Papillon Kisses

Hi Hunter, my dog also has generalised anxiety and OCD. I recommend getting your existing dog’s anxiety disorders well managed/stabilised before considering another dog as dogs like ours do not typically cope well with change. Good stress is still stress physiologically. Be prepared for a potential setback. If you’re still keen and ready, I’d suggest a dog who has been raised in the home not a kennel to decrease the risk of finding yourself with two special needs dogs due to insufficient socialisation. Some breeders seem to think that taking dogs to shows is sufficient socialisation which it isn’t. Likewise a dog might be very comfortable living in the country but struggle big time being in the suburbs, so that’s another thing to consider. I’d try to find a trainer who can do temperament testing of a potential dog or even search for you. Your VB may be able to make a recommendation or check the Pet Professional Guild Australia website. I’m glad you seem to want a second dog for yourself rather than as a magic cure for your dog, and that you’re considering whether it’s something he wants. Just please be careful that your dog is in a good state before going ahead and try to avoid making the mistake of taking on another anxious dog. As much as I adore them, I know life is stressful and expensive enough with one!

What a grand old man. Sorry for your loss.

I second tdierikx.

OMG. PAPPY LOVE. Where’s the fainting from cute overload emoticon when you need it?

Paw Behaviour https://pawbehaviour.com.au/

I don’t know, Thistle. Thinking of you.

Your owners corp may not approve a staffy anyway. Many have bylaws that only permit small dogs under 10kg, though some might give exception to an old dog or greyhound. And if they have a problem you then have to go to the tribunal and argue that they’re being unreasonable.

Big hugs.

I don’t think it matters whether it’s play or prey as to the suitability for living with a small dog. They can easily be hurt or scared and then you’ll wind up with a reactive dog. ETA... realised that may be unclear. Yes prey = dead dog. But being mown over or nearly missing being mown over by a fast moving big dog is painful, dangerous and terrifying for small dogs and people need to consider this.

You can buy cat grass as seedlings but you’ll need to pot it on. You can also buy “pet” grass, which is the same thing but packaged for dog people with a papillon on the label. I think they talk about resowing to get fresh tender grass that’s tastier and to have a continual supply if it’s getting demolished. Also if you let it become too root bound it will die like any plant. I just take it out if it’s looking sad, hack off roots about 1/2-2/3, cut back grass too, then put it back into the same pot with fresh soil and give it a drink with seasol. It will bounce back so long as it’s not too far gone. Seeds are cheaper though and sprout readily. You might just need to protect them until established. If they are getting through the grass quicker than it can tolerate you might like to have two pots on the go. I had to do that with pineapple sage.

I imagine most dogs and journeys are fine, but I do know three dogs who have had traumatic flights or flights that could be traumatic for some. The first two examples below there were weather issues so it was a very rough and long journey. Puppy 1: crate trained beforehand, was not traumatised, LOVES his crates. Puppy 2: crate trained beforehand, was traumatised, developed a fear of the crate, owners were able to retrain love of the crate in 3 days. Puppy 3: unknown training history, traumatised, owners unable to crate train, they are looking at getting a different type to see if that helps. So I would definitely see if the breeder will crate train beforehand and ideally also use the Sound Proof Puppy Training app to positively condition the puppy to plane sounds (take off, landing and internal). BTW, puppies 2 & 3 were later diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Perhaps dogs not predisposed to anxiety may have been fine.

Have you looked into Antinol, Sheena? It might be helpful in conjunction with other things.

https://www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/ineffective-policies/visual-breed-identification

Rascal, if things don’t work out, look up Family Paws Parent Education. Several of the Aus people do Skype/phone consults (if you enquire, they may not advertise it). They specialise in this stuff. I second switching to soft flaps. We had to do that for Mal though we used a light clear plastic material... kind of like a plastic tablecloth but clear. I think people use it to protect tables but still see them? Don’t know the name!

I don’t have any personal experience with her, but Faith Hynoski at Revolution Dog might be a good fit as she’s also a Family Paws Parent Educator. https://www.revolutiondog.com.au/

What is your parents’ area?

It might not be appropriate, but perhaps you could ask your vet about nutrigel?

I would do as Powerlegs says. Make sure you update their microchip details too.

See a vet behaviourist

Malcolm has been on gabapentin at higher doses (for anxiety) and low doses (for non-arthritic pain). I don’t think we saw any side effects at a low dose, but he was sick so I can’t say for sure. At a high dose he was hungrier, more playful and not at all sedated. He was however more anxious, so we weaned him off it. So that’s our experience, but I’ve found it best not to be worried about other peoples’/dogs’ experiences as I’ve known dogs who do wonderfully on medications to which mine has had a bad reaction! There are worse things than needing medication to feel better, such as being in chronic pain. Remember too that you’re in control of whether, when and how it’s given, and can slowly wean her off if needed, like we did with Mal. If you can, I think you’d be well served seeing a rehab vet for an exercise program to complement medication.

Try Wollongong Animal Rescue Network. I can vouch for one of the people involved.

You mention the vet “cleaned” his teeth. Did they do this under anaesthesia? The lack of appetite could be from dental pain, which can’t be addressed unless under GA.