2ndChance

To preface, I tried searching this and found nothing. Whenever Chance eats or drinks, he does it so fast that he coughs and throws up practically EVERY time. I tried to slow down his eating by putting a tuna can in the bowl so he has to eat around it. That has helped...But as for water, I guess I could just put VERY little in it and fill it up 100x a day, but realistically I can't see myself keeping up with that. So...first off, is it normal that he coughs and sometimes throws up the water after consuming it? (just once..he's fine after) Secondly, what can I do to prevent it at least a little? The water is much more of an issue then food now.... He worries me sometimes. Thx...

Prayers for your Finny....I can only imagine the emotional rollercoaster you have been on. Thinking of you and Finny

I was watching Rachael Ray this morning and they had a vet on. He showed this powder that you add to their food to help with their teeth. It caught my eye, because as much as I would like to say I brush Chance's teeth everyday, I most certainly do not. However, I DO KNOW how important clean teeth mean a healthy organs/body. I think this is fairly new, but the vet said it's been around for a hundred years. What do you GT'ers think? I hold your opinion in high regard... Thx Clenz a dent

Thanks soooo much for posting this! I've been procrastinating on this, and was actually going to post this question! Trupanion is sounding awfully good...same with Embrace....hmmmm. thanks GT

That is so true! Me not being there, I needed to play it safe.

Interesting you say that b/c I was thinking the same thing. I wasn't there to see it, so to play it safe I told him to go. He had said it stopped bleeding, but then started again...and he had to get to work. He wound up taking off, poor guy (he's already taking a month off to take care of me when I go home!). After seeing the pics I just thought it was a little too deep. Plus the chance of infection.... I'd love to know how you would have handled it b/c I'm sure this will not be the last time something like this happens where you're not sure vet or not. thanks KennelMom! Deep doesn't always need stitches...actually deep wounds like punctures are often best left to heal on their own, lest you seal in any bacterial buggers might otherwise drain out naturally. We would have cleaned it really well and then just let it be...Obviously if something will not stop bleeding, that would need to be seen. But stopping/starting a little bit while the body is trying to do it's thing and clot isn't necessarily an emergency or vet worthy. An otherwise healthy dog should have an immune system capable of handling a cut like that. I'm not a fan of prophylactic antibiotics except in very old, very young or immuno-compromised dogs. In normal, healthy dogs just let their immune system work and treat with antibiotics *if* there are signs of infection. Things that usually definitely see the vet are wounds that keep tearing/getting larger (usually because of where they are on the body). Parts missing (we recently had an ear tip chomped off). Multiple large wounds (probably a good idea to get some antibiotics in that case). A really BIG wound - Like, I'm talking credit card sized or bigger. Also if I'm ever not sure whether they should go...borderline things are taken in, though our vet knows (and agrees with) the path of least resistance. If there's a real good shot it'll just heal on it's own, we'll leave it be. You would be amazed at what can heal without stitches and antibiotics. I post this pic b/c makes a dramatic point: Aside from the initial week of antibiotics (she had multiple large wounds, punctures, etc), it healed up on it's own. They stitched up as much as they could and then just ran out of skin. She was originally open from just about her spine to her belly. This is actually a few weeks into the healing process so it's smaller and nicer looking when than it started. Wow!!! That makes Chances' wound look like peanuts!!! But note taken! First day at dog park months ago chance had a gash like that but hmmmm about 1/100 of the size...about a quarter lol...being a new dog owner I thought vet right away....BUT...after reading some posts on here...I relaxed..kept it clean and covered (when I could ) and let it heal on it's own. Sure enough it did and you dont even know it's there. I just watched for an infection. Saved me some loot there by just being calm. I dont know how "much" it was bleeding....but I'm sure my brother freaked. I'm sure it would've done fine on it's own after talking to you. Thanks as always for your wisdom! It'll be very helpful in the future! Brianne & Chance

Interesting you say that b/c I was thinking the same thing. I wasn't there to see it, so to play it safe I told him to go. He had said it stopped bleeding, but then started again...and he had to get to work. He wound up taking off, poor guy (he's already taking a month off to take care of me when I go home!). After seeing the pics I just thought it was a little too deep. Plus the chance of infection.... I'd love to know how you would have handled it b/c I'm sure this will not be the last time something like this happens where you're not sure vet or not. thanks KennelMom!

So true! Gives him character!

