XTRAWLD

I didnt know about Melatonin either. Dosage?

I'm so sorry to hear about Nixon but what a wonderful life he had here, and you helped him have that wonderful life.

Bald thighs (well bald places) are super common and nothing to worry about. Each side of the muzzle is a little different though. I wonder if it's from rubbing his racing muzzle on his face. Do you maybe have some pics? This might easily be cleared up though with a great diet, some Omega Oils, a nice bath and brush and a loving home! Sadly, he might never grow fur back on his legs, belly, etc., but the face as I said is a little different. Did you notice any dander? This is not surprising from a dog right off the track. "Erupted skin" also doesn't sound that great, but I would think it is something manageable once under control and he's got a full vet check. Hard to tell without seeing the legions/wounds. For what it's worth, I've had great luck with something called Dermoscent to help skin/fur. It's expensive, but the first box might really really help enough to get the skin healed up and fur growing in.

Yay for second chances!

The ingredients can be the same, but they could be using more of less of each one while still remaining in the same order on the list. Ratios can make the difference, especially beet pulp, which is the binder to help with more solid poops.

I remember back when I fed Iams over 10 years ago, their small bag and big bag were not the same recipe. Not sure if that's still the same practise but from what I recall when I asked why, they mentioned something about the actual kibble size (bigger bag usually means bigger individual kibble than what would be in a smaller bag - small bag for small dog etc)

Phew. She's adjusting to her new environment, enjoy your new pup. And yes, pictures please!!!!

What? I have never heard of not having available water for your dog. There certainly are instances where you can withhold (usually only in the case of medical instances), but not on a daily routine basis - no way!

I'm curious if this same med would be used for a more regular basis? Or do they prescribe different anti-anxiety meds for it is not for occasional use? Just wondering if it's the med that makes it good for occasional use or not really...

I'd say leave it if it's not bugging her. You might be able to soak it a couple times a day in some warm epsom salt water to see if you can "pick" it off. Ryder had some weird thing in an odd area of his big pad on rear foot which after soaking and some squeezing removed a small foreign object. Literally so small wouldn't have thunk it would have made a bump like that. After all the squeezing, it was gone never to return.

I'd say you are doing great. Having him only whine for about 2 mins between long, quiet stints, nothing to worry about. I agree he's still adjusting. He's 10 so who knows what kind of life he had before. I assume he wasn't at the rescue for all his life, so a previous owner could have had a different routine than he's used to. They are pretty adaptable, and you are doing things right. Postive reinforcement is great, and a mid day day walker is awesome. Good job!

Curious to hear how the Maverick situation played out for you. If you are willing to update us, we are hear to listen and learn.

Would simply putting an absorptive pad down on his bed help instead?

We fix one thing and another thing breaks. Talk to me about Albumin levels as my vet wants to try Semintra. I understand it is off-label for dogs and is used primarily in cats to control protein levels. It comes in a liquid form, and since it's mostly for cats, I'd be going through a heck of a lot for a 70 pound boy. Anything else that might help raise (well stop the loss of) Albumin levels - not necessarily medication but perhaps food? I read that it is similar to Benazepril, however more focused on protein and therefore more effective. Perhaps the European members would be more familiar with Semintra, since it's more commonly used there than over here.

I did a quick search on the forum and this particular medication has no results! Anyone familiar with Semintra? My search says it's to reduce protein levels in urine due to chronic kidney disease. Any experience?

Has he ever been vaccinated for prevention?

Think if you were unable to communicate well. Then you were put into a strange house. You've been removed from all your friends and your only comforts. You've had 2 days to try to get used to a new routine and try to learn what is expected of you, but you don't understand the language, nor can speak it back, and you've upset the strangers that have brought you here and are terrified. If you are a first time greyhound owner, they are not like other dogs. On top of this though, you are a first time dog owner. Your expectations after 2 days of having him home are unbearably high of your new pup, and we haven't even considered adding in potential SA. Please search this forum. It is filled with lots of good things you can do to get your pup back on track. Reading your post was heartbreaking for me and I just had to put this out there.

I was told that the Lepto shot only works on about 6% of the different strains that are out there, which is why I've never vaccinated for it. Anyone have different info about this or the need to vaccinate against Lepto?

There is also this. Haven't used it but have used their other products with great results. https://www.springtimeinc.com/product/bug-off-garlic-dogs/All-Natural-Dog-Supplements Ticks can be nasty though and if you don't want to treat with ingestion or topical, strongly consider a Seresto collar.

Ah yes, I forgot about allergies. Not only medication to try to treat, but various food trials to limit the ingredient that might be causing the allergy. $70 for high quality kibble ever month until you find one that works, blood or skin testing to determine the allergen, $500. Indeed, no wonder I forgot those days.....

Can you tell me the dosage? Is this a capsule or powder or....?

I think you can also select the coverage you want with different companies. You can pay a larger premium to include annual visits, and some even for dentals. I personally just use a savings account, provided you are diligent with saving and using that account solely for dog medical expenses. I know that I can dip into it as needed without worrying about a claim that might not be covered. Not worth the stress imo.

Both my boys were relatively healthy until they hit about 10 years old and then wham, that's when the big vet bills start kicking in. Routine annual visits that can cost about $400 or so with shots. Ultrasound costs can vary, I've heard people getting them between $150-$700 and this is typically necessary to determine organ health. Xrays also vary, $150-$800 depending on the amount of shots necessary for what they are trying to see, for me xrays were typically to investigate lameness in the limbs, also required for dentals. MRI's for neurological/disc issues well that's getting up there, again vary, but at least $1K. Then of course there's chemotherapy..... I estimated the amount spent on trying to fight cancer would have been equal to the amount of payments I would have made to pet insurance for the 8 years of owning my boy. Monthly meds trying to maintain quality of life can also get expensive depending on what is being used. Hard to estimate because you never know what your hound might develop. There's also random things that pop up: a funny bump, an eye full of pus, corns, diarrhea that won't go away, random vomiting that needs investigation. That's just some of the things I've encountered. There's accidental happy tail (tail caught in a door), broken bones, broken nails, what can happen is kind of endless.....

For LS, we try to remain active, which might be counter intuitive for LP. I'm not talking about running, but walking is still important. If you are able, find small grassy inclines to get the legs working, and/or put a bunch of paper towel rolls (brand new) spaced out on the floor and have Andy walk in a straight line over them once or twice a day. It encourages him to pick up his feet and keep mobile.

I think the difference is in the coverage of the animal. A smaller collar would work on a smaller dog if I'm not mistaken. Does the box recommend size of collar comparative to the size of animal?