Apoquel Chewable for Itchy Dogs

POV: Your dog has a terrible itch, and you always find them licking and chewing the itch with no relief. Why are they itching so much? Itchiness, or pruritis, is a very common problem in dogs. It can be caused by a number of factors, and allergies can be one of them. Depending on the type of allergies, certain prescription medications or treatments can be prescribed by a veterinarian to help alleviate symptoms that come with allergies. Some medications usually prescribed for relieving itch include steroids, antihistamines, and medicated topical solutions like shampoos, creams, and sprays. These are the usual medications and treatments that are thought about when we think of itch, but there’s another option that you may not know about. Introducing Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable.

Apoquel Chewable at VetRxDirect
Apoquel at VetRxDirect

What is Apoquel & Apoquel Chewable?

Apoquel, oclacitinib, is a prescription medication for dogs that helps control itching from allergies and other skin conditions. Oclacitinib, the active ingredient in Apoquel, works by blocking cytokines, which are the source of itching and inflammation in the body. In some dogs, it may provide relief in as little as 4 hours with complete relief in 24 hours. It may be used long-term for chronic skin issues or short-term to treat flare-ups in dogs that are at least 1 years old. This medication is generally well tolerated, and side effects are usually minimal but can occur. Apoquel has been on the market for a while, but the manufacturer recently released a chewable formulation. The chewable tablets are pork-liver flavored and some people have found it easier to administer the medication since they are flavored.

At VetRxDirect, we now supply both the tablet and chewable tablets! Before using this medication, it is recommended to speak with your veterinarian about your dog’s condition to see if Apoquel would be a good fit. 

The month of August is known as Itchy Pet Awareness Month, which aims to promote dog and cat skin health and your pet’s health and happiness. While commonly overlooked, itching is a medical condition that requires a proper diagnosis to effectively treat the true cause of the itch. Learn more about Itchy Pet Awareness and Solutions on our other blog!


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This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health.

New Visbiome Constipation Care for Cats

Introducing Visbiome Vet Constipation Care! From the makers of our top-selling Visbiome Vet Probiotic Formula, now specially crafted for cats! Visbiome Vet Constipation Care for cats is a high-potency probiotic that relieves occasional constipation in cats and supports natural regularity, proper digestion, and bowel health.

Visbiome Vet Constipation Care for cats may support normal inflammatory responses in the gastrointestinal tract, aid in reducing occasional loose stools due to environmental stress or dietary changes, and may help maintain normal kidney function. Constipation Care is a powder that can be mixed with food or given with paste treats for picky eaters.

Ingredients & Formula

Visbiome Constipation Care at VetRxDirect

Visbiome Vet Constipation Care for cats contains 100 Billion Live Probiotics per packet. It features the slab51® formulation, a blend of eight active probiotic strains. According to the manufacturer, ExeGi Pharma, this high-potency blend was selected due to its individual characteristics and synergistic activities. Learn more.

  • Active Ingredients: 100 billion live bacteria per packet. S. thermophilus DSM32245, L. acidophilus DSM32241, L. plantarum DSM32244, L. paracasei DSM32243, L. helveticus DSM32242, L. brevis DSM27961, B. lactis DSM32246, B. lactis DSM32247.
  • Inactive Ingredients: Maltose, Silicon dioxide.

Cold Shipping & Storage

Like other VisbiomeVet products, Constipation Care is stored and shipped cold to ensure the potency of the live probiotic bacteria are not affected. All orders of VisbiomeVet are shipped from VetRxDirect with a manufacturer provided sensor to guarantee your order did not experience elevated temperatures during shipping. Learn more about Visbiome shipping.


This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health.

New Visbiome Vet Probiotic Packets

Visbiome Vet is Now Available In Packets!

The new Visbiome Vet Probiotic Packets are designed to make dosing for larger animals easier! When it comes to your pet’s diet, one size does not fit all. The larger the pet the more gut support they may need. Visbiome Vet Powder Packets are designed specifically for larger animals. Each packet contains 225 billion CFUs, 2 times the potency of 1 Visbiome Vet capsule.

