AboutPatti Expertise To date, I've owned 7 dogs, all of which have lived into old age.
Having cared for them in all stages of life, I feel I can offer sound advice to other pet owners, and people considering getting a dog.
I am knowledgeable about the AKC (American Kennel Club) dog breeds, training and exercise, caring for sick and elderly pets, feeding, as well as many holistic treatments pets can benefit from.
My only request is that you write me using standard English and punctuation.
Experience My life experience in this field is more like "on the job training" rather than an actual degree in animal welfare. You may benefit from my experiences over the past 30 years.
Aside from the dogs I've owned, I'm also involved in "breed rescue" and have fostered several dogs, all of which have been adopted to wonderful "forever homes".
I find helping people who want a dog very rewarding.
Question I have a 1 year old female pitbull who just recently started vomiting, lossing weight, and not eating. She drinks water but her gums are very pale, she has labored breathing, and a nervous/shocked look. She is always very active but now she is too tired to move around alot. Her nose is dry but runny. Her ears go from cold to hot and she isn't panting alot. She has never been sick before and has some of the symptoms of heartworm but she just recently got heartgaurd, around a week ago. I would be very happy if you could get back to me as soon as possible. She is going in either tomorrow or tuesday to the vet, but some information before hand on what it may be would be very helpful.
Answer Hi Stephanie,
Because there is weight loss along with the onset of vomiting, runny nose, and a big change in your dog's activity level you need to have her examined by your veterinarian to find out what her problem is. So it's good you've already made that appointment.
While it's good that you are using a heartworm preventative on your dog, be sure to mention to your vet that you think your dog's symptoms coincided with her first dose of Heartgard. It's always possible that your dog is having an adverse reaction to the drug (Ivermectin).
