Help! Did I make a mistake???

[Mickamack]

Well, we picked up Oscar this weekend. The original plan was to keep him for a few weeks to let he and Mickey adjust to one another, but I can feel my limits already being stretched.

We got him home yesterday and within 5 minutes of being in the house, he had diarrhea on our carpet downstairs. The owners had told us that he was sick in the last few days because "he had gotten into something in the compost pile." So we tried keeping an eye on him for the rest of the night.

He went outside to pee just fine. He hasn't had any of those accidents, but he's had bad diarrhea since we brought him back.

He and Mickey are getting along, but just barely. Mickey certainly doesn't like the competition. Last night, we had Mickey in his bed next to ours, and Oscar in the crate in our bedroom as well. Oscar slept quietly and didn't move a muscle the whole night, but Mickey growled at any movement he heard, even if it was the 2 of us. Mickey would just not stop growling, no matter what we tried.

Today, so far they seem ok together, but Oscar has been quarantined because of the diarrhea. He's right off the kitchen, but is crying as we speak because he can't be with the rest of us.

At about 4:30 this morning, all of a sudden Oscar threw up in his cage. I cleaned it up and took him outside, where he proceeded to have diarrhea again.

This morning we went to church and put each dog in their respective cage...not in the same room. When we walked in the door, we could SMELL the diarrhea before we even got upstairs. Needless to say, Oscar was sick again.

I talked to my vet this morning at church and he said that all of this could be nerves because of the move. He didn't seem like an upity dog, but maybe he's more uptight than he originally lets on.

Right now I'm very frustrated. I'm afraid I made the wrong decision.

My vet told me some things to try to stop the diarrhea, and if he wasn't better in about 24 hours, he wanted to see the dog.

Maybe he is sick...I don't know. He was earlier this week, so maybe it's a combination of things. I'm just afraid that if he's going to be this sick with a change, what would he be like when another change happens with him going to Chris' mom? I don't think she could handle it. I'm having a hard time dealing with this.

Overall, his personality seems very sweet and loving. He wants to cuddle all the time. He's already my shadow and seems to get upset if I show Mickey the attention that he wants. He seems a little needy right now, and maybe I would be too if I were taken away from the only home I knew.

I still want Mickey to know that he is top dog around here, but at the same time I know that Oscar needs a little extra love and assurance because of his big change...

So I just don't know what to do. I find myself being very scared and upset. I just want to do the best thing, but I'm questioning my own judgement and actions.

I know that I can count on you guys, so do you have any words of advice, criticism or suggestions. I'm trying not to freak out here, but I have to admit, I'm rather scared that I got myself in over my head.

Thanks
Karen

[Oscar's Mom]

Try not to freak out. I'm sure just the change of bringing Oscar in is difficult for all involved and add him being sick just makes it harder, so just to be extra strong. Are you able to keep feeding the same food as he was getting? A quick change can make them sick. I'm not sure if I remember the story of Oscar, how did you come about getting him?

[dutchman]

Hi Karen,

Try to stay calm, I know diarrhea isn't much fun to have to deal with but the combination of change of food and stress of moving may have set his system off. Also if he did get into something it may take a few days for his system to get rid of it. The jealousy problems you describe don't sound that severe and are not that unusual. I suspect you will see some of the same minor jealousy problems when you have you baby. Mickey can adjust. Get his system stable for a couple of days before he has to change homes again and every thing should work out just fine. In a month or two you will be able to look back on this and laugh at the memories. A little Nature's Miracle should go a long ways towards cleaning up any stains in the carpet.

Good luck,

Tom and the boys

[Penny's Aunt]

First thing: don't feed Oscar for 24 hrs, let his intestines rest. Water is okay, as long as he doesn't guzzle so much he starts vomiting.

Oh, come on! You knew they wouldn't be best friends the first day they met! I'm sure you wouldn't be so uptight (am I allowed to use that word this century?) if you weren't having to deal with the diarrhea.

After all, they're not fighting, are they? Hey, that's more than half the battle!

It's totally natural for Mickey to feel like he does. He was KING until this whippersnapper showed up & starts sucking up all Mom's attention.

But pretty soon I'll bet Mickey discovers that there are some benefits to having the new kid around. You'll see.

So do some Yoga or breathing exercises & relax.... Okay, a shot & a beer, I don't care! Just loosen the old scalp muscles & rub the nail marks out of your palms. It will be okay!

