Ask Dr. Weaver Archives

All About Dogs

Slight Heart Murmur Cause For Worry?

Dear Dr. Weaver, My name is Mark Baldwin, I live in the beautifully scenic province of Newfoundland, Canada, home to the beloved Newfoundland breed! I have owned several Rottweilers over the last ten years and have a delightful young male who is a year old. Last week we visited our vet on a gastrointestinal problem, and she mentioned hearing a slight murmur. It was barely audible on several attempts with the dog panting, etc. She said it was a ‘one’ on a scale of six and not much to worry about at this time…however, we are worried! I’m wondering about

June 17, 2015 No Comments

All About Dogs

Best Age To Neuter Or Spay A Dog

Dear Dr. Weaver, I was writing to ask about the right time to neuter a Lab male. When he got his annual exam and shots, the vet said to leave him unneutered until he was two years old as “large-boned dogs get cancer if they are neutered before then.” I had never heard of this before and have always been a proponent of early neutering, but since this has come up, I am now unsure what to do. Is there any truth to this? What is the best time to neuter/spay a dog? Thanks, Eileen Read Dr. Sherry Weaver’s Advice

June 17, 2015 No Comments

All About Dogs

Responding to Questions About Annual Shots

I am excited that our last article elicited such response. Vaccination is a very controversial subject, and I appreciate all of the opinions expressed. With all of the opinions in our community, I knew that there would be a heated response no matter what I said. I would like to take this chance to respond to some of the readers who sent emails. “I was wondering why you did not mention the Bordetella vaccine. If she brings her dogs to a groomer, dog day care, dog park or boarding facility, they should have this vaccine, especially if they are older

June 17, 2015 No Comments

All About Dogs

How to Care for a Dog With Megaesophagus

Dear Dr. Weaver, I recently rescued a puggle from an animal shelter. I soon discovered that he has a condition known as megaesophagus, which, from what I understand, is serious and requires constant vigilance to control. I was assured by my vet that it is not the type of condition that will resolve itself over time and is something that could lead to pneumonia asphyxiation. He was placed on antibiotics, some type of throat syrup, and requires his food elevated to aid in digestion. Is there anything else that I could be doing to help him get through this disorder?

June 17, 2015 No Comments

All About Dogs

How to Treat Cherry Eye in Dogs

Dear Dr. Weaver, A few days ago, I got an eight-week-old, male teacup Chihuahua. The first day we noticed his eye was a little watery but thought nothing of it. We took him to the animal hospital the next day because this red thing was popping out of his eye! The vet gave us ointment and pushed it back in, but it popped back two days later which the vet said it probably would do. She recommended having the cherry eye pinned or removed. Can you tell me about both of these options in a little more detail? I have

June 17, 2015 No Comments

All About Dogs

How to Help a Dog Stop Reverse Sneezing

Dear Dr. Weaver, My poor pug has been honking on and off for a couple of days. I know this is reverse sneezing. My question is: Is there anyway to get her to stop honking? I try to rub her neck and nose, but she keeps honking. I feel so bad for her. Is there anything I can do for her? Thank you, Mary Hilland Dear Mary, Backward sneezing happens as a response to anything that irritates the back of the throat. It usually does not cause any serious problems, but it can be annoying. Once the honking starts, the

June 17, 2015 No Comments