I know he is getting them from outside. But let me explain the tick cycle that I have discovered....First, about a month ago, he was laying in the hall way and all around him on all of the walls were these little itty-bitty ticks full of blood. Since that incident I bought him a tick collar and have given him several baths with flea and tick shampoo, and put tick drops on his back. The problem stopped for about a week. Then, I was petting him and felt a few bumps on his skin, so then I checked and they were the hard ticks!! Not full of blood. It's unusual to me because every tick I find is NOT full of blood as if they wont bite him for some reason, I dont know if its from the tick collar or the drops, or something? But I also found one in his ear and quickly removed it, afraid that it would go further in his ear causing some sort of infection. I just dont know what to do, nothing is working, and I cant afford a vet bill right now. Can someone please help me ? thanks
HELP!! My dog has ticks, and I have tried Everything!! Any one know anything that will work?
Advantix - as long as you DON'T have cats. (can cause seizing and death if the cat injests any product, ie. grooms the dog after application of the medication) It's a repellent for ticks and fleas. Works well.
Frontline Plus - a good product. Ticks will bite, but die within 48 hours and cannot transmit diseases to your dog.
Preventix collars - as long as it sits tight on the skin.
Don't use any of these products at the same time.
Reply:My vet uses revolution- it's a heartworm. flea, tick preventative- and it's $12 a month for my 22lb dog. If you dog is already on a heartworm preventative (and I hope he is)- why not switch?
Reply:Do not use tick collars or shampoo. Won't help. Frontline is the only thing to use on your dog to get rid of these nasty little creatures. Don't buy any walmart crap or things made by sargeants or hartz company. it's like throwing money out the window. Frontline is more expensive, but you will at least get results. Go to your vet and pick some up. No prescription needed.
Reply:have you tried bombing your house or having someone come to spray your house? you will need to have both inside and outside done. Make sure you remove your animals from the property for at least 3-4 hours. the person who will be spraying will also tell you the same thing.
the ticks on his skin were probably dead or dying from the drops. keep using it, to control and eventually eliminate them. ticks are very difficult to control Once the dog brings them home, and the female tick feeds, (the big grey ones), they drop off the animal, dig into the soil or the foundation of a home, and lay eggs. the little ones you saw are probably the babies from last year, that have hatched.
call a professional immediately, and have them check your home and the yard. they will tell you if you have a tick problem.
the best drops to use are frontline. if you do not have cats, then you can also try k-9 advantix.
good luck!
Reply:check drfostersmith.com ...or take him to a vet...he needs an ongoing treatment to prevent ticks and fleas...it can be topical or oral....all outdoor pets need this ...also needs heartworm preventative
Reply:Hi ,
If you cant afford the vet bill then try some of these. Call up your local vet and ask what to do. Even though you cant afford the vet bills you still can get the advice you need from them for free. Try using a better quality product if you dont already.
Hope this helps!
Reply:First of all I'm really sorry!
The reason that all of them aren't full of blood is because it takes them 24-48 hours to start. What we use is the drops and this spray. The name of it is Natrepel. It works!!
Good luck with everything!!!!
Reply:Add garlic to your dog,s diet fleas dont like it. And also you can bath the dog in used motor oil. Ps Spray some sort of posion around your home to stop the ticks from breeding
Reply:If its ticks, get Frontine its MAGIC
bougainvillea
Monday, November 21, 2011
My dog keeps scratching, but he doesn't have fleas. Any ideas?
Hey guys,
I have a 2.5 year old black Lab, who will not stop scratching!
He’s on monthly prescription-strength flea treatments because he had a flea problem in the past, however we have not been able to find a single flea on him. He stays outdoors (by choice) and rarely goes into any buildings, and sleeps under our carport (covered, enclosed by two walls, concrete floors).
I'm beginning to think it is partly dry skin, but he also has gnats flying around him often. But it seems like all other animals (and humans) have gnats flying around at this time of the year.
Should I try a medicated shampoo, something with a moisturizer?
He doesn't seem to have any visible signs of where he has been scratching, like scabbing or anything.
I can't stand seeing him so frustrated! We're still paying for past vet bills, and also have our OWN medical bills to pay for, so seeing a vet again, unless there is an emergency, isn't really ideal.
Any ideas? Thanks!
My dog keeps scratching, but he doesn't have fleas. Any ideas?
If you're not in the UK, make sure the dog is on heartworm treatment if there are lots of mozzies around.
You're using proper treatment, so it's probably something other than fleas causing the scratching. This could be many things - mange (caused by mites, and there are different types) allergies to different foods or plants, even dust or grass. I think you will have to go to a vet if you want to find out what the problem is - no one on here can suggest more than I have, we can only make guesses and suggestions.
Chalice
Reply:My husband and I have a Lab as well and she scratches quite often. Especially this time of year because it's getting cold. If you notice that s/he is scratching one particular spot, there is a hot spot medicine found at Wal-Mart that will soothe the itching. We keep our Lab on monthly flea meds as well and that has helped some. I'm guessing that the dog probably has dry skin and there are different shampoos that can aid in that situation. If it continues, I would call your vet and see if s/he has any other suggestions.
Reply:i think its allergys. go to another vet.
Reply:He could be allergic to any number of things. My uncle's dog was actually allergic to fleas- so even if you couldn't find a flea on him- he always seemed to have a rash. Take the dog to the vet. Don't just go bathing him with different shampoos. It could agitate the area and cause him more pain.
Reply:it could be worms. i'm not to sure but it's the only thing i can think of. i know you don't want to hear this but if all else fails, try the vet.
Reply:He probable has skin allergies. He might need a cortisone shot. Try giving him some human benadryl.allergy medication. It will help. Have a black lab myself.
Reply:it could be several things two of the most obvious to me would be Demodectic Mange (mange mites) and a simple food allergy, try changing his food, to something with different ingredients, often times dogs do as adults get a grain allergy, and most foods especially cheaper foods are made of a considerable amount of grain, because it costs less, but if you go to a food with more protein, cut down on the amount, because he will not require allot. many people are now trying a raw food diet, but i only recommend that if you take extreme car in handling the food. I do this with my two dogs and it has worked well for us, we buy it locally in frozen portion controled form, and thaw a days worth at a time, they love it and ait is much healthier, but more costly. Demodectic Mange is a immunity defeciancy. normally there are small bugs microscopic bug that live in harmony with the dog (humans too in fact) however sometimes the dogs imunity that fights these bugs weakens and the dog begins to itch, eventually hair loss and skin discoloration will occur, it is very treatable and requires a oral does of mediceine daily but it is very reasonabyly priced.
but in all cases you need to take him to a vet for a proper diagnosis....
Reply:What are you feeding him? It could be an allergy to something in his food. Or perhaps not an allergy, but a sensitivity to an ingredient.
Most (all?) of the supermarket brands and so-called "premium brands" (Science Diet, Eukanuba, etc.) are full of corn (highly allergenic and indigestible to many dogs), fillers, and by-products. You might find that switching to a better food helps with his skin.
Oatmeal shampoo is also something you might want to try.
If these measures don't help, you really have no choice but to take him to the vet and have the problem evaluated. Good Luck!
Reply:what kind of food are you feeding him? My Golden was scratching ALL the time and then we changed her food to an all natural potato and duck diet and she has been fine ever since. Apparently, some dogs are allergic to chicken and rice blends. We also don't bathe her with medicated (flea)shampoo, just oatmeal based shampoo for sensitive skin. And I would just make sure that all of the shampoo is rinsed out because the residue makes our dog itch like crazy after a bath.
