Your+Dog++May+2019

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Answers


DOG


66 Your Dog May 2019

HEALTH

Is lip fold


surgery


the answer?


HEALTH

Sick as a dog!


If your dog is regularly car
sick, try giving him
a few drops of ginger root
extract about 30 minutes
before going on a trip.

TOP TIP!

Q


Any advice on how to overcome car sickness? Are
there any natural remedies I could try?
Moira Johnson, Fife.

Holly says: Getting your dog used to
short, comfortable journeys from when
he is a pup is always the best way of
avoiding problems in the future, but
if you already have a car sick dog there are still
several things you can do to try to make the
situation easier.
Firstly, make sure that your dog is comfortable
and well secured in the car. Use a dog seat belt and
familiar bedding. Some dogs like to travel on the back
seat while others prefer the boot or footwell; see which
area suits your dog best. Make sure he hasn’t just eaten. Make
plenty of loo stops. A few drops of Dr Bach’s Rescue Remedy on
the tongue may help any travel anxiety, and using ginger is a good
herbal remedy for motion sickness.

Panting may indicate
your dog is feeling
uncomfortable in the car.

Cocker Spaniels are
prone to lip infections.

Q


My Cocker Spaniel will be
eight years old this month,
and has been experiencing
lip fold infections on and of for the
past year. I have been treating her
with antibiotics and creams, which
have cleared it up, but it has come
back several times, and I am now
thinking of having her booked in
to have lip fold surgery to resolve
this situation. Is lip fold surgery
worthwhile and what is the success
rate? Is there any way to completely
eradicate the lip fold infection other
than surgery?
Lizzie Dawson, on Facebook.

Vicky says: In some cases,
lip fold infections can be
managed by daily cleaning
and drying, and by keeping
the hair clipped short. I have
recently discovered a chlorhexidine
foam, which is very useful in these cases
as it doesn’t make the dog too wet (and
it smells nice!); however, in many cases
surgery is required. My own success
rate has been very good with most
dogs not getting further infections, but
good post-op care is vital with use of an
Elizabethan collar to prevent rubbing at
the stitches.
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