Visbiome Vet Powder vs Capsules

Now there is no need to pull apart capsules, simply tear open a packet and mix the powder into the pet’s food or water. How is Visbiome Powder this different from the capsules? Visbiome Vet packets are all powder and provide an easier way to administer. The capsules contain 112.5 billion live bacteria and each powder packet contains 225 billion bacteria.

Visbiome Vet Dosing Chart

What is Visbiome Vet Probiotic?

Visbiome Vet is a high potency probiotic formula for dogs and cats. It is made with 8 concentrated strains of live probiotic bacteria, with each capsule containing 112.5 billion bacteria and each powder packet containing 225 billion bacteria. Visbiome assists in reducing occasional loose stools due to environmental stress or dietary changes. It supports the protective layers of the bowel, maintains proper gut flora, and may help manage pets with inflammatory bowel disease. Because it contains live bacteria, Visbiome is stored and shipped cold with temperature monitoring to ensure the highest potency.*

Visbiome Capsules at VetRxDirect
Visbiome Powder Packets at VetRxDirect

Pawsitive Reviews for Visbiome Vet!

Don’t take it from us, check out what other pet parents have to say about Visbiome! With over 400 reviews, This probiotic formula is a top favorite among dog and cat owners and their veterinarians. Many pet parents are sharing stories of improved gut issues, better quality stools, some even describing it as a “game-changer” and “live saver”.

Does your dog or cat take Visbiome? We’d love to hear from you! Leave us a comment below or on our website!

*All orders of VisbiomeVet are shipped with a sensor to guarantee your order did not experience elevated temperatures during shipping. VetRxDirect recommends Next Business Day Shipping to an address with a controlled environment where a person can take immediate possession of the package and refrigerate if you live in an area experiencing ambient outdoor temperatures above 77° F.


This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding the health of your pet. 

Elura Approved for Weight Loss in Cats

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Elura (capromorelin oral solution) as the first drug for the management of weight loss in cats with chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease, also known as CKD, is the persistent loss of kidney function over time. Cats with chronic kidney disease may begin to lose weight before getting diagnosed by a veterinarian and typically continue to lose weight as the disease progresses.Elura at VetRxDirect

Capromorelin, the active ingredient in Elura, provides a novel mechanism of action to address weight loss in cats with CKD. It stimulates appetite and the secretion of growth hormone. Weight gain in cats taking Elura is thought to be due to a combination of increased food intake and metabolic changes.

Capromorelin is also approved as Entyce for appetite stimulation in dogs. Elura is the second product that the FDA has approved for the management of unintended weight loss in cats. The first product, Mirataz, is an appetite stimulant applied topically to the skin. Learn more about the approval of Elura.

Signs of Weight Loss in Cats

It is important to keep an eye on your cat’s eating habits and observe any changes in their body condition while holding or petting them. Report these changes to your veterinarian.

  •  Reduced interest in food
  • Changes in the amount eaten
  • An increased amount of time taken to eat
  • Bony protrusions or ribs
  • Tender spots
  • Lumps or bumps

If you are concerned about your cat’s weight loss, speak with your veterinarian about treatment options.


This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding the health of your pet. 

Cardalis for Dogs with Congestive Heart Failure

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the approval of Cardalis for managing congestive heart failure in dogs. Cardalis contains spironolactone and benazepril in a chewable tablet. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic type medication that helps remove excess salt and fluid from the body and prevents potassium levels from getting too low. Benazepril is an ACE Inhibitor type medication that lowers blood pressure by relaxing veins and arteries.Cardalis at VetRxDirect

When used with other medications, Cardalis is approved to manage the symptoms of mild, moderate, or severe congestive heart failure in dogs due to atrioventricular valvular insufficiency (AVVI). AVI is a form of heart disease in dogs that can lead to congestive heart failure.

What is Congestive Heart Failure?