I personally wouldnt try any ointments or medicated shampoos until you try changing his food and bathing him with the oatmeal based shampoo. That way you can see if its just sensitive skin :)
Reply:It could also be a food allergy. Go to dogfoodanalysis.com. Look up the food you are using for your baby. See if it contains alot of food allergen ingredients (like corn) or low quality ingredients which might be low in nutritional value. Sometimes switching to a better quality diet will help too. Always give the best food you can AFFORD to buy. A couple dollars extra a bag may save alot of heartache and frustration, not to mention vet bills to treat these allergies. Also, the vet will try to push that Science Diet stuff. It's full of corn, which is a high allergen among dogs. I would try to steer clear of that, and lean towards something of higher quality. Unfortuantely, most vets don't know enough about nutrition, and the Hills-SD people are very persuasive and the sale of this food is very lucrative. In fact, the stuff my vet wanted me to give my girl contained a known cancer-causing agent as a preservative. Know your pet food ingredients before you buy. If you can't afford a better dog food, consider adding an additional source of beneficial oils to help the dry coat.
Also, oatmeal doggie shampoos may do the trick if it's an issue of an enviromental thing. Dogs generally are not allergic to gnats. They can, however, be allergic to grass, the same way we are, or pollens, etc. Maybe you can ask the vet about giving him some benedryl to help with the itching. It won't get rid of the cause, but it might make him feel better.
Reply:Do you have him on high quality food? A lot of dogs (Labs especially) can't handle the cheap fillers in most commercial dog foods. The main things that you want to avoid are corn, wheat, and animal by-products. Also, giving him an omega fatty acid supplement will probably help. I like flax seed, either oil or meal. You can get the meal pretty cheap at bulk food stores.
Just for thought....I have a horse that is EXTREMELY allergic to flies. Itches himself completely bald and even bloody in some spots for 9 months out of every year. On one visit with my vet, he mentioned a study he read where arthritis supplements (Glucosamine, MSM, Shark Cartlidge, Hyaluronic Acid, etc..) was helping with skin problems in animals. I have been giving them to the horse ever since, but its difficult to tell if it has made a difference. It wasn't a magic cure all...but its good for his joints too at least! By the way...his condition is a result of him being a PMU baby. Because his mom was deprived adequate water and proper nutrition while she was pregnant with him, and improper care of him at birth. PLEASE! If you or anyone you know takes Premarin...STOP!!! There are many synthetic alternatives that do not kill hundreds of horses every year! Bear was one of the lucky ones that actually survived...
I have a 2.5 year old black Lab, who will not stop scratching!
He’s on monthly prescription-strength flea treatments because he had a flea problem in the past, however we have not been able to find a single flea on him. He stays outdoors (by choice) and rarely goes into any buildings, and sleeps under our carport (covered, enclosed by two walls, concrete floors).
I'm beginning to think it is partly dry skin, but he also has gnats flying around him often. But it seems like all other animals (and humans) have gnats flying around at this time of the year.
Should I try a medicated shampoo, something with a moisturizer?
He doesn't seem to have any visible signs of where he has been scratching, like scabbing or anything.
I can't stand seeing him so frustrated! We're still paying for past vet bills, and also have our OWN medical bills to pay for, so seeing a vet again, unless there is an emergency, isn't really ideal.
Any ideas? Thanks!
My dog keeps scratching, but he doesn't have fleas. Any ideas?
If you're not in the UK, make sure the dog is on heartworm treatment if there are lots of mozzies around.
You're using proper treatment, so it's probably something other than fleas causing the scratching. This could be many things - mange (caused by mites, and there are different types) allergies to different foods or plants, even dust or grass. I think you will have to go to a vet if you want to find out what the problem is - no one on here can suggest more than I have, we can only make guesses and suggestions.
Chalice
Reply:My husband and I have a Lab as well and she scratches quite often. Especially this time of year because it's getting cold. If you notice that s/he is scratching one particular spot, there is a hot spot medicine found at Wal-Mart that will soothe the itching. We keep our Lab on monthly flea meds as well and that has helped some. I'm guessing that the dog probably has dry skin and there are different shampoos that can aid in that situation. If it continues, I would call your vet and see if s/he has any other suggestions.
Reply:i think its allergys. go to another vet.
Reply:He could be allergic to any number of things. My uncle's dog was actually allergic to fleas- so even if you couldn't find a flea on him- he always seemed to have a rash. Take the dog to the vet. Don't just go bathing him with different shampoos. It could agitate the area and cause him more pain.
Reply:it could be worms. i'm not to sure but it's the only thing i can think of. i know you don't want to hear this but if all else fails, try the vet.
Reply:He probable has skin allergies. He might need a cortisone shot. Try giving him some human benadryl.allergy medication. It will help. Have a black lab myself.
Reply:it could be several things two of the most obvious to me would be Demodectic Mange (mange mites) and a simple food allergy, try changing his food, to something with different ingredients, often times dogs do as adults get a grain allergy, and most foods especially cheaper foods are made of a considerable amount of grain, because it costs less, but if you go to a food with more protein, cut down on the amount, because he will not require allot. many people are now trying a raw food diet, but i only recommend that if you take extreme car in handling the food. I do this with my two dogs and it has worked well for us, we buy it locally in frozen portion controled form, and thaw a days worth at a time, they love it and ait is much healthier, but more costly. Demodectic Mange is a immunity defeciancy. normally there are small bugs microscopic bug that live in harmony with the dog (humans too in fact) however sometimes the dogs imunity that fights these bugs weakens and the dog begins to itch, eventually hair loss and skin discoloration will occur, it is very treatable and requires a oral does of mediceine daily but it is very reasonabyly priced.
but in all cases you need to take him to a vet for a proper diagnosis....
Reply:What are you feeding him? It could be an allergy to something in his food. Or perhaps not an allergy, but a sensitivity to an ingredient.
Most (all?) of the supermarket brands and so-called "premium brands" (Science Diet, Eukanuba, etc.) are full of corn (highly allergenic and indigestible to many dogs), fillers, and by-products. You might find that switching to a better food helps with his skin.
Oatmeal shampoo is also something you might want to try.
If these measures don't help, you really have no choice but to take him to the vet and have the problem evaluated. Good Luck!
Reply:what kind of food are you feeding him? My Golden was scratching ALL the time and then we changed her food to an all natural potato and duck diet and she has been fine ever since. Apparently, some dogs are allergic to chicken and rice blends. We also don't bathe her with medicated (flea)shampoo, just oatmeal based shampoo for sensitive skin. And I would just make sure that all of the shampoo is rinsed out because the residue makes our dog itch like crazy after a bath.
I personally wouldnt try any ointments or medicated shampoos until you try changing his food and bathing him with the oatmeal based shampoo. That way you can see if its just sensitive skin :)
Reply:It could also be a food allergy. Go to dogfoodanalysis.com. Look up the food you are using for your baby. See if it contains alot of food allergen ingredients (like corn) or low quality ingredients which might be low in nutritional value. Sometimes switching to a better quality diet will help too. Always give the best food you can AFFORD to buy. A couple dollars extra a bag may save alot of heartache and frustration, not to mention vet bills to treat these allergies. Also, the vet will try to push that Science Diet stuff. It's full of corn, which is a high allergen among dogs. I would try to steer clear of that, and lean towards something of higher quality. Unfortuantely, most vets don't know enough about nutrition, and the Hills-SD people are very persuasive and the sale of this food is very lucrative. In fact, the stuff my vet wanted me to give my girl contained a known cancer-causing agent as a preservative. Know your pet food ingredients before you buy. If you can't afford a better dog food, consider adding an additional source of beneficial oils to help the dry coat.
