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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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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.

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Cathy Owensby | 6 years ago
My 10 Year Old Cat Was Diagnosed With Mammary Cancer. Her Tumors Are Too Large…

My 10 year old cat was diagnosed with mammary cancer. Her tumors are too large to go through surgery. I recently, had dog pass from cancer. I chose to treat with prednisone. Can I do the same for my cat?

2 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    This is a discussion t9 have with your vet. I’m sorry… I know you probably want a more direct answer. Your vet knows your cat and your situation. They are the best person to sit down with and have this conversation. They can prescribe a routine suited for your cat including treatment and pain management. Best of luck to you.

  2. Krista Magnifico

    I age never seem a case that was too big for surgery. I’m not saying it isn’t possible. I just haven’t seen it. Ask for a second opinion or see a surgeon. I doubt this will be responsive to pred. Surgery is the best option. In my opinion. Good luck. Ps. Also have her spayed if she isn’t already

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Pawbly | 6 years ago
Hello, I Have A 12 Week Old Kitten Who Was Spayed 11 Days Ago. I Noticed…

Hello,
I have a 12 week old kitten who was spayed 11 days ago. I noticed after the 4th day that she had some swelling under her incision. I took her to the ER vet who did an US and said the internal stitches were still intact and there was no hernia. She aspirated some sanguious fluild and looked at it under the microscope and said she was infection free. The kitten had been confined to the bathroom since the spaying but I found out on the third day she was jumping in and out of the bathtub. Hard to keep a 12 week old kitten still and quiet! So after the vet visit we confined even more so- in a free standing shower for 5 days. I then noticed it was firmer- maybe 10% smaller- but definitely firmer looking- more defined. So back to the Er vet who did a second US and said all looked good- no hernia. She then said to let her out of the shower and resume normal activity- the serima should resolve. I was like what! That’s the opposite of what the other vet said. The kitten has been eating and acting normal all through this recovery period. I check the serima daily and it’s the same size. Do I let her tossel with her sibling? How long will it take for the body to reabsorb it? And why did it get firmer after she drained it? I’m so conflicted what to do. Some sites says it takes weeks- I might be impatient. The incision has almost completely healed and looks good. I’m so confused as to how I should be treating this!
Thanks so much!!

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    These are all questions for the vet who did the surgery. In general kittens heal very very fast. I would guess she is fine at this point but you should ask your vet for their opinion. I hope you have a regular vet. The ER is for emergencies. Your vet is for the day to Day questions.

  2. Sarah

    Good morning.? I would start to make regular appointments at the vet you will be using… fo check ups, inoculations, etc. that way you will be able to establish a good relationship and they will get to know your kitten well making future visits easier and more relaxed. As far as your kitten’s spay- I agree, the vet that did the surgery is the best person to speak with. Best of luck and congrats on your kitten!

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Pawbly | 6 years ago
Hi, My 8mo Old Long Haired German Shepherd Was Spayed 5d Ago And Developed What Her…

Hi,
My 8mo old long haired German Shepherd was spayed 5d ago and developed what her regular Vets tell me is a seroma. Nobody has examined her post op, all phone consults.
I am an Rn. They knew she was hyper & I requested postop sedation- they opted for Trazodone 100mg 2x/day & Rimadyl for pain. This did nothing, she continued to jump up/romp a bit inside as she did when i picked her up. So they doubled the dose to 200mg bid, 3rd day adding Benadryl 50mg 2x/day which helps a little. Said short walks ok Saturday (3d post op)
I kept her as confined as possible in crate or pen. It’s about the size of a plum? I hope it’s not intestinal bleeding. She had laser surgery with internal sutures & skin glue closure. They advised heat. Today she started to have serosanguanous leaking from the incision so now it’s riskier for infection. She’s not had great appetite but otherwise acting normally- pooping less also. Should I insist on an exam or just keep monitoring for signs infection, etc?
She’s not licking area as wearing cone/collar. Is this common post spay? Vet is very experienced IF she’s the one who actually performed it…i presume she did. It’s not a teaching hospital. Very $$ 800!!
Thanks! Deb

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I am sorry to hear about your pup. YES! you should insist upon an exam. I consider it unethical that you have to ask, they should have offered on the first call of your concern. Ask as many questions as you feel necessary. Ask for your bill, the doctor who performed the surgery should be listed on that. You can even request her medical records. It is our practice to not charge for exams post op follow ups. It conveys an air of confidence on both sides and helps reassure everyone that we have our pets care at the forefront and hope to be building and maintaining long standing relationships built around confidence. Be the advocate your dog needs you to be, You are their only voice. Let us know what happens. Good luck!

