Service dog handler lobby

[joeylittle]

She's dying of congestive heart failure

She has a ton of fleas again

If her heart problems are pretty advanced, she'll likely have trouble keeping herself groomed, and that just makes her more vulnerable to the fleas. It's rare for an adult cat to develop anemia from flea bites, but it can happen, and her heart condition can worsen as a result. It'd be good to keep a close eye on her health during this.

 

[lostforgottensoul]

@joeylittle, Yeah, I am keeping a good eye on her. She seems ok. She's grooming pretty ok. Luckily she's short haired. My long haired tabby got real matted right before I had to put him down. So, I'm a bit familuar with that. I try to help her out with brushing and stuff too. But, I'm def keeping a good eye on her. Trying to ensure she's still eating and drinking normally as well. So far so good. Trying to manage panick...which sucks. But, so far the cat seems a-ok.

 

[littleoc]

I have to have a flea collar on my dog because fleas in this area (a small area in TN) became immune to frontline! It was a real nightmare. Took about six months to rid of the fleas. The fact that you’re seeing less on the animals is a great sign!

The flea collar I use is Seresto. Highly recommend. Waterproof and lasts for eight months — expensive though, so I’d check for off-brands! But anyway. If what you’ve done is working well enough (sounds like it is) then I’d ignore flea collar stuff for now. Don’t want to over-load the dog and cat either.

 

[scout86]

I can't remember the brand name. It was something you could easily find in most stores that carry products to kill insects. PIck a name brand like "Raid" or something. It's a can that you put in the room, activate, and then leave for a period of time. (Critters have to leave too.) Seems like you were supposed to leave for an hour or so. The instructions were easy to follow. It basically fogs the room, kills the bugs that are there and, I think, has a residual effect. I wasn't real thrilled about the idea of using that kind of "chemical warfare", but the itching from the flea bites was unbearable. (Most people don't react to them, I guess.) The nice thing about this method is the fog seems to be able to get into every nook and cranny in the house. You don't have to worry about missing something. You do have to do the whole place at once.

Something to keep in mind is that a lot of the products that kill fleas also kill mammals in higher doses. And some of them have an additive effect. I'm not sure what the mechanism of action is for Frontline. Things like flea collars, sprays, medicated shampoos, environmental treatments, etc often have the same mechanism of action and it's possible to get an accidental overdose by combining a bunch of things that would be safe alone. (Ask your vet, when in doubt.)

 

[lostforgottensoul]

I think I may have solved the flea problem. Now days after the last Capstar was given and I found only 1 flea on the cat. Much better then hundreds. I am ok with a flea here or there. Which, I will prob have anyway if Chopper is picking them up in the field I run him in. Lessons learned and I have a few flea combs now so I can make certian (the best possible) that Chopper is flea free when worked.

 

[lostforgottensoul]

Yeah, not resolved the flea issue. They are gone off the cat for a few days after Capstar then appear again by the 30s or 40s (just what I can find with a flea comb) I have even started to bring Chopper into my screened in porch and comb him down with a flea comb and smoosh all the buggers that I can find (though they jump quickly so it's a catch fast and/or catch again deal) each and every time I take him outside. Even to go potty. I never gave Chopper a Capstar as they seemed to prefer the cat but after finding like 20 or more on him after just going out to potty for 5 mins, I decided it was time and I gave him and the cat a Capstar tonight. It will kill any on him and still be working tomorrow when I work him at my therapist's and I am planning on deep cleaning the carpets tomorrow. I'm just gonna push myself and get it done. This has got to be an outbreak as this is getting pretty ridiculous and frustrating! And the cat has had Frontline twice now so I really don't get how they are infesting her over and over. But, I think the fleas were just jumping on Chopper after giving the cat Capstar so hopefully with them both getting Capstar, that will help. I think I will just Capstar and Frontline my way through this. I don't want to buy anymore products. Plus all the enviromental things I can find, people say it doesn't work. But, 20 or more jumping on Chopper after just 5 mins outside to go potty is insane! I have never seen this before! Hopefully deep cleaning the carpets will help! I have already moved some stuff in the spare room. Decided to use it for storage to keep stuff from piling up. Have no idea why I never thought of that until now! It's just an empty room with a bed and a dresser but a fully empty closet and stuff can just go in there. It's kept closed now.

