New Doggy Owner (Sort Of) What to do?

• 10-08-2007 10:19 PM

  pheryn Joined on 04-16-2006 The Hills Posts 247 Points 100

  New Doggy Owner (Sort Of) What to do? Reply Contact Sorry this might be long! But I really need some help and any useful advice.   We found a dog - well, she sort of found us. We were dropping my sister off to school when this white furball decided to follow us around. She even jumped into our van as we were leaving. So we looked and asked around the school area if they knew who's dog it was (no collar or tag or tatoo either). No one recognized her and there were no signs up for any lost dog. We've also called the pound and left contact information. The vet found no microchip either. So now we have a doggy here at our house, because my mom says that if no one claims her, we should just keep her - instead of having her wander the streets. I took her to the vet today and the vet said she is about 2 years old, 17 lbs mix breed (I am guessing something with a terrier because of her face and maybe a poodle) and she has some fleas (so I also got frontline) and shes not spayed.  So for now I guess my question is, while we wait for the owner to come claim her, is that - is it normal for her to not eat? I bought some dog food (Nutro Max - both the kibble kind and the wet kind to mix a little in with the kibble for dinner or something) and some dog treats. Shes only probably had 1 dog treat today (half this morning and half earlier in the afternoon) I've offered her more but she would have none of it. I have some kibble in a food bowl for her and some water, and all shes touched is the water. (I will wait to see if she will touch it with some wet food in a bit). Shes gone potty outside as well (both kinds). I know shes hungry because she gets excited around people food - but I dont want to give her people food (I think she might have been used to that) but I dont want to starve her either. So is it normal? Maybe shes excited to be here? Shes been following me around. We got her a crate and she likes that. And how long should we wait for someone to claim her before taking her back to the vets to get spayed, get her right ear cleaned (he said it was in need of it), and possibly getting shots again - since we do not know if she has had any shots at all (the vet said we can test for that but it is far more expensive than just getting the shots again, which wouldnt hurt the dog either). Again, I am so sorry for the length. Any advice on any of the situations or anything about owning a dog (as I havent had a dog in YEARS and the last time we had one, I was young and dont know any better) is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.  EDIT: I tried to soak the kibble in a little warm water. Fed her a piece of that and now she took a few bites of soaked kibble. So I think she will like the kibble + wet food thing too, as perhaps the kibble might be too hard for her. ( I tried to look at her teeth to see if she has all of them but shes not letting me right now. The vet looked at them earlier and didnt say anything about them so I am guessing they are fine) Nikki 's Harley! Dogster

  Filed under: help, lost dog, food, advice, new dog Post Points: 0

• 10-09-2007 12:02 AM

  In reply to pheryn

  pheryn Joined on 04-16-2006 The Hills Posts 247 Points 100

  Re: New Doggy Owner (Sort Of) What to do? Reply Contact And how often does a dog at about 2 years of age have to go to potty in a day? She just went potty about 2 hours ago outside when I took her for a walk... but just a few moments ago, I found poop in one of our rooms. I dont know when she did that one. Could it be before the walk or after? I am hoping it was way before the walk because I dont see how a dog could go potty #2 within 2 hours. Any advice? Nikki 's Harley! Dogster

