|
A college girl living on our street just lets her dumb cat roam the neighborhood constantly. It shits in my yard an sleeps on the bench on my front porch. My wife is severely allergic to cats and can't sit on it anymore. How do I tell this girl to do something about her cat without her getting all "cats are outdoor animals  " even though I believe it's illegal (Reno, NV).
|
|
#
?
Dec 29, 2012 00:04
|
|
|
|
| # ? May 18, 2024 11:02 |
|
|
Wojtek posted:A college girl living on our street just lets her dumb cat roam the neighborhood constantly. It shits in my yard an sleeps on the bench on my front porch. My wife is severely allergic to cats and can't sit on it anymore. You probably can't do anything about the girl, but there is stuff you can spray on things to make cats stay away. The downside: You can also smell the smell, and it's not a good smell (I think it is wildcat piss or something). As for the yard, this works for dogs because they sniff first, but I'm not sure if it will work for cats. Sprinkle cayenne pepper where you don't want the animal to go. Won't hurt the plants, dogs, and possibly cats, will stay away. The reason I'm not sure it works for cats is, I sprinkled pepper liberally in my flower bed, and it kept the dog from digging and making GBS threads there. I did see my cat there though, crouched under the rose bush. I don't think he ever used that flower bed as a litterbox though, before or after. You could try talking to the girl, but the thing is that cats are pretty uncontrollable once you let them out. Her only option may be to keep the cat inside, always, which doesn't work for every cat. If there is a local ordinance to the effect that cats aren't supposed to run at large, mentioning that might help.
|
|
#
?
Dec 29, 2012 23:21
|
|
|
Anyone have suggestions on finding a good canine orthopedic surgeon in the bay area? It's about that time that I think we need to seriously look at getting Kaidan a total hip replacement. About 2 years ago I took him to two specialists. One was the most recommended surgeon in the area and I was less than impressed by him (see discussion here, and here). Overall I got a bad vibe from him, he jumped straight to surgery without much of an exam, etc. I'm going to take him in to the second opinion vet I mentioned in the second post to get a workup done ASAP, but that $10k estimate I got from the first specialist is still worrying me because that's a bit more than I was hoping this would run me. I was hoping I could find another place to take him into in the area to get another opinion from somewhere I'd be willing to take him so that if it doesn't work out at #2 I still might have a fallback. Everywhere else I've been able to find has mixed reviews on yelp at best, but it's hard to tell which people are grossly overreacting, etc. We had a bit of a scare with him yesterday so it's looking like it's about that time that we need to get this done 
|
|
#
?
Dec 30, 2012 22:32
|
|
|
Rhymes With Clue posted:
I wouldn't use any peppers or spices, things with particles. If they get some in their eye or nose they can hurt themselves trying to get it out. I've had good results with somewhat watered-down white vinegar from a spray bottle. Just spray it where you don't want the cat to go. You'll have to reapply it every couple of days but it does seem to work.
|
|
#
?
Dec 30, 2012 23:26
|
|
|
rivals posted:Anyone have suggestions on finding a good canine orthopedic surgeon in the bay area? It's about that time that I think we need to seriously look at getting Kaidan a total hip replacement. About 2 years ago I took him to two specialists. One was the most recommended surgeon in the area and I was less than impressed by him (see discussion here, and here). Overall I got a bad vibe from him, he jumped straight to surgery without much of an exam, etc. I wouldn't use Yelp as a metric of if a vet is good or bad because Yelp blows for medical based stuff - people can talk mad poo poo and make things up and the medical professional has no way to respond due to patient confidentiality. A good way to go about it would be to ask your vet who they have seen the best results with and if they had any other suggestions for you. A cheaper THR is probably not from a specialist, which can be fine if the person has a lot of experience (which some do....I *believe* Adobe in Los Altos has some non-boarded people who regularly do them, so I'm sure there are others), but that's something you'd have to decide for yourself and by talking with your regular vet. You can find other ACVS diplomates off the ACVS website. You could also come up to Davis and get world class care while helping to teach future vets 
Enelrahc fucked around with this message at 00:17 on Dec 31, 2012 |
|
#
?
Dec 31, 2012 00:15
|
|
|
Thanks for the suggestions! I called my vet today to see who they usually recommend and they said UC Davis as well. I'm thinking about it but 2 hours each way for multiple appoints is a little rough for me  I'm going to get him another appt at Sage and try to find another place as well to compare. I expected about $5-6k all said and done, and that's much easier for me to pull right now, so I'm kind of hoping I can keep it in that range while still going with someone I'm comfortable with.
|
|
#
?
