Author |
Barnyard Buddies: Rescue dog |
|
GoddessintheGroove
True Blue Farmgirl
265 Posts
Heike
Sacramento
CA
265 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2015 : 08:07:12 AM
|
Good Morning!
We very recently lost our GSD Rex, who was only 9years old, very fast and mysteriously, we think it was a reaction to vaccine. :(
We were heartbroken.I looked up a local sheperd rescue to donate our food to, and we discovered Valor. Both the kids and I were drawn to him. We are a good dog family, and since we will grieve our Rex for a long time, we decided it was not "too early" to give another dog a home. We decided to adopt Valor two weeks later.
He has been with us a week now. He is a great dog. BUT...he came with undisclosed medical stuff (not by the rescue, but the current owners, the rescue was the middle man), and a very long story.
He was throwing up daily and getting Pepcid to remedy the vomitting :(. I immediately changed his food, and giving him some extras like probiotics & tuna, I call it my hippie diet. He has not thrown up once and is gaining weight.
What I cannot seem to curb is the shedding. He sheds immensely. We brush him, and i have to sweep or vacume several times a day. It is only a week, so this may change, but the hair is driving me crazy.
Any recommendations? Thank you.
FarmGirl Sister #2245 "A journey back to the roots..." http://www.herbmagik.com
"Women with opinions, pendants, & KitchenWitches...all in one." http://www.goddessinthegroove.com
Find me on FB: http://www.facebook.com/theGoddessintheGroove |
|
Ingrid
True Blue Farmgirl
432 Posts
Ingrid
BC
Canada
432 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2015 : 08:40:40 AM
|
The shedding could be because of the change of diet and previously to the change if he was not well (ie vomiting) that would cause hair to fall out. Probably will continue until all the old hair is gone because it wasn't getting nourishment and new stuff grows in. If his skin is itchy rub him all over with Apple Cider Vinegar (kind of stinky) and put a bit of oil in his food. With dogs and people the hair isn't necessary so all the nutrition he was getting prior to being at your home would go to the important parts of his body that are necessary. I have had GSD that have lived to 13 and 14 (he is still with me and a rescue as well. They are wonderful dogs. Congratulations !
Give thanks to yourself everyday for all the wonderful things you do! |
|
|
GoddessintheGroove
True Blue Farmgirl
265 Posts
Heike
Sacramento
CA
265 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2015 : 09:20:30 AM
|
thanks Ingrid! He is very itchy, and leaving little mounds of hair everywhere (I keep saying he like Pig Pen in Peanuts!). I will try the vinegar, actually like the smell :).
I am putting coconut oil in his food too, I forgot to list that. I just made him breakfast, and mentioned that HIS breakfast gets more attention than anyone else's in this house! :)
quote: Originally posted by Ingrid
The shedding could be because of the change of diet and previously to the change if he was not well (ie vomiting) that would cause hair to fall out. Probably will continue until all the old hair is gone because it wasn't getting nourishment and new stuff grows in. If his skin is itchy rub him all over with Apple Cider Vinegar (kind of stinky) and put a bit of oil in his food. With dogs and people the hair isn't necessary so all the nutrition he was getting prior to being at your home would go to the important parts of his body that are necessary. I have had GSD that have lived to 13 and 14 (he is still with me and a rescue as well. They are wonderful dogs. Congratulations !
Give thanks to yourself everyday for all the wonderful things you do!