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• 10-09-2007 12:59 AM

  In reply to pheryn

  jode88 Joined on 06-27-2006 DFW Area Posts 695 Points 25

  Re: New Doggy Owner (Sort Of) What to do? Reply Contact I don't have a ton of experience with dogs as I've only owned them now for just over a year.  I do have one picky eater and he wont eat dry kibble and half of the time passes on canned food.  I now add many things to their food as a mix in.  I use Sardines, Cottage Cheese, Yogurt, Eggs, Tripe, Canned Chicken Chunks and I even crockpot beef or chicken with some veggies and use that as a mix in.  If you don't want to try different things just add the water and if she doesn't eat it, pick it up and she waits til the next feeding to eat. As for the pee/poop thing.  It can just be her adjusting to her new home.  She may be unsure of where to go potty or how to tell you.  She may also have an upset tummy from the new food and may have to go poop more often.  It takes a little bit for a dog to get completely comfortable in her new home or surroundings.  My Great Pyr was a rescue so I knew nothing about her.  Someone found her at a dog park and kept her for a month while trying to find the owners but had no luck.  He finally had to turn her over the to Great Pyr rescue and we took her from them.  When we got her she would pee like every hour....outside, inside, wherever she could she would go.  Turned out to be an infection and we got some meds for her.  I would continue to take her outside fairly often to potty until you get to know her potty routine or she learns how to tell you she needs out.  It just takes time.    Good Luck pimpyourpooch.blogspot.com

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• 10-09-2007 1:04 AM

  In reply to pheryn

  californiaglock Joined on 08-22-2007 Northern California, USA Posts 303 Points 95

  Re: New Doggy Owner (Sort Of) What to do? Reply Contact i would get the dog spayed/neutered and give it all the required shots as soon as possible. if the real owner comes forward at some point i would ask to be compensated for the vet bills. also i reccomend a full washing and cleaning for the dog. i think the dog has probably  been through a lot so just bare with the dog and i am sure it will start eating. it was probably not on any regular schedule before so it will take time for it get used to regular feedings. also if the pup is hungry it will  eventually eat something, i wouldnt worry about it, just stick to dog food. just treat the dog with lots of love and affection and it will get used to your families routine. good luck your doing a good thing

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• 10-09-2007 10:19 AM

  In reply to pheryn

  Janet808 Joined on 09-14-2007 Pgh. PA Posts 1,688 Points 345

  Re: New Doggy Owner (Sort Of) What to do? Reply Contact I agree with the other people who posted.  She may just be a picky eater.  Sometimes, Misty won't eat her food at first.  To make myself feel better, sometimes I'll put some in my hand and hold it up to her and she'll eat it!  Who'd figure, and then sometimes, not all the time, she'll start eating the rest.  It sounds like whomever owned her may have fed her from the table, that could be why she's picky about the "dog" food.  Misty can poop!  She'll poop a couple times a day.  She's a poopy puppy!  :)  She may be in some distressed (being lost) and that might too, be the reason she's not eating.  Good Luck!  Hope everything works out for you! Handle every situation like a dog. If you can't Eat it or Chew it. Pee on it and Walk Away

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• 10-09-2007 11:22 AM

  In reply to Janet808

  pheryn Joined on 04-16-2006 The Hills Posts 247 Points 100

  Re: New Doggy Owner (Sort Of) What to do? Reply Contact Thank you so much guys!  She definitely prefers at least a spoonfull of wet food with her kibble - then she eats it.   Last night was pretty tiring too. She follows me everywhere and started crying when we tried to keep her in our laundry area with her crate and pee pads (even though she goes potty outside). She eventually figured out how to escape the enclosure and started scratching my door. So I ended up bringing the crate inside my room, putting my slippers near the crate door (for my scent) and she slept through the night, only waking me up at 6 to go pee outside. So is that wise? To just crate her near my bed? Or is putting her in a small, enclosed area better? Oh and she doesnt like her treats either. She's had 1.5 since yesterday. Should I get different treats then? (still no word from anyone claiming her either :\ ) Thanks for putting up with all my questions. I just want to make sure her stay here is a good one, and if no one claims her, then her start here a good one. (I've always wanted a dog, I wanted to wait until I moved out - but she's here [for] now, so I'm trying to put what research I've done in but now it feels like it wasnt enough!) Nikki 's Harley! Dogster

