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Post by kjphoto on Nov 9, 2013 11:29:35 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for the responses. Of course we are trying to understand how disorienting this must be for her (as i have said we did read as much literature as possible before adopting her and very much understand the need for patience.) However, it is difficult to know how to help her. There isn't much advice around on how to make them more confident. I mean patience is all well and good but there are some basic things we have to do, like get her outside for a wee. Or get her to eat.
Anyway, I'm trying to keep her downstairs a little so she can spend some time with us (but not sure this isn't actually making her worse.) we will see. And anytime we can see her greyhound friend we do. It's the only time she seems happy.
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Post by greybeard on Nov 9, 2013 13:53:07 GMT -5
Little steps - we were warned that Perry was liable to wee without warning,especially if he just been fed.And yes he'd hardly been home 2 hours before he well and truley watered the kitchen.And Chris had only turned his back for 1 minute.So back to basics on Lisa's advice - regular toileting on the hour.Fortunately he's a gut bucket - he loves his food.Hard as it is I still think patience is the key(I know I went away and cursed in private,and I'm sure Chris did the same). Our much loved Saluki x has so many issues - getting her to eat after losing her sister was a nightmare - that did take a lot of patience,heartbreak and perseverance.Just try and relax,take 1 step at a time and you'll get there.Celebrate each little bit of progress.We've had our girlie for 8 years now and she still amazes us.She normally hates strange people in the house - we've learnt to take things on her terms(was a bit awkward on our home check when she really didn't want to say hello!). Today we had another road accident - brought lady inside for a drink etc.At first she hid away - but then wanted to see her and get close.She just seems to home in on people that don't behave normally - we haven't taught her that.May sound strange - but is this her way of saying thank you for not giving up?Cath
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Post by kamkay on Nov 9, 2013 14:33:26 GMT -5
[quote She just seems to home in on people that don't behave normally - we haven't taught her that.May sound strange - but is this her way of saying thank you for not giving up?Cath[/quote] Oh dear ,and there was me thinking I was making progress when she approached me this week: it appears I may not be normal  Lucky Sue's on holiday or I know what would be coming  |
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Post by nikki1984 on Nov 9, 2013 15:19:57 GMT -5
Hi Kjphoto, we adopted our girlie just over 3 weeks ago and things too have been interesting! We have had temper tantrums, destruction and of course the obligatory trip to the emergency vet - all within a week! However things have improved (apart from her stubborn streak, where she is currently refusing to eat!) she Loves her snuggles with mummy and daddy in a morning and now makes us laugh most days! Be patient and as someone said to me try and relax they sense tension and I can honestly say it's the best advice I've ever had. I now act confident (even if I am cracking myself!) and she doesn't react! Weird isn't it? Keep us updated Nikki x
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Post by greybeard on Nov 9, 2013 21:51:06 GMT -5
Oh dear ,and there was me thinking I was making progress when she approached me this week: it appears I may not be normal Lucky Sue's on holiday or I know what would be coming [/quote] Kay I thought we'd agreed that we're both eccentric.Kiz ignores me half of the time.You do the right thing - ignore her and if she's happy and feels she knows you she will approach you.It's just she seems to sense when people behave differently?Recently as you saw she let children stroke her - and it always seems to be those who are scared of dogs.Knowing her,when Josh arrives at the end of the month she'll run a mile!On the other hand Perry will be ecstastic to see his best mate.Cath |
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Post by kjphoto on Nov 21, 2013 11:25:36 GMT -5
Sorry to have been quiet on the report front. Over the past 2 weeks things have been slowly but surely improving - she has been much more responsive to us and starting to come out of her shell, enjoying our stroking and definitely enjoying our walks and playtime a lot more.
However, we suddenly have a very serious concern - last night she started crying and whining completely out of the blue and was standing up looking distressed. She has since been incredibly quiet. She has been out for walks with us to relive herself but other than that is very quiet lying on the bed and not moving an inch. She already sleeps in our bedroom at the foot of our bed so it isn't a separation issue.
Although there are no actual signs I can put my finger on I am concerned she is unwell. Here crying last night was so pitiful I just can't imagine why she was making that noise. The only issue I can guess at is that we have recently changed her food but she hasn't had any signs of diarrhoea. She has also been eating as normal. Do you think we need to get her to the vet or am I over reacting again?!
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Post by kjphoto on Nov 21, 2013 11:56:28 GMT -5
Sorry forgot to mention she was also panting very heavily last night also and has been panting again today but not quite as heavily.
