PatricksMom

I'm not sure where you are, but University of Pennsylvania does individualized diets; I haven't worked with them on that but my other experiences with them were stellar.

I hold off until I see a problem or we hit 6 or so. I do give fish oil to everyone (and supposedly me, but I keep forgetting).

Great!!!

Have you done a vet check? You're getting great behavioral advice (as always), but I always wonder if the dog could be in pain--he could have a muscle issue or some arthritis that's hurting him when you grab his collar.

It's always good to do the vet check, but will say Henry is the most vocal dog I've ever had, everything in his life requires commentary, some of them are just like that, just like some people I figure (except it's cute in a dog, not so much in a person)

I need that. And one for my office door, problem solved.

Jennifer and I share an adoption group, so I'm seconding what she's said, I've never heard of there being a problem. I thought most groups did the dental and the spay/neuter at the same time, but I could be wrong? I've never needed to have a major surgery done that wasn't an emergency, but I usually wait or bump the dental up a bit before removing lumps, etc. to avoid putting them under twice, never had a vet suggest that's anything but prudent.

Glad to hear he's starting to do better.

Glad you got tentative good news. I'd be insistent on some pain relief in the interim, if medically safe.

My vet used to take three readings over the course of 1/2 hour. Not a good solution if your dog flips out at the vet, but if they're reasonably okay with being there multiple readings help.

I hope he continues to improve. I'd check the blood pressure--it's a non-invasive test so it can't hurt to be certain.

Lots of great advice, as usual. Also, is chicken the highest reward treat for him, or is there something that would provide better motivation? I've always had good luck with shredded cheese--seems to get them to slow down so they don't realize they've actually gone up the steps part way and freak out.

I rearrange my schedule not only for my vet, but for the day my vet operates with her favorite vet tech, who is a greyhound mom, for what that's worth. I'm probably just inconveniencing myself, but it makes me feel better. For a small lump, or anything comparable, I've never had a vet suggest anything other than pairing it with a dental. The small amount of added time under is nothing compared to the risk of knocking your dog out twice.

Depending on what your vet says, maybe add something for inflammation to the Tramadol. I like Meloxicam.

It might. Leo will bark when my car comes home until I go into the house. But if I go back outside after coming home, no barking. Of course he's kind of nuts...

I found Target and Costco to have good prices for human Meloxicam, if that's what you're looking for, but that was three years ago.

I know it's been suggested already, but I would second or third taking her for a vet check--it's always best to rule out an issue with pain before assuming a behavioral issue.

If you think your apartment management folks will be reasonable, it's probably best to be upfront with the situation, that you expect there may be a transition period, rather than waiting for a complaint. Also, if you've been doing alone training without going very far, he may still know you're there and that's why he's whining. I'm amazed how sensitive my boy's ears are. If Leo knows I'm within earshot, whining commences, but I've checked and checked and checked with the neighbors and they swear he's quiet when we're not there.

Congratulations, that is an achievement!

Once a vet's given him a once over, if you let us know what part of the country you're in, we can give better recommendations about what will work. Frontline worked very well for a decade in Delaware, after I moved to South Carolina we had fleas in less than a month. Now I use Trifexis + Frontline Plus for ticks.

This is right. There's no definitive answer, unfortunately. I've always used raised feeders because my dogs have seemed more comfortable with them, but I think either option is okay, whatever works best for your dogs.

What's his overall health? I'm assuming you've run a recent urine/blood panel--how did things look?

Reporting in with 2 very sucessful dentals--no problems with anesthesia, other than needing to be cleaned, no issues with the teeth. Leo does have a double extra incisor, but there's no crowding so no problem, just something else to make him unique.

I'm reading this with interest--right now we do Trifexis and Frontline. I'd really like to stop double dosing for fleas if we can, it makes me nervous.

Our vet did foot xrays while he was out for his dental (which went fine). So the good news is the one he hurt Saturday is completely back in place and seems to be staying there (w/leash restriction & wrapping instructions and an anti-inflamatory). The bad news is the funny looking toe next to it was badly dislocated at some point and has healed way out of position. And he has another toe on that foot that's not quite as bad, but with the same thing. The vet feels, and I agree, that while he's not completely comfortable with that foot, it's better to treat this like arthritis for the time being than to risk surgery, particularly on load bearing toes. I'm just frustrated wondering if he'd been given proper medical care in the past if his foot would be better, but I guess what's done is done. I don't think once we get past the current injury, he'll need medication routinely yet, but he is on cosequine and we're going to add in fish oil supplements.