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• 10-09-2007 1:01 PM

  In reply to pheryn

  Janet808 Joined on 09-14-2007 Pgh. PA Posts 1,688 Points 345

  Re: New Doggy Owner (Sort Of) What to do? Reply Contact We have Misty in the living room.  We have a 3br. ranch w/ a finished gameroom, I keep the Maltese (Tabitha) and the cat (Tigger) downstairs.  Tabitha pees on the floor (not sure if it's because of her size or age, but I'd rather her downstairs instead of up @ night) and the cat's litter box is downstairs so that's obvious why he's down there.  LOL  That and the fact, he'll jump on our bed and take up all of our foot room.  So, Misty stays in the living room and she's fine.  I couldn't put Misty downstairs, for fear she'd never sleep 'cause she loves to herd the cat!  The pup, might not care for the treats.  You could try different ones.  I think some pet stores (not sure how much) have different treats set up, like a candy store, maybe you could try different ones to give her.  You know too, sometimes the inexpensive kind are what they like too.  We give Misty Milk bones, and she loves them!  Good Luck! Handle every situation like a dog. If you can't Eat it or Chew it. Pee on it and Walk Away

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• 10-09-2007 2:34 PM

  In reply to Janet808

  Cita Joined on 12-13-2006 CT Posts 4,472 Points 735

  Re: New Doggy Owner (Sort Of) What to do? Reply Contact I would do the exact same thing, crating her in your bedroom. If you keep her, eventually you can move her farther away, but for now she's probably just afraid of being alone. I wouldn't worry about her eating right now - she might still just be stressed, not used to eating, etc. It might actually be better for her to take it easy with the food so as to not upset her tummy. I wouldn't recommend any treats or anything just now, maybe just give her pieces of her dog food as treats. It sounds like you're doing all the right things! It's wonderful of you to take this little dog in and keep her safe. Keep us posted on your progress :)  Edit - my dog wouldn't really eat the Nutro Max kibble, either. I switched him to a couple different brands and he ate them much better - his favorite store-bought kibble was probably Royal Canin. I wouldn't worry about it unless you decide to keep your new little girl - for the time being, dry food mixed with wet food should be just fine.

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• 10-09-2007 10:52 PM

  In reply to pheryn

  californiaglock Joined on 08-22-2007 Northern California, USA Posts 303 Points 95

  Re: New Doggy Owner (Sort Of) What to do? Reply Contact put the crate near you bed, you are the dogs savior and maybe all he/she knows its gonna wanna be close to you. in a bit the dog will get comfortable and you should be able to have it sleep somewhere else. on the eating note, i would not worry and when the dog wants to really eat it will. its a very nerve racking time from the dogs perspective and it takes a bit to get used to. just be patient.and caring and i am sure the dog will get a hang of all the daily routine. be watchful on the dogs health and physical behavior though just to be on the safe side.

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• 10-09-2007 11:25 PM

  In reply to californiaglock

  pheryn Joined on 04-16-2006 The Hills Posts 247 Points 100

  Re: New Doggy Owner (Sort Of) What to do? Reply Contact You are all so sweet! Thank you so much for the info and support. It really helps. She is getting along really well right now with everyone and is pretty good at going potty as she lets us know when she needs to go. Right now she is sleeping in a doggy bed near my foot under the computer table. We drove by the area we found her to see if anyone has any lost dog notices up and still nothing (only one up was for a lost shih tzu). Nothing from the vets and pounds within that area. It makes me sad to think that no one is freaking out looking for this sweetheart. I think I will do the no treats for now until her tummy settles. She does like the dry+wet food a lot so I will stick to that but I will try and look for the brands that come highly recommended in this forum (I have been surfing around). And I think when it comes time for treats, I'm going to try smaller softer ones - I am now thinking the ones I got might still be too big and hard for her.  Oh and for now we have been calling her Harley and she seems to respond to the name.  Thank you guys so much again. I am off to another section to post and read other things :D Nikki 's Harley! Dogster

