Health Concerns

Can I cover Bichon's Feet to help them heal

sycadoog@designermixes.org (sycadoog) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:51:29 GMT

My little Bichon/Poodle mix has "seasonal allergies". She licks her feet til sore. Can I wrap them in vet wrap until they heal? She will even sneak into another room so I can't tell her "no" when she licks. Sometimes put her on a leash tied to kitchen chair while I fix a meal so she doesn't sneak away. Don't really like to do that but even a few licks brings blood. I don't think they are still itching but i think she licks them because they are open wounds. What can I put on them to help them heal. She's on a step down prednisone now for the allergies.

There are 1 replies, with the last one on 11/12/2009 at 8:51 PM by sycadoog

Reply: for the itchy allergy feet try Bag Balm. You can get it at most stores and rub it all over her feet. Also make sure there is not matted fur between her toes. We had a Lahasa that had that problem all the time,
After you put the bag balm on try putting baby socks on her feet so she can't lick them. Good luck

Acorns

ksmithpa@designermixes.org (ksmithpa) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:39:07 GMT

Hi all. I know some of us talked about our little ones eating acorns and wondering if they were toxic or not and I found out some new information. Acorns are very toxic to dogs! My vet said that they can cause serious health issues including renal failure and death!! I am really worried not cause my Chipoo, Sophie, will not stop eating them. Yesterday we were outside and I had to stop her no less than 20 times. She loves them for some reason. I try to watch here but as you know it is almost impossible to watch them 24/7. Please be careful. She seems fine, but of course since I found this out, I see all kinds of things I didn't before. So, please watch your babies and don't let them eat acorns.

There are 4 replies, with the last one on 11/2/2009 at 4:39 PM by ksmithpa

Reply: Our vet has us keep two things, Children's Benedryl since Junior gets to running so much and gets excited he starts wheezing and Pepto Bismol for upset stomach, so far both work on him. He is the Shih Tzu.

Panty liners

Linda78@designermixes.org (Linda78) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:46:15 GMT

my dog Edward ate a pantyliner tonight!!!!!
the whole thing. tried to get it from him and
he growled and just swallowed it. We're so worried
now that it will cause a problem. Has anyone else
had this happen??

There are 5 replies, with the last one on 10/28/2009 at 12:46 PM by Linda78

Reply: ok, that makes sense to treat after he drops it...i will try that. getting desperate. I don't want him to turn vicious on us.
Glad to hear Lacey and Logan are doing better w/the barking.
It's a tough job raising these guys to be good citizens!! but, so worth it!
Thanks, Stephanie!!!

PARVO

sophiesmom@designermixes.org (sophiesmom) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:17:58 GMT

My son's family adopted a 7 week old Jack Russell/Chihuha from the Animal Rescue League. Right after they got it she couldn't keep anything down and refused to eat or drink, they took her to the vet and he said that "she was just having a hard time getting use to having a family", he gave her an antibiotic but it didn't do any good. I persuaded them to take her to the Emergency Animal Clinic and they diagnosed her with Parvo, said she had about an 85% chance of survival, she lasted less than 24 hours. When my daughter in law called the vet she asked him why he didn't check her for Parvo and he told her that she was "playful and didn't have any blood in her stool". He was a little astonished that she had died from Parvo. What we want to know is how she cleans the house, she has used bleach, what about the carpet, and how long before they can take another dog into their house and does it have to be an adult or can it be a puppy? I know it will have to have had it's Parvo vaccination before they do so. Any advice?

There are 1 replies, with the last one on 10/21/2009 at 8:17 AM by sophiesmom

Reply: For carpets you should go to the vet, one you trust, and they have a solution you can buy. You can use it for everything, not just the carpets. Good luck.

Bichon Skin Allergies

Grammy@designermixes.org (Grammy) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:13:08 GMT

My little white Bichon/Poodle has skin allergies and she licks her feet til they bleed. The really bad itching just started and I am taking her to the vet this evening to have her checked and possible anti-itch meds. I had her on Benedryl early on in the season which seemed to help some. Then she was on a pain med for a pulled muscle, so i stopped the Beneryl not wanting to over medicate her. I am taking her to vet to hopefully resolve this issue. I tried bitter apple to discourage chewing but didn't really help. She really hates grass as I do believe she wasn't on grass due to being a caged or otherwise housed puppy mill breeder. She has been really hard to housetrain and I just take her often to avoid accidents. She is a rescue and 8 years old so I'm not at all familiar with her past medical history other than the past year when she was rescued by a group. Any answers other than Prednisone?

