Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Oh my giddy god......

984 replies

HangingOver · 30/09/2024 13:58

I can't actually believe I'm finally typing this... I think I'm getting a dog!

I've wanted one of my own my entire life. I had one growing up and look after friends and neighbours at every available opportunity as I adore dogs so much. A rescue came up locally and I thought he looked lovely, he was snapped up immediately, but came up again yesterday! Me and DP are meeting him this afternoon.

Any tips for meeting a rescue for the first time? Other than being gentle and calm? He's 8 months so a bouncy chap.

ARGGGH! So excited. 😁

OP posts:
Thread gallery
109
HangingOver · 23/10/2024 09:52

GelatinousDynamo · 23/10/2024 09:00

Well, you just don't know, so you would usually go with something really exotic, like kangaroo, it's unlikely they've had it due to cost.

My rescue has no allergies (honestly, his stomach is probably lined with teflon, but I've found that it's the case with many dogs who grew up on the streets), it's the one I've had since he was tiny, so that was much easier to figure out and we went with horse.

@HangingOver have you changed his food since he came to you? It usually makes sense to initially continue feeding the food brand he was given at the shelter, and then to switch veeeery slowly to a higher-quality food of your choice. Many cheeper food brands have little actual meat in them, and a lot of "filler" like potatoes. Rescue dogs are often not used to that much protein. Switching too quickly (or too many meaty treats) usually results in stomach problems, so you have to do it very slowly. There are vegetarian treats you could try, not all dogs like them, but might work. And I know lots of dogs that would sell their soul for a piece of dried banana (just make sure there's no added sugar).

Edited

Yeah we've still a huge bag of the food he had in the rescue (which is handy as it's puppy kibble so small and good for training). I'm researching which I'd like to transition him to. Dry food does seem to keep his poops pick-up-able. The more wet he has the more splatty they get.

First garden meeting with the former doggy love of my life this morning, my friends cockapoo, who I used to walk regularly and comes here on Tuesdays with her mum for us to co-work together. She's obviously not been here since we brought Pod home, as trainer recommended lots of walking meets first, which we've done, but we're hoping to get them to a place where they can spend Tuesdays together. Pod really benefits from spending time around calm dogs, it makes him calmer too. She is very aloof and queenly and does not have an interest in other dogs. After some initial zooming they mooched around together adorably.

I know I was warned about using the anti-chew spray on this thread but in the interests of avoiding my daily nervous breakdown I sprayed it on the bits he attacks on the sofa this morning and dyou know what it actually worked. He went for it, encountered the spray, let go, and we had a ten minute game of tuggy with his toy instead, practicing drops and loads of praise. I know it's horrible stuff but I feel like it buys me just enough time to do the redirect successfully. Without the spray redirecting is almost impossible. I'll see how it goes.

Ill try and get a snap of Pod with Crumble at class tonight. Here he is learning with DP and negotiating sticks with Poo.

Oh my giddy god......
Oh my giddy god......
OP posts:
GelatinousDynamo · 23/10/2024 10:06

He will probably not have had wet food that often at the shelter (kibble is cheaper and it's much more kcal per £), it's perfectly normal.
When you do transition him, do it veeery slowly. I'm currently training to become a veterinarian-certified dog nutritionist (because I have so much free time, I hate myself sometimes), so feel free to ask if you have any questions. I can't promise to know all the answers, but I still have the opportunity to ask one of the teachers.

Twiglets1 · 23/10/2024 10:19

The sour apple anti chew spray worked with my pup too and he has stopped chewing the skirting board now even though the smell probably wore off weeks ago 🤷🏼‍♀️

Twiglets1 · 23/10/2024 10:20

Nice photo of Pod looking like he’s concentrating hard

HangingOver · 23/10/2024 10:25

GelatinousDynamo · 23/10/2024 10:06

He will probably not have had wet food that often at the shelter (kibble is cheaper and it's much more kcal per £), it's perfectly normal.
When you do transition him, do it veeery slowly. I'm currently training to become a veterinarian-certified dog nutritionist (because I have so much free time, I hate myself sometimes), so feel free to ask if you have any questions. I can't promise to know all the answers, but I still have the opportunity to ask one of the teachers.