As many of you know, Chance is staying with my brother while I'm in the hospital. He's been spoiling him outright with 2-3 hour dog park trips! Recently, however, he brought Chance for a walk in the back where there's a huge park. Just so happens a neighbor of his has a Greyhound as well! So they finally got to meet the other day, but it wasnt so greyt. The two were just sniffing one another's butts per regular greeting ritual. Before you know it, the other grey lunged at Chance and bit him on the snout. No warning at all Needless to say Chance needed stitches, only two, and anitbiotics. Because of the location of the wound they had to sedate him a little bit. The point of my story/post is to tell you what a stand-up and classy greyhound owner the other woman was. My vet is down south by me, however I had gotten two other vets near my brother in case of an emergency like this. BUT...wouldn't you know I couldn't find the stupid piece of paper I wrote it on. The lady insisted on Brandon bringing Chance to her vet...who obviously knows Greyhounds! After all is said and done the lady paid the whole $314 bill. My brother offered to pay half and she wasn't having it. I thought that was terribly sweet of them. I do know I would do the same if Chance bit another dog for no reason b/c I would feel utterly guilty and obligated, but nonetheless, there aren't many dog owners who take responsibility for their dog's actions. Greyhound owners, like the dogs themselves, are just different! I wanted to share what a kind lady she is...and share some pitiful pictures. Chance is doing fine...little sluggish for half the day when it happened. But my food-driven boy was chowing down food by afternoon. I do not know if she is on "Greytalk"....maybe I should ask my brother if she is. He has already said thank you....but I would like to say thank you very much. It is much appreciated.

Can I jump on this topic.... Chance licks his butt....ummm..maybe once a day...twice poss...of course these are times I see him do it and he's always around me. Stated earlier, they said a vet said it's normal to this breed...is that true? Chance's poops do vary too (esp if at the dog park...he poos till it is runny..he's so excited) I was thinking that it itches b/c when it's more runny, it's messier and I figure it is making it itch. Once I wipe his butt, he doesn't do it anymore. Should I be more worried? I never heard about "expressing" anal glands....guess I gotta do more researching on greys

I haven't done the "out of crate" while I'm gone yet. He doesn't seem to mind the crate...and the few times I allowed him to have free reign..he peed. Anyway, when I DID let him out of crate while at work...I babygated him in the kitchen. I dont have a noise issue...but if he had an accident he'd do it on the linoleum (which is no big deal...and easier to clean). I just put his dog bed and toys in there, so he was comfortable. My problem is not being there to correct that behavior and he'll just do it everytime. You dont have the crate option like I do...so for now...till the problem gets better...baby gate him elsewhere besides the bedrooms. Is that possible? Another suggestion is putting puppy pads everywhere....maybe you'll get lucky and he'll do it on one of those I feel bad for you guys...gotta be frustrating...but I'm sure it is too for your grey. Best of luck!!

Hehehe.....Chance is the same way! I'm not a morning person, and thankfully neither is he!! Woohooo!! ps. Nice name Secondchance!

Ahhh..I'm not alone! I could not wait to go to the reserviour and show off my beautiful greyhound....but that wasn't happening any time soon . I couldn't even take him around my block (still can't b/c there are too many parked cars...he loves them). I rely heavily on the dog park for exercise...but I do go to a neighboring development a minute's drive away. It's annoying to drive over there to walk him, but he walks so much better. He STILL statues...sometimes only once or twice...other times a handful. I tried EVERYTHING here on GT recommended. Barely any of it worked...and I tried it more than once! Here's what I realized.... The more I take him, the better he is. Also, the more familiar the area, the better. And here I thought changing it up would bet the way to go. When he does statue....i wait it out. Not too fun when he does it in front of a driveway when the ppl come home and want to pull in!! I let him be stubborn or stare at the road....then I try a sweet "Walk" or "Let's go" and "sometimes" he listens. Most of the time he goes when he's ready. But yes, like some other have said, LOTS AND LOTS of praise when he is walking! I do carry treats...but to give him one when he walks good causes him to stop ...why would i do that??! The praise works for me..and treats at end. Whenever he's walking...I constantly say "Good walk Chance" over and over. I heard it may take a year...maybe longer...for this to get better...and may never be cured. Depends on the hound I guess. I've had Chance 4 months now...he improved the more we went. Still not perfect...but he's allowed to have ONE hang up. He's a terrific dog...

