Question 1

Dog vomiting: when should I worry?

Accepted Answer

A single vomit after eating too fast or grass is usually harmless. Worry if your dog vomits more than twice in a day, vomits blood, seems weak, has a swollen belly, or can't keep water down. Puppies and senior dogs dehydrate faster, so check with a vet sooner for them. Withhold food for a few hours, offer small sips of water, and see a vet in person the same day if vomiting continues or your dog seems unwell.

Question 2

Dog diarrhea: what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Mild diarrhea from a diet change or new treat often clears up in a day with a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice. See a vet the same day if there's blood, black tarry stool, repeated episodes, vomiting alongside it, or if your dog seems lethargic. Puppies can dehydrate within hours, so don't wait it out with a young dog.

Question 3

Dog not eating: what does it mean?

Accepted Answer

Skipping one meal is common and usually not serious, especially in hot weather or after a routine change. Refusing food for more than 24 hours, or not eating alongside vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, needs a vet check. Dental pain, an upset stomach, and stress are common mild causes; organ issues and blockages are the serious ones a vet needs to rule out.

Question 4

Dog scratching constantly: what causes it?

Accepted Answer

Persistent scratching is usually fleas, allergies, or a skin infection. Check the coat and skin near the tail base and belly for fleas or flea dirt (small black specks). If you don't find fleas, food or environmental allergies are common, especially with red skin, hair loss, or ear scratching. A vet can identify the cause and prescribe the right treatment rather than guessing with different shampoos.

Question 5

Dog coughing: is it serious?

Accepted Answer

An occasional dry cough after excitement or a walk isn't usually urgent. A persistent cough, a honking sound, coughing that worsens at night, or coughing with breathing difficulty needs a vet visit, since it can point to kennel cough, heart disease, or a respiratory infection. Coughing paired with weakness or blue-tinged gums is an emergency.

Question 6

Dog fever: how do I know and what should I do?

Accepted Answer

A dog's normal temperature is 38 to 39.2°C. Signs of fever include warm ears, lethargy, shivering, and loss of appetite, though a thermometer is the only way to confirm it. A fever above 39.5°C, or any fever lasting more than a day, needs a vet, since it usually signals an infection the body is fighting.

Question 7

What is the dog vaccination schedule in Pakistan?

Accepted Answer

Puppies typically start the DHPPi (distemper, hepatitis, parvo, parainfluenza) series at 6 to 8 weeks, with boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until 16 weeks old. Rabies vaccination is usually given at 12 weeks and is important given rabies risk in Pakistan. After the first year, annual boosters for both are standard. Exact timing varies by vaccine brand and the vet's protocol, so confirm your dog's specific schedule with a vet.

Question 8

What is the dog deworming schedule?

Accepted Answer

Puppies are usually dewormed every 2 weeks from 2 weeks old until 12 weeks, then monthly until 6 months. Adult dogs typically need deworming every 3 months, or more often if they're around other animals or show symptoms like a pot belly, visible worms, or weight loss despite normal eating. A vet can confirm the right product and interval for your dog.

Question 9

How do I deal with ticks and fleas on my dog?

Accepted Answer

Monthly preventive treatment (spot-on, oral tablets, or a collar) is far more effective than treating an active infestation. If you already see ticks or fleas, remove ticks with fine-tipped tweezers by pulling straight out without twisting, and use a vet-recommended flea treatment rather than home remedies, which are often ineffective or unsafe. Heavy infestations, especially in puppies, can cause anemia and need a vet check.

Question 10

Cat vomiting: when is it a concern?

Accepted Answer

Cats vomit hairballs or after eating too fast without it being serious. Worry if vomiting happens more than once a week, includes blood, or comes with weight loss, lethargy, or not eating. Repeated vomiting in cats is often linked to diet, parasites, or, in older cats, kidney or thyroid issues that a vet can test for.

Question 11

Cat not eating: what should I check?

Accepted Answer

Cats are especially sensitive to appetite loss, and going more than 24 hours without eating can be risky for their liver. Check for dental pain, a recent stressful change, or nasal congestion affecting smell. If your cat hasn't eaten in a day, or isn't eating alongside vomiting or hiding, see a vet promptly rather than waiting.

Question 12

Cat diarrhea: what does it mean?

Accepted Answer

A one-off soft stool from a diet change usually resolves on its own within a day. See a vet if diarrhea lasts more than 2 days, contains blood or mucus, or comes with vomiting or weight loss. Parasites and food intolerance are common causes; a vet can test a stool sample to confirm.

Question 13

Cat sneezing: is it a cold or something more?

Accepted Answer

Occasional sneezing from dust or a scent is normal. Frequent sneezing with nasal discharge, watery eyes, or lethargy usually points to a feline upper respiratory infection, common in cats from shelters or multi-cat homes. Most cases improve with vet-guided care within a week; sneezing with breathing difficulty or not eating needs a same-day visit.

Question 14

Cat breathing fast: should I worry?

Accepted Answer

A cat's normal resting breathing rate is 20 to 30 breaths per minute. Fast or open-mouth breathing at rest, especially with lethargy or hiding, is an emergency in cats and can signal heart or lung disease. Don't wait this one out. Count breaths for 30 seconds and double it, then get to a vet immediately if the rate looks high or breathing looks labored.

Question 15

Cat urinary problems: what are the warning signs?

Accepted Answer

Straining in the litter box, frequent small trips, crying while urinating, or blood in urine all need same-day vet attention, especially in male cats, where a blocked urethra is a life-threatening emergency that can occur within hours. Don't wait to see if it resolves on its own if your cat is straining without producing urine.

Question 16

What is the cat vaccination schedule?

Accepted Answer

Kittens typically start the FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia) series at 6 to 8 weeks, with boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until 16 weeks old. Rabies vaccination is usually given around 12 weeks. Annual boosters are standard for adult cats afterward. Confirm exact timing with a vet, since it varies by vaccine brand and your cat's lifestyle.

Question 17

What is the cat deworming schedule?

Accepted Answer

Kittens are usually dewormed every 2 weeks from 2 weeks old until 12 weeks, then monthly until 6 months. Adult cats typically need deworming every 3 months, more often for outdoor cats or those who hunt. A pot belly, visible worms in stool, or a dull coat despite eating well are signs worth mentioning to a vet.

Question 18

How do I get rid of fleas on my cat?

Accepted Answer

Monthly spot-on flea prevention is the most reliable approach. Never use dog flea products on cats, since some ingredients that are safe for dogs are toxic to cats. If you see fleas or flea dirt already, a vet-recommended cat-specific treatment clears an infestation faster and more safely than over-the-counter options.

What's Going On With Your Pet?

Not sure what's wrong with your pet?