(I'm sure Andrea would be willing to trade Queenie's problems for Oscars...)

[pluto'slanie]

Penny's Aunt's suggestion about no food for 24 hours is a sound one. When you introduce food try white rice mixed w/ chopped beef. Maybe Oscar does have a little stomach upset that needs a vet's attention so you'll have to play that by ear. I think Oscar will be fine.

[Dolly's Mom]

Karen,

With the exception of the scoots, I'd say things are taking a very normal course. No blood from jealous fights? GREAT. Take a deep breath, my friend....er...maybe I should rephrase that...<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm35.gif" border=0> Take each day and really see how much better they are getting along. Make sure that when you feed them, feed Mickey FIRST. In fact, let Mickey have EVERYTHING first. That way he won't get his long nose out of joint. I've heard the rice and hamburger is a good thing as well as the cleansing fast that PA talked about. If he doesn't improve after that, I'd take him in. Does he seem listless or running a fever? Please keep us posted and give yourself a break! Don't be so hard on yourself. As my mom says, if you're gonna have dogs you're gonna have messes. Give both the boys kisses for me, okay? He slept all night???? That's wonderful! http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/biggrin.gif

Sandi

[Mickamack]

I do feel a little bit better this morning. Hopefully, he'll do ok while we're at work today.

Yesterday, the only food he had was a couple of spoonfuls of cottage cheese. My vet thought that might help bind him up. Oscar still has an appetite, so he really appreciated the little food he got. He didn't have another accident since yesterday afternoon. He hasn't done poops at all, but I expected that since his system is trying to rest. This morning, I made some rice and ground beef, with all the fat drained off. He seemed to like that, and I gave him a little extra cottage cheese.

My vet also thought that some pepto bismol would help settle his stomach, so we also tried that. Oscar didn't like that at all, but his few minutes of tasting that gross stuff will make us much happier if his stomach holds out.

He's not listless or feverish at all. In fact, he played a lot last night. He didn't really have any toys at his last house, so I gave him a few toys he can call his own. I bought some new so Mickey wouldn't feel like Oscar was taking his. Oscar likes the stuffed toys. He chewed on them and shook them around, even pounced on them...I was so glad to see that.

His favorite toy, however, is still Mickey. Since he didn't have any toys to play with at his last house, he only played with the other animals...that's what he's used to. Needless to say, Mickey is NOT used to that. He might go along with it for a little while, but then Mick hops up on the couch and the play is over.

Last night Oscar whined a little in his cage when we went to bed. Mickey only growled for a few minutes...like as if to say "When is this guy going to HIS home? This is MY home..." But after a few minutes, both calmed down and slept throughout the night. And Oscar didn't throw up last night either.

So, I do feel a little better. I don't know if I should go home at lunch to check on the boys...I guess I probably should. It might give Oscar an opportunity to poop without feeling like he has to go in his cage.

Please keep any other suggestions or comments coming. PA, I know that Andrea would love to have Oscar's problems instead of Queenie's. I know there are people who do this everyday, and it really gives me a new appreciation for the people who do this. I guess since I've never done this before that I was just afraid that I was doing something wrong. I just want to do the right things for everyone involved.

[Oscar's Mom]

See Karen, things are getting a little better. I remember reading somewhere that when you adopt a dog it can be hell in the beginning, just because of all the changes for everyone. It sounds like things are right on track, your not doing anything wrong. www.doggiedoor.com (http://www.doggiedoor.com) has some good articles on having 2 dogs.
When my Oscar was sick a few weeks ago, I gave him some pedialyte to keep his fluids up, he loved it.
Hang in there!

[wireweiners]

Kaopectate is better than Pepto Bismol but PB will work. Get an oral syringe at Petsmart or the drug store to give the medicine with. That way you get more down the dog than on you and the floor. Things will be a little tense at first. As long as Oscar is acting fine, he probably doesn't have anything that Micky can catch. Crate them side by side while you are gone so they can see and smell each other. Take the for a walk on leash together and correct any growling or agression. Hang in there, you can do it.

[Mickamack]

Well, things are starting to go MUCH better. Each new day is a little better than the one before. Yesterday, we were almost able to live our "normal" life again. We weren't worrying about how Oscar was feeling.

He did good in his crate all day while we were at work. I came home at lunch to check and my husband went home today, but both days, Oscar had done really well...no accidents.

Last night Oscar and Mickey both slept very soundly, which meant WE got to sleep soundly. Not a peep out of them all night long.