Also, oatmeal doggie shampoos may do the trick if it's an issue of an enviromental thing. Dogs generally are not allergic to gnats. They can, however, be allergic to grass, the same way we are, or pollens, etc. Maybe you can ask the vet about giving him some benedryl to help with the itching. It won't get rid of the cause, but it might make him feel better.
Reply:Do you have him on high quality food? A lot of dogs (Labs especially) can't handle the cheap fillers in most commercial dog foods. The main things that you want to avoid are corn, wheat, and animal by-products. Also, giving him an omega fatty acid supplement will probably help. I like flax seed, either oil or meal. You can get the meal pretty cheap at bulk food stores.
Just for thought....I have a horse that is EXTREMELY allergic to flies. Itches himself completely bald and even bloody in some spots for 9 months out of every year. On one visit with my vet, he mentioned a study he read where arthritis supplements (Glucosamine, MSM, Shark Cartlidge, Hyaluronic Acid, etc..) was helping with skin problems in animals. I have been giving them to the horse ever since, but its difficult to tell if it has made a difference. It wasn't a magic cure all...but its good for his joints too at least! By the way...his condition is a result of him being a PMU baby. Because his mom was deprived adequate water and proper nutrition while she was pregnant with him, and improper care of him at birth. PLEASE! If you or anyone you know takes Premarin...STOP!!! There are many synthetic alternatives that do not kill hundreds of horses every year! Bear was one of the lucky ones that actually survived...
Something is wrong with my puppy's skin coat, can you help?
I'm going to ask the vet about it (don't have the money yet- soon hopefully) but I'm just trying to prepare on what to expect. I took him in about a week ago and when he first came to me, he looked malnourished and his stool was not solid. We determined that it was the change of environment and got him on an esbilac regimen. He's a happy and lively pup after a week. Now, the problem is, his little head had little 'patches' and i figured a bigger dog had bitten him or something...These patches have multiplied over the course of the week and are slightly starting to appear on his body. I'm very concerned (obviously) trying to pin point what it is that he has.
here's a a pic of his head...
%26lt;a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/...
pic 1%26lt;/a%26gt;
%26lt;a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/...
pic 2%26lt;/a%26gt;
please help. thanks!
-t
Something is wrong with my puppy's skin coat, can you help?
Could be an allergy. A puppies immune system is always weak in the beginning, just like a babies. My pit had some red spots and it turned out to be staph infection. Got some antibiotics for like 12 bucks, he had to take 3 cycles and since then, he hasn't had a problem at all. I doubt it's mange, it's most likely a reaction to something. The vet will know! Good luck! You could even just call a vet and ask them and they may subscribe you something right there.
Reply:Looks like mange to me. Take him to the vet as soon as possible and they'll give you a special shampoo to bathe him in.
Reply:wheat in the dog food? put him on a good food that you can get from a pet supply store.
Reply:I cant really make out the the pics but it looks like ringworm,
ringworm is contagious to other animals and humans,
Well done for taken this poor dog into your home but you will have to seek veterinary advise as soon as possible.
Reply:could be mange either demadex mange or sarcoptic mange .
if it is its highly contagoius to humans get a vet to look at your dog
Reply:now im saying im the best judge but i think your dog has an allergy to something or as what happens to evry pup , the skin slowly starts to change colour until a totally different colour , i would still advise you to take him to the vet once you save up the money.
Good Luck!
Reply:This looks like dermatologic mange, this is serious, although all PUPPIES are born with this, it passes at birth from the mother... If treated early it can be cured with cow wormer, however you need to have a vet figure the dose, if left untreated the dog will die... I lost a dog to it about three years ago, spent $400.00 in vet bills and products and it just ate at her, couldn't cure it and she had to be put down....
Seriously call a vet and ask for a payment plan or call the humane society and ask for help.
Reply:probably your dogs mom hurted him when he was a puppy.
Reply:It could be that he has ear mites and is digging his ear, mange, a fungal infection, or dermatitis.
here's a a pic of his head...
%26lt;a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/...
pic 1%26lt;/a%26gt;
%26lt;a href="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/...
pic 2%26lt;/a%26gt;
please help. thanks!
-t
Something is wrong with my puppy's skin coat, can you help?
Could be an allergy. A puppies immune system is always weak in the beginning, just like a babies. My pit had some red spots and it turned out to be staph infection. Got some antibiotics for like 12 bucks, he had to take 3 cycles and since then, he hasn't had a problem at all. I doubt it's mange, it's most likely a reaction to something. The vet will know! Good luck! You could even just call a vet and ask them and they may subscribe you something right there.
Reply:Looks like mange to me. Take him to the vet as soon as possible and they'll give you a special shampoo to bathe him in.
Reply:wheat in the dog food? put him on a good food that you can get from a pet supply store.
Reply:I cant really make out the the pics but it looks like ringworm,
ringworm is contagious to other animals and humans,
Well done for taken this poor dog into your home but you will have to seek veterinary advise as soon as possible.
Reply:could be mange either demadex mange or sarcoptic mange .
if it is its highly contagoius to humans get a vet to look at your dog
Reply:now im saying im the best judge but i think your dog has an allergy to something or as what happens to evry pup , the skin slowly starts to change colour until a totally different colour , i would still advise you to take him to the vet once you save up the money.
Good Luck!
Reply:This looks like dermatologic mange, this is serious, although all PUPPIES are born with this, it passes at birth from the mother... If treated early it can be cured with cow wormer, however you need to have a vet figure the dose, if left untreated the dog will die... I lost a dog to it about three years ago, spent $400.00 in vet bills and products and it just ate at her, couldn't cure it and she had to be put down....
Seriously call a vet and ask for a payment plan or call the humane society and ask for help.
Reply:probably your dogs mom hurted him when he was a puppy.
Reply:It could be that he has ear mites and is digging his ear, mange, a fungal infection, or dermatitis.
Why is my dog so itchy?
My poor 2 y/o golden retriever has been suffering from a skin condition of some sort since around March of this year. He had little bumps under his fur in several places on his skin, and he would scratch and chew at them until they became scabs.
The vet originally told us he just has "allergies", and told us to give him an antihistamine everyday, which we do. It doesn't help. This problem hasn't ever gone away, and its December. All airborne allergens should be frozen off by now anyways... live in the midwest and its been well below freezing more than 10 times at night so far.
We tried a limited ingredient diet too, in case it was his food he was allergic to...no luck there either. Never got better.
No, he doesn't have fleas or ticks, and yes I am sure. The vet checked, too.
WHAT ELSE COULD THIS BE? I feel like we are getting no where, and the poor guy is miserable. Just looking for some other things to ask the vet about...
Oh and no it isn't mange, we checked that.
Why is my dog so itchy?
You said you tried a limited ingredient diet; does this mean you changed his protein source? I.e. from lamb to fish or something along those lines?
Maybe you've already explored this, but you could try another protein/carb source until you find something that works. My dog has food allergies and so I had done a little research. See attached link. Our dog is on fish and potato...there are various protein sources out there....venison, kangaroo, etc. Also, be sure to have your dog on the diet for at least 12 weeks to notice an improvement--we noticed around 8 weeks. You'll see all of this in the link.
Also, vets can do allergy testing on dogs just like they do on humans. If you're willing to spend the money on the tests, you might be able to figure it out. Good luck! It's hard to see our buddies suffering!
Reply:try to think if there were any changes in the home at the time she started itching.
New carpet or flooring?
New furniture?
New dog bed?
Maybe a new cleaner you started using?
