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My puppy is a male husky/chow mix who is 5 months old.
Hello people of Pawbly, specifically friendly vets.
My dog is not doing well and I need some advice.
I just moved from a house with a doggie door that allowed for bathroom time, any time. Now I am working on a schedule and trying to get into a routine with my pup (2 y/o red heeler/terrier mix). For the most part it’s been fine. I have him in the kennel when I’m at work from 6-2 Monday through Friday and only live 5 minutes from work. I take him out right before I leave And right after. He sleeps with me at night.
Last Friday, I took him out before going to bed, waited forever but no number 2. I woke up the next morning and there was crap- a LOT of crap- more than I thought caninely possible, all over the floor of my room. Normal color, texture. I blamed myself for not waiting long enough and let it go.
So last night, same routine, didn’t crap. I ran him around for 20 minutes trying to jostle whatever loose. Nada. So I figured he could wait until morning. I was awakened at 3 am by horrible, hot steaming dog land mines all over My bedroom floor again. Same color and texture as normal.
So I out him in his crate For the rest of the night Because I think since he’s a den animal He won’t go crappin it up in there. I take him out before work And come home to a crime scene.
In his crate, he is huddled in the corner, and this wave of old sour milk or something hits me and there are puddles of yellow liquid that I’m assuming is crap since I didn’t smell bike and there are other, little piles of similarly colored solid poo elsewhere. He hadn’t eaten since the land mines the night before.
I take him outside and he pisses and squirts out a little more diarrhea and keep straining for another 2 minutes but nothing else comes out. There is a little blood now on his backside from straining so hard.
I googled it, and it said right now it’s acute, if it persists, to take him in. He seems in good spirits except was ashamed when I came in and as I was cleaning up after him. I was going to feed him but Google told me not to for the day.
I should also note: at my previous residence I lived with an elderly relative who used her early stage dementia to feed him whatever the Hell she wanted. “Oh I forgot you told me not to”- Fritos. Peanut butter sandwiches, leftover foods. And now he is only eating the expensive all natural food I give him.
So I don’t know what to do. Is it an adjustment period to the new place (only been here 2 weeks) is it the change of diet? Is it my bathroom schedule? Is it stress from being alone all day?
Any advice would be fantastic. Thanks guys and gals.
I am interested in making/baking my own dog treats. What ingredients are the best and are there some that are best to avoid? I have 3 dogs: 8 yr old Border Collie mix, 12 yr old Jack Russell, a 2 yr old German Shorthaired Lab mix.
I make my own treats all the time since I have one dog that is on a vegetarian diet. Peanut butter is a good ingredient, so are blueberries and bananas. We use oat flour in all the treats we make and substitute maple syrup for sugar.
http://www.dogtreatkitchen.com/blueberry-dog-treat.html
That’s the recipe we used as a starter and have experimented since then.
Thank you both for your help. I am excited to give it a try!
Making your own treats is easy and fun! There are lots of recipes online and treat recipe books you can use too. Almost any human recipe can be modified for pets. For dogs and cats omit the sugar. They do not need it and will never know it’s missing.
You can use regular flour or omit it if your pet has an allergy. You can use oat flour, rice flour, buckwheat flour, quick cook or regular oats. Grated carrot, applesauce, peanut or nut butters, eggs are also common ingredients
Steer clear of salt, garlic, onions, chocolate
Pinterest also has lots of recipes for pets too
Have fun!!
-Kelly
why is my losing weight,and refusing to eat.I have been feeding her scrambled eggs and rice hamburger mix for supper.if we let her out she eats dirt.She acts like she is starving all the time,and her pooh is black.
My puppy (6 month lab/curr mix) is terrified of strangers. She barks and growls whenever she is exposed to people outside of my family. This behavior started at 3 months. With training and positive exposure, will she ever grow out of it?
Did this happen in spite of proper socialization?
Yes, positive training and socialization should get him at least indifferent. At this point, I’d recommend doing that with professional guidance, though, where situations can be fully controlled to keep things below his threshold.
Hello. I have a 5 month old dog – mix of Chocolate Lab and German Short Hair Pointer. What kinds of tests do you recommend before I spay my dog? What age is she ready for these? Thank you!