FarmGirl Sister #2245 "A journey back to the roots..." http://www.herbmagik.com
"Women with opinions, pendants, & KitchenWitches...all in one." http://www.goddessinthegroove.com
Find me on FB: http://www.facebook.com/theGoddessintheGroove |
|
|
Bear5
True Blue Farmgirl
13055 Posts
Louisiana/Texas
USA
13055 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2015 : 12:32:23 PM
|
Heike, sorry for the loss of your dog. I am so happy to hear that Valor got a good home with good people! His picture is adorable. What a handsome guy! Keep us posted on his condition. Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
|
|
GoddessintheGroove
True Blue Farmgirl
265 Posts
Heike
Sacramento
CA
265 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2015 : 1:59:42 PM
|
Thank you Marly :). I love the quote in your signature, so true!
quote: Originally posted by Bear5
Heike, sorry for the loss of your dog. I am so happy to hear that Valor got a good home with good people! His picture is adorable. What a handsome guy! Keep us posted on his condition. Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross
FarmGirl Sister #2245 "A journey back to the roots..." http://www.herbmagik.com
"Women with opinions, pendants, & KitchenWitches...all in one." http://www.goddessinthegroove.com
Find me on INSTAGRAM! Goddess in the Groove |
|
|
Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2015 : 6:02:34 PM
|
Heike, I'm so sorry that you lost Rex... That is just so hard. But I am really glad that you have rescued Valor because I know you will love him and take care of him and make sure he gets better. He is just so beautiful! As far as the shedding, similar to Ingrid said, what my first thought was a food allergy, actually. When we first had our Pawlee, she went through something very similar. The vet ordered us to change her food to a simple lamb and rice formula, and the results were amazing... No more itching, no more occasional rashes, and her shedding only continued seasonally, as it normally would for a dog with her type of fur. She felt so much better and her coat was just beautiful. I don't know whether Valor is experiencing an allergy or not, but this truly may help. The other thing is, dogs also can get a type of mold or mildew or something like that on their skin that would cause a similar reaction - I can't remember what it's called, but I think Pawlee had a funky smell with that. We had to wash her with a special shampoo and give her medication, but eventually that helped, too. I hope this all helps a little. Please do keep us posted on how Valor's doing, and what you find out, okay? Hugs - Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
www.papercraftingwithnini.ctmh.com
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
|
|
|
GoddessintheGroove
True Blue Farmgirl
265 Posts
Heike
Sacramento
CA
265 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2015 : 8:28:36 PM
|
Thank you for your sweet words, Nini :). We have changed his food to Taste of the Wild, which is grain free. He does not smell (we already gave me a clove flea bath and and an oatmeal rinse a few days ago). I am going to try the apple cider wash on Sunday, plus, we are brushing him often. Thankfully, he enjoys all that attention, he even lets em run the vacuum tube over his back :). It probably feels good!
quote: Originally posted by Ninibini
Heike, I'm so sorry that you lost Rex... That is just so hard. But I am really glad that you have rescued Valor because I know you will love him and take care of him and make sure he gets better. He is just so beautiful! As far as the shedding, similar to Ingrid said, what my first thought was a food allergy, actually. When we first had our Pawlee, she went through something very similar. The vet ordered us to change her food to a simple lamb and rice formula, and the results were amazing... No more itching, no more occasional rashes, and her shedding only continued seasonally, as it normally would for a dog with her type of fur. She felt so much better and her coat was just beautiful. I don't know whether Valor is experiencing an allergy or not, but this truly may help. The other thing is, dogs also can get a type of mold or mildew or something like that on their skin that would cause a similar reaction - I can't remember what it's called, but I think Pawlee had a funky smell with that. We had to wash her with a special shampoo and give her medication, but eventually that helped, too. I hope this all helps a little. Please do keep us posted on how Valor's doing, and what you find out, okay? Hugs - Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
www.papercraftingwithnini.ctmh.com
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
FarmGirl Sister #2245 "A journey back to the roots..." http://www.herbmagik.com
"Women with opinions, pendants, & KitchenWitches...all in one." http://www.goddessinthegroove.com
Find me on INSTAGRAM! Goddess in the Groove |
|
|
cajungal
True Blue Farmgirl
2349 Posts
Catherine Farmgirl Sister #76
Houston Area
Texas
2349 Posts |
Posted - Nov 01 2015 : 5:21:36 PM
|
What a lucky dog Valor is. Rex was, too. Y'all are certainly a good dog family!