AVVI commonly occurs in older dogs typically over the age of 8 years and smaller breed dogs. When dogs suffer from heart failure, their hearts are unable to pump sufficient blood to the rest of the organs in the dog’s body. In congestive heart failure, blood backs up in organs and causes them to function abnormally, become swollen with fluid, or both. The most common signs of congestive heart failure include, but are not limited to:

  • Persistent coughing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Reduced energy & stamina
  • Excessive panting
  • Swollen abdomen
  • Restlessness
  • Pale or bluish gums
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss and/or muscle wasting

Diagnosis

As with any heart problem, diagnosing congestive heart failure requires a thorough exam from a veterinarian and typically involves multiple tests. Although heart failure is a chronic disease, it can be medically managed with early diagnosis and a veterinarian-guided treatment plan.

Treatment

It is important to treat heart failure in order to improve heart performance, control arrhythmias, and blood pressure, and improve blood flow. All of these can further damage the heart and blood vessels if not controlled.

Why is Cardalis New?

Human-approved benazepril and spironolactone have been used extra-label to treat AVVI in dogs. With this approval, the FDA has determined the combination of drugs in Cardalis is safe and effective for dogs. Learn more.

What Should I Know about Cardalis?

The safety and effectiveness of Cardalis were demonstrated in a 12-month field study in the United States involving 569 dogs. Cardalis requires a prescription because a veterinarian is needed to diagnose congestive heart failure in dogs due to AVVI, design an appropriate treatment plan, and monitor the safe use of the medication.

ProZinc Insulin Approved to Treat Dogs with Diabetes

ProZinc Insulin for Dogs

ProZinc for Dogs at VetRxDirect

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced ProZinc Insulin approval for managing diabetes mellitus in dogs. ProZinc is a type of human insulin called protamine zinc recombinant human insulin. Insulin is a natural hormone that helps glucose, a sugar that is the body’s primary energy source, enter the body’s cells. ProZinc is already approved for use in cats. With this approval, the FDA has determined that ProZinc is safe and effective in reducing high blood sugar and associated clinical signs in dogs with diabetes mellitus.

How is ProZinc Insulin Given?

Insulin is injected subcutaneously, just under the top layer of the skin. ProZinc is administered with or right after your dog’s meal. ProZinc requires the use of a U-40 insulin syringe and an attached needle. Dogs prescribed insulin need regular veterinary care to reach and maintain the appropriate level of insulin replacement. Learn more about ProZinc Insulin.

What is Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, stops making insulin, or cannot properly use it. Insulin is a hormone naturally produced by the pancreas that converts dietary sugar (glucose) to energy for cells in the body. When glucose cannot convert into energy, extra sugar can build in the blood and is excreted in the urine. High concentrations of sugar in the bloodstream may lead to health problems. When left untreated, diabetes mellitus can damage the liver, kidneys, and eyes. It may also increase the risk of infections and slow the healing of wounds.

  • There are common warning signs associated with diabetes. If detected, visit your veterinarian soon get an exam for your dog examined.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications and other severe health conditions.
  • Learn about warning signs, testing options, and more on our other blog, Understanding Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs

How are Dogs Treated for Diabetes Mellitus?

The good news is that diabetes and its symptoms are manageable with proper treatment. Regular vet check-ups help spot important changes in your dog’s condition. Common treatments include:

  • Regular check-ups
  • Insulin Injections
  • Blood glucose monitoring
  • Dietary changes to manage weight and energy needs; This may include therapeutic foods.
  • Plans for regular exercise or physical activity

While the thought of giving injections and managing diabetes may seem overwhelming, most dogs continue to live a long, happy, and good quality of life when their health is maintained. At VetRxDirect, we provide a full selection of medications and products for diabetic dogs and cats. We will work closely with you and your veterinarian to help you manage your pet’s health.

Does your dog have diabetes? Is there a particular medicine or product that worked well? Please share your experience with us and leave a comment below!

Alternatives to Greenies Pill Pockets Allergy Formula

Greenies, the makers of Pill Pockets, recently announced the discontinuation of Pill Pockets Allergy Formula aka Grain-Free Duck and Pea Formula. At this time, they have not made a formal announcement with plans to replace this product. This leaves many owners of pets with food allergies, intolerances, and special dietary requirements, are searching for the best replacement. We compared other pill pockets treats to find an appropriate substitution.