Dec 31, 2012 03:39
|
|
|
Is there anything like that for regular vets? My mom finally decided to dump the old homeopathic vet (FINALLY) but I have no clue who's decent in the area she lives in. I asked my friends for recommendations because another poster earlier asked for vets in Central Jersey, but they were no help So yeah, vets on the Jersey Shore - recommendations?
|
|
#
?
Dec 31, 2012 03:50
|
|
|
Shnooks posted:Is there anything like that for regular vets? My mom finally decided to dump the old homeopathic vet (FINALLY) but I have no clue who's decent in the area she lives in. I asked my friends for recommendations because another poster earlier asked for vets in Central Jersey, but they were no help Sorta? There is the AAHA, which is a voluntary set of standards of care that a vet clinic can choose to meet and pass, but there are certainly many excellent vets that are not in AAHA accredited clinics. There is also the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. Again, many excellent vets do not go through this certification.
|
|
#
?
Dec 31, 2012 08:32
|
|
|
I've read here and elsewhere that canned pumpkin is good for upset dog tummies. Max has been reluctant to eat his meals for the past day or so and his tummy has been extra gurgly so I figured I'd get him some pumpkin when I ran to the store. Do you just feed the whole can? Or is there some handy chart for different amount of pumpkin for different sizes of dogs? He's a 40 pound ACD.
|
|
#
?
Jan 2, 2013 19:58
|
|
|
I'd probably just give him a few big dollops from a spoon. Definitely not the whole can.
|
|
#
?
Jan 2, 2013 20:41
|
|
|
Depends on the size of the dog I'd say. I give my Boston Terrier a tablespoon of pumpkin with his dinner.
|
|
#
?
Jan 2, 2013 20:53
|
|
|
Do you just cover the rest of the can and stick it in the fridge? I don't want to get a whole can and end up wasting most of it.
|
|
#
?
Jan 2, 2013 21:53
|
|
|
Make pie. I'll just cover the can and put it in the fridge. For future pie.
|
|
#
?
Jan 2, 2013 21:57
|
|
|
I don't like to store stuff in cans if I can avoid it. I usually put the rest into an ice cube tray and freeze it. If you don't have one available then put the rest into a largish freezer bag and squish it out flat before you freeze it. Then you can easily break off as much as you need the next time you need to give him some. And if you decide to make pie you can just defrost the whole thing.
|
|
#
?
Jan 2, 2013 22:05
|
|
|
You shouldn't use canned pumpkin to make pie, you should steam one fresh  Aquatic Giraffe, a lot of grocery stores sell two sizes, ginormous and 15 oz. The smaller one should do for 4-5 "doses" for your dog. If you're not going to use it all up within a week, freeze it (I like the ice cube tray suggestion a lot!). If you can only get the giant ones, definitely plan to freeze some.
|
|
#
?
Jan 2, 2013 22:35
|
|
|
pumpkin; the elixir of the gods
|
|
#
?
Jan 3, 2013 09:06
|
|
|
What are peoples opinions of the 'all natural' flea treatments? Usually I turn my nose up when people mention 'all natural' or 'naturopathic' but if I look at it rationally it's more the zealot like people who promote it than the actual products. I have a friend whose dog is having either a really bad hotspot or flea allergies and someone responded thusly:quote:Snook's Pet Products. They are a local company and all of their products are all natural and very inexpensive. I use their Flea Tea and Nutritional Flea Supplement on Daphne. Not only do they work, but you will never want to put chemicals on/in your pet again. I just love them. They're usually down at Saturday Market. They're always so nice and answer any questions you have. You can order over the phone or online. They don't charge for shipping if you're local. They have their Snook's Hot Spot Herbal Dip which is only $6.00. https://www.snookdog.com So, how does this poo poo stack up to Advantage and Frontline? Does it actually work? Am I a horrible person for slathering my pets in chemicals that seep into their skin?
|
|
#
?
Jan 4, 2013 04:58
|
|
|
KilGrey posted:So, how does this poo poo stack up to Advantage and Frontline? Does it actually work? Am I a horrible person for slathering my pets in chemicals that seep into their skin? Poorly. No. No. Certain herbs and essential oils can ward off fleas and ticks a minimal amount, but if your animal comes into contact with another animal with any sort of infestation, they will get that animal's parasites. If you don't want to put harsh chemicals on a dog's skin, trifexis is also an option; it's a pill. Protip: don't listen to anyone who just haphazardly throws out the work "chemicals" without listing them. Water is a chemical. Colloquially, chemicals mean the sort under your sink or whatever, but this person you're quoting doesn't even mention if they mean "refined," "household," "poisonous," or whatever. Serious Cephalopod fucked around with this message at 06:44 on Jan 4, 2013 |
|
#
?