Any new pets?
You may also want to ask your vet for a referral to a veterinary dermatologist. What your vet may think is allergies, could be some type of yeast infection.
Reply:I used to have a Chinese crested who had skin problems and it turned out to be a case of what we class as acne. It might just be sebaceous glands (boy that is some word) getting clogged up. Have you tried a good medicated shampoo or aloe vera might help?
Diane
Reply:It could be an adverse reaction caused by something in their food. Or possibly just very dry skin. I have a Pomeranian and the poor girl is allergic to almost everything, normal medication didn't help her either, she had to get steroid shots and it was still a month or two before we saw any results.
Reply:Dogs can be allergic to everything humans can be allergic to. my niece's dog is allergic to humans, some other dogs, grass, dirt, foods, flea bites, i could go on %26amp; on. she is an american bull dog, and very large. at 7:00am she takes a 25mg benadryl, and another one at 9:00pm. no table foods, only her special dog food, treats are hot dogs cut up, greenies, bullie sticks, and that's about it. the hot dogs are used to put a pill in for her to take her medicine. she also gets a bath twice a month with hypo allergenic shampoo, and advantage , or front line applied monthly, along with some shots monthly for allergies.
The vet originally told us he just has "allergies", and told us to give him an antihistamine everyday, which we do. It doesn't help. This problem hasn't ever gone away, and its December. All airborne allergens should be frozen off by now anyways... live in the midwest and its been well below freezing more than 10 times at night so far.
We tried a limited ingredient diet too, in case it was his food he was allergic to...no luck there either. Never got better.
No, he doesn't have fleas or ticks, and yes I am sure. The vet checked, too.
WHAT ELSE COULD THIS BE? I feel like we are getting no where, and the poor guy is miserable. Just looking for some other things to ask the vet about...
Oh and no it isn't mange, we checked that.
Why is my dog so itchy?
You said you tried a limited ingredient diet; does this mean you changed his protein source? I.e. from lamb to fish or something along those lines?
Maybe you've already explored this, but you could try another protein/carb source until you find something that works. My dog has food allergies and so I had done a little research. See attached link. Our dog is on fish and potato...there are various protein sources out there....venison, kangaroo, etc. Also, be sure to have your dog on the diet for at least 12 weeks to notice an improvement--we noticed around 8 weeks. You'll see all of this in the link.
Also, vets can do allergy testing on dogs just like they do on humans. If you're willing to spend the money on the tests, you might be able to figure it out. Good luck! It's hard to see our buddies suffering!
Reply:try to think if there were any changes in the home at the time she started itching.
New carpet or flooring?
New furniture?
New dog bed?
Maybe a new cleaner you started using?
Any new pets?
You may also want to ask your vet for a referral to a veterinary dermatologist. What your vet may think is allergies, could be some type of yeast infection.
Reply:I used to have a Chinese crested who had skin problems and it turned out to be a case of what we class as acne. It might just be sebaceous glands (boy that is some word) getting clogged up. Have you tried a good medicated shampoo or aloe vera might help?
Diane
Reply:It could be an adverse reaction caused by something in their food. Or possibly just very dry skin. I have a Pomeranian and the poor girl is allergic to almost everything, normal medication didn't help her either, she had to get steroid shots and it was still a month or two before we saw any results.
Reply:Dogs can be allergic to everything humans can be allergic to. my niece's dog is allergic to humans, some other dogs, grass, dirt, foods, flea bites, i could go on %26amp; on. she is an american bull dog, and very large. at 7:00am she takes a 25mg benadryl, and another one at 9:00pm. no table foods, only her special dog food, treats are hot dogs cut up, greenies, bullie sticks, and that's about it. the hot dogs are used to put a pill in for her to take her medicine. she also gets a bath twice a month with hypo allergenic shampoo, and advantage , or front line applied monthly, along with some shots monthly for allergies.
Preventing flakey, dandruff elbows on my dog.?
I have a one yr old Japanese spitz - for those unfamiliar, it is a pure white, double coated breed, resembles a mini-samoyed. He has recently developed a symmetrical discolouration on both his front 'elbows' - and when I inspected it more carefully, there was flakey skin there. When I scratched it a little, the area became quite 'dandruffy' and more skin came loose.
I do have wooden floors so it may not enough elbow padding, so to speak. He eats a virtually raw diet, and the problem is more of a chronic thing, not really causing discomfort, so I don't think it's an allergy. And it's not really severe enough to take him to the vet.
But has anyone else had this problem? Any ideas on remedial therapies before I have to resort to a vet?
Preventing flakey, dandruff elbows on my dog.?
My dog has the same thing. It's a callous from the hard floors. I have 3 dog beds all around the house for him, so that he always has something soft to lie on. He still lies on the floor though - sometimes right beside the bed! You could moisturise the elbows with oil.
Reply:Try rubbing a little olive oil into the skin.
Reply:If you do not want to take the dog to the Vet. Get on-line to Dr. Foster and Smith.com. They have something called Herbal Skin %26amp; Coat Rub. It is all natural non drug mixture. For pets with allergies, grass itch,dry skin and other skin discomforts. The cost $9.99.
I have ordered from this site and you get the items very fast.
Good Luck
Reply:you can take him to the vet, it sounds like he might have a skin allergy. you can rub non-scented lotion with aloe on his elbows too, jus make sure he doesn't try to eat it. The doc might not even perscribe something, he might jus give you a home remedy, or he might tell you to give him a drug you already have at the house.
Reply:I DILUTE SKIN SO SOFT OIL (AVON) WITH WATER AND RUB MY DOG WITH IT ESPECIALLY IN THE WINTER WEATHER. IT'S FOR SENSITIVE SKIN AND MY VET TOLD ME IT'S OK TO USE. WORKS WELL, SMELLS GREAT
shell flower
I do have wooden floors so it may not enough elbow padding, so to speak. He eats a virtually raw diet, and the problem is more of a chronic thing, not really causing discomfort, so I don't think it's an allergy. And it's not really severe enough to take him to the vet.
But has anyone else had this problem? Any ideas on remedial therapies before I have to resort to a vet?
Preventing flakey, dandruff elbows on my dog.?
My dog has the same thing. It's a callous from the hard floors. I have 3 dog beds all around the house for him, so that he always has something soft to lie on. He still lies on the floor though - sometimes right beside the bed! You could moisturise the elbows with oil.
Reply:Try rubbing a little olive oil into the skin.
Reply:If you do not want to take the dog to the Vet. Get on-line to Dr. Foster and Smith.com. They have something called Herbal Skin %26amp; Coat Rub. It is all natural non drug mixture. For pets with allergies, grass itch,dry skin and other skin discomforts. The cost $9.99.
I have ordered from this site and you get the items very fast.
Good Luck
Reply:you can take him to the vet, it sounds like he might have a skin allergy. you can rub non-scented lotion with aloe on his elbows too, jus make sure he doesn't try to eat it. The doc might not even perscribe something, he might jus give you a home remedy, or he might tell you to give him a drug you already have at the house.
Reply:I DILUTE SKIN SO SOFT OIL (AVON) WITH WATER AND RUB MY DOG WITH IT ESPECIALLY IN THE WINTER WEATHER. IT'S FOR SENSITIVE SKIN AND MY VET TOLD ME IT'S OK TO USE. WORKS WELL, SMELLS GREAT
shell flower
A MUST READ for pet owners?