There are 4 replies, with the last one on 10/19/2009 at 11:13 AM by Grammy

Reply: I think you are very correct on the lap sitting thing. My little Bichon loves to have me hold her on her back like a baby and rock her til she falls asleep. (She snores also!) Her allergies seem to be better now since the frost and cooler weather. Probably not as much pollen etc now. I have als seen a new product advertised in Dog Fancy Magazine from a company called Nurtured Pets. They have small strips like band aids that sooth and help heal hot spots, surgery sites etc. Will try the pet store. They may help. Thanks to all who responded to my question. Grammy

hiccups

dhietpas@designermixes.org (dhietpas) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:52:36 GMT

Im not sure if I should be concerned, but my daniff Ben gets the hiccups every day. he dosent seem bothered, but I know with a large breed dog I have to be concerned with bloat. are the two connected?Is thare somthing els I should be concerned about? thanks for any info. Jake

There are 6 replies, with the last one on 10/19/2009 at 8:52 AM by dhietpas

Reply: Ok, this may sound bad to some ppl that may want to read something into it that isn't there but, zsa get hiccups and has forever....I do the same thing to her that I did to my kids...that my mom did to me....and it works everytime. I told my vet "Dr Denise" and she just laughed and said if it doesn't bother her and she understands what you are doing...Of course, I would NEVER do anything to make her frightened of me....just a small BOOO....and bam they are gone. The thing that does alarm me is her Wheezzing/snorting sound that encompasses her entire body????anyone else have this and find the answer or a cure? She hasn't done it for the vet yet but she says that its probably related to the allergies.....

Steriod shot for Shoulder injury

mili5726@designermixes.org (mili5726) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:59:30 GMT

I took my 8 month old male cockinese to the vet because he started limping on his front leg about a month ago. It was progressively gotten worse, so I took him in today to have it looked at. The vet said he injured his shoulder and gave him a steriod shot. Has anyone had any experience with this. Does it work? Does it work long term?

Ulnar Osteotomy on my puppy

Linda78@designermixes.org (Linda78) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:32:27 GMT

My Ginger had her surgery on Tuesday Sept 8th. Came home on Wednesday. She is doing good. It was on her right front leg.The Ulnar and Radius was growing at different rates and the Ulnar was starting to bow. Just having a time walking. Needing to keep her down is something else for a Shih-poo. She will have the soft cast on for two weeks, stiches out and then back on with the soft cast for a few more weeks. I hope all heals well for her, since she went through so much.
Update she had the cast changed 3 times since her surgery, due to the cast keeps slipping down on her tiny leg. This past week they took the stitches out and she will be going back in about a week to have it
x-rayed to see how she is doing. Maybe jus two more weeks for the cast if it is healing good.
Ginger and Kathy

There are 3 replies, with the last one on 10/2/2009 at 9:32 PM by Linda78

Reply: aw, I hope Ginger heals a lot faster than 4 more weeks!! Poor little
girl! Best wishes from Kipper and Edward!

Cherry Eye

sands904@designermixes.org (sands904) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:26:50 GMT

My Cockinese puppy has cherry eye. Can anyone give me any advice on it. I was thinking about getting it removed but heard it can cause problems with dry eye when my dog is older, but I also heard the tear duct that is exposed is only responsible for 30% tear production, so will it really be much of a problem.

There are 2 replies, with the last one on 9/24/2009 at 8:26 AM by sands904

Reply: I am very sorry to hear about his eye. Fortunately, I have never had to deal with this so I cannot give you any advice. But I do want to wish you both luck in the process.

