Advice on caring for a dashhound. Emergency situation.

[Willowgirls]

Our ndn has been taken into hospital in the early hours of this morning.
Dashhound Sally is 10 months old.
Fortunately is toilet trained.
Neighbour doesn't have any family in the UK. We don't know how long she will be in hospital for or even if she will be able to care for sally anymore.

Sally is a very vocal dog who loves the sound of her own bark.
It was a nightmare taking her for a walk this morning.
We've never known a dog that barks so much.

Can anyone give us tips on calming her down or at least stopping her barking so much. (We know she will be confused and petrified)

Not a dog owner myself but maybe contact the Dogs Trust for advice? I think the Cinnamon Trust help with pets where the owner is ill or dies suddenly so they also might have support for you. Thank you for helping the poor little dog.

I have a reactive dachshund. I have to get her to ‘sit’ and ‘come’ for treats before going out for a walk. All through the walk I get her to ‘sit’ for treats. I keep her away from other dogs, she needs space. When we are a dog coming, we sit with a treat.

its not perfect but it helps a lot.

Sally has now calmed down a bit. But is still whimpering.
Has eaten but don't know if I've given too much or not enough.
Took her out for a walk it was raining so didn't see any other dogs.
Hospital won't tell me anything about the neighbour, have passed a message to pass on saying sally is safe.

you sound so kind and considerate.
re food quantities - I go by the guidelines on the bag. For example my pug has about 120g kibble divided into two meals. Plus a few treats, He is 7kg. If you’re not sure of her weight then a quick Google will give average weights of common breeds.
if she is still barky then take her out at quieter times for shorter walks maybe? it’s always busy round here mid morning but no one around after it gets dark.
Are you in a position for her to stay for a while or is that tricky?
we have the radio on low when our boy is barky or on high alert for example if there’s a lot of noise or people outside, it kind of muffles the outside noises for him.

Dachshunds are very vocal and clingy.
Does she have her toys, how about a favourite soft toy that she cuddles up to?
Play with her (they love balls) and make sure you give her lots of cuddles (they don't call them "velcro dogs" for nothing. They also like snuggling so make sure she has a blanket.

Just a suggestion re the hospital. Phone and ask to speak to the nurse in charge and ask for them to make a note of your phone number. Ask that if family call or visit that they are given your number by nursing staff. (Or if neighbour is well enough for her to call you)
if there is a chaplain you could consider asking them to visit the ward and pass on a message. You giving them information is fine it’s the other way round it is a problem due to confidentiality as you probably know.

I’d never feed the guidelines on a bag. They are often way too much. A tiny dog really won’t want much Fred. And she’s probably vocal because she’s a bit nervous wondering why she’s not at home/with her owner. Hopefully she’ll calm down.

and well done for looking after her and being a good neighbour.

@Roryno how would you work out how much to give if you don’t follow the guidelines? I only use it as a guide he is on the upper limit as he is active and his weight is maintained at a healthy level on what we give. Is there a better way? Thank you

if possible something that belonged to your NDN that smells of them may comfort her. A shoe or slipper or pillow.

Give her a shoulder scratch and get down to her level for petting (rather than have her jump on the sofa). If your husband can stand it, let her sleep in your room for comfort. Dachshunds are usually bonded to one person even if not owned by a couple so it isn’t so easy to comfort them but hopefully you can ease her upset.

Daschie is probably very upset as someone mentioned earlier they are like velcro babies. A lot of them are also highly good motivated thankfully. So get some lower flat treats and reward often on walks. And basically expect a limpet who may expect to sleep in your bed. Bonus points for playing tug of war or a toy to destroy in 5 seconds. Try and avoid them making any long jumps they are vulnerable to back issues. Oh and zero wiggle room and a short leash helps too.

We are able to look after Sally for a while.
Don't know how we would be if long term.
Neighbour is in her 70's.
There is a pen which I've put in the corner
with the door open and she is getting into her bed in there.
It is very quiet around our area.

Want to sort something out as we have adult children and grandchildren
who come around regularly.

Contact the Cinnamon Trust. They do fostering for pets whose owners go into hospital.
https://cinnamon.org.uk/cinnamon-trust/
Hope Sally settles down with you for now

Sally has had a reasonable night.
Only woke up about 4am.
Still a lot of whimpering but not much barking thank goodness.
She has been out in the garden but doesn't like the rain.
Hoping the rain goes off so I can take her for a good walk.

Presumably if you can phone the hospital you know where she is. Could you pop in to see her? It might be possible to arrange for the dog to visit if your neighbour is is well enough to go outside in a wheelchair- we did this with mums cat although she stayed in a carrier.

I also found staff can tell you more if you are there as the person can give their consent.