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Messages - NewfieMama

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31
Treatment & Preventative Meds / Leptospirosis, Lyme, Kennel cough vax's in Newf in New England?
« on: June 02, 2009, 05:40:13 am »
Hi all,

I am a new mama to a 2 year old Newfie named Cooper. We saw my vet for the first time yesterday and she recommended he have the Leptospirosis, Lyme and (?) Kennel Cough vaccines. I told her I wanted to research them a bit before consenting.

We live in MA and vacation in several parts of New England, coastal and woody. We hike in the woods and Cooper will likely swim in some ponds and lakes this summer as well as the ocean. (If he wants to, yesterday he was a little nervous about the sprinkler, lol!  ;D). He loves to play with other dogs.

I'm curious as to your opinions of these vax's and whether they're needed. I'm leaning toward doing the Lyme one, but am very much undecided on the other two. Have not found much convincing evidence online so far on either one.

Thanks so much for any advice!


Mary

 

32
Newfoundland Discussions / Re: Update and more questions!
« on: June 01, 2009, 02:40:29 am »
Thanks all! Baby wipes, huh? Think I still have some of those from the human toddler days!

Will update after the vet!


Mary

33
Newfoundland Discussions / Re: Update and more questions!
« on: May 31, 2009, 01:35:01 pm »
pics?

34
Newfoundland Discussions / Update and more questions!
« on: May 31, 2009, 01:33:54 pm »
Hi all,

Thanks so much for the advice re: the cats. We are home, got in at midnight last night, and Cooper showed just friendly casual interest in the cats despite not having had dinner. :)

Tonight, different story, he just clearly showed a little more forward-friendly interest in one of the cats who had ventured in. I gently held him back and talked to him and let him and the cat look at each other, then let the cat escape while he watched. The cat was terrified but not hissing, and I didn't want to push him.

So here are my questions:
1- Cooper has had all of his OFA clearances as he is 2 and his breeder was considering using him to breed. Hips, elbows came back excellent. This AM we walked maybe 4 square blocks and then once around one block 2 more times later in the day. Otherwise we stayed inside or on the grass in the backyard. Still, he seems to be "toeing in" on his back feet, and I can't remember if he did this yesterday at the breeder's or not. Is it possible his feet are sore? They look OK to me and he will let me touch them. We see the vet tomorrow but I'd love thoughts from all of you BTDT Newfie parents.

2- Ohhh, the poop. Poor guy is new here, transitioning food (slowly, he's on 75% old food (Exceed), 25% new (Taste of the Wild)) and water (75% Spring, 25% town today) and tonight he had his first poop, which was soft and smelly - and I'm wondering if he's still got some stuck under his tail or to his behind as I can still smell it now over an hour later (and no, I'm not wearing the same clothes, lol). So, uh, do you all regularly clean your Newfie down there when they have a smelly poop, and what method/s do you recommend?

Sorry for the newbie questions. We just ADORE this dog - he is so friendly and perfect for our family. And I want to do my very best to give him the best possible care!

Attaching a few pics...hope this works!


Thanks!

Mary (using real name now that dog is home...and we have 2 cats, not 3. lol)

35
Newfoundland Discussions / Re: New Pictures of ShebaLou & Guinness
« on: May 29, 2009, 09:11:43 am »
What a great looking bunch! You must have lots of love and cuddle in your house! :)



Julie

36
Newfoundland Discussions / Re: New here - question about new Newf, old cats, please!
« on: May 29, 2009, 09:10:35 am »
Thanks everyone! I am hoping for the best, preparing for the worst - it's the mean cat I'm most worried about. When we brought home another cat when she was 2 (he was also 2) she screamed every time she saw him for at least a month. I swear those were my first gray hairs, lol.

It's nice to know that most of your Newfies are mellow with cats. All the Newfs I have met have been such sweethearts, I can't wait to have one of our own. And yes, I am in love with him already even though I have not seen him IRL yet!

Thanks again! I will definitely post pics when we get home!!!


Julie

37
Newfoundland Discussions / New here - question about new Newf, old cats, please!
« on: May 29, 2009, 01:46:36 am »
Hi everyone! I am thrilled to be here, after lurking for months. We are picking up a young adult Newfie this weekend, to join our family!!!!! We have kids and cats, and really lucked out that this dog has lived with both (family situation changed and they tearfully have to give him up).

So my question is about introducing the Newf to our cats - they are 14-15 years old (3 of them). Two are fairly calm, the other can be kind of feisty when she doesn't like something (she has always been this way, hisses at guests who come too close, tries to eat the vet, etc.).

I am planning to separate them with baby gates so they can see each other. We will supervise any "visits" to see how it goes. And the dog will be gated such that the cats have unfettered access to the basement for their food and litter.

Just wondering if anyone else has done this sort of introduction, and has any advice or pointers to share.

Thank you in advance and again, so happy to be here and looking forward to getting to know you all!


Julie

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