PetChat Q&A: Dr. Nancy Kay talks pet insurance and answers dog health questions

Moderator: HOSTED EVENT ALERT: Welcome to this Wednesday's PetChat hosted event with Dr. Nancy Kay, DVM. Nancy will answer your questions about your pet and his/her health and how to manage your pet's healthcare. Welcome Nancy!

Dr. Nancy Kay: I am a practicing small animal internist in Rohnert Park California (an hour or so north of the land of Rice-a-Roni). I am the lucky recipient of the American Animal Hospital Association 2009 Animal Welfare and Humane Ethics Award- I will receive it in March at the annual conference.

Valentine: Wow, congratulations Dr. Kay

Pugrocker: That's cool Nancy

shinySC: Hi, Dr Kay. I have a question

Dr. Nancy Kay: Yes go ahead

shinySC: I have a dog who is about a year old. Do you think pet insurance is worth it?

Dr. Nancy Kay: Here are some things to consider when thinking about pet insurance.

Dr. Nancy Kay: 1. What are your financial resources? If an emergency illness or accident occurred could you pay for your dog's recovery?

shinySC: Yes, I could.

Dr. Nancy Kay: 2. Are you inclined to take the "do-everything- possible approach" when it comes to your dog's treatment and care? If so, insurance makes sense.

Dr. Nancy Kay: 3. Finally, what best suits your peace of mind? Will you sleep better at night?

Dr. Nancy Kay: Knowing that insurance will allow you to pay for your dog's health care needs?

shinySC: I know that I could and would do everything possible without insurance . Just wondering if I would save money by having insurance

Dr. Nancy Kay: If your dog stays healthy, insurance definitely will be a money losing proposition. Insurance truly pays when something catastrophic happens.

Sanlynnj: I just had my dog to the vet and they informed me of a vaccine for some bacteria dogs can get from drinking out of creeks and streams etc. I don't remember the name of the vaccine, I just don't know if I should do it or not

Dr. Nancy Kay: Your vet is referring to a giardia vaccination. The American Animal Hospital Association advises against this vaccine because of unproven efficacy.

Sanlynnj: I read a little about the vaccine. Didn't even sound full proof in the article they gave me to read

Dr. Nancy Kay: I encourage all of you to think long and hard when deciding which vaccines your dog really and truly needs. My book contains a complete outline of which vaccines are recommended for which situations and how long their protection lasts.

Dr. Nancy Kay: Additionally, consider Googling AAHA vaccination recommendations to see what the American Animal Hospital Association has to say.

Sanlynnj: She was already getting her other shots that day, so I didn't want her to have another. She does go out in the creeks and streams here and does drink the water.

Dr. Nancy Kay: Keep in mind; giardia is a completely treatable disease. It makes sense to vaccinate for diseases that are either difficult to diagnose or difficult to treat. Giardia is neither of those. I have a really difficult time with vets who sell needless vaccinations. There is nothing to be gained from the giardia vaccine, yet, as with any vaccine, there is potential risk to the patient.

Sanlynnj: I agree. They were just trying to bring it to my attention, and gave me info to read

Pugrocker: Hey Dr. Nancy. How ya doing? Speaking For Spot Rocks. I continue reading through it everyday even though I've read the entire book!

Dr. Nancy Kay: Thanks for mentioning my favorite little dog Spot- this book is called Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy Longer Life.

Pugrocker: Dr. Nancy, I know you work in Rhonert Park, but is there any way you could open up a office here in Novato, Ca?

Dr. Nancy Kay: Aw, c'mon, when there is minimal traffic, it is only a 15 minute drive between Novato and Rohnert Park!

Dr. Nancy Kay: You can learn more about my book and me at www.speakingforspot.com. Whew, thanks for reading that- now onward with questions!!

Brrnese: After a very expensive illness with my dog last year I decided to look at pet insurance for my 3 year old and part of my decision process was calculating the cost of premiums for say the next 7 years (she\'s a 3 year old Bernese Mountain Dog) and comparing that to the cost of one major illness. Considering the health problems that Berners have I decided the balance tipped in favor of the insurance for her.

Dr. Nancy Kay: Insurance policies are certainly personal decisions based on dollars and cents as well as what one needs to best serve their peace of mind.

Crazymonkey: I have a Q: is it good to give our dogs supplemental pills, or any sort of pills that the pet stores offer that's supposed to boost their energy, health or is regular pet food and treats good enough

Dr. Nancy Kay: One of the ways people can save money these days is to be savvy about the use of supplements. Dogs that are healthy and eating a well balanced premium diet truly do not need supplements.

Pugrocker: You're right, and at the same time, when it comes to my Pets health or soon to be new Pets health, there is certainly no cutting corners in care I think and feel!

