ramonaghan

Sending Duke prayers and good thoughts. He sounds like a fighter.

So sorry for your loss. Rest well, Pongo.

Yes, once daily, and we did/will give it with food. She could very well have hurt both feet; we have a concrete patio and she tears across that too, which can't feel too good. Thanks for the input.

The weather was pretty mild here yesterday so Sweep ran a little harder and a little longer than usual yesterday afternoon, and then I think her evening walk on top of that *really* did her in. She's been limping badly since about 7 p.m. and when there was no noticeable improvement this morning, we took her to the vet. (She was due for her annual checkup anyway and with them being closed on Sundays, I thought better safe than sorry.) The vet checked her legs, toes, pads, spine, and neck and did not feel anything out of the ordinary. Sweep whined a bit when both front feet were being examined, and in fact it was difficult for the vet to assess which front leg has the problem; she seems to be alternating which one she puts pressure on. Anyway, we were sent home with Rimadyl and instructions to take it easy, and to return Monday or Tuesday for xrays if things do not improve. Having never given Sweep any NSAIDs or painkillers before, I am wondering when I should expect to see improvement if it is in fact a pulled muscle or similar. Her spirits are good (still roaching like a champ) and her appetite is fine, but she's pretty pitiful walking-wise. She got her first dose (100 mg) about two hours ago. Thanks!

I bet she was wondering why you were being so casual about it!

Did you change her food from what she ate at her foster's? Sometimes a new food or the stress of adjusting to a new setting (albeit that seems unlikely 3 weeks in) can contribute to shedding, or it could just be seasonal; they "blow their coats" a couple of times a year, and maybe you just lucked out with the timing, having gotten her in the late spring. For what it's worth, my fawn girl sheds year-round, but 2 or 3 times a year, it's especially bad. Stay on top of the brushing (Zoom Grooms work well) and keep doing what you're doing as far as the oils go. Missing Link is a good supplement for coat/skin and might help. If you haven't tried it already, a bath should loosen all that extra hair and get rid of the worst of it. Use a gentle dog shampoo and perhaps even a conditioner to prevent drying out her skin further. I like EarthBath's Oatmeal & Aloe. Good luck!

My heart sank when I saw the subject line. So terribly sorry for your loss. Rest well, Arrow.

You could try the vegetarian Missing Link if your guy has known food sensitivities. I like that this formula includes a probiotic as well, so even though it doesn't really reduce shedding for Sweep, the other benefits are worth it to me. Good luck!

Sweep (60 lbs) gets about a tablespoon of coconut oil daily as well as fish oil. She loves it and comes running when I say "coconut?" after our evening walk. However, while her coat is shiny, soft, and dandruff-free, she still sheds quite a bit. (I have heard that's more common for fawns, but don't know if there's any truth to that.) We have gotten ours at Trader Joe's ($5.99 a jar—which is great—but you can get it on Amazon for a little more if you don't have a TJ's nearby) and the organic section of our Kroger.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Skeeterbug had a long life well lived. Rest well, sweetie.

Bonnie's lovely! You've gotten good advice above, but FWIW Sweep has also had some red spots on her belly and inner thighs lately, and we're also in muggy, buggy central. She didn't seem bothered by them and I haven't done anything, and they've gone away on their own within a few days.

Sending good thoughts for your girl, and for you too.

Yes, we have done this regularly with Sweep in the year and a half we've had her. I love it. As soon as that leash comes off, she knows exactly what she's there for and is happy happy happy. We moved into a house with a small fenced yard a couple of months ago, but we still try to get to the ball field when possible because it's so much bigger and has fewer obstacles. We are lucky to have found one at a park about 10 minutes away that is surrounded completely by an 8-foot fence and does not have any No Dogs signs. (Obviously we always clean up after ourselves, but generally speaking, we're only in there for 5–10 minutes anyway so no one's ever given us any trouble.) I would advise a brisk walk or jog beforehand to warm CJ up (and a short cooldown walk after); Sweep's been a little wobbly or even limpy on occasions when we haven't done so. Glad things are going so well!

I'm so sorry for your loss. I loved reading about your special boy, though I hate the circumstances. It sounds like he was quite the character. Rest well, Yvain.

Merlin! What a terrifying ordeal, but the Wizard still had some magic tricks up his sleeve apparently. Very happy for you all that he has made so much progress in his recovery.

Grassmere is my vet. Here is the link on corn hulling. Sending good thoughts to Jack--I hope that is all it is!

Seamie. Happy birthday, sweetie. You are so loved and missed.

So sorry for your sudden loss. Rest well, Tractor.

So very sorry for your loss, and condolences to your parents as well, who must be hurting doubly since they couldn't be there to see her off. Rest well, beautiful Blossom; it sounds like you were a very special girl.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Rest well, Sarge.

I'm so sorry for your loss; your lovely tribute has me in tears. It sounds like you had a wonderful life together. Rest well, Dory.

I taught Sweep using this method, and she is the same way! She is a sittin' fool when she wants something.

So sorry for the loss of your beautiful blue boy. Rest well, Billy.

I am so sorry for your loss. Rest well, Donovan.

Swoon. He is beautiful and clearly is right where he belongs!