persephone

Ness...it is such an agony when we need to start thinking ... I've been there too .Our lives become so enmeshed in the welfare of our pets ...

For me, it would be time to think about that power we have to give our furred family the wings to soar away from pain and frustration ..to leave broken bodies behind ... for you, ness, I have no suggestions .I do hope you are taking time to care for yourself as well - when we have a constant worry and are coping with illness in a person or animal we love , it takes a huge toll. Been there, done that . Be kind to you.

That is such good news, W M !!

Phone your vet as to the type of painkiller ... be cautious with aspirin - it is a human drug. Rest is what it needs .... and if the leg is a bit sore, then your dog is more likely to rest it ;)

Your boy is possibly also calmer now as he is an only dog . ;) two teenagers together could very well change all that!! :D

..sorry nic, and OP ..I was 'presuming ' :p

and do get assistance with this ... the little dog is 'middle aged', has anxiety and is confused .... Do you know exactly how/where she was housed previously ? Knowing that would help with her rehab. a great deal, I think

Ahhh .. yes . If there is so much anxiety involved , toilet training will be hard for you both. working with a mature dog and multiple problems requires a lot of understanding on your part ..and a certain way of approaching things. sas is very experienced, and I recommend the pdf link she has included. Please read the bolded bit again . It does not matter how smart a dog is ... certain behaviours , ingrained, and triggered by anything from texture to sounds, to scents can still override learning until managed correctly. Keep us posted ...:)

I'm the fat one, not my dogs :)

Dear little things :)

No, she isn't silly ..but why would she know not to toilet where she does? if she 'knew' she wouldn't do it . She's a dog used to being in kennels ..and probably toileting under a roof ...when you gotta go, you go ;) She is also probably used to toileting when people are present .... and in her little doggy brain ..mats feel to her like a toilet spot .... It will take a lot of learning for you both .. good for you in asking dogmad for help :) Have you had her checked for urinary tract infections etc ?

something like that , yes :)

Good news ! :)

:) Gosh, it's a hard life . ps ..I adore your sign in name :)

We had one ... R I P little Kaetchen (keetie) unfortunately it was a long time ago ,(almost 40 yrs); a very careless breeder , a large vet bill and euthanasia at 6 mths due to an unhealed fractured shoulder due to a bite when a baby , and very bad HD ..a lot of pain , and no bright future. She was such a beautiful girl....and my Mum's pride& joy .

Those basket muzzles are brilliant ! Hamlet wore one outside for about a year after his op to remove a foreign body ... I was petrified it would happen again ..and yes, food bits can be poked thru !

basket muzzles- the cheaper ones are made of a stiffer sort of plastic ..and need to be fitted, IMO so they don't rub on cheekbones. I still am using my original Italian made one ..with a leather strap..and a more pliable plastic in teh basket . It is now around 8 years old ..and was at one stage worn almost continuously for months .... without any rubbing etc .

can you maybe give her gut a rest for 24 hrs? Plenty to drink, obviously ..but let things settle ? Are you able to phone a vet who knows her ? I'm sorry you have your life turned around - take care .

Awwww :) :)

That muzzle is very constricting ..also anti - pant /open mouth at all .... maybe OK for a few minutes .. but anxious dogs need to pant ..and this one one will not allow it , by the looks . have you looked at ones like these ? LINK LINK LINK

I've run out of words ....

The poor girl .. this is not life as it should be ...

The first signs can be very subtle , and missed if no previous experience . Hope she is now well stocked up with goodies, and recovering well. :) I remember taking a seizing bitch 100 km to a vet , many years ago .... luckily she survived !