Dr. Nancy Kay: It is not that the supplements are harmful; they are a waste of money. Supplement companies are making big money based on people believing that their dogs need them.

Crazymonkey: Thanks Dr. Kay. That's what I thought too.

Dr. Nancy Kay: There are times when supplements are indicated. For example glucosamine is used as treatment for arthritis. Consult with your vet to see if supplements are right for your dog. Then use just those- not a concoction of multiple supplements.

Sanlynnj: my dog gets car sick, just wondering if there is anything I can do?

Dr. Nancy Kay: For the dog that gets car sick, there is a great new motion sickness medication for dogs called maropitant- ask your vet about it. Many young dogs get car sick but then grow out of it. I encourage trying the medication- it will save on the money spent detailing your car after your pup upchucks!

shinySC: Is a vegetarian diet ok for my 4 year old pointer?

Dr. Nancy Kay: If you are intent on feeding a vegetarian diet, or a homemade diet for that matter, I strongly encourage working with a board certified veterinary nutritionist to help confirm that the diet is complete and well balanced for your dog. Nutritionists are available at many vet schools and consultations can often be handled over the phone or via email. There is a nutrition service at UC Davis.

Dr. Nancy Kay: By the way, I wanted to point out since this is a chat forum about trying to cut back on expenses- when you avoid over vaccinating your dog, you are reducing your expenditures. Don't become a "Stepford Wife" when you get your vaccine reminder card. Think first and foremost about whether or not your dog truly has exposure to the disease you are vaccinating for. Remember, vaccinations are medical procedures and are deserving of a risk/benefit analysis.

shinySC: What else besides giardia is unnecessary, vaccine-wise?

Dr. Nancy Kay: Another vaccine that falls into this category is coronavirus.

Sanlynnj: What is that?

Dr. Nancy Kay: This is a viral disease that most dogs never develop any symptoms from. Those that do develop symptoms may have mild gastrointestinal symptoms that are self-limiting.

Pugrocker: What's the best help and relief for ear otitis and or ear mites. My dog use to favor one ear pawing at it, tilting his head to one side shaking his head, barking loudly, and would cringe if you petted him even lightly on his head but it would come and go. Could it have been something else?

Dr. Nancy Kay: The most important thing to do when treating ear inflammation is to know what the underlying cause is. Ear mites are rare in dogs. More common causes of ear inflammation are allergies, bacterial infections and yeast infections. Where do most of you purchase your dog's routine prescription items such as heartworm prevention and flea medication? It can really pay to price shop for these products.

Pugrocker: It just broke my heart because it looked so painful and uncomfortable when his ears would start bugging him!

Dr. Nancy Kay: What did your vet have to say about what was causing your dog's ear problem?

Pugrocker: Ear mites, and gave me some cream to rub in his ears but that didn't work

Dr. Nancy Kay: Perhaps it's time to get a second opinion on your pug's ear problems. In order to understand the nature of the disease, the first thing is to take a swab from the ear and look under the microscope for evidence of yeast, bacteria or mite organisms.

shinySC: Are rawhides ok? I heard they were rough on digestion

Dr. Nancy Kay: One cannot make a blanket statement that rawhide chew toys are okay. While they may agree with Valentine's dog, they may wreak havoc on ShinySC's dog's tummy. The key is to supervise your dog while he is eating the rawhide to make sure that he doesn't break off large chunks and swallow them. Also, be sure that the rawhide doesn't cause vomiting or diarrhea. It pays to study the ingredients as you would for most anything your dog eats.

Hellooemily: My dog is 3 years old and I haven't neutered him. Is it too late? Should I still do it?
Dr. Nancy Kay: It's never too late to neuter a dog. Is this a male or a female?

Hellooemily: Male. How much time should I set aside to care for him during his recovery?

Dr. Nancy Kay: Oops, I think you said "he" earlier. It's certainly not too late to neuter a three year old dog. However, if you are neutering him because you hope to correct some behavioral issues, they may already be too ingrained to resolve with removing his source of testosterone production.

Hellooemily: Will this make him fat? My friends neutered their dogs and their dogs seem to gain weight alot easier

Dr. Nancy Kay: Most dogs are back to acting completely normal within 24-48 hours of surgery. However, it is important that his activity level be curtailed until the stitches are removed and/or based on your vet's recommendations.

Dr. Nancy Kay: Most neutered dogs require fewer calories. So, yes, one does need to cut back on caloric intake in most dogs following neutering.

Hellooemily: Ok. My dog has a really good habit of eating whenever he's hungry and only enough to be full. I leave his bowl full all the time. Should I start rationing off his meals from now on?

Dr. Nancy Kay: Emily, I also feed my dogs free choice. Not all dogs do well with this- some gorge and gain weight.

Hellooemily: But neutering will not make him gain excess weight over this?