Not a question but an answer for pet owners with scratching , eye , and urin probloms A MUST TO READ?
dry skin ans scratching problems ;;;; Apply oil to the spots the oil is found in the cooking section of most grocery stores it is COCONUT BUTTER easy way to apply is with an eyedropper it melts easily and tastes great to the dog or cat .
eye problems;;;find some one that is using a breathing treatment using ALBUTERAL it has a steroid in it I use it in my eyes daily and have researched it well.
urine problem;;; You could wast your money on sprays OR you could just use the basic ingredient in it all and that is VINAGER invest in one of those pump sprayers and just hose the house and furniture down with it .
AND PLEASE BE COOL NOT CRUEL TO YOUR PET THEY ARE LIKE CHILDREN AND HITTING THEM SHOULD BE A LAST RESULT I have 4 house dogs of my own
A MUST READ for pet owners?
Long-term use of steroids poses a risk to health, to humans as well as dogs. If you're putting steroids in your eyes every day I'd suggest you seek medical advice for yourself.
Albuterol as used in inhalors and respiratory medicine relaxes the muscles, particularly those of the central airways - it's used for bronchial difficulties, lung problems and asthma in animals and humans - what the hell are you doing dripping it into an animals' eyes?! Dose related toxicity is very common. What research have you done which suggests it's good for general eye problems? Whether any medication is suitable for dogs, do you realise how irresponsible and dangerous it is to suggest people use their own medication to home-treat their pets without consulting a vet?
Vinegar might be harmless, but I think most people would rather their house didn't smell like a fish and chip shop all the time. I certainly wouldn't want to "hose down the house and furniture with it" - I hate to think what your place smells like. Surely getting a dog medical attention to cure whatever problem is causing them to urinate all over the house, or toilet training efficiently and consistently should be the standard a dog owner aims for - not how to hose the smell away?
Reply:We did use vinegar and the pet got immuned to the smell and peed-pooed on the floor instead on the pee pad.
Reply:sometimes the scratching and hot spots are an allergic reaction to the wheat found in so many dog foods. since switching my pack of 5 to CANIDAE all scratching and hot spots have disappeared.
nice to know of some things that can make a dog feel better, but it's a good idea to solve the problem too.
Reply:You should NEVER hit your pets....it only teaches them fear!
Reply:WHAT? Albuterol? Are you insane?
What the heck IS this anyway? How is this supposed to be helpful?
Reply:hemorrhoids ointment is good for scratching problem too.
and it will hurt your animals . the vet told me and it works.
Reply:are you crazy? I do hope no one takes your advice seriously.
Reply:wow! looks to me like your gonna get alot of grief over this one! I think seeking vet care is always the best answer to a health issue!! and..I do agree with other usere....hitting as a last resort???or...how about..NEVER!! under any circumstances!!!!
dry skin ans scratching problems ;;;; Apply oil to the spots the oil is found in the cooking section of most grocery stores it is COCONUT BUTTER easy way to apply is with an eyedropper it melts easily and tastes great to the dog or cat .
eye problems;;;find some one that is using a breathing treatment using ALBUTERAL it has a steroid in it I use it in my eyes daily and have researched it well.
urine problem;;; You could wast your money on sprays OR you could just use the basic ingredient in it all and that is VINAGER invest in one of those pump sprayers and just hose the house and furniture down with it .
AND PLEASE BE COOL NOT CRUEL TO YOUR PET THEY ARE LIKE CHILDREN AND HITTING THEM SHOULD BE A LAST RESULT I have 4 house dogs of my own
A MUST READ for pet owners?
Long-term use of steroids poses a risk to health, to humans as well as dogs. If you're putting steroids in your eyes every day I'd suggest you seek medical advice for yourself.
Albuterol as used in inhalors and respiratory medicine relaxes the muscles, particularly those of the central airways - it's used for bronchial difficulties, lung problems and asthma in animals and humans - what the hell are you doing dripping it into an animals' eyes?! Dose related toxicity is very common. What research have you done which suggests it's good for general eye problems? Whether any medication is suitable for dogs, do you realise how irresponsible and dangerous it is to suggest people use their own medication to home-treat their pets without consulting a vet?
Vinegar might be harmless, but I think most people would rather their house didn't smell like a fish and chip shop all the time. I certainly wouldn't want to "hose down the house and furniture with it" - I hate to think what your place smells like. Surely getting a dog medical attention to cure whatever problem is causing them to urinate all over the house, or toilet training efficiently and consistently should be the standard a dog owner aims for - not how to hose the smell away?
Reply:We did use vinegar and the pet got immuned to the smell and peed-pooed on the floor instead on the pee pad.
Reply:sometimes the scratching and hot spots are an allergic reaction to the wheat found in so many dog foods. since switching my pack of 5 to CANIDAE all scratching and hot spots have disappeared.
nice to know of some things that can make a dog feel better, but it's a good idea to solve the problem too.
Reply:You should NEVER hit your pets....it only teaches them fear!
Reply:WHAT? Albuterol? Are you insane?
What the heck IS this anyway? How is this supposed to be helpful?
Reply:hemorrhoids ointment is good for scratching problem too.
and it will hurt your animals . the vet told me and it works.
Reply:are you crazy? I do hope no one takes your advice seriously.
Reply:wow! looks to me like your gonna get alot of grief over this one! I think seeking vet care is always the best answer to a health issue!! and..I do agree with other usere....hitting as a last resort???or...how about..NEVER!! under any circumstances!!!!
Dog bit my son twice, what to do?
She is a doberman, 4 years old and has been bought up with my son who is the same age as her. The problem is, she has been ill, on and off, for the last few years, and is finally showing some improvements, but she has never shown any aggression towards my son at all, if anything i was worried she was too tolerant. Well, that changed last week, she bit him on the back, not badly, but she did break skin. He was leaning across her back and trying to get her to take his full weight, so it was kind of his fault. Well, both him and her got punished. But this morning, he had kind of been giving her a hard time for about an hour, just being a boisterous boy, but she hasnt been well the last couple of days, off her food and just mopey, so i separated them. Then he went to sit next to her, and she snapped at his face, no broken skin, but she did connect, scared the hell out of all 3 of us. She was just as shocked as i was. I am thinking about doing some more training with her, but dare i risk it
Dog bit my son twice, what to do?
From my position as a trainer this sounds like it would be very easy to manage thru training of the dog and family members by a good trainer....however not being able to view the dog makes me add use caution....
Dog bites are lumped into one single group by most as you can tell by reading the "nay' sayers here in response to your post.....seldom do dogs bite in a manner or from a motivation that requires they be put to sleep...Most dogs bite from the position of defense avoidance...meaning they simply get overloaded with stress or fear...
A good start would be making it well known your children are first in your circle by chasing the dog from them thru out the day...Please find a trainer who has adopted this attitude and start soon...
I am a NY Court certified expert in dog bites and I have saved many a dog.....
Reply:Well seems like your dog needs space.
Most dobermans can be like this.
Try not being so aggresive and training might actualy be the only thing you want to do.
If the aggression increases=horrible and dangerous
Before it attacks a neighbor.
Try giving her space
Reply:She is obviously not feeling well. Keep your son away from her until she feels better. Kids annoy dogs,even the best tempered dogs can get snappy if they don't feel good. If he keeps pestering her you may be looking at a serious bite and then you'll have to kill the dog. Be kind to them both and give her some space.
Reply:First of all I'd take her to the vet for a check-up, especially since you've noticed that she hasn't been feeling well. One of the most common reasons for well adjusted dogs to suddenly start snapping is pain. Dogs are extremely good at hiding discomfort, so she could be in pain without you even noticing it.
So take her to the vet and then take it from there.