I do have one question though. The last time Oscar went poopers was Sunday morning. We take him out enough times, but he just pees.

I'm glad the diarrhea stopped, but should I be worried that he's backed up now? I guess he's going to have to go eventually, and he's been eating some food. I put a little of his normal food in with his rice/beef mixture this morning, but he still didn't go.

How long would you think would be normal before he starts going again? With the holiday this weekend, I'd rather call the vet tomorrow if I need to.

Thanks
Karen

BTW, Oscar is such a sweety! He is so appreciative for the attention he's been given. I brought him up on the bed with me this morning for about 1/2 hour before I needed to get ready for work. And the whole time, he was so excited...he kept kissing me and my hands, and was trying to get closer than close could be, and nuzzling. I don't think he got attention like that before...so sad because he's so sweet. At least he'll have a loving new home.

[~Jen~]

Our dachsies have gotten backed up occasionally the vet. told me to give them a apples and carrots. If he doesnt poo by tonight maybe you could slide him a slice or 2 of apple http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/smile.gif Good to here hes over his lil upset http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

Jen

[wireweiners]

Since he's just getting over diahrrea, I would'nt worry too much. As soon as he starts back eating normal food, he'll poop.

[Augie Dog]

<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm3.gif" border=0>

Hats off to karen and her hubby!

I have not been on the board for a few days I a just read the story! I am so happy that you were able to give this pupper the love that all doxies should have!

Augie hopes that he can see mickey and oscar both at DOXIE DAY 2001 and we can see the new non-doxie addition to your family!<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm30.gif" border=0>

David

[Mickamack]

Yes, I have another question...

Oscar is no longer backed up. He pooped last night...but he did so in the house. We took him out several times last night, and gave him plenty of opportunity to go, but when our backs were turned, he pooped on the carpet downstairs.

The original owners mentioned a little trouble with house training him. I wonder if this is what they were referring to. He doesn't have any problems with peeing. He's GREAT with that and he'll try to go each and every time we take him out. But pooping almost seems like another matter.

Does anyone have any suggestions to helping get the idea that pooping goes outside?

I posted the same question on the housebreaking thread, but I thought I'd cross post it here, to see what you guys thought.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday, filled with much love and happiness.

Karen

[Susan's Freddie]

Karen,

I'm glad that things are better for Oscar (and you!). Bless your heart for taking him.
That's normal for him not to have pooped for a couple days after all of the diarreah.<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm25.gif" border=0> I'll tell ya something, my Freddie STILL occasionally poops inside the house, and he's 2 1/2 yrs. old, and has a doggie door! I feel he does it out of stubborness or he's mad at me. Just the other night he pooped under my bed (the 4th time!). <IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm22.gif" border=0>
Oscar sounds so affectionate, he is lucky he has you!

Susanhttp://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

[Augie Dog]

Hi Karen!

Augie used to be really bad about pooping and peeing on the downstairs carpet. I did not think that I was ever going to be able to trust him in the rec room.

That was until I started standing outside with him and not letting him in until he did his thing. This sounds stupid, but I do say go on, poop! And "good poop" while in the act. He caught on within a few days, I was surprised.

What door do they go out? Downstairs? He's another trick. Put two Christmas bells on the door they go out. Tie them low enough the if they stand up the front paws can ring them. At first Aug thought is was a game. I'd ring the bells, say "poopeedoo" (yeah, I know, but it covers both options) open the door and we would go out for a few seconds (praise, praise, praise) and then go back in. We did this 10 times. I them looked at him, said the magic word "poopeedoo", he stood up and rang the bell. We went outside (praise, praise, praise) and did this a few times.

After that, every time we went outside, we went out that door and I rang the bells. Two weeks after that I was on the Wednesday Night Doxie Chat (Tonight at 9PM eastern, come on in) and I heard the bells ring, Shenn was in the living room and called me out to the kitchen, Aug was ringing the bells on his own to go out and do his thing. He now tells us when he has to go, we can be upstairs, downstairs whatever, we can hear the bells ringing.

How big is Oscar? Mick is a little power house. The little guys go more often. If Oscar is bigger, he may not go as much Mick. That's why I think the bells might work. Once you work out "it's good to poop outside", they can tell you MOM, I GOTTA GO!

Hope to hear from you in doxie chat.

[Susan's Freddie]

Wow! That is great David, Augie actually caught on to the bell ringing! It just goes to show that it can be learned.http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

Susan