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greyhoundlady

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Everything posted by greyhoundlady

  1. Can she have ground turkey? (I usually do this with hamburger, but just made a batch with ground turkey tonight and there isn't a morsel in the bowl.). Make a mixture with an egg, oatmeal, finely chopped fruit and veggies, turkey, and grill the patties, broil them or just cook it all in a skillet. See if she will eat that, and if so, add a little kibble to her bowl, add in some water and the turkey mixture to see if she will eat that. I have added sardines, Parmesan cheese, regular cheese - just to,change things up. She may just not like her kibble - I wouldn't force her to eat it, but then it doesn't sound like she will anyway. It sounds like you just need to get her to eat, so maybe what we humans eat will work for a while. The above suggestions are good too. Sweet potatoes mashed down are a favorite here.
  2. Can you try feeding her other human type meals, like hamburger, salmon, sardines, etc? She may just not like her regular food anymore. I make burger patties with hamburger, chopped zucchini, chopped carrots, blueberries, an egg, some oatmeal - sort of like a meat loaf - then make patties and grill them. They always get mine to eat. You can feed by itself, or wet the kibble and mix it all together. Try just the patties first to see if it is the kibble she is refusing. If the patties work, maybe a kibble change may also. I don't know if she has problems with other proteins - mine actually doesn't tolerate chicken well - but maybe it is worth a try to see if she will eat other things. I would go back to the vet too for extra tests if she still isn't eating.
  3. I think if you get another grey, it has to be because it is you that wants another grey - not because you think your current grey may want one. I have always had two together because I love the breed - but admittedly I can't say they themselves were happy with the arrangement. Any of mine would have been happy being 'onlys' as long as they had the constant contact with humans. I didn't have snuggle buddies with any of them, although I have heard this does indeed exist! If you get another you will be totally in love again, but your expenses will increase re vets, dog beds, bowls, coats, food, etc., bigger car, and other things - but if you feel the pull of another wonderful mystical creature in your life, then you are ready for another grey. I have always had two together and none were ever the cuddle-together type, but I loved each for their own personality. I am now down to just one, and she is so easy and shows no desire to be anything other than an only. I do find having one is easier for various reasons - being older myself is one - but there are times when I could be convinced that another grey soul in my life will be lovely addition . As someone else mentioned, fostering might be a way for you to start. Just be prepared to fail, I did . She is now my current grey.
  4. We have used Nexgard here for a while - no negative effects. I have not found any fleas and one of my greys (black coat) had picked up ticks from time to time and when I found them on him they were already dead. I don't love giving any chemicals, but I feel Nexgard is better than the topicals because there is no drippy mess and I don't worry about anyone touching the greys after the application. The ticks do have to bite to be killed, but they die quickly (never found an engorged one) and with my black grey I felt better knowing if I missed any while checking him, they wouldn't live for long. I also use Heartgard and space the meds two weeks apart. I don't give Nexgard year round - just spring, summer and fall. So far we have been safe from the nasty buggers in the winter here.
  5. I have never had a problem with any of mine eating dry. Once in a rare moment a hork might take place, but it is then scoffed up. I remember reading that if you wanted to test the expansion of the kibble, put a few in a bowl with water and see what happens. I haven't noticed a big expansion in the kibble I use, and mine never appreciated soggy kibble. Some dogs prefer it as it is soft for them to eat. I can't see either way being a problem, if they like it a certain way. Then, of course, you have the picky eater - either created (by their keeper) or by their own greyhound mystery persona. I have been known to entice dry kibble eating with canned food mixed in, or other desirable ingredients.
  6. I have been using Nexgard (eliminates ticks and fleas) for my girl. It doesn't repel ticks but when they bite they die. I am also vigilant in looking for ticks on her when we hike. Fleas I would never see so I feel covered in that category if she does pick any up. I don't give Nexgard during the winter months, just do a check. Also, I have two little grandchildren so I am not worried when they pet and love the grey, regarding chemicals. I have used Frontline in the past, but didn't like the messy spot on. Nexgard is through the vet only. I have been pleased with it so far.
  7. I am getting a good sense of your frustration, and I would think if he is eating what you are making him now, just stick with that. Maybe he will be happy without changing things up too often. In the future you might want to try Wellness Core grain free turkey, chicken liver and turkey liver formula canned. I just picked a couple cans up the other day and my girl, Lia, is licking the bowl and looking for more. I mix with Acana duck and pear kibble. Since she is now my only grey, I tend to spoil her. I also rotate her food to make it interesting. Do try the Thundershirt if you can. Lia came to me as an extremely shy little girl and most things frightened her. The Thundershirt has really helped her. She lays on her bed during storms etc., and while alert, she doesn't have the panic attacks of running from room to room. I am like you, and she is never alone either.
  8. Just to add to the suggestion box - my girl isn't a fan of kibble either but will eat it when mixed with lots of canned dog food as well as cooked chicken, beef, etc. I have to really coat it with the canned food or she picks out the kibble and makes piles of it under the raised feeder . She is a skinny minnie so the extra calories are not a problem. Also, have you tried the Thundershirt for stress? It works really well for mine during thunderstorms and the dreaded fireworks. It is like a comforting hug. Maybe it will help your boy, Dom.
