greysmom

It kind of depends on your dog, and their activity level. But, IMO, unless your dog is doing daily performance sports trials or training, or working on conditioning for such tasks, and is just a "normal" greyhound pet dog, somewhere around 20-25% seems to be plenty. Too much protein and it get's too rich for the breeds physical system and causes things like diarrhea and amazingly horrible gaseous emmisions. Too little and your dog isn't getting enough nutrition. FWIW, many dogs here on GT have had great results with mid-priced, mid protein grade kibble, namely: the Kirkland brand of food from Costco, and the Purina Pro Plan varieties. My vet tells me that most food intolerances and allergies in dogs are to chicken and corn, so you may choose to avoid those if you suspect your dog has this problem. There are loads of alternatives. Don't get caught up in the current fad for grain free, or unique proteins, unless your dog has a specific health issue that nessecitates using those kinds of foods.

Color of the cat doesn't matter as much as personality and activity level. I agree with giving your adoption group as much information as possible about your cat so they can find a match. And highlighting another bit of advice: indoor cats can become part of your dogs pack. Outdoor cats (and other free roaming animals) are a different thing altogether, often viewed as prey, and subject to behavior dictated by the dogs genetic heritage.

Yes. If you haven't had her in to your vet yet, now is a good time to get her in for a fecal check and a discussion about her weight loss.

Dogs grieve the loss of their pack mates, and each dog is different. I try to give the remaining pack members individual time and attention. We go on adventures, and take car rides for ice cream or puppacinos, sometimes starting a new class or activity can be good. Otherwise, I think it just has to be something they go through, and it can take some time. I think being there, and being patient with him is the way to go. Eventually, the pack will settle into a new dynamic.

Flourite - Flora Kyanite - Kya Zoisite - Zoey Do you know what color she is?

Does he begin to get anxious before you leave - while you're getting ready? Can you pinpoint the action that starts the sequence? If you can, you can do deconditioning beginning with that. If it's picking up your keys or purse, or putting on outdoor shoes, you can do that action over and over until he gets bored. Then add the next thing in the sequence - put on outdoor shoes then comb your hair (or whatever). Keep adding actions to the sequence until he's bored/uninterested with the whole thing. It can take time and determination to do this. Don't quit his meds while you're deconditioning, even if you decide to change meds. IMO, you vet skipped several routine drugs to try before prescribing the Zoloft. As I said before, nearly all anti anxiety meds are off label uses of human drugs, but there is one specifically for dogs called Clomicalm (clomipramine hydrochloride). Most vets will at least *try* this before heading to other human drugs. Also, many of us have had success with a drug called Trazadone. This one can be used both short- and long-term and seems to be quite safe for most dogs. You can also ask for a referral to a canine neurologist if your vet isn't comfortable discussing further anti aniety treatment with you. Your behaviorist should also be able to guide you as to what to try next.

Can your partner leave his presence without a reaction?

Since you can identify a specific incident after which the limping began, I would hope it's just a soft tissue injury - strain or sprain - that will get better with rest and anti inflammatories. It's a big leap from there to bone cancer, and I too wonder why your vet went there so quickly. Yes, it's a possibility - all large breed dogs are at risk - but she's young and you do have an event you can point to. I won't say not to worry because of course you will! But try to think of it as a *little* worry and not a HUGE worry!

We have a Coolaroo as well. It gets sporadic use during the summer so we keep putting it out. If you have and old blanket or scrape of fabric to cover it that they've used inside it makes it more likeable. The best thing we've done, however, is put an old bed or very cheap one, outside on top of a pallet or two stacked together. I pick up the pallets in scrape piles around manufacturers in our area - they are just throwing them away anyway. Secure them together with nails or bungee. Toss a bed on top. Viola! The pallets last quite a while if you pick them up during the winter. And the beds are ones we were tossing anyway, so it doesn't matter if they get a little wet from time to time - they dry out pretty fast in the summer.

It sounds really normal, and IMO, really positive. Continue with you alone training and get him into a set daily routine. And I would at least try out your proposed work day schedule, with the Walker, and see how he does while you are able to come home if there's a problem. Make sure you introduce him to your dog walker prior to them coming over for work days. Some greys do fine with strangers, but some don't. Congrats and Welcome!