I agree with the other girls. The stress and diet change could be the shedding cause. It sounds like you're on the right track with the new diet and baths.
Catherine Sister #76 (2005) One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt.
|
|
|
GoddessintheGroove
True Blue Farmgirl
265 Posts
Heike
Sacramento
CA
265 Posts |
Posted - Nov 01 2015 : 6:47:37 PM
|
Thank you Catherine
quote: Originally posted by cajungal
What a lucky dog Valor is. Rex was, too. Y'all are certainly a good dog family!
I agree with the other girls. The stress and diet change could be the shedding cause. It sounds like you're on the right track with the new diet and baths.
Catherine Sister #76 (2005) One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt.
FarmGirl Sister #2245 "A journey back to the roots..." http://www.herbmagik.com
"Women with opinions, pendants, & KitchenWitches...all in one." http://www.goddessinthegroove.com
Find me on INSTAGRAM! Goddess in the Groove |
|
|
sherone_13
True Blue Farmgirl
2460 Posts
Sherone
Evanston
WY
USA
2460 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2015 : 08:13:05 AM
|
The hair loss could be related to his thyroid. Our Chihuahua had Thyroid disease and she commonly lost her hair. they were able to treat it with meds. Have your Vet do some blood tests. Our shelter babies have challenges, but they make up for it with their love! Thanks for being courageous and taking on a shelter doggie. Just one more reason that I think you are awesome!
Sherone
Farmgirl Sister #1682
My Blog
www.annapearlsattic.blogspot.com
My Etsy
www.etsy.com/shop/annapearlsattic
My Avon
www.youravon.com/sheronetaylor
Women are angels. When someone breaks our wings, we just jump on our broomsticks and fly! We are flexible that way! |
|
|
GoddessintheGroove
True Blue Farmgirl
265 Posts
Heike
Sacramento
CA
265 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2015 : 08:22:15 AM
|
thanks Sherone :). He had quite a few bloodtests done right after he was neutered in August. I am actually in the process of finding a new vet for us to see in the future, and go from there. We have only had him a little over a week, so I hope it will subside in the next few weeks....
quote: Originally posted by sherone_13
The hair loss could be related to his thyroid. Our Chihuahua had Thyroid disease and she commonly lost her hair. they were able to treat it with meds. Have your Vet do some blood tests. Our shelter babies have challenges, but they make up for it with their love! Thanks for being courageous and taking on a shelter doggie. Just one more reason that I think you are awesome!
Sherone
Farmgirl Sister #1682
My Blog
www.annapearlsattic.blogspot.com
My Etsy
www.etsy.com/shop/annapearlsattic
My Avon
www.youravon.com/sheronetaylor
Women are angels. When someone breaks our wings, we just jump on our broomsticks and fly! We are flexible that way!
FarmGirl Sister #2245 "A journey back to the roots..." http://www.herbmagik.com
"Women with opinions, pendants, & KitchenWitches...all in one." http://www.goddessinthegroove.com
Find me on INSTAGRAM! Goddess in the Groove |
|
|
sherone_13
True Blue Farmgirl
2460 Posts
Sherone
Evanston
WY
USA
2460 Posts |
|
texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
Posted - Nov 03 2015 : 07:50:05 AM
|
Heike,
SO glad to see you! I haven't seen you on the chatroom in a while. I am so sorry you lost Rex. Losing a pet is just so heartbreaking! We almost lost our chi this summer. Someone fed him a chocolate chip cookie at a festival and he developed acute pancreatitis. Funny thing is, it was the same week as his vaccine, so we wondered about that. THe combo of the large vaccine and the chocolate may have been too much. Fortunately, he recovered. It's devastating to lose a furbaby, and my heart goes out to you.