How Do You Compare to Pill Pockets Allergy?

Because Greenies Pill Pockets Allergy Formula was widely used for dogs and cats with food allergies, intolerances, and special diets, we first took a look first at the ingredient lists of multiple products that we carry at our pharmacy. We identified protein sources, carbohydrate sources, flavors, starch or thickeners, and animal by-product ingredients. Next, we took a look at the guaranteed analysis or nutrient profile, which lists the amount of protein, fat, fiber, and calorie content.

Tricky Treats™ by Pala-Tech™

Label to label, one of the most comparable product to Greenies Pill Pockets Allergy Formula is Tricky Treats Grilled Duck. And Tricky Treats Roasted Chicken is a very close tie. What makes them similar? To start, Tricky Treats contain duck as a novel protein, much like Pill Pockets. In both the Tricky Treats duck and chicken formulas, the animal proteins have been hydrolyzed, or broken down, into very small particle sizes, 3,500 Daltons to be exact. Hydrolysis is a process that uses water to chemically break proteins into pieces that are so small that the immune system no longer reacts to them. This process is also used in common therapeutic pet foods such as Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary HF Hydrolyzed Food for dogs and cats, Hills Prescription Diets z/d, Royal Canin Veterinary Diets PS or HA, and Purina ProPlan HP Veterinary Diets.

Also, Tricky Treats do not contain corn, wheat, or soy in either formula; and like Pill Pockets Allergy, they contain a natural smoke flavor.

What Makes Tricky Treats Unique?

Tricky Treats not only have allergy conscious ingredients but also function well as a pill hiding agent. Pala-Tech states the “proprietary blend of natural ingredients provides an excellent mouth-feel, texture and aroma providing a healthy, tasty, and easy to swallow treat. This prevents the pet from biting into the bitter-tasting medication and spitting it out.” Also, Tricky Treats are wrapped in pairs to keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.

Tricky Treats at VetRxDirect
  • Grilled duck formula contains a novel protein
  • Hydrolyzed duck and chicken proteins
  • Natural smoke flavor
  • Low calorie level
  • Low sodium level
  • Highly palatable

 

 

Ingredients

Guaranteed Analysis

Barley Flour, Hydrolyzed Duck, Vegetable Glycerin, Cane Molasses, Whey Protein, Vegetable Oil, Natural Flavors, Rosemary Extract, Xanthan Gum, Yeast Extract & Primary Dried Yeast (MOS MAX®), Citric Acid and Mixed Tocopherols.
  • Crude Protein (min.): 10.0%
  • Crude Fat (min.): 8.0%
  • Crude Fiber (max.): 1.0%
  • Moisture (max.): 23.0%
  • Calorie content: 17 kcal/treat
   
Barley Flour, Hydrolyzed Chicken, Vegetable Glycerin, Cane Molasses, Whey Protein, Vegetable Oil, Natural Flavors, Rosemary Extract, Xanthan Gum, Yeast Extract & Primary Dried Yeast (MOS MAX®), Citric Acid and Mixed Tocopherols.
  • Crude Protein (min.): 10.0%
  • Crude Fat (min.): 8.0%
  • Crude Fiber (max.): 1.0%
  • Moisture (max.): 23.0%
  • Calorie content: 17 kcal/treat

 

Wonderbars by Animal Pharmaceuticals

Another equal comparison to Pill Pockets Allergy Formula is Wonderbars by Animal Pharmaceuticals. What makes them wonderful?  First off, Wonderbars do not contain animal proteins or any animal-based ingredients. They also contain synthetic cheese and bacon flavors and contain rice and tapioca starch as the carbohydrate sources. Also, Wonderbars do not contain corn, wheat, gluten, or soy. These allergy conscious treats are also suitable for pets with dietary restrictions, because of their zero-sodium and low calorie content.

What Makes Wonderbars Wonderfully Unique?

Animal Pharmaceutical Wonderbars are cleverly designed, shapeable soft treats that can be molded around any pill, making it easy to give pets their prescribed medications or supplements.

