betsy

Hi Ok, so I'm not a dog expert, but have a bit of experience in people health I think a video-fluoroscopy sounds like a good idea (basically give a food with x-ray contrast in it), this assesses the physiological swallowing of your dog. It may be very useful to delineate the swallowing issue. (This is done on humans a lot) Sounds like your pup has been on a lot of antibiotics aswell. It may be good to evaluate how the periods off the antibiotics were in terms of health. (Do you also try natural yoghurt to try and balance natural flora.) It appears that many people on here have suggested some of the "conditions" the antibiotics were prescribed for are fairly normal puppy issues. It definitely is worth considering seeing a specialist vet if this is what is offered, or getting a 3rd opinion. Remember the vet you see has to be very familiar with many different animals, and it is possible that your pup has an uncommon condition that is best managed by a specialist.. As for sending pup back, I'm no help there. Its a very personal decision IMO. Good luck

Another dishwasher lover here too! Wouldn't mind so much if it was only the dirty plates...

I tried this for the first time and it worked really well (I have a food motivated pup) I smeared some peanut butter on one end of the bath, and whilst he was busy licking that, got to work with the shampoo and hose Worked a treat! (I had to work pretty quickly myself but at least had two free hands)

In a similar situation, I found treat dispensing balls quite useful. I also came home at lunch time for the first 3 weeks, for a play and also to feed. It is surprising how much puppies sleep! Even now at 16 weeks my pup has two daytime naps (he is outside napping now...) Plus, I would recommend a heavy water bowl (like ceramic etc) as my pup thought it was to play with (quickly upgraded) and also have 2nd bowl of water available... It takes a bit of routine adjusting, ie getting up a bit earlier, but very possible to have a puppy and work FT!

What about treat dispenser toys like: Activity Treat Ball (link for picture) I would highly recommend the activity treat ball. I didn't crate train my puppy - he sleeps in the laundry. He is very food motivated. I used this ball the first week to distract him of a night in the laundry. Now I use it quite a bit inside when he wants a play. It is a great device for amusing puppies! I also have a soft version....