jenn8

Neylasmom, if the Gabapentin doesn't work, I would opt for the extra dose of Tramadol. I know you mentioned that it didn't seem to help Neyla's pain earlier but that could be due to the smaller dose. To me, it's kind of like taking aspirin for a migrane. You would definitely want something strong enough to knock out the pain first and then try to stay ahead of it. Onyx's pain increased very quickly and I noticed a big difference between 100 mg and 150 mg when it got to that point. I did not know he had cancer until the last day. This was pain management for his arthritis which he had for over a year. When first diagnosed, I tried all kinds of different NSAIDS and supplements and nothing seemed to help much until we added Tramadol (a much lower dose then, of course). I did a lot of research on Tramadol and really found nothing harmful in the way of side effects, etc. Maybe your vet would consider letting you increase each dose instead of adding the extra one. I think you would still be under the maximum dosage. We used Rimadyl twice a day and Tramadol three times... 8AM, 4PM, & midnight. I just gave the Rinadyl with each meal. After seeing his last x-ray and the damage done by his cancer, I was just so grateful that I had already been giving him the right meds to ease his pain. Jenn

That is because the thread has a poll. If someone votes, it pushes the thread back to the top. Jenn

This is so funny. I was reading this thread with interest, then I saw the picture of that yard and thought it looked familiar. Then I read someone's comment about the yard and it sounded exactly like what I would have said and then I realize it was me who made the comment 6 months ago! Maybe we can get the OP to come back and tell us how her yard looks now. Jenn

Bullet started doing the jaw spasms when his heart condition was getting worse. Just a guess but it doesn't seem like it would indicate a particular disease, rather just a sign that something not too good may be going on inside. Jenn

Neylasmom, you should be able to increase the Tramadol if your pup is having pain. If I remember right, Onyx was getting 150 mg, every 8 hours. Jenn

It might help to set up a video or web cam to get an idea of what the issue actually is. Jenn

You could try a Marshall cord protector. They sell them on line at Foster & Smith or Petco. Jenn

I am very sorry you are going through this sad time with your girl. I had to make the difficult decision on two occasions and without my dogs giving me a sign or a special look. One had osteo and the x-rays showed that his leg was just about to break. The other one had an enlarged heart and, after 8 good months, his condition began to rapidly decline. There was nothing more we could do for him. I never regretted helping both my boys when I did, even though they didn't make it clear that it was time. It doesn't always happen that way. For some reason, I found this statement comforting afterwards. It reminded me of the real reason I made the decision and kept those awful, guilty feelings from creeping in. So I thought I would share it with you: "The intention of euthanasia is to relieve your animal’s suffering and to create a dignified and painless death for reasons of mercy and compassion.” Jenn

Well, I'll throw my story in just in case your vet cannot find anything else wrong. Onyx was yelping 2 or 3 times at night and it seemed kind of strange that it was just out of the blue. No movement. No indication of where the problem might be. My vet could not find anything on physical examination, so we scheduled x-rays for the next day. That night I noticed him tilting his head slightly a couple of times. Next day, I mentioned it to the vet and he took a real good look in his ear, then apologized for missing whatever it was way deep in side. He managed to get a sample to test but gave me some drops in the meantime and they cleared up the problem pretty quick. I am not saying your dog's problem is the same but just giving an example of how far off we (and our vets) can sometimes be with these mystery yelpings. Hopefully, yours will be easy to figure out and simple to fix but make sure he checks the ears just in case! Jenn

Is it just one quick yelp and that's it or does it go on for a while? Jenn

I had the feeling this one would get some good answers. Jenn

Well, he has to go sometime, right? You just need to be there when he does. That means spending a solid block of time (as in 48 hours ), not letting him out of your sight. He needs consistent repetition... this is okay, that is not, no variation inbetween.... so he can understand what you want him to do. So far, he has learned that the laundry room, bedroom and closet are places he can lift his leg whenever mom is not there. He does not know it is wrong. You can see that he has the capability to learn, however, what you teach him is up to you. This is going to take some work but the time spent up front will be worth it in the long run. I would be happy to explain in more detail if you want. Jenn

Ear infections can be very painful. If your dog continues to whine after trying the prednisone, I would get him back to a vet and see if they can use a sedative to find out what is going on. Jenn