Wonderbars at VetRxDirect
  • Synthetic Flavors
  • No animal ingredients
  • Tapioca starch
  • No sodium
  • Low calories
  • Easily molds around pills

 

 

Ingredients

Guaranteed Analysis

Rice, Synthetic Cheese Flavor, Lecithin, Glycerin, Dextrose, Starch, Water, Sorbic Acid, Carrageenan Gum, CaPlcium Propionate, Synthetic Bacon Flavor, Dl-alpha Tocopherol Acetate, Ascorbic Acid Safflower Oil.
  • Crude Protein (Minimum) 12%
  • Crude Fat (Minimum) 2%
  • Crude Fiber (Maximum) 3%
  • Moisture (Maximum) 10%
  • Calorie Content: 44Kcal per chew
   

 

Greenies Pill Pockets Allergy Duck and Pea Formula (Discontinued)

Greenies Pill Pockets Allergy Formula

  • Rehydrated duck as a novel protein
  • Contains pea as a plant protein
  • Natural smoke flavor
  • Discontinued

 

 

 

Ingredients

Guaranteed Analysis

Rehydrated Duck, Glycerin, Ground Peas, Natural Flavors, Pea Protein, Vegetable Oil, Sodium Bisulfate, Water, Dried Cultured Skim Milk, Xanthan Gum, Smoke Flavor, Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols.
  • Crude Protein (min.): 12.0%
  • Crude Fat (min.): 8.5%
  • Crude Fiber (max.): 1.0%
  • Moisture (max.): 32.0%
  • Calorie content: 20 kcal/treat

 

New VetraDent and AquaDent Dental Health Solutions

Dental Health for Every Month

February marks National Pet Dental Health Month but good oral hygiene should continue all year long. Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs and cats. Also, this is known as the most common condition that goes unnoticed by us, pet owners. Caused by poor oral hygiene, this disease causes more than bad breath. Periodontal disease is very preventable with regular dental exams from your veterinarian. Providing a regular dental routine for your dog or cat is essential, and there are a lot of products to help. Learn how to recognize the warning signs of dental disease, how to brush your pet’s teeth, and test your own knowledge on our other blog.

New VetraDent and AquaDent Products for 2020

Here at VetRxDirect, we carry a large variety of dental health solutions. We would like to mention a couple of new and noteworthy products that will help keep those mouths clean, fresh, and healthy. There are 2 new additions to the Vetradent dental health line, and C.E.T. Aquadent is now back with a new formula.

 

Vetradent Chews at VetRxDirectVetradent Rawhide Dental Chews use the natural abrasive texture of beef rawhide and your dog’s chewing action to help fight against plaque and tartar. Ventradent uses Biotrate technology to break through biofilm in the mouth, and help reduce bacteria. They are coated with zinc chloride to help reduce bad breath and citric acid to maintain the pH balance in the mouth.

 

Vetradent Toothpaste at VetRxDirectVetradent Toothpaste brushes away plaque and tartar. Vetradent uses Biotrate technology to break through biofilm in the mouth. It helps reduce bad breath and maintain the pH balance in the mouth. This chicken-flavored toothpaste does not require rinsing and comes with a double-headed toothbrush appropriate for cats and dogs of all sizes.

 

 

Aquadent at VetRxDirectC.E.T. AquaDent FR3SH Dental Solution freshens your dog or cat’s breath each day by simply adding it to their drinking water. It helps encourage healthy teeth and gums by controlling plaque. FR3SH Technology combines 3 natural ingredients that freshen the mouth, help control bad breath from digestion, and provide antioxidant benefits.

 

Do you have a favorite dental routine or product for your dog or cat? Leave us a comment below!

Aventi Kidney Complete Replaces Aventi KP & KS

Aventi Kidney Complete is a new all-in-one supplement that combines the ingredients of the former Aventi KP Kidney Protect and Aventi KS Kidney Support formulas. Aventi Kidney Complete at VetRxDirect

Aventi Kidney Complete is a comprehensive renal supplement for dogs and cats designed to preserve and protect kidney health and function. It helps to control metabolic imbalances and may aid in the management of kidney disease. Learn more about kidney disease in dogs and cats.