I, too, have a shepherd mix. I also have burned up about seven vacuum cleaners since I got her six and a half years ago. Your pup's shedding could be medical, change of food, or stress (my bet it's worse than usual with all the changes, causing stress). But I will tell you my girl SHEDS! Shedding like "will she be bald?" shedding, there is so much hair. It's part of the breed, and my friend who is a vet says it's usually worse with a shep when it is mixed for some reason. Twice a year the shedding is worse than usual, spring and fall, for about a week or two. We brush her, but also realize it is just part of her, and we love her no matter. Hopefully this eases your mind, as it could be something that isn't serious, just a little annoying. The blood tests should tell you more, but it could just be his breed. Love him and brush him often, and after a few weeks, hopefully it will curb.
Congrats on your new furbaby!
Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155 KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/
www.facebook.com/suburbanfarmgirlblogger |
|
|
MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
7077 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
7077 Posts |
Posted - Nov 03 2015 : 1:17:03 PM
|
Heike,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It is so hard to lose a loved one. Congrats on finding you a new love to help fill that gap. I agree with others on the shedding. I feel it has to do with all the stress he was under as well as the changes in environment and food. I hope the shedding will lighten up shortly but if he is a shedding bread he may still shed when seasons change. I will admit that 2 of my ladies are avid shedders. Especially right now with the weather changing. It drives me crazy having hair everywhere and on everything. Lint rollers and vacuums have become my best friend at maintaining my sanity! I will normally just pull the vacuum out and run the extension over them. They love to be vacuumed! If I’m going to vacuum the hair anyway might as well be off of them instead of the floor. Right? I hope your pup gets well soon and can eliminate some shedding problems.
Krista |
|
|
GoddessintheGroove
True Blue Farmgirl
265 Posts
Heike
Sacramento
CA
265 Posts |
Posted - Nov 03 2015 : 1:59:57 PM
|
Hi Nicole!!
I am not whether to laugh or cry at your post :).....I was just gifted a fantastic little vaccume from a friend who is moving a few weeks ago. I send her my blessings several times a day! My old one would have died.
Yes, I have been MIA for a while. I am enjoying being back, reading up on everyone. Of course the wonderful message on my post make my heart swell :).
Rex was a long haired shepard, so I am used to hair. But Valor should be bald.
I am glad you were able to take care of your dog. We are going to be much more diligent about giving only one vaccine at a time with Valor, if any at all other than Rabies. Unfortunately, I learned that vaccine deaths happen more than we ever want to know. I only vaccinate my kids one vaccine at a time, and very limited. I wish I had done so with the dog.....
Warmly, Heike
quote: Originally posted by texdane
Heike,
SO glad to see you! I haven't seen you on the chatroom in a while. I am so sorry you lost Rex. Losing a pet is just so heartbreaking! We almost lost our chi this summer. Someone fed him a chocolate chip cookie at a festival and he developed acute pancreatitis. Funny thing is, it was the same week as his vaccine, so we wondered about that. THe combo of the large vaccine and the chocolate may have been too much. Fortunately, he recovered. It's devastating to lose a furbaby, and my heart goes out to you.
I, too, have a shepherd mix. I also have burned up about seven vacuum cleaners since I got her six and a half years ago. Your pup's shedding could be medical, change of food, or stress (my bet it's worse than usual with all the changes, causing stress). But I will tell you my girl SHEDS! Shedding like "will she be bald?" shedding, there is so much hair. It's part of the breed, and my friend who is a vet says it's usually worse with a shep when it is mixed for some reason. Twice a year the shedding is worse than usual, spring and fall, for about a week or two. We brush her, but also realize it is just part of her, and we love her no matter. Hopefully this eases your mind, as it could be something that isn't serious, just a little annoying. The blood tests should tell you more, but it could just be his breed. Love him and brush him often, and after a few weeks, hopefully it will curb.
Congrats on your new furbaby!
Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155 KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/
www.facebook.com/suburbanfarmgirlblogger
FarmGirl Sister #2245 "A journey back to the roots..." http://www.herbmagik.com
"Women with opinions, pendants, & KitchenWitches...all in one." http://www.goddessinthegroove.com
Find me on INSTAGRAM! Goddess in the Groove |
|
|
GoddessintheGroove
True Blue Farmgirl
265 Posts
Heike
Sacramento
CA
265 Posts |
Posted - Nov 03 2015 : 2:01:09 PM
|
LOL!! I just vaccumed Valor too! They are lucky they are so cute....:)
Thank you for your sweet post, I appreciate it.
quote: Originally posted by MaryJanesNiece
Heike,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It is so hard to lose a loved one. Congrats on finding you a new love to help fill that gap. I agree with others on the shedding. I feel it has to do with all the stress he was under as well as the changes in environment and food. I hope the shedding will lighten up shortly but if he is a shedding bread he may still shed when seasons change. I will admit that 2 of my ladies are avid shedders. Especially right now with the weather changing. It drives me crazy having hair everywhere and on everything. Lint rollers and vacuums have become my best friend at maintaining my sanity! I will normally just pull the vacuum out and run the extension over them. They love to be vacuumed! If I’m going to vacuum the hair anyway might as well be off of them instead of the floor. Right? I hope your pup gets well soon and can eliminate some shedding problems.
Krista
FarmGirl Sister #2245 "A journey back to the roots..." http://www.herbmagik.com
"Women with opinions, pendants, & KitchenWitches...all in one." http://www.goddessinthegroove.com
Find me on INSTAGRAM! Goddess in the Groove |
Edited by - GoddessintheGroove on Nov 03 2015 2:03:15 PM |
|
|
GoddessintheGroove
True Blue Farmgirl
265 Posts
Heike
Sacramento
CA
265 Posts |
|
GoddessintheGroove
True Blue Farmgirl
265 Posts
Heike
Sacramento
CA
265 Posts |
Posted - Nov 05 2015 : 9:37:46 PM
|
Hello Everyone :). I wanted to update you. I took Valor to the vet yesterday for an exam, and he passed with flying colors. Other than being underweight (vet comment: I don't see this often :)...), he is healthy, and the vet commented on his great disposition. Heartworm & Lyme came back negative. In regards to his coat, he said to continue his diet and stay away from beef, and chicken, as well as adding fish oil. Keep brushing :). Hopefully, the shedding and itching will subside in a few weeks.
The trial period is over, and he is officially ours! I wrote a little piece on him at http://goddessinthegroove.blogspot.com/2015/11/death-sucks.html. If you want to see him in action, see my Instagram at Goddess in the Groove.
Thank you again for all your kind words. Warmly, Heike
FarmGirl Sister #2245 "A journey back to the roots..." http://www.herbmagik.com
"Women with opinions, pendants, & KitchenWitches...all in one." http://www.goddessinthegroove.com
Find me on INSTAGRAM! Goddess in the Groove |
|
|
Needle
True Blue Farmgirl
287 Posts
Judy
Kissimmee
Florida
USA
287 Posts |
Posted - Nov 18 2015 : 06:11:42 AM
|
So sorry for your loss. We went through the same thing about 3 years ago. We now have Maxie. She is a shepherd husky mix and a rescue as well. She has been a real blessing, however she sheds like pig pen as well. I really don't know how she doesn't go bald. We do have her on a grain free diet and that does help the itching. This is her and one of our grand puppies Tank.
Farm Girl Sister #6566
The road of life is made smoother when traveled with someone you love. |
|
|
GoddessintheGroove
True Blue Farmgirl
265 Posts
Heike
Sacramento
CA
265 Posts |
Posted - Nov 18 2015 : 07:23:46 AM
|
Aww...how cute are they!!!
The shedding has died down a little. I am adding coconut oil, olive oil, and sometimes fish oil to his food. His fur looks & feels MUCH better, but his skin is still pretty dry. Working on it.
quote: Originally posted by Needle
So sorry for your loss. We went through the same thing about 3 years ago. We now have Maxie. She is a shepherd husky mix and a rescue as well. She has been a real blessing, however she sheds like pig pen as well. I really don't know how she doesn't go bald. We do have her on a grain free diet and that does help the itching. This is her and one of our grand puppies Tank.