Jan 4, 2013 06:38
|
|
|
Consensus on those seems to be they are either total bullshit, or are only helpful in addition to real flea treatments if you were going out venturing with your dogs in a high flea/tick area like the woods/fields/whatever.
|
|
#
?
Jan 4, 2013 08:21
|
|
|
Okay, my chihuahua is recovering from hot spots. He finished a 14 day run of antibiotics, and seemed to be recovering. Last night he took his last dose of antibiotics-- so I'm fairly certain the bacteria is gone. But he will not stop itching. He's cut himself, and as a result, I've been awake all night holding him. He's taken two Benedryl and is still wide awake. Did nothing. I just gave him 10mg of Valium, in hopes that he can get to sleep. I don't trust the vet that I go to-- he's in it for the money, not for the animals. Now I won't be able to take him to a new vet until Monday. What can I do to help him? Benedryl isn't helping for itching. He's got some topical spray, GentaVed, that doesn't seem to be helping. He is allergic to fleas, but in the winter, he never has problems with fleas. I'm just really baffled. I'm out of money. I can't sleep or leave the house, I just have to hold him in my arms to prevent him from scratching himself. Does anyone have any advice or insight? Could the pain caused by an infection (hot spots/localized staph infection) persist after the bacteria is gone? As I'm typing this post, he's crying to me right now. So I'll wrap this up. I'm calling the vet at 9:15am sharp, when he gets in. But any thoughts are appreciated.
|
|
#
?
Jan 4, 2013 12:26
|
|
|
You might try something topical, like an oatmeal bath. With a short-coated dog it's easy enough to get it down to the skin.
|
|
#
?
Jan 4, 2013 16:16
|
|
|
escape artist posted:Okay, my chihuahua is recovering from hot spots. He finished a 14 day run of antibiotics, and seemed to be recovering. Last night he took his last dose of antibiotics-- so I'm fairly certain the bacteria is gone. Hotspots are quite commonly caused by allergies, whether it be fleas, food, or environmental things, so he may still be itchy from that if not from the actual infection/hotspot. Another possibility is that he has a yeast infection, which antibiotics won't fix. Did the vet tell you to give him 10mg of Valium? That's kind of a lot for a chihuahua.
|
|
#
?
Jan 4, 2013 18:18
|
|
|
Kerfuffle posted:Consensus on those seems to be they are either total bullshit, or are only helpful in addition to real flea treatments if you were going out venturing with your dogs in a high flea/tick area like the woods/fields/whatever. I've been using Mad About Organics flea and tick skin treatment as opposed to a topical for about a year and a half now, albeit in conjunction with FleaGo on my carpets, and it's worked perfectly for me. I'm not even that good about applying it regularly, too. I got fed up with the constant immunity problems with Frontline/Advantage and decided to switch after doing some reading, and I'm really happy with it. I had Keeper on everything from Frontline, Advantage and Triflexis before, but always had problems with fleas and it was a never-ending nightmare when I worked at the dog daycare and he was regularly exposed. He's been exposed to the same amount of dogs with regularity on the organic hippie stuff and I groom him just as often, but no fleas at all. And if they crop up, one quick anointing and I usually don't see them again. I'm not saying that all herbal-based products work, but ymmv.
|
|
#
?
Jan 4, 2013 18:42
|
|
|
Max just pooped out the Heartguard pill I gave him yesterday whole. I called the vet and they were like "that's impossible", but I can't imagine what else he ate in the last day or so that's rectangular like that. A couple months ago he puked it up whole the next day. I guess he doesn't digest those pills? Anyone else run into that problem? The vet's switching him to Trifexis next month to see if he'll digest that better, but was very incredulous over the phone that he didn't digest the pill AT ALL. I should've saved the turd and brought it in to them.
|
|
#
?
Jan 5, 2013 00:00
|
|
|
I looked this up on VIN (Veterinary Information Network) and there were a few posts from very incredulous vets with clients reporting what you saw--intact heartgard being pooped out or vomited up. Apparently this is why it says on the package that the chewable must be chewed to be effective, and it should be broken into pieces if the dog gulps it whole. Apparently Merial reps say the same thing. You can also switch to a different product.
|
|
#
?