Thank you. I would actually really value your opinion on the vet formulated plant based kibbles. There are a number on the market (Omni is the one I was looking at). As I've previously said, I'm basically handing in my Vegan card because of this doggo, however it seems to me that, as an omnivore, he doesn't need meat in his kibble, his wet food, his treats AND his chews? I was looking at either plant based kibble or insect protein. To be very clear, I'm not suggesting I make my dog entirely vegan. I'm just wondering. I'm not sure if my own beliefs are clouding my judgement basically. I've been plant based myself so long I'm not approaching this with 'normal' thinking.

Re. the wet food, I currently give him his puppy kibbles with a couple of spoons of wet, a spoonful of veg, and then i splash in some warm water and stir it so the wet food becomes a sort of sauce... he seems to really like that!

OP posts:
newusern9999 · 23/10/2024 10:54

The bitter apple spray worked for us too (only a specific brand though). He only has to see me spray it now to know he isn't allowed to touch that item.

GelatinousDynamo · 23/10/2024 11:39

HangingOver · 23/10/2024 10:25

Thank you. I would actually really value your opinion on the vet formulated plant based kibbles. There are a number on the market (Omni is the one I was looking at). As I've previously said, I'm basically handing in my Vegan card because of this doggo, however it seems to me that, as an omnivore, he doesn't need meat in his kibble, his wet food, his treats AND his chews? I was looking at either plant based kibble or insect protein. To be very clear, I'm not suggesting I make my dog entirely vegan. I'm just wondering. I'm not sure if my own beliefs are clouding my judgement basically. I've been plant based myself so long I'm not approaching this with 'normal' thinking.

Re. the wet food, I currently give him his puppy kibbles with a couple of spoons of wet, a spoonful of veg, and then i splash in some warm water and stir it so the wet food becomes a sort of sauce... he seems to really like that!

We actually had that in the course just last week. :)

A meat-free diet is theoretically not unhealthy for an adult dog. I would never feed a growing dog (i.e. yours, until he is fully grown) a meat-free diet, as their needs are much too specific. Sick or old animals should not be fed a vegetarian diet either.

Just like us humans, dogs have naturally defined nutrient requirements. They need proteins, fats, carbohydrates and additives (vitamins, minerals). There are guidelines for those (FEDIAF). The only important thing when choosing a food for your dog is that the daily rations contain all the essential nutrients.

One of the most important components of a dog's diet is protein. This is usually obtained from meat, but obviously not in vegetarian or vegan food. And not all dogs can tolerate eggs or dairy products. So, plant-based alternatives such as lentils, peas and carrots are used. However, in most cases this is not sufficient. The proportion of proteins and amino acids is always too low in most vegetarian foods. And the vitamin B12, which is essential for dogs, is almost completely absent. There are also often deficiencies in taurine, phosphorus, calcium and sodium. The problem is that although many owners today tell you that they are completely happy with their meat-free dog food, is this really the case? In fact, it is all too often assumed that a dog that appears agile is automatically healthy. The fatal thing about this is that deficiency symptoms often only show up years later. So if you feed your dog a vegetarian diet but don't have regular blood tests, you won't know about the deficiency. The vet showed us an x-ray of a dog's skull with deficiencies - it was completely brittle and full of holes. And then she showed us a video of the same dog in the park - you would never have thought that this dog could have any deficiencies. But he came to her with a kidney failure.

You would have to look at your chosen food in detail and calculate whether it meets your needs based on guidelines. Don't do it by yourself and don't trust the manufacturers, consult a good nutritionists (definitely not one of those with a holistic or "spiritual" approach, you need numbers and hard scientific facts. Most vets also don't specialise in nutrition). One thing in advance: a food that is advertised as ‘without additives’ can never meet your dog's needs (even non-vegetarian food needs additives).

Insect foods are another matter altogether; you would have to calculate each one as well. But, you have to rely more on the manufacturer's information regarding the protein content, etc. than with a ‘normal’ food, and this information is usually not checked by an independent body.

Omni does not provide any information about the calcium:phosphorus ratio in the food, maybe you could get the information on request, but that would put me off the food on principle.

HangingOver · 23/10/2024 11:42

GelatinousDynamo · 23/10/2024 11:39

We actually had that in the course just last week. :)

A meat-free diet is theoretically not unhealthy for an adult dog. I would never feed a growing dog (i.e. yours, until he is fully grown) a meat-free diet, as their needs are much too specific. Sick or old animals should not be fed a vegetarian diet either.