It's hard to tell the actual value of tchotchkes. Though anything worth anything will likely have makers marks and be from established companies like Lenox. IMO, $60 is a lot of biskie monies for UCT (unidentified ceramic tchotchkes! ). Especially if there are any condition issues. They are cute though! And would be great auction items if you can get them cheaper.

I'm confused why you think that chicken is the issue. According to your description, he is eating it and not having any gas or stomach noises. His gut is probably pretty messed up from all the junk he was being fed, so it's going to take a while - probably months, if ever - for his stool to firm up. If the metronidazol seems to help you might talk with your vet about putting him on Tylan powder long term. This is a very low grade antibiotic, like the metro, that works specifically in the gut. You used to be able to just buy huge quantities on Amazon because it's also used extensively for chickens, but that changed a couple years ago and now you need a prescription. It tastes terrible just by itself, so most dog owners get gel capsules and fill them diy. The other thing to keep in mind is that there's no rule that says a dog *must* eat kibble. It's just cheaper. My IBD dog only eats canned food, with oat bran added in for fiber. Look for canned foods that say they are "complete" nutrition.

Great job Finn!!!

If your two dogs are together during the day without difficulties, and your greyhound hasn't shown any sleep startle or space issues, I would think that you would be OK to let her sleep in your room uncrated. Unless your yorkie is walking around a lot during the night disturbing everyone's sleep, there shouldn't be any issues. Get her a nice comfy bed, and see if she needs a blanket or pajamas to keep her warm. I like the bedroom to be much cooler than the rest of the house for sleeping and it might be too cool for some dogs.

Great update!

Yeah. None of mine got the "no shedding" memo. They didn't get the "no barking" memo either!

Look into boots by Voyager.

When I do my nails, the dogs get theirs done too. But a lot depends on your individual dog as some grow out faster than others. Ideally you want to keep them as short as possible, so your experience may vary. I would err on the side of caution. A limp can be minor or it can be very major, and it's difficult to determine which is which without some familiarity and knowledge. Plus, if it's a soft tissue injury, you'll want an anti inflammatory. If it's a cracked nail, that also needs attention (it could be an auto immune disease or need glowing and wrapping to stabilize it).

Run In Peace sweet Mazy. You are missed by so many...

Ultimately, you don't know until you try it. If he's quiet during the day and mostly sleeps, hasn't had any accidents, and seems to be settling in well, I would give it a try. Set up a surveillance camera or some way to check in remotely during the day so you can see how it's going. You can put him in the crate as you normally do, but leave the door open, since that is what he's used to. Good luck.

Plus they are a great way to network with other owners about pet sitting and play groups!

You'll just have to see what works for him and experiment with the amounts. For now I would stick with 1/4-1/2 cup of his bland diet. Remember to add this "snack" amount into the total for his daily food intake.

I agree with the others. If your vet is open today, get him in. Tell your vet your dog is dehydrated and nees fluids, they can set him up with a drip for a couple hours. Then you can have them address his issues - bloodwork and a repeat fecal exam at the very least. Hookworms *can* cause the symptoms you describe, and they have become extrememly difficult to get rid of lately. So even if he was treated and tested previously, he will probably need further dosing - see the thread labeled "Hookworm!" here in H&M. Also, it's unclear from your post whether or not he's being fed two meals a day or only one. He should be getting fed morning and night - it's what he's used to and what most greyhounds do well on. If he's not enthused about plain dry kibble there's no shame in adding broth or water and/or a spoon or two of canned food. Talk with your vet about adding a Pepcid 20 minutes before his meals. This will help with the acid build up. And he should be on some sort of pro/pre-biotic to keep his gut biome in proper balance. There are tons of products you can buy or you can add in full fat yogurt, goat milk, or buttermilk. Good luck. Keep us posted.

What a handsome boy! Congrats and Welcome!

This drug may not be the right drug for your dog. We don't really know why or how off-label uses of human anti anxiety meds work in dogs, so there's no telling how your individual dog will react to any drug until you try it. But it should not be getting worse. Call your vet and discuss if switching him to another drug is in order. I've forgotten, and haven't checked back in this thread, if anyone has mentioned returning him. It's a hard thing to consider, but there are simply dogs that cannot be left alone. Returning him so that he can be re-adopted into a home with a friend is not a failure on your part. And you may be able to adopt a different dog who fits better into a single dog home.