Jan 5, 2013 02:33
|
|
|
We're driving a bit tomorrow to meet and greet with a 2 year old dog at a rescue we're thinking of adopting. We're bringing our current dog (8 months) along to see how they get along. Is there anything not tremendously obvious I should be looking for when they're interacting that would suggest a poor relationship?
|
|
#
?
Jan 5, 2013 04:05
|
|
|
Dr. Chaco posted:Hotspots are quite commonly caused by allergies, whether it be fleas, food, or environmental things, so he may still be itchy from that if not from the actual infection/hotspot. Another possibility is that he has a yeast infection, which antibiotics won't fix. He's a hefty chihuahua, and yeah, the vet Rxed that much to him. Luckily, overdosing on benzos is nearly impossible. I'd have to feed him a thousand pills at a time. I gave him a flea pill and another Benedryl. So here's hoping that he can get some relief. Worst case scenario, what happens with a yeast infection? They diagnosed localized staph infection/hot spots. I also think he has severe anxiety. I know it, actually. The vet even suggested putting him on Prozac.
|
|
#
?
Jan 5, 2013 06:17
|
|
|
Dr. Chaco posted:I looked this up on VIN (Veterinary Information Network) and there were a few posts from very incredulous vets with clients reporting what you saw--intact heartgard being pooped out or vomited up. Apparently this is why it says on the package that the chewable must be chewed to be effective, and it should be broken into pieces if the dog gulps it whole. Apparently Merial reps say the same thing. You can also switch to a different product. I also talked to my friend who works in a vet office and she also suggested breaking it up/mashing it into his food next time. I might try that next month instead of paying a ton more for Trifexis like the vet suggested.
|
|
#
?
Jan 5, 2013 07:10
|
|
|
escape artist posted:He's a hefty chihuahua, and yeah, the vet Rxed that much to him. Luckily, overdosing on benzos is nearly impossible. I'd have to feed him a thousand pills at a time. If they did a cytology of the skin and found only bacteria, antibiotics should do it. If they didn't do any specific test, just thought it looked bacterial, yeast is also a possibility, and it might remain a problem unless treated with antifungals. That type of infection can be really itchy so it might be something to ask about if the antibiotics are not effective alone.
|
|
#
?
Jan 5, 2013 08:51
|
|
|
Dr. Chaco posted:If they did a cytology of the skin and found only bacteria, antibiotics should do it. If they didn't do any specific test, just thought it looked bacterial, yeast is also a possibility, and it might remain a problem unless treated with antifungals. That type of infection can be really itchy so it might be something to ask about if the antibiotics are not effective alone. I'm beginning to think it's anxiety. When my dad or mom leave the home, he immediately begins to scratch himself. Separation anxiety. And of course, the incessant scratching can cause wounds which in turn get infected.
|
|
#
?
Jan 5, 2013 20:14
|
|
|
Hi all, hope this is in the right place. Was looking for a bit of advice about my roughly five year old black labrador. Recently she has been looking nervous; she's been shaking weakly and following people around the house while panting, and I'm not sure what it is or what to do about it. A bit of background; she is scared of fireworks and thunder (not sure about gunshots as her mother was a gun dog), and will cautiously cower underneath either our sofa or under my bed until she is happy it's passed. She has no history of fits or epilepsy, and other than being slightly longer than a normal lab seems very healthy. After putting up the christmas decorations a few weeks ago, I noticed she seemed a bit disorientated and nervous, but attributed this to the amount of new lights and a strange object (the tree) in the living room, or perhaps some fireworks that my terrible human ears hadn't heard. She seemed fine the day after and hasn't had any trouble aside from the New Years fireworks. However a few days ago she began getting very nervous at around 7-11pm. She does not look scared; the whites of her eyes are not visible, she will go for walks, wag her tail when cuddled or similar, and will eat treats and snacks if given encouragement. She will occasionally visit her hiding spots but will mostly follow people around the house, which is unusual as she is normally found taking taking up the entire sofa and being lazy. She does not seem upset (and is eating meals normally), but she is shaking and acting a bit weirdly by following people around, so was looking for any advice. I have done a bit of reading on labrador separation anxiety (since I have just come back/about to leave for university) but she doesn't really fit the symptoms I have read about, could be wrong though. piano chimp fucked around with this message at 23:33 on Jan 5, 2013 |
|
#
?