Reply:You absolutely have to train her, and your son. It doesn't sound like she's violent or aggressive, but it does sound like she has boundary and dominance issues. Humans have to be seen as pack leaders, even the little ones or this behaviour begins to manifest.
Since you don't want to instigate her 'snapping' try having your son learn to give simple commands and take him with you on walks letting him help hold on to the leash (Make sure you're holding on to it to, of course). This should help.
Like I said, you need to work both sides of this issue, but since I have no experience in training kids, I'll let you work that one out yourself. ;)
Never euthanize a dog because of obedience issues. If you can't resolve them, take it to a no-kill animal shelter.
Reply:Any dog that bites a child and especially more than once needs to go to a home that does not have kids. That is a very large dog and could really hurt your young children. Hard as it may be, your childrens welfare needs to come before a pet.
Reply:Train your SON! How the hell in all conscience can you allow a child to carry on like that for AN HOUR when the dog is sick as well? This is YOUR failing as a parent. If you can't make your kids behave properly to their pets, you should not have pets. Do the poor dog a favour and give her to a family with no kids, or with well behaved kids that will treat her properly.
Reply:ok right!!
1%26gt;the dog has put your son in danger!
2%26gt;your kid could get killed
3%26gt;this dog you may love but you love your son more, right??
also just think about it XOXO
Reply:she probably gave him a warning,that she was fed up with his playing and that she did not want to play and he only being 4 did not see the signs she showed,dogs do not just bite out of random there is always a reason weather it is out of fear,dominance,play,or warning they have reasons,and maybe hers was to say "hey stop"and she seems like a really tolerant dog,I would worry about it but you will need to watch her,read her body signals,reactions,and movements with him so you will know when she has had enough.and also maybe teaching your son at an early age to respect the dog.and I understand putting her in a shelter is not an option my huskey bit me twice and with training he has not bit since.now to show that your so id is higher in the heirarchy you can let him walk her or feed her,or tell her to sit and stuff
Reply:Understanding that she doesn't feel well, you need to find out what's wrong.. But, if she's starting to defend herself from your son, he may get bit.. Maybe she needs a new home with no kids around to bother her. I wouldn't risk my kids either. If he won't leave her alone, and she's getting snappy, it's your call!
Reply:Your SON should be old enough to understand to leave the doggie alone because she is sick.
Your dog is not capable of speaking and did the only thing she could to communicate. I'm sure she gave a warning sign before she nipped. I DO think it's a great idea to get training for her.
Reply:you definitely need to monitor your son. although ur dob is having problems, this kind of behaviour cannot be tolerated. you should buy a baby gate and keep either your son or your dob in the room.
Reply:No doubt the dog would be history!!!!!!
Reply:I'll be upfront. I do not believe in killing a dog because it defended itself from a pestering child. A dog might actually start to hate all children if he gets annoyed and hurt by them too much.
Your dog is clearly ill, you have known this for a while. Taking the weight of a child across her back, might hurt her quite a bit. Would you expect a dog to endure pain indefinitely just because it is a child that is inflicting it?
A dog will NEVER recognise a small child as higher up the ladder. That's why most reputable dog clubs refuse to accept children as handlers for training purposes, unless the child is at least 10 - 12 years old.
A child needs to know that a dog can bite, and I your 4 year old son seems to be a slow learner.
Why do you think that nobody else can train your dog, if you can't? That sounds pretty arrogant to me. You dog might need an invironment where it is not being harrassed by children, or where it has an owner with more time for them. I am sure with 2 and 1/2 children, soon 3, there will not be too much time left for your dog.
I really sound more critical of you than I mean to, but I really think that even to consider having a dog euthanized is terrible. You yourself said, " if one of my kids hurt their sibling badly, i wouldnt be dumping them in a shelter, would i?"
So what would you do with that kid instead, have them euthanized?
I do not agree that you need help put your dog back in her place. Your dog needs peace and quiet to recuperate and I doubt that your household will ever be the right place for her. Please think about it, and don't deny her the joy of living, if she can't live with your family.
+++
Reply:It doesn't sound like it your dog fault actually-I get a dog muzzle, or take it to the shelter-I don't think they euthanise her because of her previous lovely nature.
Tell you son not to be rough with her. Consistently rough play will make the dog rough and aggressive.
Other people can train dogs not to bite! No need to kill her!
Reply:any dog that bites should not be kept in a family home. especially with that many children. When was younger i was bitten gby a dog, got stitches went home and my dog ripped them open, mum was in the car with the dog wihin 10 mins and took herto a shelter. If yu keep the dog away from your children thn obviously there is no way that she can hurt tem but otherwise it is irresoponsible no to do anything about it.
Reply:Big red, you are one of the few people here who's answer's I admire and I think that you have more sense then most. While I understand that the child is a child and the dog may not be feeling well, my question to you is, can you ever trust that dog again? If it were me, that dog would be gone in the manner you described in your question, that day, period. There is no dog in the world worth my child's safety and well being. I do not think, from what you described, that it is a training issue. You know the dog better than anyone of us and you know what kind of nerve she has, you need to make that decision. I wish you good luck.
Reply:I really mean no offense here but it sound to me that you are not teaching you child how to properly respect an "animal". All to many times owners just assume the dog should know better when its the parents who need to teach the child how to "know better". Humans are the intelligent breed here.
I have been an owner of large breed dogs my whole life. I see too many times when I am at the vet a child will run up to my Rottweilers and try to hug them or pet them without asking permission.
If you were in a doctors office and some stranger came running up to you to hug you would you not get offensive. I know I would. You own a working dog who has a high prey drive. I have two nephews that come to my home often and although everyone classifies my dogs as "Mushes" they are NEVER left alone with my dogs. I don't care if I had a tea cup poodle. A dog is a dog and a child is a child. So many times I see children pull at dogs lay on top of them and say to myself why are these children not taught to respect the animal. A dog of any size cannot handle the weight of a 4 year old on top of it.
You need to do some more training for your dog and the family and possible seek professional training. When training your animal ALL family members should be involved. Even your four year old. He needs to learn that he should treat the dog the way he himself would like to be treated. I doubt your son would like it if your Dobie layed on top of him.
I do suggest a vet visit to see if their is any illnesses your Dobie is suffering with. Bloodwork shows alot. I would not wait on this. If your Dobie decides to really bite your son the damage will be devistating. And the animal will unfortunately be put down. And annoying an animal for a whole hour and you expect the dog to be tolerant, I wouldn't be and I am human. Like I said before I hope you don't take offense but it seems its your own fault that this is all happening. Take some time to teach your son how to respect your dogs space and "make nice" to your Dobie.
Hope this helps.
Reply:Sounds like you need to do more training with your children as well on how to treat a dog. Perhaps the dog is tired of being mistreated and being ill has taken its toll on her patience. Small kids and dogs should never be left unattended. Has the dog recieved vet care for her illness? Maybe the dog would be better off in a family with no kids.
You would really kill the dog because you never taught your kids how to behave around her? Find a doberman rescue and give the dog a chance at a happy life...
Reply:i have been though this my dog bit my son once and he never did it again as my child came first ,and the dog went to the vets once a dog bit a child thats it and i dont care what anyone thinks cause it mit not be bad at first but what about next time, think about why would you even risk it as your child could be dead next time and you got welfare at your door as you did not do the right thing for your kids this really happens ,get the dog a new home or do what you said before your son or other kids are gone,better the dog gone then you children gone ,please remove the dog from the children till you find it a home or take it to the vets
Reply:Teach this kid something first of all. Sounds to me like the child is right out of control. Why in the world would you let your child act like this. And you have another and another on the way. I would place the dog in another home. I would take her in a minute, I already have 5. This dog needs a fricken break. Your family should not have pets if the kids are going to be allowed to act like this with them. I have raised four girls with a houseful of Dobes and over the 29 years have never had one single problem. I even found my second daughter nursing alongside the litter once. That shows you how accepting they can be. It is your out of control child that needs training.