I knew within a month I'd want Chance on my bed. I work most of the day, so sometimes I feel like it's our only time together.....It's just me, so I LOVE LOVE LOVE how he snuggles between my legs or even nestles into my arms. Luckily he has no sleep aggression....and I KNOW i got lucky b/c Chance will sleep in with me...sometimes as late as 11am!!! If I'm sleeping...he's sleeping. Once I start moving around (and god forbid get up and pee) ..it's over. It's potty and feeding time! But that's ok

I was told the opposite from my Vet. She said that online companies or places like Costco, where although cheaper, there is no guarantee that they are the real deal. Too many stories about how the product didn't work, etc. Luckily my Vet was willing to match any deal from a few creditable web sites. I was able to procure a good deal and guaranteed products. She said that these companies, like Heart Guard and Frontline ONLY send their products to Vets and the other "ones" out there are not guaranteed and could be "whatever"...just not a chance i was willing to take...

Ooooh...nice! I cut his nails with the scissor style today (returned the guillotine ones) and he was F I N E!! woot woot!! Tomorrow I will try the Dremel I picked up at Walmart for $20 (5,000-10,000 rpms) <---- I'm hoping that's strong enough. I'll give lots of treats...only MAYBE one paw...depending how it goes. Like I said, Chance is very understanding, but i dont want to push any buttons on this one. I'm sooo happy to get those claws shortened! You'd all be so disappointed at how long they got!!

Chance sleeps so much that 90% of my pics of him are of him sleeping. I usually MAKE him stay up by playing with him or giving him a bone that will keep him occupied. I teach, and have been off for a week now (thx to SNOW!) and he sleeps more than I thought! It's in their blood...they are "storing" their energy until they have to let it all out.

I think Deb makes a valid point here. Maybe I'm wrong, but I never have known shelters to "match" you up with one of their dogs. In addition, when you buy a puppy, YOU NEVER know what their temperament, personality, disposition will be like..no matter HOW MUCH training...i.e. Marley A good adoption agency will match you up, they best they know how, with a hound that fits your lifestyle and what you are looking for. For example, I was TORNNNNN between Chance and a beautiful female brindle. Something pulled me towards Chance, but I just started bawling b/c I adored the female too (I'm overly sensitive lol)....in any case...I asked the adoption owner to tell me who would fit MY lifestyle. The female was laid back and calm...Chance had PERSONALITY!!! ...and would be the type of dog to want to drive in the car and go to BBQ's and play with other dogs. She was right.... He's the best thing to ever happen to me

THAT sums it up best! But also....that they CAN learn. It's up to you HOW MUCH. Just knowing that I am giving him a life of comfy couches, snuggling in bed, and walkies/dog parks <---- DP's trump food even!! .....and a loving environment, makes adopting a Greyhound the best thing on earth. Although I'd recommend a Grey b/c I'm obsessed (and this is only after 4 mos!!! ), I think rescuing ANY breed or mutt is the most wonderful thing you can do. They will thank you in more ways than you can count. Best of luck!!!!

Thx Robin! Yes, Chance came from GAA! I will definitely look into that in the near future. I've only had Chance for 4 months now...so I will wait till he "totally" listens to me and is more comfortable in Petsmart....right now he just gets soooo excited there... ha!

I can't leave the house without Chance freaking out and wanting to come. He gets sooo happy and makes me feel bad if I dont bring him EVERYWHERE! He's VERY outgoing and loves all dogs...I'd love to bring him to a meet and greet, but I am not part of a "group". I always get sooo many compliments of what an outgoing Grey he is (unusual maybe?!) and of course on his biggggg his haunches are ! Sooo...what about someone like me interested in getting the word out about how awesome Greys are (toooo many ppl are clueless!) but no idea how to go about it?

No winking needed! IHeartDogs actually recommended a Black and Decker and I will probably go with one like that. I don't think I need to spend 100 bucks on the Dremel brand and all it's trinkets and attachments. I'm only using it for Chance's nails, so simplicity is key.

I am surprised by this and bought the guillotine style....ONLY b/c I thought the "pros" use the guillotine style. I couldn't figure out which would be more comfortable for Chance. My thought process was if I just didn't nick the quick, I'd be fine. Doesn't matter...I'm gettin' the dremel!

This is TERRIFIC! Thank you!! I think it's a no-brainer to go with the dremmel...for both of our sake.

I was suaded not to use a "powerful" one from another thread on bit size....b/c they get too hot. Do you have this model? If so, I'll concede and get that! Thx!