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Nicholas P. Woodward | 6 years ago
So Stella, Our Almost 3 Year Old Morkie Has Some Possession Aggression Issues. Particularly With…

So Stella, our almost 3 year old Morkie has some possession aggression issues. Particularly with things like socks or things that don’t have a firm middle when she bites in (like soft stuffed animals). We have tried bribing her with treats and bones, distracting her with play and love, forcefully taking these items from her (that didn’t work well), and finally today we did something that worked! We asked her if she wanted to go “out” to take a “walk” and though he ears perked up she still didn’t drop this stuffed Aflac duck she found in my office. However, once she had her leash on and saw the great outside at the bottom of the stairs she dropped it and never looked back. Do you think this trick will continue to work? Is there anything else we can do when she’s decided something she has a bite on is something she’ll get aggressive about? Thank you all for your insight and help!

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I think that the “exchange” option, i.e. “I’ll give you something of higher value to surrender the item you have” will work for a little while. But it leaves you constantly set up for being her servant. Life is all about compromise, but, not fear based “I’ll bite the hand that feeds me to get my way” compromise. Respect is earned, not traded. I would strongly recommend a basic puppy and obedience class. All should be based on positive reinforcement methods. If you try to reason with her by intimidation or reprimand she will up the ante and retaliate with excessive force (is my guess). good luck

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Pawbly | 6 years ago
When Should You Switch From Puppy To Adult Food?

When should you switch from puppy to adult food?

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    I usually say the one year old birthday is the time to start transitioning. Transition over a few weeks.

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Debra Brenner | 6 years ago
Stella (the Morkie)’s Other Owner Here. Today We Took Her To The Vet For Her…

Stella (the morkie)’s other owner here. Today we took her to the vet for her first lyme disease vaccine. She was doing pretty good for a while, and even went on her walk when we got home. I left her alone for an appointment for about an hour and when I got home all she wanted to do was cuddle. She sat on top of me and was shaking. I thought that maybe she was cold, but she ended up throwing up. Could a lyme disease vaccine make a dog vomit and if so, do we need to tell our local vet about it? She got all sleepy after and curled up on me again. My poor girl 🙁

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Yes it sounds like it might have been related to her vet visit / trip. Often it is hard for me to tell whether the vomiting was the vaccine (probable) or the anxiety/car sickness associated with it. Taking her temperature and listening to her heart and lungs may help push me one way or the other. But YES! You absolutely need to tell your vet. I would recommend splitting up her vaccines in the future and maybe even pre medication like diphenhydramine.

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Jen Behler | 6 years ago
My Dog Has A Drain In His Ear For An Aural Hematoma. It Has Been…

My dog has a drain in his ear for an aural hematoma. It has been in for a week and is supposed to be in for 2 more but it appears as though it may be coming out. What happens if it comes out before we get to the vet?

4 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Call the vet ASAP and see if they can adjustbit so it doesn’t come out prematurely. I don’t know what kind of drain they used but often I can resecure it in place quickly and easily. Let me know what happens

  2. Jen Behler Post author

    Hi Dr. Magnifico,

    We actually go to JVC and have an appointment Monday (10 days from puttin it in)for the drain to be checked. I will call today but I know you have limited hours. Thanks for responding!

  3. Krista Magnifico

    Hello!
    Thanks for letting me know. If you are worried Dr. Ahrens is working today. She can help. Weather permitting I am there tomorrow. Who put the drain in for you?
    And send a photo I might be able to help via that.
    Thanks for using Pawbly. And Jvc.

  4. Jen Behler Post author

    Dr. Graf put it in last Friday. I called this morning and she actually has an appointment this afternoon so we are going in at 1. We are new to JVC but love it so far! Thanks so much for your help!

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Vedrana Vilusic | 6 years ago
My Dog Had A Patella Surgery 8 Days Ago. I Read Somewhere Its Ok To…

My dog had a patella surgery 8 days ago. I read somewhere its ok to let him lie down on the side where his incision is, so I let him. But today I noticed a fluid buildup around his incision site. Its not warm to the touch and the incision isnt reddish. The orthopedic surgeon that did the surgery is far away, we have an appointment with him in a week for my dog’s suture removal.
Has anyone had experience similar to this? I read its a seroma and its better to leave the body absorb it naturally. I called my local vet and she recommended needle aspiration, Im not sure its the best idea. Advices, please.. IM AFRAID HIS SUTURES WILL BURST.
P.S. my dog develops bumps every time he gets vaccinated or when he’s given a shot subcutaneously

3 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    It is always best to contact your vet and/or surgeon to discuss any and all post op questions. I can add that in general I don’t worry if my patents are lying on their incisions. If they are comfortable enough to do that I actually feel better about them post op. But please call your vet. Infection is always a worry and assessing it ASAP is very important.

