Sighthounds4me

About a week and a half ago, we said goodbye to Manero. He was 10. He had been fighting for months, losing strength slowly. He had mostly refused food, and in the last couple days, he went downhill fast. We had to carry him to the van. He was my first show dog, and my first champion. He was also my first heart-dog. We will miss him tremendously, but he has been reunited with his brother, his Greyhound (Naples), and his kitty (King.) Till we meet again, love! ;(

We recently had to treat Henley for Lyme disease. At the vet's suggestion, I called around to find a good price. Walmart was over $500!!! But, Walgreen's was about $40. Yes, only one zero! I could NOT believe the difference!

As many of you know, I no longer have Greyhounds, but still have sighthounds (Borzoi and a Deerhound). Henley, the four year old Borzoi, had an exam recently, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease. He's on doxycycline, and doing fine. But this brings some questions to my mind: should I vaccinate the others (assuming they titer within tolerances)? What are the pros and cons of vaccinating? In researching, it seems that the vaccine is not always effective, and may cause a severe case of Lyme that is untreatable. But in discussing this with my vet today, he says this is old information, and the vaccines his clinic uses is newer, is a killed bacteria, and does not cause the disease. He does, however, suggest that if we decide against vaccinating, we should use a collar like Preventic brand, using Amitraz. My research on that indicates that it might not be safe for sighthounds, though it is very effective against ticks. We live in a semi-wooded area, and hike a lot in the woods. Lyme is a real concern in this area, but I don't want to waste my money on something useless, or worse, potentially harmful to our dogs. Can anyone with experience chime in? Thanks!

Oh, Jey, I'm so sorry! He was a handsome man!

Another Wisconsinite here - I am from the Green Bay area. No longer have Greyhounds, though we are likely to have more later. We currently have three Borzoi and a Scottish Deerhound. Nice to have you aboard!

It looks nice and healthy. You're doing what I'd do! Naples tore her dew several years ago. Her's was different: she tore the skin around it, and dislocated the joint. We decided to just have the dews removed while she was under for a dental. Glad we did!

I don't have Greyhounds, either! I am Sarah from Wisconsine, representing Manero, Henley, and Armani the Borzoi, and Brubeck the Deerhound!

Hey, Annie! I'd introduce myself, but I think you already know me!

I haven't read all the replies, so forgive me if this has been mentioned. But I would like to agree with those explaining why these situations are threatening to a dog. In that light, I would recommend reading the book The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell, PhD. She is an applied animal behaviorist, and this book highlights the differences between canines and primates (we humans are primates), and why so many of the things we do are rude or even aggressive to canines. Many, if not most, dogs can be taught to accept human idiocy, but not all. And it takes time.

Our cat was similar: free-fed daily. In our old house, we placed his food waaaaayyyy back in the corner of a large L-shaped computer desk, and pushed the chair in tight in front of it. The dogs could not reach his food, but he could easily jump up there to eat. When we moved to this house, our master bathroom is attached to our walk-in closet. We put King's litter box in the bathroom, and his food and water in the closet. We baby-gated the bathroom so King could get to the bathroom, but the dogs could not.

Thankfully, my vet told me they usually prefer propofol to ketamine, especially on sighthounds. When Manero had a foot injury that needed surgical repair several years ago, he was induced with ketamine. He woke VERY roughly. Last year when we had him neutered, I made sure to mention that. The tech told me they rarely use ketamine. Yay!

Your Borzois are breathtakingly beautiful. Just had to say that. Awww, thanks! We love them!

I've done several obedience classes with several sighthounds. They do learn differently, for certain. I have learned that class is not the time to teach the dog anything. Repeat the command a couple times, praise like crazy, and that's it. Classes are MUCH too long and boring for dogs to learn anything of substance. Instead, they teach the human how to train the dog. Use short, positive sessions at home to actually do the training. This is especially true of dogs at a beginner's level. The more advanced they are in training, the longer you can keep their attention. But 30-45 minutes, the average length of classes, is far to long for any dog! If you have a trainer that does not believe this strategy, find a different trainer. My trainer, also a good friend, employs this belief, and tells the class this the first week of every training session.

I don't allow it. When my dogs meet new people and begin to sniff crotches, I pop the lead, say "No Sniff!" and redirect them.

I would not call that unfortunate. Rather, it's a GREAT thing that you recognized your limitations, and will find her a great forever home. That is a win/win!