fill with water. You can also get a simple water sprinkler. Many dogs get a lot of enjoyment out of running through the sprinkler on hot days.
Another fun summer activity is making homemade dog treats. There are many recipes online to choose from. Though your dog won’t be able to help you make these treats, they will certainly love to help eat them!
Purchase a new game or toy for your dog this summer. Tug-of-war, frisbee, and Kong toys are just a few ideas to get you started. Create an agility course or teach your dog some new tricks to keep you both busy and having a great time together.
5. Camping With Your Dog
If you like to camp, how much more fun will it be to take your best friend? Exploring the grounds, hiking the trails, throwing a ball or frisbee, and meeting other dogs are all things for you and your dog to enjoy while camping.
Items that you will want to bring to the campsite for your pet: food and water, portable water dish, collar and leash with ID, first aid kit, dog booties, vaccination records, brush to remove burrs, dog bed, dog waste bags, and dog toys.
Keeping Your Dog Safe During the Summer
You will want to ensure that your furry family member is kept safe while enjoying all of these summer activities. Following these simple precautions will help in keeping them out of harm’s way.
- Keep your cell phone with you in case you need to call a veterinarian for advice. TelePAWS online veterinarians are available to help with your pet’s needs and when you have questions.
- Keep your pet’s vaccinations up-to-date. There are many infections that your dog can get when outside in the summer. By keeping your pet well vaccinated, you can avoid many illnesses.
- Keep your dog on regular parasitic preventatives for heartworms, intestinal parasites, fleas, and ticks. TelePAWS can advise you on the necessary preventatives to keep your dog safe from all kinds of parasites.
- Protect the paws, skin, eyes by using dog-safe sunscreen, dog booties, and doggles (dog goggles) while you are having fun this summer.
- Carry plenty of freshwater and a water bowl/travel water dish. Offer water to your dog frequently while you are in the heat to avoid dehydration. You will want to keep your dog from drinking ocean water by offering the freshwater often.
- Avoid heatstroke by monitoring for early symptoms such as lethargy, stumbling, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. Stay in the shade on very hot days as much as possible and avoid going outdoors in the hottest hours of the day. If you think your dog is exhibiting symptoms of heatstroke, take him to a veterinary hospital immediately.
- Snakes, spiders, and other venomous creatures can cause problems in dogs too. Be aware of your surroundings when on walks and at dog parks. Try not to let your dog wander too far off from you or out of your sight. If they are bitten, getting your dog to a veterinary hospital quickly is important.
Check out more dog-friendly summertime ideas.
You can get advice on care of your pet from an online veterinarian for only $50 without having to go to the vet office.
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