A Cautionary Tale for PNW Pet Owners
Jul 21, 2015 1:26:50 GMT
Mari-in-IN, wvterri, and 1 more like this
Post by Raeven on Jul 21, 2015 1:26:50 GMT
I’ve had my old Border Collie, Opie, for nearly 11 years. When we rescued him, we were told he was at least 2 years old, so he’s roughly 13. A great dog. He keeps good track of my little motley collection of livestock and is a quick study. Loyal, sweet, gets along with all the other pets. In short, I think he’s pretty special.
Opie runs his own show around here. For such an old fellow, he's very active and shows no signs of slowing down. So I leave him to his own devices most of the time, and that's how he likes it. I greet him in the mornings with his breakfast and usually give him a quick pet along with his dinner when I get the animals settled for the night. Sometimes he’s around for his evening feeding, sometimes not. It’s been like this for ages.
Living in the PNW, we don’t usually endure hot, humid summers, but this one has been an exception. We suffered a spell like that a couple of weeks ago.
Sunday before last, I noticed Opie had some blood on his coat down his back. I called him over to see what was going on, went to rinse the blood off for a better look. He yelped, tucked his bottom under and cringed away from me. I instantly knew it was more than I could manage on my own, so we hastened off to the emergency vet an hour away. At this point, I realized he had a dreadful odor. Put it this way: When we passed over a dead skunk on the highway, I was grateful.
Opie apparently tangled with some critter, but the superficial wounds from that weren’t the problem. Fly strike was. What a dreadful mess. He spent a night at the vet’s and has been home for a week now. Lots of pills, lots of baths, lots of tending. I don’t mind taking care of him at all, but I’m heartsick for all he’s endured because of my inattention. He’s sporting a Lion cut (looks ridiculous on him). He did tell me he thinks he could get used to this indoor dog routine. I think I'll let him.
Fly strike isn’t a big problem here with our usual cooler temperatures, but with the hot weather we’ve had this summer it’s become a big concern. My vets shared they’re seeing a lot more of it this year. And it happens fast. Please learn from Opie’s and my horrible experience: Keep a special eye on your pets, especially if they spend a lot of their time outdoors. Check their skin frequently. If they suffer a hot spot or even a mosquito bite, pay close attention. The vets said that's all it takes. You don’t want your beloved pet to go through this.
Opie runs his own show around here. For such an old fellow, he's very active and shows no signs of slowing down. So I leave him to his own devices most of the time, and that's how he likes it. I greet him in the mornings with his breakfast and usually give him a quick pet along with his dinner when I get the animals settled for the night. Sometimes he’s around for his evening feeding, sometimes not. It’s been like this for ages.
Living in the PNW, we don’t usually endure hot, humid summers, but this one has been an exception. We suffered a spell like that a couple of weeks ago.
Sunday before last, I noticed Opie had some blood on his coat down his back. I called him over to see what was going on, went to rinse the blood off for a better look. He yelped, tucked his bottom under and cringed away from me. I instantly knew it was more than I could manage on my own, so we hastened off to the emergency vet an hour away. At this point, I realized he had a dreadful odor. Put it this way: When we passed over a dead skunk on the highway, I was grateful.
Opie apparently tangled with some critter, but the superficial wounds from that weren’t the problem. Fly strike was. What a dreadful mess. He spent a night at the vet’s and has been home for a week now. Lots of pills, lots of baths, lots of tending. I don’t mind taking care of him at all, but I’m heartsick for all he’s endured because of my inattention. He’s sporting a Lion cut (looks ridiculous on him). He did tell me he thinks he could get used to this indoor dog routine. I think I'll let him.
Fly strike isn’t a big problem here with our usual cooler temperatures, but with the hot weather we’ve had this summer it’s become a big concern. My vets shared they’re seeing a lot more of it this year. And it happens fast. Please learn from Opie’s and my horrible experience: Keep a special eye on your pets, especially if they spend a lot of their time outdoors. Check their skin frequently. If they suffer a hot spot or even a mosquito bite, pay close attention. The vets said that's all it takes. You don’t want your beloved pet to go through this.
Opie continues to improve, I'm happy to report. He'll be right in a few weeks. And yes -- an indoor dog now, at least nights. The Dachshund will simply have to suffer it. As they say... into each life, some rain must fall. 
I think I'm getting the hang of it!