  2. Debbie Hagerty

    Hello Dr Magnifico
    I think I will book an exam as suggested since it’s more firm than what I’ve read it should be this early on-
    folks say should feel more like a water balloon & hers doesn’t. I don’t understand why it’s so hard to get a strong sedative when you know you have an enthusiastic puppy…i emphasized si didn’t want her like a zombie- but one can’t anticipate her initial “inside jumps”…
    Thanks!

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Pawbly | 6 years ago
Can I Give My 92 Pound Dog 75mg Of Benedryl? I Found A Huge Mat Of…

Can I give my 92 pound dog 75mg of Benedryl?

I found a huge mat of hair my my pup’s hind quarters and she won’t let me near it to trim it. I am hoping some Benedryl will help.

1 Response

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  1. Sarah

    Please do not give pets human medications. My advice would be to speak to your vet if youre thinking about any meds, ever. As far as the matted fur, it might prove to be a 2 person operation. Best of luck!

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Essie Pfau | 6 years ago
I’ve Looked Online And Seen Contradictory Information – Is It Safe To Diffuse Essential Oils…

I’ve looked online and seen contradictory information – is it safe to diffuse essential oils around pets (cats and dogs)? Which ones would be best to use, and which should I avoid?

1 Response

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  1. Laura

    Honestly, I would consider them all unsafe. Cats have delicate respiratory systems. That said, things like tea tree and eucalyptus WILL cause your cats very significant health problems.

    But seriously. Toss the EOs.

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Sarah | 6 years ago
Good Morning Pawbly Friends. Our Newest Addition To Our Family, Rontu, Has Started “clicking” In…

Good morning pawbly friends. Our newest addition to our family, Rontu, has started “clicking” in his hips. He’s another GSD, almost a year old. All of our other GSDs have always been older rescues- so I’m wondering if this is something he could possibly outgrow? He just recently started this. It usually, but not always, occurs when he goes to a sitting position. It’s irregular- as in it doesn’t happen every time. It sometimes happens when he is walking but again, sporadically. Any advice or thoughts would be helpful. Thank you!! Happy Thanksgiving?

2 Responses

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  1. Anonymous

    I’d get rads done of the hips to see what’s going on, to be quite honest. He’s a rescue, so you don’t know his history, but you do know the breed’s very prone to hip dysplasia.

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I agree that an exam and probably radiographs are a good idea. With a click we worry about the joint. Xox

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Winnie Nissley | 6 years ago
Can A Young Spayed Female Dog Have Hot Flashes? I’ve Experienced Her Feeling Quite Warm…

Can a young spayed female dog have hot flashes? I’ve experienced her feeling quite warm and moist at times.

3 Responses

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  1. Laura

    Hot flashes? I don’t know that this is something dogs experience. She could be feverish, though.

  2. Nicole Craig

    I don’t believe dogs have hot flashes. Dogs do run a higher temp then people. Around 103. If your pup feels warm it may be do to a infection. Go see a vet is the best, because you may need antibiotics. Good luck.

  3. Krista Magnifico

    I agree with the laura and Nicole. Please see your vet. A temperate should be checked (they can even show you how to do it at home) and blood work should be done if the temperature is elevated or your bet suspects your pet might be sick.

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Jennifer Taylor | 6 years ago
I Rescued A Young Golden Retriever In May. She Had Spent The Start Of…

I rescued a young Golden Retriever in May. She had spent the start of her life abandoned in a small cage, she was emaciated, covered in fleas and ticks and of course living in her own waste. She is a wonderful dog, everything is new and she has very much been a blank slate. She is well exercised, is very social with our other dogs and has successfully completed a basic obedience class and will be moving on to 2nd level training and beyond. Thankfully she does not hold her rough start in life against humans in the least. Her only downfall is that she eats stool from our other dogs in the yard. We keep the yard clean, however we have 5 dogs. Even cleaning the yard daily is likely to leave a pile. She will even wait for our smaller dog to go to eliminate so she can eat it as fresh as possible. I imagine that she probably ate her own feces when she was starving, I am quite sure that this is a learned behavior. Over the course of 5 years my family has fostered 80+ dogs. I know that this is a very hard habit to break, however “poop kisses” are rather disgusting so I would love some input on what has worked for others! Thank you in advance.

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello My Dear Friend,
    My rescued beaglette does the same. She also has the same back story and yucky penchant for poop. Here’s what I do.. clean up waste asap (yes, honestly I am not the best at this as I recommend others to be). I also use a clicker or beeper to break her of it while she is doing it. Some non-vocal (she doesnt really want to listen to me anyway in the fever of the fervor to eat anything) cue to say “HEY! YES! I mean you need to stop that!” It takes a while but all of my other dogs have grown out of it.. It takes time and patience like everything else in life. Be with her at all times outside. Use a leash if you can to correct her at exactly the moment she goes for it, or use a whistle to get her attention,,, try to only use it for the absolute dire corrections so it doesnt get as monotonous as our voices have.

    Let me know what works for you guys.