  9. It sounds to me like he is just feeling very comfortable with you and his surroundings. Two of mine were big on dirt digging in the yard. I gave up filling one of the holes. They liked to dig some fresh layers of dirt and then lay in it in the warm weather. Probably because it was cooler. My little female grey likes digging her bed to plump it up before laying down. A grey that I dog-sat spent a lot of time going to the toy box and one by one bringing every toy in there back to his bed. It was the cutest thing to watch. I think the nipping is excitement. He sounds like a happy, involved hound to me . I don't think he knows he is going to a permanent home, only that he is happy where he is. It is good of you to foster.
  10. I am sorry you are going through this. We all understand your pain. I have sadly lost three greys so far over the years and it does not get easier. All were hard to say goodbye to, but one took most of my heart with him. Just remember how much joy your grey gave you and how happy you made his life. They can't stay with us as long as we wish they could and that is an additional painful fact. I have always had two together and this is the first time I am with only one, after losing a beautiful heart and soul sweet boy 5 months ago. He was only 6-1/2 and I still have moments when I can't believe he is really gone. I am grateful to have my little female grey because she forces me to get on with things. You can't ignore the cold nose and the soulful eyes when it is their time for food, walks, and cuddles. Give yourself time and you will find yourself suddenly ready to welcome another, and give him or her your love as they will give theirs to you in return. You will never forget the one you lost, but you will make a new forever friend. I also feel it helps to hear the stories of others here, and to see you are not alone in the way these beautiful hounds affect us.
  11. Of the four I have adopted, one loved drinking my coffee (preferably Dunkin Donuts brand) when I wasn't looking, and my current little lady has a penchant for my white wine. Can never leave a glass unattended . I was tempted to name her Chardonnay. I have been lucky. All were/are the best hounds.
  12. I can't comment on the harness as we haven't needed one - but as to the ramp, mine would never use it. I tried two different ones with no luck. I think it is too scary for greyhounds with their long skinny legs and their feeling it is too narrow, not secure enough, and 'in the air' (no sides). I have always lifted the greys who needed help into the car. I have seen where some people build their own ramps, make them wide, and cover with carpet. They don't look easy to store in the car though unless you have a really big car - or a really talented builder . Just thought I would share my experiences so you are prepared. It might be better to borrow a ramp before you buy to see how it works.
  13. It really is frustrating. I had to do a lot of trial and error, so I know what you are going through. Also, what works for one, may not work for another. Chicken may not be the problem for Stanley, but rather the other ingredients in the Iams. I knew right away when my guy had anything chicken, the big D reared up - even with fresh chicken, so for him that clued me in. Stanley seems to do ok with the chicken and rice. I would suggest you try buying a small bag of chicken based grain free kibble (limited ingredients) to see if he will tolerate that. This way you may be able to eliminate a protein (chicken) that disagrees with him, if he still has trouble. Add it slowly with the rice and chicken mixture so he adjusts to the new food. Try to stay as simple as possible with what he eats, like treats, this way you will notice when his digestion goes off, what may have done it. He might be restless at night because he gets hungry and his stomach feels empty. Do you give him the rice mixture close to bedtime? I know this can be overwhelming, but it will all come together. Congratulations on your new grey and feel free to ask lots of questions. We all go through this . Also, the kibble I use is Acana Ranchlands and Acana Pacifica, as well as Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream. I rotate between fish and beef, but this is after many years of lots of brands. Just stay really simple for now. Good luck.
  14. It will start to seem overwhelming as to what to feed, add, etc. One of my greys did not do well with anything chicken. Only beef or fish. When he had the explosive stools, cleared of all parasites by the way, the vet put him on a Hills prescription food that contained corn and chicken and things went from bad to worse! I kept him on a boiled mushy rice and boiled hamburger beef with as much fat removed as possible. Once his stomach settled I slowly introduced beef based kibble mixed in. Once things regulated themselves, I stuck with only beef or fish based grain free kibble. Also added Olewo carrots, which I think work wonderfully. Probiotics, pumpkin, yogurt, never worked for him. If he got a chicken based treat, mushy poops resulted. Guess you will see that it is a trial and error process. Some greys have no trouble with anything they eat and some are very sensitive. Try to just settle his stomach with very few ingredients. It may be a process of elimination as to what he will tolerate. Even Milbones set my guy off. Good luck -
  15. Welcome, also, from New Jersey. I just purchased your book for my Kindle and have been wrapped up in it for the better part of the afternoon. Thank you for your love and caring of these beautiful hounds. Greys have been part of my life for many years. They are beautiful and unique and truly their greatest fault is that they live not long enough... Glad you are part of Greytalk!
  16. I have been giving my two greys Nexgard for a while with no problems. (This is for fleas and ticks, not heartworm.) I agree, you need to give the full amount for their weight. If you suspect Nexgard is giving a problem, call your vet and ask. I am assuming that you get the meds from them. Also, you may already be doing this, but space out the medications, i.e. heartworm and flea/tick as I feel it is easier on them. I do mine two weeks apart.