Allergies or a cold??

sands904@designermixes.org (sands904) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:51:45 GMT

Hi, my almost 8 month old Chipoo, Sophie, seems to always have a cold. Twice I have taken her to the vet because she was coughing and the vet said her lymph nodes were swollen and had a sore throat both times. Yesterday she sneezed for 20 minutes straight. Poor little thing finally went and laid down and stayed until she quit. Anyone think this sounds like allergies? We live in the deep woods and I know I have them.

There are 1 replies, with the last one on 9/8/2009 at 12:51 PM by sands904

Reply: I am so sorry to hear about Sophie. My guess would be allergies because of the time of the year and the fact that they are ongoing. Just a guess though. Fortunately our Chipoos haven't had this issue although every once in a while they will have a sneezing fit. Best of Luck!

Schatzi Smith - Shih Poo - Legs and feet

gingergirl@designermixes.org (gingergirl) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:19:36 GMT

Schatzi sometimes limps when he gets up, when he stands at times, one leg and foot will turn out...........the vet says he doesn't have a problem, and he can run like the wind.........it just seems strange that sometimes his foot turns out to the side. Is this common with his breed? Sometimes it looks like his shoulders hunch out like an English Bulldog.

There are 3 replies, with the last one on 9/3/2009 at 1:19 PM by gingergirl

Reply: my shih poo is 6 months old. she runs all over the place and is very active. but she is going in for surgery on Tuesday or Wednesday waiting for the date. Her right front forelimb is what she limped on, only when she woke from laying down, after that she was good to go. I do hope your dog does not have that too. There are other things that could be wrong with her elbow..Do some research on it. My daughter works for the Vet where my puppy will be having surgery so I do have peace of mind. But not a full pocketbook after the surgery.

Need flea help!!!!!

sophiesmom@designermixes.org (sophiesmom) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:52:02 GMT

sorry for the typing but just had shoulder surgery and am one handed. My Sophie, 5 1/2 mo chipoo, is desperate. flea meds like frontline and such will not work on her. vet says her skin will not absorb it, says it's rare but does happen. i've tried sprays, baths-nothing works. i just ordered avon skin so soft cause i read it helps. we live in the deep woods and fleas have always been a problem but we just always use frontline. does anyone have any suggestions we are willing to try anything safe.

There are 5 replies, with the last one on 8/11/2009 at 4:52 PM by sophiesmom

Reply: Linda, we are doing great. Sophie was spayed last week and got her stitches out today. From digging holes in the yard and inhaling dirt through her nose and mouth she has developed an allergy or something. She had a little temp and her lymph nodes were swollen. Doc doesn't think it is anything serious but said that if she doesn't stop with the diggin she will probably have to take antibiotics every couple of months. MY PROBLEM CHILD.

Now about Edwards mohawk. I think he looks marvelous!!! It is actually kinda funny cause down the middle of Sophie's back the hair is black and grows so much faster than any other place on her. When I had her groomed the first time, the middle of her back was a good 2 inches longer than the rest after a couple of weeks. I just think it has something to do with the Chipoo thinking (and it's true ) that they are special and need to stand out in a crowd! I love Edwards new pictures. He is so cute.

Puke!! HELP!!

Rockysmom@designermixes.org (Rockysmom) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:06:34 GMT

Once in a great while my puggle will dry heave then puke. Sometimes it's bile colored. But today was different. It was white and had some chunks in it. He had not eaten all day yesterday and was acting normal (he still is acting normal)...I just got him to eat also he ate a bowl of wet food. (after he vomited...now thinking of it maybe I should of waited on feeding him that)

Is he sick or is this something that this breed does?

My Male Keeps Humping My Female

sycadoog@designermixes.org (sycadoog) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:30:28 GMT

I have a male schnauzer who is not fixed, a female that is fixed and a new baby schneagle who is not old enough to be fixed. My Male schnauzer is not fixed and he keeps on trying to hump the female schnauzer that is fixed. He shows no attention to the puppy (which is fine b/c she is too young to yet be fixed). Needless to say, he is driving us nuts. Is this normal? We keep correcting him and telling him no. We have a "pet room" for our animals and the girls are crated at night, so that's not an issue, it's more frustrating then anything. When we let them outside to go potty, he won't go until we let the female (who is fixed) back into the house. I called the vet and they said that there was no way our female could be into heat. Does anyone have any suggestions?