Hi Diedra
I believe what you’re referring to is a standard pre-anesthesia blood test …? Those are certainly a good thing to do. There is no age restriction for blood tests. In fact, it is good to do a blood panel regularly, for screening purposes as well as establishing baseline values.
http://www.petmd.com/blogs/fullyvetted/2012/july/do_not_opt_out_of_pre-anesthetic_lab_work-26535
As for the ideal age for spay itself, that is a somewhat controversial issue, as there are pros and cons to both doing it early and waiting. I suggest you do your research on the subject as well as discuss ideal timing with your veterinarian.
Question for Dr. Krista; sorry, complicated question(?)
First, to review for benefit of others reading this question:
Patient: Cookie
Rottweiler, spayed female, 2 years old
Presented with lethargy, anorexia, vomiting and diarrhea (threw up only twice and one time diarrhea, then taken to vet, given antiemetics and antibiotics; diagnosed with pancreatitis; getting better since – this was Monday)
During exam foreign material found in stool (grain and corn; we think she got into the horse feed) painful cranial abdomen, low and large bowel diarrhea, enlarged submandibular nodes – this part worries me because these were temporarily enlarged not long ago; resolved quickly, though)
As I’m reviewing the blood results, there are things I could understand as being consistent with digestive distress/pancreatitis but some which are concerning me, namely the globulin and lymphocyte levels, even though they are not extremely low but low nonetheless.
Beside the cPL which is clear in its meaning, the free T4 is low – I assume this is what is meant by not testing for hypothyroidism in ill animals, because the thyroid hormones would be low with any disease process? Is that correct?
I would figure that the ALT/unhappy liver enzymes would also be consistent with such insult to the body, is that correct? And I imagine same would apply to bilirubin in a situation of digestive upset?
The values that concern me are the globulin and the lymphocytes, particularly together with the "easily aggravated" sub mandibular lymph nodes in the mix, particularly as it seems that lymphopenia would be present with both CPV and lymphoma … ? I’d assume that a) Cookie was recently vaccinated for CPV and is improving too rapidly to think CPV? Lymphoma has been on my afraid mind since the first time they were found enlarged.
It also says, though, that lymphopenia could be a result of underactive glands (the source doesn’t say which ones) so would that perhaps have to do with the lowered thyroid function during the digestive distress?
Didn’t find much on low globulins, other than immunodeficiency types of situations, which doesn’t seem to apply. What is the "life-span" of a globulin, and if short, would the low globulins have to do with the unhappy liver?
Can you, please confirm about the free T4 and talk to me about the globulin and more importantly the lymphocytes?
Blood results attached.
I will let Dr. Krista address your specific blood questions. Were you interested in the holistic approaches to evaluating blood work? Also, not being able to tolerate an occasional eating splurge is considered an early warning sign that a dog is not completely healthy, so there would be many things to do at this point.
I wonder if Cookie has had prior digestive issues?
My lab/shep mix seemed to have a small swelling around his rear, a bit below and to the left of his anus that we noticed on Saturday. I thought to keep an eye on it because he seemed content, was pooping and didn’t appear to be in any pain. Today it was more swollen, but as it is Sunday, I was planning on calling the vet tomorrow. He pooped a while ago, when we were outside playing in the snow and then when we came inside. When he came in, he licked himself and then the swollen area sort of popped, like a big pimple, and has been draining puss/blood at first but now it has stopped and only seems to be draining blood when he licks himself. I still plan on calling the vet tomorrow, but should I be more concerned and take him to the emergency vet, even in this bad weather?
Hi,
It sounds very much like one of his anal (scent) glands became infected and formed an abscess, which has now burst. It is not an emergency unless he is bleeding profusely, but he will definitely need veterinary attention tomorrow.
If he will tolerate you doing it, I would gently bathe the area so there is no gunge stuck in his fur, and try to stop him licking at it too much.
Also, if you are unsure, you can usually call your emergency vet and ask for advice over the phone without charge.