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Post by lurchernut on Nov 21, 2013 12:07:03 GMT -5
If it were me I would like the vet to check her over before they shut today, better to be safe as she is might be in discomfort or pain if she is whimpering and panting . Let us know how you get on at the vets  |
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Post by kjphoto on Nov 21, 2013 12:31:15 GMT -5
I think I have missed them now - will have to see how she is over night and take her tomorrow morning if no improvement.
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Post by sharonhigh45 on Nov 21, 2013 13:33:26 GMT -5
I would definitely take her to the vet it is always better to be safe then sorry, they are so precious as I only too well know after losing my girl seven weeks ago after nearly nine years with no warning at all! I hope that she is okay and please keep us updated.
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Post by dash4misty on Nov 21, 2013 13:44:13 GMT -5
Definitely visit the vet , I lost my first grey suddenly at seven and a half years old |
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Post by julies on Nov 22, 2013 3:05:05 GMT -5
Has she been sick and/or tried to toilet and not 'gone' .. if so that could be a blockage and she needs emergency vet help. To get them used to stairs take two long bath towels, fold them lengthways, put one round her chest and one under her tum by her bak legs then you can safely 'walk' her down stairs, they have never seen stairs usually but once they get the idea they zoom up and down them. Most reactions you/we see from greyhounds are down to fear ... leaping about at other dogs, separation anxiety, whining, panting tho that could be pain related too  Hope she's feeling better today but a vet check would be a good idea. Did you change her food gradually? Usually it's recommended that you introduce a different food over 4 or 5 days reducing the old and gradually increasing the new, I find greys are better if the foods less than 20% protein and we've had three dogs recently who were hyper or aggressive on a cheaper greyhound food- change them to Burns and they were absolutely fine so worth thinking about. Cos greys have a deep chest they are prone to Bloat so feed her from a stand (tho the jurys out on this), don't exercise her an hour before or after feeding and either soak your complete food for 20-30mins or add water just before you give it to her. Don't forget that you've taken her from everything she's ever known and loved plus she has lost her grey friends so she will be quiet and withdrawn for a while, walking her with other owners is great. Keep asking questions- we all learned as we went along so we're happy to help  Welcome to greyhounds Julie |
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Post by kjphoto on Nov 22, 2013 12:13:11 GMT -5
Thanks guys. We think we have worked out why she has been acting strangely. We spoke to our dogwalkers who took her out Wednesday lunchtime and apparently she got scared by a little jack russell jumping up at her on the walk. I think potentially she froze up so badly that she has actually strained her neck a little. I'm very annoyed they didn't tell us but obviously didn't realise what an issue it would be.
She has been fine with eating and toileting as normal - don't worry I have been very aware about bloat but I really don't think that it is anything to do with it. The new food is the RGT greyhound food so theoretically shouldn't be causing issues.
She seems much better today - we met her greyhound friend on a walk this morning and she seemed happy again although is still not shaking out properly so I think her neck is very stiff. I haven't taken her to the vet - not opposed to it but wonder if an osteopath might actually help her more.
P.S. Generally getting up and down stairs has been VASTLY improved recently, she can do them she just doesn't always want to but I do think Ella is just going to be a really timid (spooky?) dog for a long while.
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Post by lurchernut on Nov 22, 2013 12:38:47 GMT -5
Good news Ella is feeling better. and good news she is getting to grips with stairs and all the new things in general. Don't forget we like pictures, so post some pictures of Ella when you get a chance  |
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Post by Flaperoo on Nov 28, 2013 12:19:47 GMT -5
Welcome to you and Ella.
The towels technique for walking down stairs is a very effective way of getting them to practice whilst supporting her until she becomes more confident - she will.
I would like to add one thing to what others have said, like you I read extensively about greyhounds before getting one but never read about how to be confident with them. You hear so much about be careful about separation anxiety, other small dogs, cats, always muzzle, never offlead, don't fuss them too much, don't disturb them when sleeping, give them space and time - I could go on. All this information is really helpful but can make you overly watchful and not relaxed.
This is easier said than done because if like me you are desperate to do the right thing, greyhounds are so sensitive they pick up on this quickly.
I was really pleased that you have started to have fun with her - this is great because she will start to feel good and when you are having fun with her you will be relaxed.
I think what I am trying to say is yes you have to be careful but take every opportunity to laugh and have fun with her and given time everything will be just fine.
Good luck
Maryx
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