There are 2 replies, with the last one on 4/9/2009 at 8:30 AM by sycadoog

Reply: We are now up to 4 dogs and have had this problem every time we add a new dog. It is definately a dominance issue. The dominant dog has to reestablish his position in the pack. You will see even two females do this as the younger one becomes mature. My smallest dog tries to show her dominance over the rest even though she is only 2.5 lbs and Fugly the biggest is over 20 lbs. It should get better in time.

Sarcoptic Mange

dogluvr@designermixes.org (dogluvr) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 20:56:01 GMT

UPDATE: Good news!! the vet's treatment suggestions worked, and the mite problem appears to be gone! Yay!! The LymDyp spray and the Revolution drops did the trick...I hope NEVER to have to deal with mites again! Ugh. It is sooo nice to have a non-itchy puppy once again and to not have her covered in that smelly spray anymore (but it was worth the inconvenience to have it get rid of the problem). I think the vet's suggestion of the LymDyp spray PLUS the Revolution drops was a good one, and I'm grateful to have found a solution. I'm sure if Sophie could speak she would thank her vet too.

Liver Challenges

checkers@designermixes.org (checkers) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:05:39 GMT

My dog is liver challenged...is yours?
Does your dog have a liver shunt? or just a tiny little liver like me? I'd love to have a chance to talk to you about your diet and treats - you can learn more about me on my website www.signaturetrim.com
Look forward to hearing from other liver challenged dogs

5 month puppy's ear sudendly drooping

LadyHavoc@designermixes.org (LadyHavoc) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 02:37:20 GMT

Hi,
My Cojack puppy (Corgi X jack Russell)Eavie's ears have been standing stright up since she was 12 weeks old. She is now 5 months and her left ear is drooping of hanging like a spaniels ears.
We have a huge flea problem at the moment and i am using a combination of dip, spt on and flea collars to try and control the problem.
Could the fleas have gone into her ear? she doesnt seem in any pain, when i massage the ear or behind the ear she doesnt wine, but she does shake her head and scratch it alot.
We are very worried about it but our nearest vet is 120KM away so im hoping that someone will be able to help before we go for the BIG TREK.
thank you
KIM

Dogs drinking urine

sugar@designermixes.org (sugar) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 13:16:24 GMT

Yes, this is a strange question, but my little Chipoo Logan has a thing with trying to drink while he is going. If we do stand there and tell him no he will drink. I have heard of animals doing things like this but it just seems like it is not a good thing to let him do. We have him indoor trained on a WizDog and he will even go back and lick the grate where after he is done going. I am wondering if anyone else has any experience with this and what can be done if anything needs to be done, etc. Any thoughts or comments are appreciated.

There are 4 replies, with the last one on 3/1/2009 at 1:16 PM by sugar

Reply: Why does my dog cry when certain songs play on T V commercials? Is it hurting her ears? Is it a memory of her past before we rescued her? If you have ever heard of this before please contact me?

Thanks,
Sugars Mom

Rocky is hurt

ksmithpa@designermixes.org (ksmithpa) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:41:07 GMT

Today I was cleaning the house, so like normal Rocky is in the laundry room with the gate up so he can't get into trouble or make more of a mess behind me while I am cleaning. Well in the laundry room I had to add a piece of heavy wood in front of the cube style shelf we have in the room because he would climb up it and grab stuff out. Well I guess I didn't puppy proof it well. Because he some how ended up knocking it over onto his poor little leg. I never heard a dog yelp & cry like he did. I freaked out calling my boyfriend @ work to come home asap because I needed to take Rocky to the vet. I was crying and telling him I think he broke his leg and it's all my fault!
He was not putting any weight on it and if he did he was dragging & limping. I scooped him up and wrapped him in a blanket to keep him from possibly causing more damage.
We get to the vet and she checks him out...he begins to cry & yelp again when she touches the back part of his leg so she suggested Xrays & sedation. So she started to tell me prices etc....I was like I don't care whatever it takes he's my baby & he already had a rough start now this!
His Xrays looked good...she wasn't able to see any breaks or fractures...She just thinks he really bruised himself up good. He will sometimes put the bare min. of weight needed to get by, but when eating he holds his leg up...sometimes he still hops on 3 legs not even using the 4th. I know he's still just a puppy, but he's a hyper puppy...so far we have been able to keep him somewhat calm...the sedation drugs are still in him, but how am I going to keep him calm for an entire day? (or few days actually so he can rest) Or should I just let him do his own thing? I don't want to keep him in the crate all day. His vet also gave me some pain med to give him every morning said no jumping off the couch etc...