Jan 5, 2013 22:14
|
|
|
Take your dog to the vet to rule out the myriad medical issues that could cause panting, shaking and need for comfort. It's possible she had some kind of issue while you were not looking. Either way you won't get any answers until you can rule out a medical problem with a vet. If you feel sure it's behavioral then you can maybe take a short video to show your vet when you go in, and they can either give you an opinion of what the problem is or the number of someone local (a veterinary behaviorist maybe?) who will be able to help you. EDIT: if she consistently will only eat with "encouragement" see a vet ASAP. Does she eat during the rest of the day? Could she be in pain? Nevermind my advice is still "see a vet" InEscape fucked around with this message at 22:38 on Jan 5, 2013 |
|
#
?
Jan 5, 2013 22:34
|
|
|
escape artist posted:I'm beginning to think it's anxiety. When my dad or mom leave the home, he immediately begins to scratch himself. Separation anxiety. And of course, the incessant scratching can cause wounds which in turn get infected. I've seen dogs that will not scratch their itches until the humans leave the room - simply because the humans always reprimand the dog when it scratches.
|
|
#
?
Jan 5, 2013 22:38
|
|
|
InEscape posted:Take your dog to the vet to rule out the myriad medical issues that could cause panting, shaking and need for comfort. It's possible she had some kind of issue while you were not looking. Either way you won't get any answers until you can rule out a medical problem with a vet. If you feel sure it's behavioral then you can maybe take a short video to show your vet when you go in, and they can either give you an opinion of what the problem is or the number of someone local (a veterinary behaviorist maybe?) who will be able to help you. Thanks for the advice about the video, I wouldn't have thought of that. Will get her up to the vets as soon as possible. And yes to clarify she is eating meals normally! I meant in terms of treats and tidbits fortunately, will edit my post.
|
|
#
?
Jan 5, 2013 23:32
|
|
|
Is it normal for an Aussie to sleep so lightly that shifting in your chair makes him open his eyes? Does my dog just never actually sleep? I don't think my dog ever actually sleeps.
|
|
#
?
Jan 6, 2013 00:04
|
|
|
I'm not a dog person but my dad owns a dog (black lab, ~6 years old). I don't know what the gently caress her problem is. She's always whining, but she's been out and has food and stuff. She doesn't seem to be in pain, and she eats well. Is it just because my dad doesn't play with her or pay attention to her? Or should I force my dad to take her to the vet?
|
|
#
?
Jan 6, 2013 04:05
|
|
|
Well if he never plays with her or pays her any attention, I wouldn't be surprised if that's the issue. Creatures tend to take the energy they don't burn and just stress out with it. Vet can't hurt tho.
|
|
#
?
Jan 6, 2013 04:12
|
|
|
Wulfolme posted:Is it normal for an Aussie to sleep so lightly that shifting in your chair makes him open his eyes? Does my dog just never actually sleep? My cat is like this. If I shift a bit, he cracks an eye (and gives me the stink eye), but goes right back to sleep when he sees it's nothing. Animals in general sleep fairly lightly during their napping hours, but will sleep more deeply at night when everything is dark and quiet.
|
|
#
?
Jan 6, 2013 04:44
|
|
|
socalled posted:
Well yeah if you never leave a house and never do a thing you tend to get kinda nutty
|
|
#
?
Jan 6, 2013 07:52
|
|
|
|
| # ? May 18, 2024 11:02 |
|
|
So how do you know when it's time for a dog? I took my eighteen year old dog to the vet awhile back after she began urinating in the house. She was already mostly blind and deaf, but she got worse. She started pooping in the house, too. She'd get lost in the house, her sleeping hours became erratic. When you pet her, normally she'll take it for a second and then just walk off. I assumed it was canine senility and took her to the vet and they prescribed Anipryl. It was costly. I could only afford the one bottle, but I tried it. We went through the whole supply and her behavior didn't seem to change at all. Flash forward a bit and I'm leaving the country in a week. My mom, who the dog originally belonged to before she moved away, told me it might be time to put her to sleep since she can't really function. No one else in my family is around to take care of her or will be when I leave, but I don't know if I can do it if it's not the right thing to do. I wanted her to live out her last days here at home, but man she just won't quit. I'm the only pet owner in my life so I'm coming to PI and I guess my question is when a dog gets to this point, which she's been at for about a year or more now, is it best to just let her go? It that okay or would I be a horrible monster?
|
|
#
?
Jan 6, 2013 19:54
|
|
