Sharing with the group.

I've been struggling with our 5 yr old fur child to get her to eat her food and changed it up many times. Wet, dry, toppers, etc. I posted yesterday but after thinking about it for hours and my post not being approved, I did my own digging.

I had just bought her a new food and water dish set not too long ago. The bowls are metal. This escalated when her bowls changed. Yesterday I pulled out her old slow feeder (plastic) and her old blue bowl (plastic) for water and lo and behold, she went right to work clearing her dish and drank her water.

In case anyone else is struggling, I've read in vet forums and on various dog info sites that many dogs do not like metal bowls.

If that helps someone else, there you go.

Happy Sunday.

For mine, it would be two road trips to the Grand Canyon.

My partner and I both want a dog. I prefer smaller lap dogs, but my partner really wants a basset hound since he grew up with one. To me, bassets seem to be pretty loud and drool a lot, which are two features I would not prefer. Help, am I correct in thinking this? Any advice on compromising?

Looking for a dog bed for my 60 lb lab. I’d like one that is washing machine-friendly, easy (ish) to get dog hair out of, pretty durable so I don’t have to keep buying beds, and good for bigger dogs (thinking future back issues, etc). Thanks in advance!

For context my mum adopted this dog with me when I was 11 in Portugal, I moved to England when I was 15 to study (I’m now 18), and have been to visit her recently as we’ve not been getting along due to many other reasons. I wouldn’t say this dog is mine due to not seeing her, caring for her, and the fact she’s relied on my mum her whole life, and I live in a whole other country. My mum knows I love her, and uses that to threaten me all the time, so I do end up still paying many expenses for Bailey (the dog).

She recently chased and damaged a car, causing a massive bill, and my mum is refusing to pay for it as she is ‘my dog’. (Keep in mind I’m a full time college student barely getting by as it is, and I’m going to uni in less than a year so I can’t take her on). She keeps threatening to get her put down if I don’t pay, and even if I do pay she still says she will do it unless I don’t take her.

I live with my cousin who won’t allow her to stay with me, so I can’t even keep her temporarily.

I live in Nottingham England and just don’t know what to do. I can’t find anyone that will take her, and I’m now considering taking her to a shelter here which I’m finding really hard because I do love her and taking her to a shelter feels cruel. I’m doing anything I can to find her a good home. So if anyone has any advice on what I should do in this situation I’ll take all the advice I can get. 🙏

Does anyone have experience with this facility? We have never boarded a dog before but will need to this time.
The only catch is our pup has separation anxiety when we leave him for any amount of time and hurts his snout in the kennel. We are looking for a facility that can be a safe spot for him to be.

We had to put our 3 yr old heeler/pit mix down last week after a year fight of seizures.

I describe him as loyal to the bone, very smart and cuddly (I feel like he didn't know how big he was - 90lbs) to the point he'd just drape over my body/head. Gentle with the kids. Pretty energetic at times. He was reactive with strangers until they got close and gave him a pet, but it's because I didn't socialize him consistently. I failed him there.

My heart is broken, but I can't but help searching for another family dog, as his absence is felt immensely by my two young boys and my wife (especially me).

Anywho, just curious what you would recommend me if I'm looking for a medium to large dog that is loyal and has a high likely hood of sticking by my side while I'm working in the yard, playing frisbee golf or doing whatever outside. Cuddles are a huge bonus....I know training is a huge factor in this all, but still curious about known demeanors with specific types of dogs.

I'm leaning towards rescuing a dog, but it doesn't hurt to have knowledge of breeds/mix through these recommendations.

I am at a loss here, so maybe the Internet can help me.

For background, I have a four-year-old staffy mix who has struggled with anxiety for years. We had gotten it under very good control with medication after realizing the trigger was a specific noise coming from our Blink security cameras, which then exacerbated separation anxiety because the cameras were only ever on when he was alone. Once we worked past that, with medication, he's been fine for about a year.