There are 4 replies, with the last one on 2/21/2009 at 3:41 PM by ksmithpa

Reply: We had a somewhat similar adventure with Schatzi Smith. I called him and he did not come, I found him and he was eating manure from a female dog that had been in the yard. I went berserk. I called my husband in and he washed his mouth out and brushed his teeth. Schatzi felt really bad all day, couldn't get hold of the vet, on the weekend. He threw up, and it seemed like he was having chills. I called the Emergency Animal Clinic and they told me to bring him in, we got him ready to go to Jackson (about 20 miles away), he was listless and felt really bad. We got there, was told it would be 70.00 to see him plus any treatment. I was the same as you, whatever it took. They called us into this little examining room, he didn't have a temperature, he just kind of stood there. The young man went out and then the vet came in, she was a cute blonde, he made the fastest recover you have ever seen, he jumped into her arms (all 16 pounds of him), started kissing and loving her like you wouldn't believe. Well, she pronounced him well and we brought him home, minus the 70.00 it cost. It was worth it but he sure had us fooled. Our vet got a big laugh out of it..........we got him neutered the next week. No more female dog problems.

What's wrong with my dog?? Please help!

pamperedpets@designermixes.org (pamperedpets) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:06:47 GMT

He's losing his fur where he is either scratching or biting the area. It's as if he's itchy, but not sure what it can be from. He's constantly scratching same spot everytime. I don't phsyically see anything on him. Is this normal?? It started a few weeks ago. We are now seeing the results to where he is scratching & biting. I posted a pic of the small spot where he lost his fur.

There are 2 replies, with the last one on 2/17/2009 at 10:06 AM by pamperedpets

Reply: Hi I am a groomer. First don't ever use human shampoo on your pets. Second even if your dog may not have active fleas, they can jump and bite them. Causing a possible allergic reaction. Call your vet first but you can give your dog a Benedryl allergy pill to help with the itching. any questions please write. Thanks vicki

first heat

kmmabry@designermixes.org (kmmabry) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 13:53:39 GMT

Ok I thought my bulloxer, Chloe, had her first heat a while ago. But I guess not because that was just spotting for about 3 day. The vet says that she is fine though. But now she really is in heat and it has last for about three weeks. Her vulva is swollen up huge and she is still really bleeding pretty heavy. I am beginning to think that it will last forever. Could someone just tell something to look for that will let me know that is going to go away? Please!!! I don't know how much longer I can take it.

Allergic reactions - Anafalactic shock

Pat@designermixes.org (Pat) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:01:49 GMT

My dog had severe reactions to vaccinations...She actually went into shock and almost died. Will I still be able to get her spayed?

Is my Puppy Sick??

Rockysmom@designermixes.org (Rockysmom) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 19:00:46 GMT

Yes, I can say I was stupid and bought a dog at a pet store. He's a puggle. Welll when we got him he was sick...We didn't notice it until we actually got home with him....
Well he is getting over Kennel cough and is on meds. He was at the vets for 3 days while he was getting better.
Now I don't know if something else is wrong with Rocky. He seems to be eating well/peeing & pooping but I think I am seeing blood in his stools? They are brown w/red. Not sure if this is normal or from his food. I don't know what blood really looks like in stools, but I really think it is blood. He's up to date on all his shots. I'm a first time puppy owner and need advice! I will call the vet tomorrow as well.

There are 4 replies, with the last one on 12/13/2008 at 7:00 PM by Rockysmom

Reply: I posted some pics today
He's so cute...but way different than other puggles I see. His colors are reversed. Black & fawn...usually they are the other way around....
I feel that he has more beagle in him than pug..Buthe's still very cute