Reply:Most deffinately work with the dog and train her as much as possible... Have you ever thought about sitting your son down and explaining to him what might happen if he doesn't stop being so rough with her? Not in a scary way but does he totally understand that if he teases the dog or is rough the dog will have to be put to sleep.
be very very careful if you consider this that your son will not be petrified at the thought or take any blame on board. Infact forget my suggestion altogether - it's way to risky and could be a huge burden for your son to handle.
Reply:I seriously don't hink it is a training question. The dog is sick.... When you get the flu, and running high fever, doesn't your whole body aches, want to be left alone and rest? Think about that.....and then apply those feelings to your dog.
How do you let your son bother the dog for an hour? You know how she's feeling and you know it will tick her senses at some point.
I have a dog and a 5 yr old and when I think they have had too much of each other I give them time away from each other and then they can play again.
TRAIN YOUR SON!!!!!
Reply:I am a firm believer in the idea that young children + dogs do not mix well. Children are just too clueless up to a certain age when it comes to animals, no matter what you do, and dogs aren't understanding of any off-kilter behavior. I don't care what kind of dog it is. No matter how much you love the dog, it will always be unpredictable, because that's just the nature of dogs. You can't assume you know the dog well enough that it would/wouldn't do something that would shock you. And your child isn't mature enough to realize the consequences of his actions before he does something bad.
I'm an animal lover, but having a dog in your house right now, particularly one that has shown any aggression, is irresponsible. You may love the dog, and it sounds like you're trying everything you can to avoid the idea of having to lose it. But this is your son; you brought life in the world, you need to make the right decision and let the dog go. It stinks, yes, but you have two fire starters in the same room together, and it is undeniably dangerous to both your son and your dog. Give the dog a better home with someone that either has older children or no children at all. If you want a dog, that's fine, but you have a responsibility to your child right now; wait until he is of a somewhat mature age to have another dog in the house, please!
Reply:Why are you blaming the dog? It is clearly your son's fault. You had no right to punish the dog for defending himself against your son's actions.
Reply:I don't blame the dog in this situation at all. You need to teach your child to respect animals by not climbing on their backs and "giving them a hard time." Especially if the dog is sick. It seem to me that she was just warning him to leave her alone, which you should be grateful for. Believe me, if the dog was being aggressive, your son would now be in the hospital.
As for establishing the order of the pack, which you definitley should do...have your son do some of the feeding. Have him give her the "sit" command before he gives her a bowl full of food. Let him work with her on training a bit, but it's imperative that you teach him how to treat the dog first.
I think you should contact a trainer to help out.
Reply:If my dog bit my child l would not hesitiate to take the dog to an animal shelter.
No matter how much it would hurt me to get rid of my pet my child is far more impotant.
Dog bit my son twice, what to do?
From my position as a trainer this sounds like it would be very easy to manage thru training of the dog and family members by a good trainer....however not being able to view the dog makes me add use caution....
Dog bites are lumped into one single group by most as you can tell by reading the "nay' sayers here in response to your post.....seldom do dogs bite in a manner or from a motivation that requires they be put to sleep...Most dogs bite from the position of defense avoidance...meaning they simply get overloaded with stress or fear...
A good start would be making it well known your children are first in your circle by chasing the dog from them thru out the day...Please find a trainer who has adopted this attitude and start soon...
I am a NY Court certified expert in dog bites and I have saved many a dog.....
Reply:Well seems like your dog needs space.
Most dobermans can be like this.
Try not being so aggresive and training might actualy be the only thing you want to do.
If the aggression increases=horrible and dangerous
Before it attacks a neighbor.
Try giving her space
Reply:She is obviously not feeling well. Keep your son away from her until she feels better. Kids annoy dogs,even the best tempered dogs can get snappy if they don't feel good. If he keeps pestering her you may be looking at a serious bite and then you'll have to kill the dog. Be kind to them both and give her some space.
Reply:First of all I'd take her to the vet for a check-up, especially since you've noticed that she hasn't been feeling well. One of the most common reasons for well adjusted dogs to suddenly start snapping is pain. Dogs are extremely good at hiding discomfort, so she could be in pain without you even noticing it.
So take her to the vet and then take it from there.
Reply:You absolutely have to train her, and your son. It doesn't sound like she's violent or aggressive, but it does sound like she has boundary and dominance issues. Humans have to be seen as pack leaders, even the little ones or this behaviour begins to manifest.
Since you don't want to instigate her 'snapping' try having your son learn to give simple commands and take him with you on walks letting him help hold on to the leash (Make sure you're holding on to it to, of course). This should help.
Like I said, you need to work both sides of this issue, but since I have no experience in training kids, I'll let you work that one out yourself. ;)
Never euthanize a dog because of obedience issues. If you can't resolve them, take it to a no-kill animal shelter.
Reply:Any dog that bites a child and especially more than once needs to go to a home that does not have kids. That is a very large dog and could really hurt your young children. Hard as it may be, your childrens welfare needs to come before a pet.
Reply:Train your SON! How the hell in all conscience can you allow a child to carry on like that for AN HOUR when the dog is sick as well? This is YOUR failing as a parent. If you can't make your kids behave properly to their pets, you should not have pets. Do the poor dog a favour and give her to a family with no kids, or with well behaved kids that will treat her properly.
Reply:ok right!!
1%26gt;the dog has put your son in danger!
2%26gt;your kid could get killed
3%26gt;this dog you may love but you love your son more, right??
also just think about it XOXO
Reply:she probably gave him a warning,that she was fed up with his playing and that she did not want to play and he only being 4 did not see the signs she showed,dogs do not just bite out of random there is always a reason weather it is out of fear,dominance,play,or warning they have reasons,and maybe hers was to say "hey stop"and she seems like a really tolerant dog,I would worry about it but you will need to watch her,read her body signals,reactions,and movements with him so you will know when she has had enough.and also maybe teaching your son at an early age to respect the dog.and I understand putting her in a shelter is not an option my huskey bit me twice and with training he has not bit since.now to show that your so id is higher in the heirarchy you can let him walk her or feed her,or tell her to sit and stuff
Reply:Understanding that she doesn't feel well, you need to find out what's wrong.. But, if she's starting to defend herself from your son, he may get bit.. Maybe she needs a new home with no kids around to bother her. I wouldn't risk my kids either. If he won't leave her alone, and she's getting snappy, it's your call!
Reply:Your SON should be old enough to understand to leave the doggie alone because she is sick.
Your dog is not capable of speaking and did the only thing she could to communicate. I'm sure she gave a warning sign before she nipped. I DO think it's a great idea to get training for her.
Reply:you definitely need to monitor your son. although ur dob is having problems, this kind of behaviour cannot be tolerated. you should buy a baby gate and keep either your son or your dob in the room.
Reply:No doubt the dog would be history!!!!!!
Reply:I'll be upfront. I do not believe in killing a dog because it defended itself from a pestering child. A dog might actually start to hate all children if he gets annoyed and hurt by them too much.
Your dog is clearly ill, you have known this for a while. Taking the weight of a child across her back, might hurt her quite a bit. Would you expect a dog to endure pain indefinitely just because it is a child that is inflicting it?
