teddybeans

Does your dog look like it’s completely run out of energy after the episodes? It’s probably not the same thing but I used to have a dog that had regular seizures when he gets excited. Not in the leg but full body. It was painful to watch. Turns out it was from the heart, he had a heart murmur. While we couldn’t treat it because he was old and I couldn’t bear to put him through a invasive surgery, it was controlled with medication. He lived till he was 14. Poor baby, I hope they find out what it is and be able to treat the root cause. The doctors at SASH seem to know what they are doing. Treated my older boy from severe pain last year and now he is back to normal. Best of luck, let us know how it goes.

If the allergy is food related, then modification with the diet is required at the same time otherwise it will just flare up again. Problem is we don’t know what’s the cause of the allergy so tricky one. Maybe reduce the the number of ingredients in the diet. I don’t think veggies are a problem but things like egg may be a culprit, maybe take this opportunity to try a new protein and stop feeding kangaroo? Don’t try chicken either, it’s high on the allergy list. Maybe stop the coconut oil too and progressively at it back in when it calms down.

I’ll probably go to another vet for a second opinion before going to a specialist. I don’t think paw licking is uncommon, they must see it often. A different vet can confirm a diagnosis or provide another perspective . It sounds like the irritation won’t automatically go away by itself so they may need to treat with an injection and meds. Your dog should get some relief after treatment - at least mine did.

Could it be the chemical/alcohol in these that he may have allergy to?

Interesting, does anyone know what it is that made them stop scratching?

Oh god!

Yeah this is a positive outcome. I’ve actually seen both sides of this, one is exactly as you described above. The other not so great, husband couldn’t cope with the dog and they ended up giving away. Obviously there were difficult discussions to be had. Wife was distraught (imagine the kids!) and so were the people that came to love the pet. It wasn’t good for pet either suddenly changing to a new environment - they didn’t have a say in this from the start! Bottom line is to set expectations so that the latter doesn’t happen. The second thing is pick a dog breed that has the traits that suits your family’s lifestyle. For example, you don’t want a super active breed for a not so super active family and vice versa. That can also make or break the bond with the animal. it can work but everyone should be mentally prepared and accepts a new pet into the family.

My boy used to lick his paws raw. I used to washed them everyday so that Bacteria doesn’t thrive but come to think of it, it may have caused it to dry out the skin causing more itch. I found after washing it, (and drying completely) he would lick less, but would start licking again later in the day. One thing I did is trim the fur down to a minimal in between his paws so it’s not constantly wet ( again bacteria ). I remember taking him to the vet and the vet gave him a cortisone (I think) shot which almost immediately stopped the licking. It’s important in the next couple of days after the shot to keep the area dry and clean, so that he doesn’t lick at it after the injection wears off. it could start off as an allergy and become a habit if you know what I mean. my boy doesn’t have it any more, it was more when he was younger, once in a while he will lick at it and I would inspect it closely because there may be some foreign object like a grass seed or a bindi that’s causing the irritation.

Ok thanks. He doesn’t seem to be in pain and I can’t see any redness or swelling. I’m just paranoid then.

Sorry may seem like a silly question. I know of dogs (bigger ones) where the water bowl is full of saliva. But my two never have this problem in their water bowls. So got a bit worried whether there was an infection or something

+1 for my eldest boy! Only on grass. He is smart enough to not do on concrete or hard floors.

And all this time I thought they were logical!

On a bed that makes sense, but on a portable carpet??? It’s flat, it doesn’t get any flatter.

it’s almost been two weeks since my boy had a bunch of teeth removed. Stitches not completely desolved, but he has finished all his antibiotics about a week ago. I noticed today in his water bowl, after he drinks water the water looks like it has saliva in it. Is this something I need to be concerned with? he hasn’t been complaining about pain and is going about his activities like business as usual. No loss in appetite even on the day of surgery.

Omg. Isn’t this just common pet etiquette... actually common etiquette in general! it true now you mention it. I often see people walking their pets without a doggy poo bag or don’t clean up after their dogs. its so common in Europe to see dogs in shops (particularly in Paris). But then again I see poo everywhere on the streets and it seems no one cares!

Why are there dead fish readily available to roll in?

I’m sure every dog does it. They find a spot and then starts scratching at it. And they persist at the same spot. There is nothing under the spot they are scratching at, but they just do it and it drives me crazy! Usually it’s on carpet or on their bed. After they are satisfy with their scratching, they do a 360 turn and then sits on top of the spot. What are they doing?

This I agree. Everyone needs to be mentally prepared to welcome a dog into the family. It’s also hard work like picking up poo, grooming, toilet training, vet visits for vaccination and god forbid illnesses, regular walks etc. if you are prepared for all the above, then you are returned with unconditional love loyalty and a best friend forever.

One time after a long bath and blow dry, my boy went out to roll in the grass. Just so happened there was a poo there. I don’t think he intentionally did it (at least that’s what I tell myself) but had to get him washed again but my my boy loves to roll on grass! He has his moments and then shakes all the shavings off and then rinse and repeat

Its weird that this happened so suddenly where the immune system just shuts downs. So scary for both the parents and the fur baby. I would be in tears.

I guess this is a fair point In my head I have always thought if I had to do it again, what would I be, and a vet is always at the top of my list. i always thought being able to help an animal who would otherwise not have stood a chance would be most satisfying. Of course you also get the bad stuff that comes with it, but between being a doctor and being a vet, a vet was always high up on my list while being a doctor was never a consideration. So was surprised of the high suicide rate.

Is it fully treatable so that she doesn’t relapse? Like meds for life?

I also have two mini schnauzers, another vote there. Highly intelligent dogs, does well with kids. Mine doesnt dig but again digging is mostly due to boredom. They will alert you with a bit of barking though if they hear something. And you have to be prepared to either groom them yourself or pay for a groomer a few times a year as their fur will grow and get matted. I learnt how to do this myself but it takes a bit of time to clip them. And I have two! I clip mine in the summer every 6 weeks or so and let the fur grow out during winter as it keeps them warm and just clip the bottom, ears, head and under body and trim the beard. However, as a first dog, I wouldn’t get a schnauzer, you will want one with less maintenance as it can be a bit overwhelming for a new dog owner. I have owned other breeds in the past and the schnauzer is my first one that needs grooming. But I love them to bits. They come in three sizes. If you decide to get one, it’s the mini you are after if you want a small dog.

Really why? I would have thought it was a good job. Yes maybe long hours but most jobs nowadays are too! At least this one you get to go see animals everyday and get to help them! You must have a passion for animals getting into this field in the first place.