Paws off my food

Tye, my five-year-old male, neutered GSD, has suffered hyperactivity and nervous tension since the age of seven months, though what actually triggered it we do not know. Such is his sensitivity to any preservatives, colours or additives that he will react within 24 hours of having them and symptoms will prevail for up to seven days afterwards.

Unfortunately we did not realise that this behaviour was related to his diet until 12 months ago and so Tye has endured almost four years of these symptoms. Initially we were told that he was just a hyperactive dominant dog who needed strong handling to sort him out. In effect this was exactly the opposite of what he needed and has caused many more problems than it has helped. Consequently we have taken into account the modern approach to “dominance” and feel that us being the “Alpha” figure does not come into the equation any more.

A typical reaction to something will begin with either one or both of Tye’s ears becoming itchy and inflamed and extremely sensitive, followed by him being very vocal, with high pitched uncontrollable barking and frantic pacing or running around whenever someone arrives at the house or walks past the car he is in. He will have a horrible stare in his eyes and will stalk around with his hackles raised, often accompanied by a low growl. He will exhibit “guarding” behaviour towards me, placing himself between my husband and I and warning him away. When taken out for a walk in this state he will “bounce” along the ground as if the floor is hot beneath his feet and seems to be hyper sensitive to anything and everything often lunging at other people, dogs and livestock. These symptoms will typically last for five to seven days before he comes “down” again and during this time he needs to be handled with extreme care as he is prone to mouthing and will also adopt the “bite first” approach if taken unawares or surprised by something. The inflammation in his ears is also the last thing to clear up.

Tye has improved greatly since going onto a raw diet consisting of chicken wings, brown rice and fresh vegetables plus a natural source of vitamins and he looks fit and well. However, he recently had his booster vaccinations and has experienced exactly the same reaction as he did when on proprietary dog foods and treats. When in this agitated state he will not respond normally, appears to suffer anxiety and exhibits stressed behaviour. Obviously we are concerned that because we do not know what triggers this reaction it is impossible to know when such bouts are going to occur if he requires medication etc.

If anyone has had experience of similar problems/behaviour and can throw any light on the subject it would be much appreciated.

Ruth Downing, by email

Supplementary support

I have three fabulous Jack Russell boys, one of whom (Graham) was featured in your "Good Boy Awards' in July 2008, after I had rescued him. A few weeks ago I noticed that Graham was doing the classic couple of coughs, and clearing his throat that all dogs do now and again, but more often than was normal. My vet gave him some antibiotics and anti inflammatory tables to rule out infection. This seemed to help initially, probably due to the anti inflams., but then he started this coughing again.

This time at the vets he had X-rays, and unfortunately Graham (now aged seven) has an enlarged heart, this is pressing on his trachea, and he has a small amount of fluid on his lungs. He is still very happy, perky, cheeky and energetic. He has been put on Vetmedin for his heart, for the rest of his life, and a couple of weeks worth of diuretics to get rid of the fluid, with a follow up consultation in a weeks time.

My question is can I give any other supplements to support Graham's condition? I have heard of a supplement called Taurine which is supposed to help with heart function. I don't want to overdo it though.

He has a daily sprinkle of 'Pooch & Mutt's' Bionic Biotics, a natural health supplement on his evening meal, and as I said apart from the coughing sessions a couple of times a day, he looks in peak condition.

Many thanks,

Sara Marlow, by email

On guard

Hi

I'm pretty desperate for some help with my 20 month Golden Retriever.

He is a friendly dog who is very loving.... 99% of the time

However, he has a problem with resource guarding that is getting worse.

He is fine with his food bowl (I've worked with him on this, adding treats etc to it, so he loves it when I approach him!). We've never had a problem with beds, toys etc

He does display very strong guarding behaviour towards "food based" items such as Kongs. As a result I avoid giving him anything like that, which on reflection I realise may not have been the best way to deal with things.

Where the behaviour is really worrying is where I can't predict it - I've known him to guard pebbles, holes he has dug in the garden etc. These are things that I can't understand why he sees them as "high value". It's almost as though he gets fixated on an item or activity and is determined no one is going to spoil his fun.

We consulted a APBC behaviourist in the past, who recommend that we work on the "drop" and "leave it" command. He knows these and will perform the behaviour fine in a "no pressure" situation, but not when there is something better on offer!

We have got used to managing his behaviour within the family, but he has been staying with a dog sitter (who was made aware of the problem beforehand) and there have been a couple of problems there.

I clearly need to stop sticking my head in the sand and deal with this. I'm petrified that something really bad is going to happen.

Can anyone recommend a good behaviourist / trainer who has had success with this problem in the past? Does anyone else have a dog with the same problem who has been successfully treated?

I urgently need help from someone who can work with us on an ongoing basis. I feel really desperate at the moment, so any help would be much appreciated

Thanks in advance

Nicky, by email

Diet help for kidney disease

Hi there,

Just had my dog diagnosed with Kidney Disease. Normal practice I understand is to feed a low protein/low phosphorus diet but I have also read its better to feed a higher quality protein. I am not confused.

Can anyone else tell me what they have tried with success or at least to keep her comfortable. I know there is no cure for this disease so won't to make sure she has the best why she is still with us.

Many thanks

Jan, by email

Spring clean

Dear Dogs Today

Can you and your readers recommend any good vacuum cleaners?

Mine is on its last legs and cannot cope with the amount of hair shed by my white GSD-Labrador cross!

Thanks very much,

Pam Beal, by phone

Can you help me find a reputable breeder?

Hi there,

I just wondered if you would possibly be able to tell me where it was best to buy a Cavapoo puppy safely? I have been looking on the internet as obviously The Kennel Club does not have breeders listed for Cavapoos as not a pure breed.

I bought your magazine to see if you might have any adverts in the back of the magazine but could not see any for Cavapoo puppies for sale?

It was actually Harrods who told me to get in touch with you as they thought that you maybe able to help in my search. They warned to be careful on the internet for adverts but I guess it is okay if you go to visit the breeder and puppies and see Mum and if Dad as well, and see it in situ and with all health checks done etc?

We already have a seven-year-old Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel!

I would be very grateful if you might have any ideas and had any safe websites that you could recommend for instance?

Look forward very much to hearing from you soon

Many thanks for your help.

With kind regards and best wishes,

From,

Miranda, by email

Approach with caution

My friend has a nervous German Shepherd who is eight months old. She was rescued from Ireland and was pretty emaciated when adopted - despite being pregnant! She's slowly gaining weight, has had her pups, and has bonded brilliantly with her human family. She is great with other dogs, but is nervous with people. She ignores people on walks, but barks if they look at her or approach her. She's tried telling people to ignore the dog and not look at her, but to no avail. She has heard that you can get a T-shirt or tabard or something with 'Rescue Dog in Training, Please Ignore' or similar printed on it.

Anyone know where you can buy these? She has had one-to-one behavioural help and is coming on well, but she just needs people to ignore her when out on walks while her confidence is being built up.

Claire, Dogs Today