A dog will NEVER recognise a small child as higher up the ladder. That's why most reputable dog clubs refuse to accept children as handlers for training purposes, unless the child is at least 10 - 12 years old.
A child needs to know that a dog can bite, and I your 4 year old son seems to be a slow learner.
Why do you think that nobody else can train your dog, if you can't? That sounds pretty arrogant to me. You dog might need an invironment where it is not being harrassed by children, or where it has an owner with more time for them. I am sure with 2 and 1/2 children, soon 3, there will not be too much time left for your dog.
I really sound more critical of you than I mean to, but I really think that even to consider having a dog euthanized is terrible. You yourself said, " if one of my kids hurt their sibling badly, i wouldnt be dumping them in a shelter, would i?"
So what would you do with that kid instead, have them euthanized?
I do not agree that you need help put your dog back in her place. Your dog needs peace and quiet to recuperate and I doubt that your household will ever be the right place for her. Please think about it, and don't deny her the joy of living, if she can't live with your family.
+++
Reply:It doesn't sound like it your dog fault actually-I get a dog muzzle, or take it to the shelter-I don't think they euthanise her because of her previous lovely nature.
Tell you son not to be rough with her. Consistently rough play will make the dog rough and aggressive.
Other people can train dogs not to bite! No need to kill her!
Reply:any dog that bites should not be kept in a family home. especially with that many children. When was younger i was bitten gby a dog, got stitches went home and my dog ripped them open, mum was in the car with the dog wihin 10 mins and took herto a shelter. If yu keep the dog away from your children thn obviously there is no way that she can hurt tem but otherwise it is irresoponsible no to do anything about it.
Reply:Big red, you are one of the few people here who's answer's I admire and I think that you have more sense then most. While I understand that the child is a child and the dog may not be feeling well, my question to you is, can you ever trust that dog again? If it were me, that dog would be gone in the manner you described in your question, that day, period. There is no dog in the world worth my child's safety and well being. I do not think, from what you described, that it is a training issue. You know the dog better than anyone of us and you know what kind of nerve she has, you need to make that decision. I wish you good luck.
Reply:I really mean no offense here but it sound to me that you are not teaching you child how to properly respect an "animal". All to many times owners just assume the dog should know better when its the parents who need to teach the child how to "know better". Humans are the intelligent breed here.
I have been an owner of large breed dogs my whole life. I see too many times when I am at the vet a child will run up to my Rottweilers and try to hug them or pet them without asking permission.
If you were in a doctors office and some stranger came running up to you to hug you would you not get offensive. I know I would. You own a working dog who has a high prey drive. I have two nephews that come to my home often and although everyone classifies my dogs as "Mushes" they are NEVER left alone with my dogs. I don't care if I had a tea cup poodle. A dog is a dog and a child is a child. So many times I see children pull at dogs lay on top of them and say to myself why are these children not taught to respect the animal. A dog of any size cannot handle the weight of a 4 year old on top of it.
You need to do some more training for your dog and the family and possible seek professional training. When training your animal ALL family members should be involved. Even your four year old. He needs to learn that he should treat the dog the way he himself would like to be treated. I doubt your son would like it if your Dobie layed on top of him.
I do suggest a vet visit to see if their is any illnesses your Dobie is suffering with. Bloodwork shows alot. I would not wait on this. If your Dobie decides to really bite your son the damage will be devistating. And the animal will unfortunately be put down. And annoying an animal for a whole hour and you expect the dog to be tolerant, I wouldn't be and I am human. Like I said before I hope you don't take offense but it seems its your own fault that this is all happening. Take some time to teach your son how to respect your dogs space and "make nice" to your Dobie.
Hope this helps.
Reply:Sounds like you need to do more training with your children as well on how to treat a dog. Perhaps the dog is tired of being mistreated and being ill has taken its toll on her patience. Small kids and dogs should never be left unattended. Has the dog recieved vet care for her illness? Maybe the dog would be better off in a family with no kids.
You would really kill the dog because you never taught your kids how to behave around her? Find a doberman rescue and give the dog a chance at a happy life...
Reply:i have been though this my dog bit my son once and he never did it again as my child came first ,and the dog went to the vets once a dog bit a child thats it and i dont care what anyone thinks cause it mit not be bad at first but what about next time, think about why would you even risk it as your child could be dead next time and you got welfare at your door as you did not do the right thing for your kids this really happens ,get the dog a new home or do what you said before your son or other kids are gone,better the dog gone then you children gone ,please remove the dog from the children till you find it a home or take it to the vets
Reply:Teach this kid something first of all. Sounds to me like the child is right out of control. Why in the world would you let your child act like this. And you have another and another on the way. I would place the dog in another home. I would take her in a minute, I already have 5. This dog needs a fricken break. Your family should not have pets if the kids are going to be allowed to act like this with them. I have raised four girls with a houseful of Dobes and over the 29 years have never had one single problem. I even found my second daughter nursing alongside the litter once. That shows you how accepting they can be. It is your out of control child that needs training.
Reply:Most deffinately work with the dog and train her as much as possible... Have you ever thought about sitting your son down and explaining to him what might happen if he doesn't stop being so rough with her? Not in a scary way but does he totally understand that if he teases the dog or is rough the dog will have to be put to sleep.
be very very careful if you consider this that your son will not be petrified at the thought or take any blame on board. Infact forget my suggestion altogether - it's way to risky and could be a huge burden for your son to handle.
Reply:I seriously don't hink it is a training question. The dog is sick.... When you get the flu, and running high fever, doesn't your whole body aches, want to be left alone and rest? Think about that.....and then apply those feelings to your dog.
How do you let your son bother the dog for an hour? You know how she's feeling and you know it will tick her senses at some point.
I have a dog and a 5 yr old and when I think they have had too much of each other I give them time away from each other and then they can play again.
TRAIN YOUR SON!!!!!
Reply:I am a firm believer in the idea that young children + dogs do not mix well. Children are just too clueless up to a certain age when it comes to animals, no matter what you do, and dogs aren't understanding of any off-kilter behavior. I don't care what kind of dog it is. No matter how much you love the dog, it will always be unpredictable, because that's just the nature of dogs. You can't assume you know the dog well enough that it would/wouldn't do something that would shock you. And your child isn't mature enough to realize the consequences of his actions before he does something bad.
I'm an animal lover, but having a dog in your house right now, particularly one that has shown any aggression, is irresponsible. You may love the dog, and it sounds like you're trying everything you can to avoid the idea of having to lose it. But this is your son; you brought life in the world, you need to make the right decision and let the dog go. It stinks, yes, but you have two fire starters in the same room together, and it is undeniably dangerous to both your son and your dog. Give the dog a better home with someone that either has older children or no children at all. If you want a dog, that's fine, but you have a responsibility to your child right now; wait until he is of a somewhat mature age to have another dog in the house, please!
Reply:Why are you blaming the dog? It is clearly your son's fault. You had no right to punish the dog for defending himself against your son's actions.
Reply:I don't blame the dog in this situation at all. You need to teach your child to respect animals by not climbing on their backs and "giving them a hard time." Especially if the dog is sick. It seem to me that she was just warning him to leave her alone, which you should be grateful for. Believe me, if the dog was being aggressive, your son would now be in the hospital.
As for establishing the order of the pack, which you definitley should do...have your son do some of the feeding. Have him give her the "sit" command before he gives her a bowl full of food. Let him work with her on training a bit, but it's imperative that you teach him how to treat the dog first.
I think you should contact a trainer to help out.
Reply:If my dog bit my child l would not hesitiate to take the dog to an animal shelter.
No matter how much it would hurt me to get rid of my pet my child is far more impotant.
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