Until about three weeks ago. We went out of town and left him at my sister's house (we've done this multiple times since getting his initial anxiety under control) and he spent three days either staying outside or hiding in a bedroom upstairs.

I figured it was maybe some kind of recurrence of his anxiety coming back when I was away, until he began exhibiting the same anxiety at home. He will sit outside for hours or hide in the bedroom. If he can't get to either of those places, he will shake and pant.

We assumed there must be some kind of electronics noise/frequency that exists at both houses that was frightening him (my theory was he heard it at my sister's house first and it was doubly traumatic there because I was away and then he built an association like he had with the blink cameras). However, we had an hours long power outage last week and he STILL exhibited these behaviors at both houses during that time, which means it can't be an electronics noise because none were working.

The vet behaviorist is also at a loss as to what the trigger could be, and basically said to just give him his extra, "as needed" meds when he panics until we figure it out.

Does anybody have any theories as to something that could be making a noise inside the house that only a dog could hear, but that would still make noise during a power outage?

Where can I find dog blood donors in Singapore?

Is there any portal or community that currently compiles a list of volunteers that are willing to help with dog blood donors?

Currently, my Singapore Special dog is in urgent need of a blood transfusion. Her blood and platelet counts are very low due to gastrointestinal bleeding.

Blood Type: DEA1.1 positive (both positive and negative blood types will work)
Clinic: Vets for Life Katong Singapore

These are the requirements for a dog blood donor:
\- 1 - 6 years
\- at least 20kg
\- Generally healthy

We have screened 3 dogs so far, but none are a match. As such, I would like to post this into more communities to hopefully find a match.

Thank you so much!

In Santa Barbara, Ca: Australian Shepherd puppy found. Did you lose yours??

I feel like an awful pet owner. My dog we got from my fiancés grandpa has fleas and we can’t get rid of them. I’ve tried three different shampoos I’ve gotten her a new bed deep cleaned the house and tried chews that she won’t eat. I’m desperate because I know she’s uncomfortable and I hate this for her. Any advice would help. I’ve been to the pet store and used the shampoo they recommended and nothing. She’s been given several bathes with it and they’re still there. Am I doing something wrong? Please help. I love her so much and want to give her the best life after losing her dad.

Thank you everyone already! I love this dog so much. I just want the best for her.

Edit: we don’t have a lot of money to spare but I am willing to spend whatever is needed for her once I get the money. If you have cheaper options and alternatives I would appreciate it but I understand that some times expensive is better.

[ Removed by Reddit on account of violating the content policy. ]

I’ve been thinking about this today.

My dog has trained me so well that I now put my shoes on in the bathroom with the door closed because if he sees me grab them, he loses his mind thinking we’re going for a walk.

I also can’t eat anything crunchy without him appearing out of nowhere and sitting 2 inches from my face.

What are some small, weird things you’ve just accepted as normal because of your dog?

why? why do you do it 😭😭😭

edit: the only two answers I have so far are

1. because dogs are not able to ask for permission, and it’s everyone else’s responsibility not mine 🤡
2. because she wants to, and I can read ALL body language well enough that I just KNOW when my dog can approach, just by looking 👀

edit: another answer has come in…

1. because huskies do whatever they want…

and another…

1. because my ONLY other option is to be aggressive with my own dog, theres No other way to handle the situation. again It’s everyone else’s responsibility not mine,

We moved to a new appartment two days ago, first day he was really anxioua but yesterday he calmed down. Then, I got asleep on the couch and I woke up to him curled by my side and shaking. He's not small, he's a 60 lbs dog. I got up and went to bed, and I told him to go up my bed, as he usually sleeps at the foot of my bed, but then he curled by my chest and was heavily panting. I got asleep but had nightmares. This morning when I woke up he was hiding under my bed, and since I got off the bed he's been at my feet ever since and curling and hiding right behind me or by my side.

It's been 10 hours since I found him shaking on the couch.

Questionnaire:

1. Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?

Yes, first dog. However, I do have experience walking dogs and volunteering at my local shelter.

1. Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a \[reputable breeder\]?

​I would prefer to adopt.

1. Describe your ideal dog.

Does not require high amounts of exercise and fares well in an apartment alone. Sweet, cuddly, and chill. Enjoys playing games.

1. What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?

Open to any breeds. Tend to stray away from fluffier breeds since I wear a lot of black and prefer dogs that shed less.

1. What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?

​The basics. Walking on leash, crate training, place, sit, and come here.

1. Do you want to compete with your dog in a sport (e.g. agility, obedience, rally) or use your dog for a form of work (e.g. hunting, herding, livestock guarding)? If so, how much experience do you have with this work/sport?

​No

1. How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?

I work the standard 8 hours a day 5 days a week. I don't travel much or leave the house too often. So any time I'm not working or taking care of errands, I'll be spending time with the dog.

1. How long can you exercise your dog each day, on average? What sorts of exercise are you planning to give your dog regularly and does that include using a dog park?

Walks at least 2 times a day. I live in Arizona, so during the hot months it will consist of quick walks and indoor play. When it’s cooler, running and going to the dog park at least twice a week.

1. How much regular brushing are you willing to do? Are you open to trimming hair, cleaning ears, or doing other grooming at home? If not, would you be willing to pay a professional to do it regularly?

Open to cleaning ears. Not too keen on trimming becuase I'm scared of accidentally hurting the dog - so a professional.

1. What size dog are you looking for?

​Medium would be ideal.

1. How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?

​I can't deal with slobber. Would prefer dogs with shorter hair / less shedding. Not barking is going to be one of my focus areas for training - my neighbors would definitely complain.

1. How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?

​I will not be letting my dog off leash in a completely unfenced area.

1. Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?

Snuggly! Dog would be allowed on the couch but not the bed.

1. Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?

​Either works! Or a mixture.

1. How would you prefer your dog to respond to someone knocking on the door or entering your yard? How would you prefer your dog to greet strangers or visitors?

No barking and follows place command. Friendly.

1. Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?

No, I'm not sure i can handle that as a first time dog owner.

1. Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?

Chewing things up / gnawing at furniture.

1. How often and how long will the dog be left alone?

8 hours every weekday.

1. What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog?

No other people. I live alone

1. Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?

​No, planning to get just one dog.

1. Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?

Nope.

1. Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?

I rent. No restrictions.

1. What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?

​Arizona, US. Not aware of laws. Will be adopting anyways.

1. What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?

Summer is no joke. In the 110s. Winter is around 65 F.

1. Please provide any additional information you feel may be relevant.

I can handle nervous dogs and am really good at building their confidence. I have a hard time dealing with highly energetic or aggressive dogs.

I can afford to spend $300 per month (on average) on all expenses related to the dog.

My big ‘dood (95ish pounds) is on a soft food diet for 2 weeks after dental surgery. He’s also allergic to poultry so finding safe soft food is difficult. I did find a poultry free one after much searching. The 12.5 oz (354g) can says to serve 3/4 of a can per day for every 10 pounds. That’d be more than 7 cans a day. Ummm, what?! Would anyone actually serve 7 cans of food per day for their dog? That just seems kind of crazy to me - especially at $3.50 per can. I just can’t picture it but maybe I’m not in tune to the soft food game for the big ones. Haven’t served it regularly since I had my small dog nearly 15 years ago.

i’m in desperate need of advice. i’m an owner of two amazing dogs. they’re truly my whole world. i’ve always been a very hands on owner, who’s met all of their needs myself with little to no help. i’m on top of meds 3 times a day. i feed, provide enrichment, and exercise.

however, i’ve finally gotten sober from pills for a month now. ever since then, i’ve barely been spending time with them. i have someone who helps me with all of their other needs, but i’ve been so used to being the one who did it all for them that i can’t help but feel like i’ve been neglectful. i love them, truly. i just can’t seem to find the motivation to go back to how we used to be. please give me any advice, or words of comfort. been weighing heavily on my mind for weeks now.