BoTrixie

Hello, My 6 year old greyhound has recently been diagnosed with epilepsy. She had a handful of seizures at the end of last year. In February, she had a "cluster seizure" - 4 seizures over the span of only 24 hours. Because of this, my vet had us start keppra. Since starting the meds, she has not had any seizures (fingers crossed). I am trying to work through every option to keep her healthy and as seizure-free as possible. Based on her neurologists recommendations, we have added cbd oil (Ellevet brand) and fish oil. The neurologist said we could explore the Purina Neurocare, but he wasn't super excited about it (he said that it only helps some dogs, is much better for age related issues, and a lot of dogs don't find it palatable). We have started to mix in a whole prey raw diet. We would like to continue serving 50/50 raw to kibble. But, I am questioning if our current kibble is the right one (Open Farm Chicken and Ancient Grain). I'm wondering if anyone else has a nutrition path that they recommend. Are you doing a kibble? Raw only? Have you seen any difference? Thanks!

@racindog Hooray for Goldie! It's so inspiring to hear about other fearful dogs who have managed to gain confidence. It's all I want for Trixie. I will have to check out Rescue Remedy. She has come so far in the time she has been with us. In the beginning, she was so afraid of people she wouldn't seek affection and she wouldn't take a treat from anyone's hand. We've come so far with her! She is incredibly cuddly with us and when it comes to new people, she will approach them if they are quiet and sitting down and on brave days she will take a treat from them. She still gets very nervous in new places, and sometimes just walking in our own neighborhood she will get scared when there is something (and especially someone) new. It's been a joy to get her this far, and I can't wait for the day when I can say that she's achieved Goldie status!

@greysmom thank you! We've had greyhounds for 20 years, but I've never had a single biting issue with our previous dogs. Goes to show that there is always something new with this breed and always something new to learn! I'm definitely going to try the sock trick to help the ear heal better (and prevent the blood spatter look that I found on my hallway wall from when she decided to do a full body shake - which of course reopened it again). As I rethink about the incidents again and again, I do think that this is just them establishing boundaries. But, I also think this has raised a great topic in my house about Bogie as a new dog. He is a big boy (95 lbs and it's all muscle) and doesn't quite understand how large/ strong he is. He is insanely friendly and even with humans (me, my husband, and any guests that come to our home) he can be a bit dense about boundaries. Husband and I talked about it, and it is time to do some general training with him to establish basic manners. He is such a good boy and he loves everyone he meets! but I think it's time to help him learn how to love everyone with a little but more respect. Again, always something new to learn and every dog is so different. While I know that my two are going to find their path together, I also have to acknowledge that I can make this easier on all of us by stepping up to help him learn what it means to be a good boy. Again, really appreciate your help and reassurance. I haven't been to this site in a long time and getting these comments has reminded me how valuable and caring this group is!

Thank you so much @Time4ANap and @racindog. I really needed to hear that I am not going down a terrible path here. Bogie is still settling in here (it's only been 7 months) and really he and Trix and so so good together. (She is a very shy dog and having a confident companion makes all the difference in how she interacts with the outside world.) I do think these were just moments of establishing boundaries. But oh that sound this week and the way that Trix looked at me after it was over. Of course she is fine now (because it's an ear wound it opens every time she shakes her head and that part is no fun) and the two of them had a great play session this morning that has resulted in what is shaping up to be a 5 hour ++ nap. I really appreciate the reassurance!

Would love thoughts and advice on how to handle this. We have an existing 4 year old female greyhound in our home. We adopted a 2.5 year old male in July. The two of them have gotten along great - they play together (play bows, zoomies - both inside and outside of the house), no aggression issues with food, and overall they are a happy pair. However, there was an incident about the 5 weeks ago where our male dog was snoozing on the couch and our female jumped up on the couch to yell at the mailman. The two of them ended up arguing and the male bit the female on her back between her shoulder blades. We went to the vet and they cleaned her up and put her on antibiotics just in case. No stitches and the wound healed perfectly. After the incident, the two of them immediately went back to their usual selves. And all was well! Until yesterday... she was sleeping in the sunbeam and he wanted to be in the same spot. She gave him a few warning growls, he didn't like it and again, we had a bite. This time on her ear. And again, the two of them went back to being their happy selves within minutes of the incident. I've had several greyhounds over the past 20 years and we have never had anything I would call aggression until now. I'm at a loss as to what to do. Should I call in a behaviorist? Is there something that I am missing in their interactions that I should be seeing? Would love advice here. The first time it seemed like a freak accident. But twice in 2 months feels like a bigger problem. (or am I overreacting???). Help.