Anyway, just wanted to update on the flea situation. Insane! Hopefully, after the carpets are clean and a few more months of Frontline, a cleaner house we can get through this. Capstar is $30 each animal so I don't want to have to keep buying it. I only have 2 more for the cat so will have to buy that one again but it only technically works for 24 hours and you only get 6 of them and I am giving it every 3 to 4 days. That's about $60 a month more on top of the cost of Frontline. Yeah, not cheap. I may still change the monthly brand of flea med. Frontline seemed to be working but maybe the fleas have grown immune. I'm honestly not sure. But, to me, this seems to be an outbreak. Is 20 or 30 fleas jumping on an animal after 5 mins outside normal for most areas? And it's not even summer time. I mean, right now the high is around 75 degrees but when this started it was cold. Highs in the 50s.

Ughhh!

ETA: Oh, and the cat has 2 balds spots on the either side of her neck that I am now treating. From the fleas no doubt. Treating it and keeping an eye on it everyday. Poor baby! On top of all of her issues. This doesn't help one bit!

 

[Justmehere]

I’m worried about my service dog. 3 days ago she somehow got into a lot of bread on top of the fridge (puppers!) and ate as much as she could. She’s been a little bloated since. She had all the energy in the world and acted normally, peeing and pooping just fine.

Today she is a bit sluggish. Interested in only about 90 percent of her food and for a 60 lb lab that could eat herself to death... it’s a little weird. We walked 2 miles to Target and then she was done. (Usually she goes miles with me 5-6 days a week - haven’t ever seen her wear out before.) Bussed it back home and she’s been chillin. Seems ok. Maybe just needs a day to relax. Guarding her stomach a bit. :/

I fed her pumpkin the other day to help all the bread go through and it seemed to pass through just fine.

But. I’m tempted to call the vet again and ask. They scheduled her Monday and said I could call and cancel Monday if she’s fine. They know I’m a worrier when she’s not quite ok. Sigh. She’s sleeping at my side so cuddly. This dog has my heart.

I could use some reassurance I’m doing the right thing.

 

[Sideways]

I could use some reassurance I’m doing the right thing.

You’re doing the right thing:)

Omg, labs!!!! My vote is you keep your Monday appointment. If you’re going to worry excessively, getting the all-clear from a pro, who can take a good look and check vitals and whatnot, that appointment is probably worth it.

It sounds like she’s having a normal reaction, and pulling up well, from a massive and sudden unhealthy change to her diet. Actually, it sounds like she’s coming through it really well. Keep up the water, and keep doing what you’re doing:)

 

[littleoc]

You’re doing the best!

My vet tells me to fast my dog when she accidentally gets into foods she’s unable to have — but she gets pancreatitis so that’s way different from eating bread and messing with a guy biome. However, short fasts (like a day) can reset the digestive system a little and make it easier to recover, according to my vet, when talking about my dog’s specific issue.

Anyway, I hope your pup feels better soon!!!

 

[Justmehere]

Thanks. :)

Puppers needs to lay off on the carb loading. Iol

 

[Changing4Best]

Yes, you are doing all you can. Keep that appt. Monday!

 

[lostforgottensoul]

You’re doing the right thing

I agree @Justmehere! Chopper has a sentisitive stomach so seen my share of stomach issues. I don't think that much bread would hurt her but if you can pay for the vet and already have the appointment, get her checked just in case. I absolutely know how worry and anxiety over your service dog can tear you apart. But, I think she'll be ok!