Just like us humans, dogs have naturally defined nutrient requirements. They need proteins, fats, carbohydrates and additives (vitamins, minerals). There are guidelines for those (FEDIAF). The only important thing when choosing a food for your dog is that the daily rations contain all the essential nutrients.

One of the most important components of a dog's diet is protein. This is usually obtained from meat, but obviously not in vegetarian or vegan food. And not all dogs can tolerate eggs or dairy products. So, plant-based alternatives such as lentils, peas and carrots are used. However, in most cases this is not sufficient. The proportion of proteins and amino acids is always too low in most vegetarian foods. And the vitamin B12, which is essential for dogs, is almost completely absent. There are also often deficiencies in taurine, phosphorus, calcium and sodium. The problem is that although many owners today tell you that they are completely happy with their meat-free dog food, is this really the case? In fact, it is all too often assumed that a dog that appears agile is automatically healthy. The fatal thing about this is that deficiency symptoms often only show up years later. So if you feed your dog a vegetarian diet but don't have regular blood tests, you won't know about the deficiency. The vet showed us an x-ray of a dog's skull with deficiencies - it was completely brittle and full of holes. And then she showed us a video of the same dog in the park - you would never have thought that this dog could have any deficiencies. But he came to her with a kidney failure.

You would have to look at your chosen food in detail and calculate whether it meets your needs based on guidelines. Don't do it by yourself and don't trust the manufacturers, consult a good nutritionists (definitely not one of those with a holistic or "spiritual" approach, you need numbers and hard scientific facts. Most vets also don't specialise in nutrition). One thing in advance: a food that is advertised as ‘without additives’ can never meet your dog's needs (even non-vegetarian food needs additives).

Insect foods are another matter altogether; you would have to calculate each one as well. But, you have to rely more on the manufacturer's information regarding the protein content, etc. than with a ‘normal’ food, and this information is usually not checked by an independent body.

Omni does not provide any information about the calcium:phosphorus ratio in the food, maybe you could get the information on request, but that would put me off the food on principle.

Thanks for your expertise! I'll ask the vet at his appointment on the weekend what food she thinks is good for his breed and age and not mention the plant based stuff at all. xx

OP posts:
schloss · 23/10/2024 12:55

HangingOver · 23/10/2024 11:42

Thanks for your expertise! I'll ask the vet at his appointment on the weekend what food she thinks is good for his breed and age and not mention the plant based stuff at all. xx

Most vets will just try and sell you whatever brand they promote - there is plenty of into online.

Please do not go down plant based foods, if you really want to incorporate that, do it way in the future, he has enough going on currently, just do your homework to find food and treats which work for him.

CoverMeInMarmalade · 23/10/2024 13:04

I agree with not changing his food immediately but my own dog is vegan - as recommended by a top dermatologist after months of infections. The two he recommended were Solo Vegetal and Purina Pro Plan Hypoallergenic. Neither of which were the brand that sponsored the specialist vet centre and neither of which he recommended I buy from them.

LadyGrillingSole · 23/10/2024 15:18

I had a good read on allaboutdogfood, it's a really helpful website 😎

GelatinousDynamo · 23/10/2024 16:12

CoverMeInMarmalade · 23/10/2024 13:04

I agree with not changing his food immediately but my own dog is vegan - as recommended by a top dermatologist after months of infections. The two he recommended were Solo Vegetal and Purina Pro Plan Hypoallergenic. Neither of which were the brand that sponsored the specialist vet centre and neither of which he recommended I buy from them.

Purina Pro Plan (not the "normal" brand) is definitely one brand that you can trust when it comes to hypoallergenic food. As is Hill's Prescription Diet and Royal Canin (the vet line). And my allergic dog hates all three 😂

GeminiGiggles · 23/10/2024 16:57

AllAboutDogFood is a good place to start I find.

Just from anecdotal, personal experience though sometimes the food you want to give and the food your dog does best on are two very, very different things. I had one dog who absolutely thrived on Tescos own brand and suffered terribly on anything else much to my dismay. And the other can eat anything so she gets the fancy stuff that is the best I can buy for the wallet I have.

