For Doggy Lovers!

[GoldenLady]

show 42 - sorry; I had meant to write a note for you as well in my last post, saying that I was glad to hear that Chelsea got through her ordeal okay! Yes, dogs certainly are stoic, and it's great to hear that she's back to her old self.

Doggygirl - I missed your earlier post about Kimba's eating habits until now... I had the same problem with one of my pups when he was a baby; I can't remember exactly when it was, but I know he was still very young. He would "graze", eating only a portion of his meal at a time, and while I was concerned about his growth since he too was a large-breed puppy, I was adamant that I not get him into the habit of being a picky eater, so I just fed him as usual (gave him his meals, waited 10-15 minutes, and then picked up the bowl). At her age, you could still feed her three times a day, or even four times if that helps, but unless you want to keep free-feeding her (probably not a good choice since you have other dogs in the house who presumably are on a schedule), I would avoid leaving the food out for her all day. My puppy eventually started cleaning his bowl (it didn't take too long) and all has been well since, so maybe it's just the same thing with Kimba. BTW, Kimba sounds a lot like how my first Golden, Heidi, was as a puppy - OUCH! Raising her was a lot of work, but I learned so much about dog training through her... And my boys were a real breeze, after that.

 

[Doggygirl]

On the feeding...

Goldenlady thanks for your advice on the feeding. I think your suggestion is perfect - maybe feed her more than twice per day until she's eating better, but not free feeding. She had to get yet another dose of worming medicine yesterday, so hopefully the worms will be gone for good and then I can implement this change gradually. She has gained 10 pounds in the last 4 weeks (3.5 weeks maybe) so I think that's a really good sign. I DEFINITELY don't want to free feed her for life.

She is a lot of work right now, but she's learning things fast. Most of the time it's fun, but I would be a Big Fat Liar if I didn't admit to those moments where I want to throttle her.

We're going to Schutzhund again on Sunday so we'll see how it goes!

Happy New Year everyone!

DG

 

[Rachael]

Pockets had another possible seizure this morning. We won't get his blood work back til Monday.

 

[Doggygirl]

Hi Rachael..

Wow those seizures really are frightening. I wish you the best as you work through this with Pockets and your vet. I was willing to accept ANYTHING so long as Buck was not going through seizures anymore. Not sure if that was the best decision, but I truly want him to be happy and healthy for however long he is here, so the medication seemed the best route for us.

Might not be the best route for you, but I know it's tough to get through the seizure stuff while you and your vet figure out what is best for Pockets.

Many positive thoughts heading your way..

DG

 

[Rachael]

Still no blood work back but Pockets hasn't been doing any weird behavior. He's not himself yet but he's getting there.

 

[Doggygirl]

Hi Rachael...

I'm SO glad to hear Pockets is getting back to himself. I hope the blood work comes back OK and that this was a one time event.

Kimba is going for Schutzhund training session number 2 tomorrow. Since the Sunday sessions are earlier in the day, it will be interesting to see how she does when she's a bit more alert. It will also be interesting to see what happens since our regular trainer Dr. Bob (who helps us work with all of our dogs) is going to "watch." Always interesting to have 2 "experts" in the same room. Hopefully we can all "just get along."

Best wishes to you and Pockets!!

DG

 

[Rachael]

Pockets's bloodwork came back. He's glucose(sp?) is high. It's probably due to him eating Hallee's puppy food, which is high with sugar and whatnot. THe high glucose is what probably caused his seizures. So, we have to get rid of the puppy food. She's 4 months so normal dog food should be OK.

 

[Hermione_Granger]

The vet gave us the arthritis medication yesterday and we started giving it to him last night. Today he must have been feeling pretty good because he was rolling around on his back which is something he hardly ever does.

Rachael, I'm really sorry to hear about Pockets' seizures. That must have been pretty scary.

--Hermione

 

[Doggygirl]

Hi all!

Hermione, I'm so glad to hear that Mr. Puff Puff is feeling better with the arthritis meds. I hope that trend continues. Any news on the liver problem? I hope that both of these problems clear up for him.

Rachael, that's great news that you may have identified the seizure source and a change in food could very well fix the problem.

For anyone who may not know this (I didn't until very recently) there is a private label brand of food called "Diamond" that is made by Eukaneuba (sp) and is supposedly the exact same food content as Eukaneuba (the standard adult and standard puppy formulas). It is way less expensive. Our dog trainer told us about it and that's what he feeds. Our dogs seem to be doing well with it.

Have a great doggy and skating day all!

DG

 

[Hermione_Granger]

Hi Doggygirl,

The vet said it was under control.
That brief "exercise" he did yesterday must have
zapped his energy because afterward he seemed
very tired. Later he took a long nap then seemed
to spring back to life again.

I forgot to post their real names in my first post, so I
better do that now before I forget again. Their names are
Alexei and Michelle. In case your wondering, they're
named after my two favorite skaters.

--Hermione

 

[RealtorGal]

Just got back from the vet for Madelyn's check-up. The vet was amazed at how much the antibiotics cleared up her skin problem, so she's put her on one more round, just to be sure and to get rid of the last of it. She put some medicine in one of her ears, which, according to her previous vet's records, has been a problem previously. I asked her about worms, and she said that all her "clients" take a once-a-month tablet to prevent it. I can't believe how much there is to learn about these little sweeties. She is so much a part of our family now, it's unbelievable how she has worked her way into our hearts. When RG Jr. is not home and I'm on the computer, she INSISTS on sitting on my lap while I type. This morning she curled up on my lap and fell asleep while I was typing away, with her little doggie snoring audible! What can I say--I am in love!

 

[Doggygirl]

Hi RGal!

Glad Madelyn had a good checkup!! I'm sure the worming medicine they were refering to was monthly heartworm. That one is REALLY important. We get the kind that also repels fleas - not sure if fleas are an issue on So. Cal - they are here in the summer time.

They really do become part of your family don't they! Is Madelyn your first doggy? If you ever consider a second one, but are concerned it will be a lot more work - don't worry, just go for it so long as the two of them get along. I waited a long time after getting my first dog to get a second based on that concern. I was amazed and how little incremental work it was. Now going for 3 and beyond is a whole 'nother matter!

Enjoy your typing buddy!

DG