Your Dog — November 2017

Dog Answers Health

52 Your Dog November 2017 TELL US YOUR PROBLEMS. EMAIL [email protected] — FACEBOOK WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/YOUR DO

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TELL US YOUR PROBLEMS. EMAIL [email protected] — FACEBOOK WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/YOUR DDOO

Q

Our three-year-old Cocker

Spaniel has developed a few soft

cluster spots around one side of

her mouth. They are not bothering her

but they do spoil her looks as she has

such a pretty face! Can you shed any light

on this?

Lorna Brown, email address.

A

Roberta says: Patches of

dermatitis often follow a scratch

or bite that allows bacteria into

the skin, but facial acne can also be

a condition in some dogs. Around the

mouth, such areas can easily spread and

saliva contributes to ongoing infl ammation

and infection. Cleaning the area with

a dilute antiseptic wash, which can be safely

used near the mouth, can be helpful. The

skin is then patted dry with clean paper

towel, and Vaseline can be applied to act as

a barrier. Antibiotics and anti-infl ammatory

medication may also be needed, so a trip

to the vet’s is advisable.

QA

Roberta says: The anal sacs are

located under the tail to either side

of the anus, and they fi ll with scent

secretions and then empty through ducts

in the anal ring as the dog passes faeces.

Sometimes they become blocked and don’t

empty normally. This leads to swelling, and

potentially to infection and even rupture of the

glands, so that they drain pus through the skin.

Predisposing factors include dogs

passing loose faeces that don’t properly

squeeze the anal sacs clear as they pass

through the pelvis. Also, overweight dogs

may get anal sac impactions, due to fatty

deposits preventing the anal sacs from being

squeezed effectively.

Blockage usually causes dogs to scratch

and lick their bottoms, and to scoot, and

infection can lead to a discharge in the area. If

the glands are blocked but not infected, they

may just need expressing from time to time.

However, recurrent blockages can indicate

infection, so if pus is present in the area, or

recurrent problems occur, it can be worth

swabbing the area and checking for infection,

as antibiotics may be necessary. Recurrent

problems occasionally mean that surgical

removal of the glands is advised.

Q

I’ve got a fi ve-month-old Staffi e

puppy. I’m just wondering whether

he has to take all his worming

tablets at the same time, or separately?

Kloe Forrest, email address.

A

Roberta says: In the UK, we

generally advise that owners worm

their pups monthly. After the age

of six months, some owners decrease this

to every three months, but monthly

worming can be continued in certain

circumstances, especially if the dog is in

contact with young children.

The dose used depends on the product

used and the body weight of the dog.

This may mean one tablet or more is given

once a month, and for some products, the

medication is given daily for three days,

rather than on a single occasion. You should

check the instructions on the product you

have, and what the recommended dose is.

If you are uncertain, check with your vet.

Monthly worming can be

of benefi t if a puppy is in

contact with children.

Spots are

spoiling

her looks

What causes anal

glands to fi ll up?

Irene Davies, on Facebook.

Worming worries

52 Y D N b 2017

medication may also be needed, so a trip

to the vet’s is advisable.

I’ve

pu

he

tablets att

Ro

ge

the

of six mont

to every thr

worming ca

Some Cocker Spaniels are

prone to skin conditions.

50-53 DA Ant+CS SWCC.indd 52 22/09/2017 12:47