  2. Vedrana Vilusic Post author

    Thank you Krista very much for your reply, but could it be infection if he is still on his post op antibiotics (amoxicillin+clavulanic acid)?

  3. Vedrana Vilusic Post author

    There is also a big possibility he lies on his “fixed” side because he had an fho surgery 2 years ago on his other hip which he still saves, for example – while walking downstairs..I mean before surgery

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Gwen Kvech | 6 years ago
My Dog Got His Duclaw Caught On A Piece Of String And Is Whining A…

My dog got his duclaw caught on a piece of string and is whining a lot. Is there anything we can give him to help with the pain? He won’t let me near it to see how bad the damage is but if I can give him something, maybe he’ll settle enough to take a look.

2 Responses

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  1. Megan Tholin

    Best to bring your dog to your veterinarian who can administer sedation/pain meds and get a thorough exam of the foot/toe. If he has rear dewclaws, they may recommend surgical removal to avoid a reoccurrence.

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry but there isn’t anything safe to give him to sedate him enough for you to both look and and treat. Also start working with your dog so that you can keep the nails trimmed which makes ripping or traumatizing the nails less likely.

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Vivienne Barnes | 6 years ago
Hi. My Cocker Spaniel Sleeps With Us And Has Done Since She Was 6…

Hi. My Cocker Spaniel sleeps with us and has done since she was 6 months old, she is now nine. Lately if my hubby gets up to use the bathroom she begins to growl at him. She loves him to bits, why is this?

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    There are a lot of studies and articles on this. In general it is important to understand what the growling is. In some cases it can be annoyance about being awoken. In others it can be assertive dominance and this is very worrisome asbitbcan esclate. The best advice I can give is to talk to your vet and ask for a referral to a behaviorist who can help diagnose and assist in managing it so it doesn’t escalate. Also. Your dog belongs in a crate at night. It will stop the growling and remind them that they aren’t in charge of the bed, or your husband and thwart the problem immediately. This is not meant to be unkind it is meant to be an assertive protective measure. What’s the worst that can happen? Well. If it is a dominance issue your dog is staking claim to the bed. At some point he may get more assertive. What if he bites next time? Dogs are euthanized for biting and aggression so please assess this immediately. Some Dogs just don’t belong in a bed

  2. Sarah

    Good morning. I just wanted to add a bit of advice. As a dog owner and lover, I feel it is very important to have rules in place for the health and well being of everyone. Some rules seem silly to have, but any rules help keep the pack order where you, the human, remain the leader. Bedrooms are at the top of my list for rules. No dogs are allowed in our bedrooms. This is an easy rule to keep since there are doors to help. It also helps keep the pack in order. Co-sleeping gives them the idea that they are on an even level with the leader. It might be a hard habit to break, but my advice would be to start changing things now. You would hate for the growling to go further and create a bad situation. If you still want your dog in your room, maybe a separate doggie bed in there? Dogs are smart. Your dog will get the new rules in no time.

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kathy welsh | 6 years ago
My Cat Has These Black, Crusty Spots On Her Chin. What Are They And Is…

My cat has these black, crusty spots on her chin. What are they and is it ok to put peroxide on them?

3 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Based on what you’re saying, it could be kitty acne. Your vet would be able to diagnose for sure with a quick exam. If it is acne, it’s pretty easy to clean up and take care of. Also, I would recommend changing bowls to stainless steel or ceramic, and clean them regularly to avoid acne. I don’t think peroxide would help much. You can get a Rx solution to clean the area with and sometimes certain facial cleansers are recommended. See what your vet advises. Best of luck!

  2. Laura

    Don’t put peroxide anywhere on your cat. Until you see your vet as suggested by Sarah, use a warm wet washcloth.