Eleanor Wood
UK vet
Hello,
My managers Lab just had a litter of puppies. The puppies are 1/2 lab and 1/2 mix. I ended up getting one of the last boys, hes just under 10 weeks old. I am aware that he has not had any vaccinations yet. I have heard that he was supposed to have his first shots around 8 weeks but I have started seeing more and more articles that say to wait until 12 weeks to get his first shots in order for his immune system to react better. Can you help me out please??? I am a very loving father to my dog and I only want the best for him
Hello Zachary,
Congratulations on your new puppy!
They are a big responsibility, a bit of work, and an enormous amount of joy.
I applaud your sense of responsibility and desire to provide the best you can for him.
Here is my advise for all new parents.
Bring your puppy to see the vet ASAP. I say within the first three days. I also ask them to bring a fresh fecal sample as many puppies come with intestinal worms. (I tell my clients that it is part of the package so don’t be upset, just be proactive!).
I will review the patients history, perform a full examination and discuss our vaccine protocol. If there is no history of vaccines, and especially if we are not sure of what the moms vaccine history was I will recommend vaccinating ASAP. I have seen many puppies arrive at their new home and within a few days become very sick from a disease that we can vaccinate for. Nothing is more heartbreaking than seeing a newly adopted puppy get very sick. And some puppy illnesses have a high mortality rate.
So, my advice is to go to the vets as soon as you can, and voice your concerns with them. We are chock full of advice and a career of learning from others mistakes that hopefully you and your puppy can avoid.
Oh, a few other words of caution.
Your puppy does not have an active adult immune system until they are 6 months old. SO avoid all public spaces where any unvaccinated or ill dogs might have been. That includes pet stores, community areas, etc.
Your puppy is likely unvaccinated and can pick up any disease.
I have lots of puppy information on my blog
http://kmdvm.blogspot.com/2013/02/puppy-primer-first-instructions.html
I hope this helps.
Enjoy your new addition.
Sincerely,
Krista
I rescue dogs. I am a foster failure. My recent foster failure is Shelby. I have had her for a year now. She is a border collie mix who was rescued at 1 1/2 years old at 7 lbs. (should have been 25 lbs.) with no shelter, no food or water, and on a chain. Couple of things that bother me and what I think attributes it. I want to get your opinion.
First, she licks constantly. If she can’t make contact, she licks the air. I attribute this to anxiety from her past. She has no reason to be anxious since being with me, she is treated like a queen !!
In public and around other people/strangers, she squats a lot. I have checked her for urinary tract infections….all negative. I, once again, attribute this to anxiety.
She constantly tries to herd everything. I know its in her blood lines but she never stops. She has an older brother she herds and she even herds me. ?? How do I correct the behavior with me ??
Lately I have noticed her humping stuffed animals in the house. I assume to establish dominance. I find this weird for a female dog. How do I correct this behavior ??
Hello Ed!
Thank you for your question but THANK YOU even more for being a foster parent to Shelby. Without people like you countless pets would never get a second chance at finding someone to love.
I hope that you can understand how grateful I am for your kindness, care, compassion, and generosity. Please don’t ever underestimate how special a person you are for giving your time, attention and home to a pet in need. You are not a failure!! You are just being challenged..and what’s worth achieving is only gained through challenges. So don’t give up and don’t beat yourself up..I will help, and I know of an army of people who have insights, experience, and ability to help you and your puppy. Best yet, Pawbly has a world of people to jump on board and be your support staff, your cheering squad, and even your safety net..
OK, here’s where I would start. It sounds like you have done some medical work-up, but if you haven’t done a complete physical exam, especially with a veterinarian who either focuses on behavior and/or neurology this is a very good place to start.
Secondly, I think it is very important to talk about this breed. Border Collies are very very (like THE MOST very) active dogs. They need constant exercise and a serious job.
I agree that the licking might very well be anxiety (if the mouth is clean, the physical exam,blood work, and all other diagnostics are normal), a veterinarian or behaviorist can help diagnose this. The squatting, humping, and maybe even the herding are all examples of exerting or claiming dominance. They all could be anxiety, or magnified by anxiety also.