Dr. Nancy Kay: I think that you will need to keep close tabs on your dog's waistline after he is neutered. Since he's learned to eat only when he is hungry, you might find he eats less on his own after neutering.

Hellooemily: Thanks!

Pugrocker: I'm stumped about this, I had a 14 yr old dog that was totally fine, happy, and energetic when he woke up in the AM and than in the late afternoon, he just collapsed on his bed, loss bowel control and died. Is that a normal thing to be totally fine and than so many hours later, just pass away? It scares me into thinking if somebody may have poisoned him!

Dr. Nancy Kay: I doubt that your dog was poisoned. There are so many different diseases that can cause sudden death. In a way, what a fortunate thing that your dog passed away naturally at a ripe old age rather than forcing you to have to make decisions about euthanasia.

coop14: My dog has long nails and I've tried everything to trim them myself, but he refuses to let me do it. Is it bad for him to have long nails? So I only get them trimmed when he goes to the vet for his standard check ups

Dr. Nancy Kay: It can become a problem- when nails become really long, it can create an abnormal gait. Perhaps you can work on desensitizing his feet and/or using a dremel tool rather than clippers.

Dr. Nancy Kay: Many dogs absolutely positively HATE having their feet messed with. In some cases sedation is necessary to successfully trim a dogs nails.

coop14: I've tried that pedipaws thing too and he hates it. What do you recommend to sedate him?

Dr. Nancy Kay: I would recommend talking with your vet about which sedative is the best choice for your dog.

coop14: Great, thanks Dr. Kay

Sanlynnj: Should I be giving my dog heart worm med. through the yr

Dr. Nancy Kay: In some cold climates, one can be safe giving heartworm preventive only 9 months of the year. Here in California I give heartworm preventive year round.

Sanlynnj: I am in freezing cold Pennsylvania. I just bought enough for 6 months; I thought I should just go ahead and give all yr,

Dr. Nancy Kay: Sometime giving heartworm preventive year round improves compliance. That way, people don't forget to resume giving it before the mosquito season starts.

shinySC: My dog takes several 2 hour naps a day. Is that normal/ok?

Dr. Nancy Kay: Oh my yes. Of course this is somewhat breed dependent, but most dogs spend most of their day sleeping. If you are observing symptoms such as weakness, weight gain, or anything else, it would be worthwhile having your napping dog evaluated by your vet.

shinySC: What do you mean "most"?

Dr. Nancy Kay: My dogs sleep several hours a day. Most every dog I know does. Perhaps I'm not understanding your question?

shinySC: Ok. Just wanted to make sure he isn't depressed. he gets 3 walks a day, but I feel bad when he just hangs out on his bed and sleeps

Dr. Nancy Kay: If this napping represents a change in behavior, it is worth looking into. If this has been your dog's normal pattern, it is completely within normal limits.

shinySC: Cool, I think it's normal for him. Thanks.

shinySC: Do you think 4 miles a day is enough exercise for a 40 pound dog?

Dr. Nancy Kay: 4 miles a day should be plenty of exercise for a 40 lb dog

Dr. Nancy Kay: Would anyone like to discuss any other ways of trying to save money on your dog's health care?

Moderator: Dr. Nancy Kay, please explain

Dr. Nancy Kay: Here at my hospital, we had two lovely sweet Rottweilers dropped off last night- pregnant as can be. They were dropped off as strays, but this is rather dubious. One of them has given birth to 10 puppies here today. I suspect that they are victims of someone's financial hardship.
shinySC: What will happen to those rotties???

Dr. Nancy Kay: I'm not yet sure what will happen to the 12 Rotties we have on our hands right now. Not to worry, they won't be euthanized.

Dr. Nancy Kay: Is there anything anyone would like to know about Speaking for Spot?

coop14: I would!

shinySC: What is speaking for spot?

Dr. Nancy Kay: Speaking for Spot is a book that I wrote. My passion for writing it was fueled by my desire to help people navigate the sometimes confusing, overwhelming, and expensive world of veterinary health care. It was released in October and is already on its second printing. You can find it on Amazon, at dogwise.com, Barnes and Noble, Borders and many small independent bookstores have it. I even found it in a small store in Haight Ashbury!

coop14: Sounds interesting, I'll have to check it out

Dr. Nancy Kay: I hope you will. Let me know what you think. You can communicate with me at www.speakingforspot.com

Moderator: Dr. Nancy Kay, any last parting advice for us all?

Dr. Nancy Kay: Thank you. I encourage all of you to be empowered medical advocates for yourselves and all of your four-legged family members.

coop14: Thanks, Dr. Kay - this was all very informative

Moderator: Thank you for participating in our hosted event with Dr. Nancy Kay, DVM. If you'd like a copy of the chat dialog, please visit http://dogtime.com/talk-with-other-pet-lovers-live-on-petchat.html.