Doggy Advice

[Fesenjan123]

We have a gorgeous little stray on our development who is probably coming up for a year old. He just appeared one day as they do when he was about 6 months old. From his behaviour I would guess he is a dumped pet. Very obedient, doesn't beg and knows he's not allowed in the houses. The site foreman was the one who started feeding him and although he doesn't take him home, or spend much time with him, he is as near an owner as this dog has. We feed him, worm him and de-tick him. All the time he stays on the development he is reasonably safe. I am determined to get him neutered for obvious reasons, and to stop him wandering off if he scents a bitch. I asked the foreman if this was ok and he said no, the dog was too young. I pleaded with him and he grudginly said ok, although I don't think he approves. Wanting to act before he changes his mind I made an appt for tomorrow with Niazi at Petline. The oroblem is the dog won't get in the car! Eventually I picked him up and out him in, where he laid on the seat cowering and trembling. I cuddled him and stoked him, talking softly to him and we drove very slowly for about 5 mins but he was terrified. I'm worried that come tomorrow morning I won't even be able to get him in the car and am afraid he may go berserk. My partner is not a doggy person and says we should not bother but I have the dog's interest at heart and want to keep him safe. Any suggestions which may help? We have to take him from Esentepe to Catalkoy.

[Lor51]

I also use Niazzi, I had a similar problem with getting a dog into the car, it was because she was ill and I wanted her checked out, anyway, I called Niazzi and told him that I couldn't get her in the car and he came out to see her and took a blood test. He then called again to put her to sleep when the results were bad. If you ask him I am sure that he will either give you a sedative to put in his food to calm him or perhaps even call and sedate him himself.

[kaiserphil]

Maybe the poor little guy was dumped from a moving car.

[Fesenjan123]

I did think that myself KaiserPhil. Called in to see Niazi this morning to ask his advice and he gave me some sedatives to use so fingers crossed they will work. That's if I can get him to take them of course. May even take them myself if not, to calm me down! Joke! Now I have to get a collar on him so he can't escape when we get him out of the car at the Vets. Tried putting one on him before and he went ape. Poor little boy, I feel awful doing all this but I just want him safe and not be responsible for any puppies.

[Ragged Robin]

Try wrapping the pill in a cream cheese triangle - dogs (and cats) love it, and it sticks to the pill and is slippery so it cant spit it out. Worked a treat with one of my dogs who was driving me mad refusing to take worming tabs.

If he is small enough, borrow a cat carrier or something similar to take him to the Vet. He wont like it but its all for his own sale in the long run, and it will be safer if you dont have a doggie person with you than having a frightened dog loose, or tied up in the car as he might choke on his collar.

[kaiserphil]

I think we must be lucky, our dog will swallow anything!

[Fesenjan123]

Thanks for the advice about the cream cheese. Had to give him 3 sedatives so put them in one triangle and he ate it straightaway. He's about 25kg so had to drag him into the car, poor thing was trembling like a jelly but didn't struggle much. Had a job getting him out of the car and into the vets but then Niazi injected him with more sedative. Collected him this afternoon, all went well with the op thank goodness. Very groggy and been sick a few times but is sleeping nicely now. Many thanks to Petline, so sensitive to a very frightened dog. I'm just glad it's done and he won't be responsible for any puppies.

[Owl Lady]

Thanks for being so caring and responsible, I am sure he will forgive you, eventually!!!

[Ragged Robin]

Well done Fesenjan - you have done the dog and the community a big favour! I am sure the dog will be running about happily in a few hourss - mine were.

I am glad the cheese triangles worked. My other dogs , like K's, will swallow anything (worrying because of poison). but one really hates pills and I was getting desperate and so was an experienced Vet = tried everything from liver to ice cream before someone told me about the cheese triangles. The problem with adopting strays is one doesnt know what traumas they have suffered previously.

If you think you are likely to volunteer as doggie chauffeur again, F,get him used to the car now by rewarding him a treat (a biscuit might be less messy than cream cheese for this) each time he gets in and out - then just make sure you keep the doors shut when you dont want him to.!

[Owl Lady]

How is the patient today?

[Fesenjan123]

Thank you for asking Owl Lady. He was quite sick last night with the effects of the anaesthetic but much better today. Ate a good meal and is quite happy despite everything. Absolutely hates the lampshade collar of course! That's the wonderful thing about dogs, the love and trust they give you, despite what I made him go through yesterday.