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• 10-10-2007 9:09 AM

  In reply to pheryn

  caveninit Joined on 11-22-2006 LI, NY Posts 282 Points 0	Re: New Doggy Owner (Sort Of) What to do? Reply Contact Thats great that you have taken her in! Would love to see pics! Janet
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• 10-10-2007 10:12 AM

  In reply to pheryn

  californiaglock Joined on 08-22-2007 Northern California, USA Posts 303 Points 95	Re: New Doggy Owner (Sort Of) What to do? Reply Contact lets see some pics
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• 10-10-2007 6:34 PM

  In reply to californiaglock

  pheryn Joined on 04-16-2006 The Hills Posts 247 Points 100

  Re: New Doggy Owner (Sort Of) What to do? Reply Contact   This is Harley! I hope I resized it ok. It looks a little weird now (since the actual file is larger). This was her - first day at our house. She is still dirty. I want to give her a bath so bad. But when I took her to the vet, he said she had fleas and so we put flea meds on her but since I did that - I cant give her a proper bath until tomorrow (she has had some good wipe downs though). What does she look like to you? I'm still guessing - I think something like Terrier and Poodle.   Nikki 's Harley! Dogster

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• 10-10-2007 7:46 PM

  In reply to pheryn

  Pwca Joined on 09-09-2006 Dallas, Texas Posts 1,324 Points 310

  Re: New Doggy Owner (Sort Of) What to do? Reply Contact Have you notified your local animal control that you found her? They can take a found dog report and tell you how long you've got to hold her in case the owners are looking. In most areas, that's between 14-30 days. It's important to do this because if the owner is looking, that's one of the obvious places they will check. Most newspapers will run a free 'found' ad too, and you can be vague in order to make sure the people are actually the real owners. (I woul ddo something like "30# mix, white female, found (date), call to identify"   Do NOT spay her or do anything major that isn't an emergency until that period is up- it's illegal and you could get sued, unfortunately.

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• 10-10-2007 7:53 PM

  In reply to pheryn

  calliecritturs Joined on 09-10-2007 Central Florida Posts 7,254 Points 1,975

  Re: New Doggy Owner (Sort Of) What to do? Reply Contact Hi -- I'll try to add to what's been said above. dogs are "pack" animals -- she will do FAR better in the same room you are.  There is something very very social about that whole "sleep sounds and smells" thing -- she'll be far far more calm in with you.  It IS their nature to want to be with their packmates while sleeping. I gotta tell you -- GOOD FOOD IS **FOOD**.  The only thing that makes certain food 'dog food' is because it went in the dog's mouth!!  Kibble is simply food that was mashed and mashed and processed and then has chemicals and preservatives added to it -- then it's extruded thru a machine that then dries all the moisture out of it.  THAT is kibble.  There is nothing wrong with adding fresh food to a dog's diet -- just make it BALANCED.  In other words -- food is food.  "Scraps" are things that *should* be thrown away -- and those aren't good food for anyone!! However -- even adding leftover veggies from your dinner (as long as they aren't onions or corn) mashed up and stirred into the dog's kibble -- that fresh nutrition can add to the dog's diet a great deal and provide some extra very good nutritional help. You might want to visit the nutrition section on here -- Glenda homecooks for her bunch (and I cook for my three). Yep -- REAL food.  What makes 'dogfood' around my place is that I cook once a week and dole it out in carefully measured portions.  None of my dogs are 'fat' and I often use food to help various physical problems they can have.  For example -- this week their food is ground beef, ground turkey, turnip greens, acorn squash, sweet potato, broccoli, cabbage, and yucca and a little barley.  And yes -- they love it!! However, if she was just 'ditched' by someone then it's not likely anyone actually home-cooked for her.  So she probably was used to just whatever someone threw in her bowl.  Did your vet do a fecal?  That would be way high on MY list of things the vet must do.  Sometimes they won't do it unless asked but too many things can 'hide' in poop otherwise. good luck -- she's a lucky gal to have found such a caring family!!!

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