Farm Girl Sister #6566
The road of life is made smoother when traveled with someone you love.
FarmGirl Sister #2245 "A journey back to the roots..." http://www.herbmagik.com
"Women with opinions, pendants, & KitchenWitches...all in one." http://www.goddessinthegroove.com
Find me on INSTAGRAM! Goddess in the Groove |
|
|
churunga
True Blue Farmgirl
3951 Posts
Marie
Minneapolis
MN
USA
3951 Posts |
Posted - Nov 18 2015 : 09:11:15 AM
|
I have two rescued dogs.
This is Mitzi. She had been previously owned by an elderly woman who had to give her up to enter assisted living. I could tell right away she was very much loved and spoiled. She can be very stubborn. I imagine that she was taken around to everyone in the retirement community in which she lived to meet and comfort people because she is so friendly to every person she meets.
This is Morgan. We originally found him at the pound and had adopted him before we found Mitzi. He had been turned in as a stray and had no license. We bailed him out and I took him to the vet, groomer and got him a microchip. A neighbor told me she saw a lost dog poster with his picture on it. I called the number and he was someone else's dog. We gave him back and she paid for some of the costs of care. I gave her all the paperwork and told her to change the contact information so that she could get him back if he got lost again. The lady lived in the neighborhood so I thought I might see him again but I didn't. Two years passed. This spring we got a call from our vet saying they had our dog at their office. It was Morgan! We picked him up and decided that he was ours now. I learned that during his two years away he had experienced some abuse. It took him about a month to be comfortable with us and our schedule. He is still somewhat timid. I know he is much happier with us.
Marie, Sister #5142 Farmgirl of the Month May 2014
Try everything once and the fun things twice. |
|
|
GoddessintheGroove
True Blue Farmgirl
265 Posts
Heike
Sacramento
CA
265 Posts |
Posted - Nov 18 2015 : 09:14:10 AM
|
Marie,
how sweet. These dogs know when they are safe :).
quote: Originally posted by churunga
I have two rescued dogs.
This is Mitzi. She had been previously owned by an elderly woman who had to give her up to enter assisted living. I could tell right away she was very much loved and spoiled. She can be very stubborn. I imagine that she was taken around to everyone in the retirement community in which she lived to meet and comfort people because she is so friendly to every person she meets.
This is Morgan. We originally found him at the pound and had adopted him before we found Mitzi. He had been turned in as a stray and had no license. We bailed him out and I took him to the vet, groomer and got him a microchip. A neighbor told me she saw a lost dog poster with his picture on it. I called the number and he was someone else's dog. We gave him back and she paid for some of the costs of care. I gave her all the paperwork and told her to change the contact information so that she could get him back if he got lost again. The lady lived in the neighborhood so I thought I might see him again but I didn't. Two years passed. This spring we got a call from our vet saying they had our dog at their office. It was Morgan! We picked him up and decided that he was ours now. I learned that during his two years away he had experienced some abuse. It took him about a month to be comfortable with us and our schedule. He is still somewhat timid. I know he is much happier with us.
Marie, Sister #5142 Farmgirl of the Month May 2014
Try everything once and the fun things twice.
FarmGirl Sister #2245 "A journey back to the roots..." http://www.herbmagik.com
"Women with opinions, pendants, & KitchenWitches...all in one." http://www.goddessinthegroove.com
Find me on INSTAGRAM! Goddess in the Groove |
|
|
Needle
True Blue Farmgirl
287 Posts
Judy
Kissimmee
Florida
USA
287 Posts |
Posted - Nov 19 2015 : 5:02:28 PM
|
Such sweet hearts. I believe they know when they have their forever homes.
Farm Girl Sister #6566
The road of life is made smoother when traveled with someone you love. |
|
|
|
Barnyard Buddies: Rescue dog |
|
|
|