  17. I hope things are improving . Just a thought - fortunately my two haven't had this happen in quite a long time, but whenever I gave my male peanut butter - we had to all clear the room. When I have to give him pills, I put them in a little piece of good old American cheese. Haven't had any problems with that .
  18. I would try using a really tasty treat to get him out. My male sometimes decides not to jump out because gets comfortable laying down in the SUV. When it is time to get out (he has no problem jumping out) he just decides he doesn't want to. His weakness is a Greenie. In the beginning I would wave it in front of him and tell him 'Let's Go' and out he would jump to get it. Bu usually decides not to jump out because we have arrived home and he wants to arrive somewhere more exciting - like the park. Yes, he is stubborn. The treat trick always works on him.
  19. My male, Buca, has had these a few times. He is always completely alert, usually laying on his bed, and just his head sort of vibrates. I give him a small tasty treat and it immediately snaps him out of it. Once he has the treat he is back to normal - no more shaking. He isn't in a trance or anything during this as he looks at me, looks around, etc. The treat does it every time - at least it hastens the stopping of the tremor. Maybe because he is concentrating on something else - a snack. I told his vet about it, of course he wasn't shaking his head at the time, and I think I knew more about it than the vet did. The vet examined him all over and found nothing wrong. It is considered idiopathic head tremors.
  20. I use NexGard also for my two greys. I had used Frontline, which worked fine, but I didn't like the liquid on their backs, waiting for it to dry, etc. NexGard was suggested by my vet, it is chewable, and has worked really well. On my black colored boy I found two dead ticks which I might have not spotted otherwise. They gobble up the chews like a treat and have had no ill effects. You have to get it from a veterinarian though.
  21. Just a thought - one of my greys would chew Greenies and sometimes get a piece of the Greenie stuck up in the back area near the jaw between the cheek and the gum, so to speak - like a little hamster puts their food. There would be a hard lump sticking out - very similar to what you describe - but I would just push the lump forward and he would go on eating it. Sometimes he even used his paw to work it forward. There were never any ill effects and no choking. I always give Greenies here. It is a customer favorite . Maybe this is what happened to Doodad - the phantom chewing could have been her trying to get the piece to move forward.
  22. We hike for long distances in our local state and county parks - two greyhounds - and we did the same with our bridge angel greyhounds. They love it! We climb mountains in the woods along paths surrounded by dense woods. We go out for up to 2-3 hours. I would say, start slowly at first, but if your grey likes to walk it is not going to be an issue hiking. I never take mine off their 6' leashes because 1) I would never catch them if they saw a deer - not that I think at this point in our relationship they would leave me and 2) it is just safer to keep them from getting into trouble, like falling down a cliff or maybe eating bear poop . The weather also plays a factor. Here in northern NJ we can't do any hiking at the moment as the trails are impassable with the deep snow. We really miss our hikes. Also, in the heat of the summer, we just go out really early in the morning - it often isn't too bad under the tree canopy - or just go for a short stroll and then home to the AC. I have always taken my greys for long regular walks, so I didnt really use any training techniques to get them adjusted to hiking. For us, it is just a different walk. We just walk along as hikers do, with no extreme strenuous activity. Mine love the woods more because of the unique scents, so there is a lot of stopping and investigating. Take water, as you said - I have a little backpack to put water in and a couple snacks (for all of us). Check for ticks, of course, when you are done. Nasty critters. As to water-loving - no way! My two want nothing to do with water . No swimmers here. I know there are some who like it, but mine only want solid earth and air around them . You will have fun and so will your greyhound!
  23. I am sure others may be more knowledgeable, but one of my greys had just nubs for front bottom teeth and chipped lower canine (long teeth) which never bothered him. He had regular dentals with no problems and never lost any teeth. It was assumed his condition was due to chewing on his crate at the track. I think if the root/nerve of the tooth is exposed, it would cause pain so it is good for the vet to give his opinion.
  24. We have both a fleece coat and a heavier coat with an attached snood for both my greys. They wear the fleece for cool to cold days and the other coat in the winter cold weather and snow. The snood comes in handy to keep their ears warm when freezing out. We walk/hike a lot and are outside for long stretches. To just run out in the yard for a potty break, no coats are on. We were bundled up today - me with down jacket, hat and gloves, them with their coats and snoods. We passed a guy on the trail and he said 'You all match - are they dressed like that for warmth or just fashion?' . Obviously he knew nothing about greyhounds - and he didn't even see the collars!
  25. I am glad to hear Iker is feeling happy having Xavi around. I have two greyhounds, one who is very secure and confident and then we took in a very insecure one as a foster (and failed on purpose) who loves her big brother. She has made enormous strides in confidence. I have never separated them. They enjoy each other's company and she feels safe when he is around. I also take them everywhere together, including the vet - as MaryJane said - even if only one is there for the visit. They both come in the car with me all the time. I think the female would be in shock if I ever left her without him. For us, they always stay together.
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