Hi, I was planning on getting a new puppy since my Golden passed away. Inwanted to get an Australian Shepherd, but I’m not sure if I should get a purebred or adopt a mix . I don’t want to adopt a pet and have it come sick or not have a long lifespan. I know Australian Shepherd have a 12-15 year lifespan and are quite healthy. Does that also apply to a mix ?

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  Hi Mark! Thank you for contacting PetCoach with your question about Trouble and for providing a picture, it's very helpful. From the picture, it appears to be a benign growth but I can't say for...

  2 people found this answer helpful

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  2 people found this answer helpful

• My dog keeps getting Paraphimosis whenever he humps a stuffed animal or anything - it seems like the hair around his penis gets stuck inside and has to be pulled out to bring the skin back out. Should he see a vet for this? Or should I just try to keep his hair cut short around that area? Not sure if this is a bigger issue

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  Thank you for contacting PetCoach with your question about Rio. He's such a handsome boy! The good news is that grape leaves are not toxic to dogs, only the grapes themselves. They can cause...

  1 people found this answer helpful

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  2 people found this answer helpful

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• My cat’s eye is swollen. She’s active, eating as usual, and her temperature is normal. We just moved to a new city and she doesn’t have a regular veterinarian. None of the clinics in town are accepting new patients, and I don’t know what to do. She’s eating royal canin for indoor cats

  Thank you for contacting PetCoach with your question about Busya and for providing a picture, it's helpful. I see what you mean about her eye, it does look swollen and I see significant discharge...

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• My shih tzu is 14 yr old. He has a large growth on him back and lungs (I think) that has never bother him, so it was never removed. But now (for the past month or so) he has a constant cough while active. It slows down when laying down and stop while sleeping. Is there anything I should do or give him to relieve this cough?

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• I just asked about this and sent a pic but was able to get a better pic. Does the nail look broken? As far as I can tell, it's in between her nail and pad. I'll still keep it clean and all that. Unless this pic shows you more than the last. Thx!

  Thank you for contacting PetCoach with your question about Willa. I see what you mean in the picture, it does appear that it is under the claw. I can't tell, however, if her claw has been affected...

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• My 9 year old staffy is huffing coughing then gagging with some throw up. He did have congestion yesterday and I treated it with a steamy bathroom and humidifier. He’s not eating but is drinking. You can clearly see he doesn’t feel good is there anything I can do at home for him to relive his symptoms? Could it be kennel cough? What can I treat it with. Also, I’ve been a paramedic for 20+ years and grew up on a ranch my entire life.

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