Tuxedodog Posted February 12 Report Share Posted February 12 We adopted Charley as a 2 year old and now he is turning 13. We moved from NEPA and 23 acres to FL and nowhere to be off leash. He just got over a case of pancreatitis but has been doing well. In the past few weeks there have been a couple episodes that have me concerned. He growled at my sister in law when she came out of the bathroom. I wasn’t there to correct him but it never happened before. My husband was on the floor adjusting our new fridge and Charley snapped at his face. People laying on the floor has always been an issue, his first owner died. But hubby was kneeling so didn’t think it would be a problem. He was immediately told no and down. The last was my brother in law throwing toys for him. A game we play a lot but BIL got him all wound up and was about to put an end to it when Charley jumped up and snapped at him. Told Charley no and down then reprimanded my BIL and he won’t be allowed to play anymore. We have decided to limit his other people interactions to the few neighbors he already knows and will discourage the dog walkers and their little dogs from approaching him. I hate extendable leashes. I would appreciate any guidance to keep us and all parties safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beachdogz Posted February 13 Report Share Posted February 13 Well, I'm sure I will speak for everyone when saying that your first stop should be the vet's office for a complete checkup/workup. This could be a pain issue that you are not aware of because we all know our dogs are not always the best at conveying their pain to us. After that, the two other things that come to mind are eyesight and dementia. But how wonderful that you have a 13 year old dog!! As far as dogs on extendable leashes approaching your dog - I recommend taking a spray water bottle with you. When the dog approaches your dog (timing here is crucial) zap that owner in the face with the water. As you can see, even we humans can get a little snappy as we get older. I no longer have the patience to deal with idiot dog owners. But seriously, I wish the best for you and Charley -- and keep us posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tuxedodog Posted February 13 Author Report Share Posted February 13 I will be making him an appointment shortly as he is due for his rabies shot. Will bring up your points and see what the vet has to say. Will be trying a new vet that might be a little less pricy but was the only one who would make him an appointment on no notice. Vets in FL are expensive. We just spent $3k for the pancreatitis and they did bloodwork an ultrasound, spent a night at the clinic and went home with 2 weeks of drugs. He is actually much happier looking than he has in a while. We just moved in October and it was a big change. At the vet’s office he is always snappy so he gets muzzled. He still tries to get the tech or the vet. This has been going on for years. He has never bitten anyone. The old vet always requested that he be medicated before appointments. As we were leaving the most recent trip the vet tech said he does that snap thing when they had to work on him but he is a very sweet dog otherwise. Will update when we figure this out. Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Journey Posted February 13 Report Share Posted February 13 Because you just moved, it may be that he hasn't fully acclimated, old habits come to the forefront much quicker when stress is present. As for the vet visit, I agree, get a full check up! I'd also ask the vet about a rabies waiver, maybe it's just me but I do a titer on my older dogs and decide from there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tuxedodog Posted February 13 Author Report Share Posted February 13 I don’t know if FL will accept that and I need to send a copy with his license renewal since it follows his rabies shot. But I will ask. We live in a community with a lot of dogs and he is just starting to react by barking and growling at the dogs who act aggressively to him. Never did anything like that before. He would just ignore them. I guess I am old and cranky too but don’t want that to continue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Journey Posted February 13 Report Share Posted February 13 Fl used to accept it, I'm from there. Going from 23 acres to a postage stamp lot in a neighborhood is a huge adjustment, for dogs and people. I'd be looking at more calming ideas rather than corrections right now. Maybe some acupuncture and or chiro and possibly some pheromones' to calm him. barking and growling at ones acting aggressive to him? Um, that's acceptable to me, except I never want to put my dog in a situation where someone else can act that way towards them. Being leashed brings a whole new realm to a dog, they are basically "trapped" so while he may not have done it before, the being trapped has finally caught up to him and he feels the need to protect himself is my opinion...protect him so he doesn't feel the need to do so himself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gcv-border Posted February 17 Report Share Posted February 17 I agree with comments/suggestions above. Best of luck to Charley. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tuxedodog Posted February 22 Author Report Share Posted February 22 Well we are home from our vet visit today. Journey, the vet agreed that the move was probably the cause of his new reactive self. I am sure he would love to run off leash to have some Charley time, but my one trip to the dog park several years ago while we were visiting here has made that a big no. We have implemented new dog walking rules that he isn’t allowed to be the first to react to other dogs but he can defend himself if they act aggressively toward him. Growls and barks only. The best course of action is getting in our walks when not too many people will be out. It will be easier as it gets lighter, my night vision isn’t great, and his poop blends in with the plants even in daylight. I have never seen so many unruly, undisciplined dogs. As much as I hate to sedate an older dog I am going to get his teeth cleaned. He drools a lot and that may be making him cranky too. The vets one who is semi retired and one who is young but he mentored since she was a teen, assured me that most of their clients are older dogs and Charley’s blood work was really good for an almost 13 year old dog and he doesn’t look that old. I thought it was because I am always in denial that my pets are getting old that he doesn’t look that old. Thanks to all for your advice. This has always been the only place to get good advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gcv-border Posted February 23 Report Share Posted February 23 Have you heard of Sniffspot? It's an app for your phone that you can use to find locations in your area that allow you to rent what is essentially a private dog area/park. Sniffspot hosts list their private property for rental by dog owners. Each listing provides the specifics - rental fee per dog, description of the rental area (size, fenced/not fenced), any extras. All booking and payment is through the Sniffspot app. Maybe there are a couple of Sniffspots in your area. I have read that people with reactive dogs, or dogs that need a fenced area, appreciate Sniffspot offerings (if fenced). Or some may just bring their dogs to someplace different. Another thought: a product that I have been using to keep my dogs' teeth clean is 1-TDC. It was originally marketed as a join supplement, but they have discovered that it is great for cleaning the teeth and is the marketing has pivoted more to the dental benefits. One of my dogs was beginning to accumulate tartar, and her breath smelled. After a couple of months of applying it once a day (maybe 3-4 days per week although the instructions call for daily use), her teeth are much better and her breath barely smells. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tuxedodog Posted February 23 Author Report Share Posted February 23 Gcv-Border. Thank you, I will look into both. Charley’s best attribute is his recall. If I can find a place even if it isn’t fenced we can spend time playing ball and exploring unpaved areas. Charley is a freak about his mouth and always has been. We spent a lot of time early on but he is still reactive about his mouth. We have had him almost 11 years and it has only been the past couple years that trimming his toenails doesn’t require more than a small amount of restraint. When we picked him up from the Border Collie rescue we were told not to look at him, and the woman insisted she put his harness on him for the ride home. I guess she was afraid he would snap at my face when I bent over him, which is his goto for stressful situations, although he tolerates much more than he used to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Journey Posted February 23 Report Share Posted February 23 @Tuxedodognice report and sounds like you have a great plan for Charley! Best of luck to you both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beachdogz Posted February 25 Report Share Posted February 25 On 2/22/2024 at 10:38 PM, gcv-border said: Another thought: a product that I have been using to keep my dogs' teeth clean is 1-TDC. Well gcv-border, you got my attention here! Can you tell me more about 1-TDC? I looked on Amazon and they have a few brands. What brand do you use? It looks like you twist off the top of the gel cap and apply it to the gums? Or do you apply right on the teeth? Does one capsule cover all 4 sides, or do you use 1 capsule per side? And do you rub it on with the capsule or use your finger? Thanks for any info you can supply me with! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gcv-border Posted February 26 Report Share Posted February 26 12 hours ago, beachdogz said: Well gcv-border, you got my attention here! Can you tell me more about 1-TDC? I looked on Amazon and they have a few brands. What brand do you use? It looks like you twist off the top of the gel cap and apply it to the gums? Or do you apply right on the teeth? Does one capsule cover all 4 sides, or do you use 1 capsule per side? And do you rub it on with the capsule or use your finger? Thanks for any info you can supply me with! I buy the 1-TDC from Chewy. I think it should be available from the company's website itself, but since I order dog and cat foods from Chewy, it's just as easy to order from Chewy. I wouldn't order from Amazon due to many counterfeit products. There are a couple of Youtube videos describing how to apply the 1-TDC. Primarily spread it on the upper gums, but you don't have to use your fingers. Just use the little applicator and squeeze out through the tab end. Note: IMHO, it is a pain to twist off the tab so I just cut it off at the stricture. I use one capsule per dog daily. Dogs are 35-40 lbs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beachdogz Posted February 26 Report Share Posted February 26 (edited) Thank you! I will check it out! edited for additional info: So there are two on Chewy - Elite Vet and Ora-clens. Which do you use? thanks Edited February 26 by beachdogz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gcv-border Posted February 27 Report Share Posted February 27 14 hours ago, beachdogz said: Thank you! I will check it out! edited for additional info: So there are two on Chewy - Elite Vet and Ora-clens. Which do you use? thanks I use the one on the left. I was not aware of the Ora-Clens product, but a comparison on the Chewy site suggests they are the same. Just branded, and priced, differently? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.