I think that you are providing a loving, caring, and compassionate home to Shelby, but I do think that you and Shelby might need some help in figuring out what needs Shelby has that you might be able to resolve and also help her deal with her anxiety.
As a last note I want to add that ten years ago very few of us vets ever thought about prescribing anti-depressants to dogs. I have changed my tune over the last five years. I now urge my clients to consider using this when we have a pet who seems to be struggling to be calm and happy. They are relatively inexpensive and I promise you I have seen miraculous results in some dogs. All of the clients I spoke to about trying this drug were very very skeptical, but ALL of them have come back to me saying that their pet is so much happier. I am not suggesting that this be the answer for Shelby but it might be a discussion to have with your vet along with a behavior plan.
Try to find a behaviorist that is local, reliable, and works with a veterinarian. They are incredible resources and can help immensely.
I hope this helps, and I thank you again for your question and your helping Shelby.
Please don’t hesitate to ask me for any additional information, or to find me at the clinic.
Have a wonderful weekend..go out and play some fetch, and see if Shelby is calmer afterward.
Best of Luck and warmest of wishes,
Sincerely,
Krista
Krista Magnifico, DVM
Owner Jarrettsville Veterinary Center
Jarrettsville, MD
http://www.jarrettsvillevet.com
we feed green beans as treats quite frequently. dogs don’t really need additional vegetables, though, and whole earth is a good food. what makes you want to supplement?
I’d be more concerned about whether it is a puppy formula rather than whether it’s a grain-free formula. Particularly with a larger breed such as a Husky. I am not really sold on “all life stages” type of food.
Otherwise, looking at their grain-free recipe; grain-free doesn’t really mean low carb; this one has plenty of carbs; the protein content is only slightly higher than most and most go with bare minimum.
The food is formulated to AAFCO standards; so technically, as most vets assert (though I don’t agree) ingredients don’t matter, only nutrients matter. So from that perspective grain-free or not would be irrelevant.
To summarize, I’d recommend finding a food that is formulated for large breed puppies. I’m happy with grain-free formula when it meets that requirement.
As for other foods, certain veggies can be added in moderation just fine, if he likes them and, as Dr. Krista mentioned overall calorie intake is satisfied. Other safe “human foods” for treats are fine – much better than dog bisquits or other dog treats. Even though that do throw off the balance, so do any other treats out there (no treats I know of are formulated to AAFCO standards) and wholesome fresh foods are safer and healthier in terms of treats.
I use fruit for treats (no raisins!), and if I am chopping vegetables for myself I offer pieces as treats while we are in the kitchen. Other than that, I don’t routinely add fruits and vegetables to the raw diet I feed my boys. They are allowed to graze my yard and they eat dandelions (greens & flowers), some flowers (quince most often when it is in bloom), and most anything they can get in the vegetable garden including tomatoes, squash, raspberries, and blueberries.
I do add raw meat & raw bones to my foster’s diet — they get a grain-free kibble with raw meat and raw bones added to help keep teeth clean (raw bones) and add top quality protein. For example, they get their kibble and a duck wing, or an organically raised chicken wing (no hormones) or ribs/frames. Some times I add some canned Jack Mackerel to the kibble for Omegas, or a poached egg – about once per week.
As your pup gets older you can use things with larger bones (hormone free chicken legs, backs, etc.) but I would wait until he is over a year old before I start feeding these larger bones.
I researched dog foods that were available in the area I live that would be both good for my dog but without costing an arm and a leg. I came across whole earth brand when the vet I took my puppy to for his first visit recommended it. Of course as a new puppy mom I researched it like crazy before buying it for my baby http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-reviews/whole-earth-farms-grain-free/ this is an independent website that breaks down each and every ingredient in the dog food and gives the benefits of the good stuff and the bad stuff that is hidden in the ingredient list. I am not concerned with the type of food I am feeding him, but in my research I have seen multiple articles stating the benefits of dogs have added nutrients to their diet that they cannot get from dog food alone. We alone cannot get everything we need from eating the same meal over and over again so naturally this made sense when talking in regards to the health of my puppy. I simply wanted to know from other pet parents which fruits and vegetables they have seen that have been good to add to their dogs diet.