Aventi Kidney Complete contains phosphate binders, a metabolic acidosis buffer, probiotics, prebiotics, antioxidants, and blood building vitamins. It includes calcium carbonate, calcium lactate gluconate, and chitosan to help reduce excess phosphorus from the diet. Sodium bicarbonate is used to reduce acidity, as well as probiotics and prebiotics to support GI health and toxin removal. It also includes antioxidants which may reduce free radicals and oxidative stress. Additionally, it contains B and C vitamins to help promote red blood cell metabolism. Check out the ingredient comparisons below.

The powder formula of this supplement mixes easily with food. Packaged in 3.2 oz & 10.5 oz powder jars. Both sizes contain Small (0.6 g) and Large (2.4 g) scoops. As with any dietary supplement, you should consult your pet’s veterinarian first before administering.

Aventi Kidney Complete Reviews

Check out what other cat and dog owners have to say:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I will buy again                                                                                     Jessica ✅ Verified Buyer

This seems to have helped my kidney cat with diarrhea (more days of solid), and also his appetite is good.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It works wonders!                                                                                   Samantha ✅ Verified Buyer

Our elderly girl has kidney disease. We’ve seen great improvement with the Aventi Supplement. She can hold her bladder for normal amount of hours and we aren’t getting up to let her out in the middle of the night anymore. This website has the best price.

 

Does your dog or cat use Aventi? Leave us a comment below!

NexGard Approved to Prevent Lyme Disease Infections for Dogs

FDA Approves NexGard Chewables for prevention of infections that cause Lyme disease in dogs

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved NexGard to prevent Borrelia burgdorferi infections by killing Ixodes scapularis, a type of Black-legged tick that carries the bacteria. The Borrelia bacteria is an infectious bacteria that causes Lyme disease in dogs. The black-legged tick is also known as the deer tick. Lyme disease can cause serious illness in both animals and people. Fever, loss of appetite, lameness, joint swelling, and lethargy are common warning signs in dogs. In severe cases, Lyme disease can affect the kidneys, nervous system, or heart. Learn more about Lyme disease on our blog.

NexGard Chewables at VetRxDirectNexGard is a prescription flea and tick preventative for dogs that contains afoxolaner. This medication works by absorbing into the dog’s bloodstream to treat and prevent flea infestations and kill ticks. It is effective against the Black-legged tick, American Dog tick, Lone Star tick, and Brown dog tick.

 

NexGard is formulated to give protection for 30 days and is a soft, beef-flavored chew. Dogs can also be bathed or swim at any time because it is given orally and does not create a residue on the skin or hair coat. It is also designed for safe administration alongside heartworm and other medications. NexGard chewable can be given to dogs 8 weeks of age and older and weighing 4 pounds or greater. It is available in four sizes: 4-10 lbs, 10-24 lbs, 24-60 lbs, and 60-121 lbs and three, six, or 12-month quantities.

For more information about the NexGard FDA approval, visit their website.

NexGard Chewables Approved by Dog Owners

Check out what other dog owners are saying about it. We’ve included some reviews straight from our website.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Convenient     

My golden had Lyme disease a few years ago and this product, Nexgard, has kept her protected. We have a large deer population in our neighborhood and I feel confident using Nexgard

-Submitted by Marianne ✅ Verified Buyer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Works great!

My German shepherd is 2 years old and he has yet to get a tick because l have given him nexgard since he was a puppy.

-Submitted by Jack ✅ Verified Buyer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Awesome, fast results

We have been having such a difficult time with ticks this year even though we’ve been using both a topical treatment along with a Seresto Flea collar. Our golden retriever has been on NexGard since the beginning of the month and we are thoroughly pleased with the results, not 1 flea since we started and no itching either. We’ll definitely continue to use both VETRX Direct and NexGard, I highly recommend it.       -Submitted by   Kim ✅ Verified Buyer

 

This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health.