If he hasn't had any accidents yet, you are closer to success than you think. Make sure you are quick to catch him circling and cheerfully lead him outside. Praise him to the high heavens when he goes. To the degree that you sound like Edith Bunker! Your neighbors may think you are nuts. I cannot stress enough how important it is not to let accidents go unnoticed at this point. It is so much harder to break the habit once they think it's okay to pee in the house. This is why people might suggest tethering him to you for a couple of days. You just need to get the idea straight in his head with consistent repetition. Do you think there might have been times that he circled around without you seeing it but didn't pee for whatever reason? If so, that may be causing some confusion. I am not saying that you will always have to watch him for these clues but this is the critical time that it is most important for you to be on top of it. I usually plan to spend at least 48 hours straight, never leaving the dog out of sight. This means if I take a shower, someone else has to watch him. During the night, I keep one eye open! Just kidding, but I do keep him close enough that I will be woken up if he stirs. This is how crates can be helpful for those time you cannot watch but all the learning is done outside of the crate. Hope this helps. Jenn

It's really cute when they start getting lazy about it too. First they'll try a half way down bow, then just the legs forward, then just one paw up and down. So adorable. Jenn

You can secure the metal barriers to any stationary object with zip ties. I have had one in my Jeep Cherokee for many years. Two crates are impossible to fit in. It is hard for anyone to say what would be the safest for our pups because we can't predict the outcome of an accident. I am not sure I would want my dogs anchored to the inside of a car that was all smashed up or on fire. Being leashed or strapped to something could also cause them to panick more from an impact while struggling to get free. It just seems like it might be easier for them to regain their footing or even brace their fall if they had the room they needed to do it. But those are just my choices and I hope I don't end up regretting them some day. A few more ideas: Leaving the window open far enough where a dog can fit his head out is very dangerous. If you had to stop suddenly, a simple fall could break his neck. Always keep one of those seatbelt ripper/window breaker tools in your car where you will be able to easily reach it. I think they cost 5 bucks. Jenn

There is nothing harder. Jenn

It sounds like Hermes is adjusting quite well actually. You and your wife are doing a great job. The best is yet to come. You will see his personality emerge in time and any quirks will just seem so adorable. I'll bet he turns into a momma's boy. We love them! Jenn

Hi, just wondering if your wife could do some walks. Also, if you are keeping the pups in crates all this time, I would try to give them a break from that. They probabloy need more mental and physical stimulation. Jenn

If you don't have a video camera, just a simple tape recorder can tell you a lot about what's going on when you aren't there. Jenn

Being home most of the time can make those few trips away difficult for some dogs to deal with. I agree with everyone else on the crate issue and I think it'll all work out much better if start his alone training as well. He sounds like a rascal. Jenn

Man, this could be so many different things. Are you sure his previous owner is telling you everything? It just seems kind of odd that his symptoms just appeared yet point to conditions that would have existed before you even got him. Do you think it would be worth talking to her again? Something just doesn't sound right. Jenn

Sorry to hear about the UTI but at least you have some answers. I would wait until his condition is cleared up before putting him to any tests. I also think you can set your dog up for success by giving him the opportunity to relieve himself often enough that "holding it" won't be a big issuee. Rather, you can be very proud when he shows you that he needs to go out and pee instead of doing it in the house. He needs a regular schedule that will work for him and that he can depend on. This is an essential part of housetraining that the owner needs to do when they first bring their dog home. Greyhounds don't come this way but because of their upbringing, they already understand the concept and just need to be taught new rules. Jenn

Can she stay with your mom until until you move? It does sound like Hattie cannot handle the environment. I can't imagine her coming back from mom's in February with a newborn baby added to the mix. It just seems like staying with mom would make the whole transition easier on all of you. If your mom went for it, maybe you could hire someone close by to help her with regular walks, etc. Is Hattie a shy or fearful dog or does most of her anxiety come from being left alone? Jenn

Sometimes it helps to say your dog's name right before the command, so she knows you are talking to her and not just wanting to hear your ears rattle. I also believe that consistency is very important. If you get her to settle down when you say so, don't let her slide from there on in. While she may understand what you want (or don't want), she can also learn very quickly that it's up to her if she listens or not. Jenn