Animal Expert Helps With Allergy Concerns
PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio1020 KDKA) - With Easter coming in a few days, KDKA Radio's Mike Pintek thought about having an animal expert in just in case anyone was considering giving an animal as a gift. Veterinarian Dr. Mike Hutchinson, of Animal General in Cranberry Township, hosts his own program Saturday's 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. with Rob Pratte. Pintek spoke with Dr. Mike about Easter, allergies and supplements for your pet.
Peeps as Easter gifts
In recent years the gift giving of chicks and bunnies has lowered, but there are still those parents who continue the tradition. Dr. Mike explains that they see rabbits and chicks being sold for the holiday, but he doesn't recommend those pets for anyone who doesn't have a farm or the environment for the animals. He says they don't make good pets. Pintek recalls children when he was young who would receive colored chicks.
"Educations starts at home with the parents, they need to talk to their children about responsibility," said Dr. Mike. "It's sad how we still receive phone calls asking to adopt their chick or bunny."
The first caller expressed concern for her Collie dog that was having seizures. After naming some things that the owner could do to help his pet, he explained that actually these dogs are missing a gene. These dogs are missing he MDR 1 gene that helps metabolize certain medicines. Owners can see a vet to perform a DNA test for official confirmation.
Allergies in all seasons
Over the summer, some dogs start acting funny like biting their legs or feet while some develop rashes, red stains and teary eyes. Many times the antibiotics will work and take away the allergies, but then after they stop the problems return. Dr. Mike recommends that if the allergies continue in the winter season, the dog might actually be allergic to their food.
Dr. Mike recommends three supplements that all dogs should include in their diet; fatty acids, digestive enzymes, probiotics and pre-biotics. These supplements can help the dog with skin, fur and overall health. Through the conversation, he discussed the positives and negatives of using the multivitamin Dinovite.
He stresses that allergies in animals don't improve with age like people. But actually they get worse. He recommends that owners monitor their pet's behavior and what they're eating.
Digestive enzymes, fatty acids, probiotics and pre-biotics
As a dog ages, fatty tumors begin to form around their body. Many dogs can live with over 10 on their bodies just fine. The tumors give no pain to the dog, unless they are in their armpit area. Dr. Mike suggests not to worry about surgery unless you're worried about the location of the tumor.
To monitor the tumors he offers the idea of taking a piece of wax paper and draw a circle around it. Then re-draw the tumor a few weeks later, and if it's growing then it might be a good idea to remove it.
Fatty tumors aren't dangerous
Mike Pintek is live weekdays noon to 3 p.m. only on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA!