HangingOver · 24/10/2024 09:14

We are having a bad day. We've had a massive diary fuck up and basically have 7 days of total chaos ahead that will test me and DP and poor Pod to the limit. DP is also taking three days off work next week so I can see DNanna one last time (which he really can't afford in wages and he's refusing to accept the money from me) and to cap it all DDog accidentally gave me a black eye this morning.

On the plus side he was SUCH a star at puppy school last night. Didn't bark in the car at all so I've booked him his first enclosed field session on Sunday. Can't wait to let him have a proper run around 😊

OP posts:
LadyGrillingSole · 24/10/2024 10:17

Aww, I'm sure Pod would never want to hurt you, he's just a big clumsy galoot ( it's what my greyhound boy gets called when he " backhands " me when he's roaching next to me on the couch and requires fuss 😅)

My dh would never raise his hand to me but I've been walloped round the head by a skinny grey paw an embarrassing number of times 🤕

GoFaster83 · 24/10/2024 11:02

Not a single thread on any forum has ever kept me this engaged! I love Pod and I am so sorry for the times when it gets hard for you. Not comparable in the slightest, but I secretly got a kitten and inadvertently disrupted the beautifully peaceful life I've created with my practically perfect dog and the husband I acquired after! Been a few months now and he's still a maniac (kitten, not the husband) but the equilibrium has largely been restored! Hang in there. Pod is a lucky boy.

PyreneanAubrie · 24/10/2024 11:33

Just a quick comment on the subject of food: I'm a lifelong vegetarian, very strict (no gelatin etc) but our dogs and cats have always been fed on meat. Some of the cats were raw fed but the dogs generally get a good quality kibble that is high in meat content. We supplement this with a wet food tray twice a week and occasionally cook supermarket meat from the "reduced" section e.g. a turkey leg or some stewing beef.

We don't, however, feed a lot of treats, and in fact I am far more squeamish about the animal based treats described here than about handling actual meat. I feel that my dogs benefit from having meat protein from a good quality kibble but I realise that the issue can be complicated if your dog has sensitivities.

I do agree with @GeminiGiggles that the food you think is the best isn't always necessarily the one that ends up suiting your dog. There can be a lot of trial and error until you get settled on the right diet.

GoFaster83 · 24/10/2024 11:45

PyreneanAubrie

I second this. I did all the research, changed my puppies food slowly and carefully to one that seemed on paper, far better. It just didn't suit her. Now she's on an OK kind of kibble but certainly not the high protein levels they suggest. Wet food goes straight through her - which is why the kitten has to be fed on the counter!

HangingOver · 24/10/2024 16:32

Alert Pod.

Oh my giddy god......
OP posts:
WiddlinDiddlin · 24/10/2024 16:41

Picking up transmissions from his home planet there!

Twiglets1 · 24/10/2024 16:52

Nice high tail @HangingOver he was feeling confident when that photo was taken

HangingOver · 24/10/2024 17:16

I took this last night. Makes my heart full. DP and Pod both looking lovely.

Oh my giddy god......
OP posts:
newfriend05 · 24/10/2024 19:05

GelatinousDynamo · 02/10/2024 07:21

So happy for you (and the dog!)!

Remember, "puppy blues" is a real thing and it happens with rescues, too. So if you're feeling down and overwhelmed in a week or two, remember that it will pass. It's just your hormones. I had a few days where I just kept crying for no reason, and I've only learned about puppy blues after. I thought I was going mad. It would have been easier if I had known about it beforehand.

Also, the 3-3-3 rule is worth remembering whenever you feel like your doggy is giving you a hard time at the beginning! He will be unbearable for a few months, testing boundaries like a pro. It will then settle, and flare up again periodically when he's still young, with a big tantrum at the end of his puberty (can take up to 2-3 years with very big breeds). So stay patient and just remind yourself that you've wanted this (it will be worth it).

Off topic but thank you for this am day 5 in with new pup 🐶 and this is definitely coming up for me ... and I can't take her out yet so feeling locked in with her

PolaroidPrincess · 24/10/2024 19:10

HangingOver · 24/10/2024 17:16

I took this last night. Makes my heart full. DP and Pod both looking lovely.

Model Pod! He's so good looking 😍