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Oliver 15 year old Maltese with Kidney Disease
Results are in: Olivers BUN went from 23 to 25 Creat: 1.4 to 1.7 Specific Gravity went from 1.016 to 1.012 His potassium has increased, therefore Dr. Schultz thought it would be best to take him off the renal essentials for a month and have him retested. If the potassium remains the same then she wants to start him on fish oil. She did say with Kidney Disease/Failure the numbers do fluctuate. Overall, she feels that it is great he continues to eat and keep himself hydrated. She said the blood results are not “alarming” but we continue to monitor him. He needs to build muscle which is difficult with this disease and his age of 15. But, she did say I have been exceptional in taking care of him and he is very fortunate to be with me 24/7.
Any thoughts? He still is pretty active and eating like there is no tomorrow.
Any thoughts? He still is pretty active and eating like there is no tomorrow.
Oliver's issue is not noises. He simply has separation anxiety. He hated the Thundershirt. Had to return it. He is 15 years old - so my solution is I run errands when he sleeps. So far, it has worked. He is fine, when I say "I will be back" and return. I've always practiced this method with my Maltese's and its worked. With Oliver when he went into severe kidney failure I went into severe caretaking ! I cater to his every whim. So easy to do when you are a small dog who weighs 3.8 lbs :)
Now, I have a question that may sound strange but worth asking. Since Oliver went into severe kidney failure (April 5th) I have noticed that since I brought him home on 4/9 he has had a tremendous appetite. Oliver has always had a great appetite. But since 4/9 he has been eating like every two in a half hours. He eats at 6:30 am, 8:30, 10:30 and then again at noon. He wants more food around 2 and then again at 4:30 when we arrive at home. When I do feed him its small meals. I know I should be happy he is eating, but I find it odd that he is eating so much. He has me on my toes 24/7 :) Sometimes I wonder if something else is going on. He sleeps well and at night he sleeps all night long no tinkling accidents. In the morning I go off to the gym, but when I return around 6:00 or 6:30 he is ready to eat (he lets me know by barking). Or am I just dealing with a Maltese that has me very well trained ?
Now, I have a question that may sound strange but worth asking. Since Oliver went into severe kidney failure (April 5th) I have noticed that since I brought him home on 4/9 he has had a tremendous appetite. Oliver has always had a great appetite. But since 4/9 he has been eating like every two in a half hours. He eats at 6:30 am, 8:30, 10:30 and then again at noon. He wants more food around 2 and then again at 4:30 when we arrive at home. When I do feed him its small meals. I know I should be happy he is eating, but I find it odd that he is eating so much. He has me on my toes 24/7 :) Sometimes I wonder if something else is going on. He sleeps well and at night he sleeps all night long no tinkling accidents. In the morning I go off to the gym, but when I return around 6:00 or 6:30 he is ready to eat (he lets me know by barking). Or am I just dealing with a Maltese that has me very well trained ?
Unfortunately the thundershirt does not work for Bonnie. She is totally terrified of any loud noise. Tony.....your comment about leaving them alone works with Bonnie. we keep her crate in a room with lights off, shade pulled. When she is afraid, that's her safe zone. If we try to cuddle her, she just shakes more!!!
Hi Elsa. Yes, fireworks and dogs rarely go together. I live in a seaside resort which is popular with tourists, and every year (in addition to the usual and lengthy Nov 5th celebrations) there is the Annual Fireworks Display Competition in September. This lasts a week, with different countries doing an hour long display every night. It's a nightmare.
I am very lucky insofar as my current two dogs are relatively unimpressed and unworried by the noise, bangs, thuds and screeches. But my prior dog, BB, was totally petrified by them and would find a hiding place under the stairs, where she would shiver and tremble throughout the display.
There are two things that I have read that certainly seem to help ... the Thunder Shirt really does have some great reviews from pet owners, so definitely give it a try. The other is (might seem strange this one) that comforting a dog during this time might actually cause more harm than good. The evidence seems to be that dogs find reassurance from owners that pet and comfort them even more traumatic and become more anxious. It is suggested to leave them where they seem to find comfort (a bed or, commonly, under a human bed) and offer a blanket or something familiar. Put a radio on (something with a human voice) and close all curtains and windows. Some of this is just commonsense, but trying to leave a dog alone during this time is something I hadn't heard before, so might be worth further reading on it.
Tony
I am very lucky insofar as my current two dogs are relatively unimpressed and unworried by the noise, bangs, thuds and screeches. But my prior dog, BB, was totally petrified by them and would find a hiding place under the stairs, where she would shiver and tremble throughout the display.
There are two things that I have read that certainly seem to help ... the Thunder Shirt really does have some great reviews from pet owners, so definitely give it a try. The other is (might seem strange this one) that comforting a dog during this time might actually cause more harm than good. The evidence seems to be that dogs find reassurance from owners that pet and comfort them even more traumatic and become more anxious. It is suggested to leave them where they seem to find comfort (a bed or, commonly, under a human bed) and offer a blanket or something familiar. Put a radio on (something with a human voice) and close all curtains and windows. Some of this is just commonsense, but trying to leave a dog alone during this time is something I hadn't heard before, so might be worth further reading on it.
Tony
Excellent Kay!
Darbie is going to get a Thundershirt for Christmas!....Hope it works for fireworks, too. I live in an area where there are several colleges (football games), parades and festivals. There was a time when fireworks were reserved for the 4th of July...Now it's a constant. Poor animals are so petrified:(
Darbie is going to get a Thundershirt for Christmas!....Hope it works for fireworks, too. I live in an area where there are several colleges (football games), parades and festivals. There was a time when fireworks were reserved for the 4th of July...Now it's a constant. Poor animals are so petrified:(
Good luck with that. Hope it helps!
Hi Kay !
I am willing to try anything at this point. We have a Petco near work- think Oliver and I will be making a trip during lunch.
Hugs and Thank you.
Elsa
I am willing to try anything at this point. We have a Petco near work- think Oliver and I will be making a trip during lunch.
Hugs and Thank you.
Elsa
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