  3. Krista Magnifico

    I agree with Sarah. Prob acne. Make sure you are using stainless steel or ceramic/glass feeding and water bowls and ask your bet for a safe topical cleaner for this. We have medicated cleaning pads (they look like the old stridex acne cleaning pads) that are safe to use and help open the pores to keep the area clean and happy. Please get help before these become deep and severe and cause infection. Let us know how things go.

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Steve Hatchett | 6 years ago
I Have A Senior Cat Who Was Receiving Insulin But Is Now Off Of It…

I have a senior cat who was receiving insulin but is now off of it per the Doctor’s orders. His glucose level has returned to normal, at least for now, by way of the DM cat food only.

The cat has become very playful, like a kitten, during the last week or so. Should I be concerned about the change in behavior?

2 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Hi there? If your cat s feeling well enough to be playful and happy, I would take that as a gift. We have a senior dog who has given us the same thing and we are just making sure to enjoy as much time with him as we can, while we can. You could always mention the behavior change at your next vet visit if it is a concern…. however, my thinking is that since he’s feeling good that he is just letting you know. ??

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I agree with Sarah! This all sounds like excellent news.. but ANY change in behavior should be discussed with your vet, and frequent recheck of blood glucose are the best way to monitor for the progression and state of this disease process. Also, if you see a change in water intake, or the size of the urine clumps (if clumping litter) in the box are also,
    let us know how things go,,

    xoxo
    krista

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Nicholas P. Woodward | 6 years ago
So, We Just Adopted A 3 Year Old Morkie, And Were Warned That Sometimes She’ll…

So, we just adopted a 3 year old Morkie, and were warned that sometimes she’ll steal an article of clothing, hide under a table with it, and possibly bite if you try to get it back from her. Well, I just doctored my girlfriend’s fingers after a little fight they had over a sock. Other than yelling at her (the dog) and saying “no” we’re now ignoring her. What’s the best way to handle this and train her to behave better?

5 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello!
    The fact that you just adopted her and don’t know much about her previous training, behavior and attitude makes advice for this a little difficult. In general I start with a very minimal access approach. She has to earn everything and you aren’t setting her up to be “bad or disappointing”. You are going to have a very difficult time teaching her much other than to be afraid/untrusting of you when you get in between her “stuff” or try to reprimand. In my opinion anything this early that is negative, I know even when you are being beaten, (sorry) teaches her to be untrusting and afraid of you. Too often people want to start at “well trained” when they really have a new pet who doesn’t know you, your expectations, or their new world. I suggest crate training all the time. She is kept there, where she can slowly acclimate to you and her new home, and she earns toys after some basic training is implemented. I strongly suggest a puppy class to start. Take her for lots of walks. Spend time together doing stuff together on neutral territory, like outside. As she starts to understand you you can start progressing toward other activities.
    I will add that she needs to feel safe and loved. So always put her in her crate with an affectionate word and give her a toy to keep her company (if she doesn’t guard that).
    Overall she has a lot of adjusting to do and you need to be patient and understanding that this is a process. A process dependent on patience, love and dedication. Never get angry. Never yell. You both need to adjust to each other.
    No toys, no decisions, no options except love and start really slow. Letting her have a safe space that is her own and building on this is where I would start.
    Let me know how things go. Sending ♥️ And best wishes.
    Krista.

  2. Nicholas P. Woodward Post author

    Thank you for the sound advice! We appreciate the sentiments on positive reinforcement and building trust. She spent the next hour following my girlfriend around and apologizing trying to lick her wounds away.

  3. Sarah

    Congrats on your new dog? I’m just adding to the good advice you’ve already gotten. I am a firm believer in walks… no matter what size of dog. It’s a fantastic way to share quality time and bond, while getting the exercise needed. A tired dog is usually a better behaved dog. Even a ten minute walk has the potential to change behavior for the rest of the day, for the better. And I agree strongly with everything shared above, especially getting involved in a basic obedience class. Even if your new girl already has basic obedience, she needs to learn you and what you expect. It is another great way to bond and earn trust. Another plus to the walks is practicing your homework from obedience class? best of luck and again, Congrats!!??

  4. Nicholas P. Woodward Post author

    Thank you, Sarah! I do see that she has a LOT of energy to play. The more we do that and walk her it seems the better she is for sure.