Good Grief

[Sandy]

I heard Toby crashing around in the night (it's 3:30 in the morning here), and got up to check, only to find he has pulled his entire bandage off his paw. There are blood spots on the carpet, which I have cleaned up, I think, blood spots on the bathroom floor, etc. I really, really hope he doesn't need stitches put back in. Just when I thought there might be some end in sight to this whole ordeal he goes and does this. I am beyond frustrated, exhausted, and can't see and end to this mess. :(

[Camilla and Darwin]

Oh no, what a silly dood he is. I hope he heals quickly and that he didn't do much damage...

[Christine & Camus]

Hi Sandy,

When Camus fractured a bone in his paw I had a similar experience, he actually chewed the first splint and I had to take him back for a new one ($$$).  What I did was buy men's heavily padded sports socks, the ones with a short cuff, and sprayed them with a chewing deterrent.  I let the sock dry then put it on him over the splint.  He let it be and a bonus feature was I could wash the socks as well as keep his bandage clean.  You can also use medical tape, stretchy tape that only sticks to itself not the skin or fur, to secure the top of the sock if it is too loose.  Camus was restricted from all activity for 9 weeks and wore the socks the entire time.  I had to use the heavy socks because of the splint, but lighter weight socks worked once he only had a bandage with no splint.  Once I could use lighter weight socks I bought him kids knee socks, with bright colors and patterns.

[Sandy]

Ah - someone who truly feels my pain!  Nine weeks is SO long.  I am thinking about putting a sock with bitter apple on it over the bandage tonight, but I wonder whether that would just draw his attention to the foot?  Being tired, and having the personality I do, all I can think is "What if it never heals?  What if he can't get past this?"  I know he will, but in the middle of it it sure doesn't feel like it.

[Christine & Camus]

I really empathize with your ordeal.  But, once Camus got a taste of the stuff I sprayed on the sock he completely ignored it. Try it during the day so you can see how he reacts to it.   One last note:  I didn't use bitter apple since I heard so many stories about it not working,  I found a really nasty tasting spray in the Marshall's pet section, all natural but truly nasty,  I know because I mistakenly sprayed some on my hand and then rubbed my lips. It was BAD!!  And, here is a photo of some of the fun socks he wore.

 

[Sandy]

That is so funny.  :)  Toby wore a striped brown one last night over my makeshift bandage job.  :)

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Oh Sandy, are you a Doom and Gloom kinda girl? Then this will be nauseatingly positive to you, but hear me out. 

Yes, it will heal,(dogs are remarkably resilient and you are taking such good care of him)

Yes, you will get caught up on your sleep,(if not today then tonight) 

Yes, he will so get past this,(he probably has already forgotten about it) 

Yes, you will look back on this one day and at least shrug.

Is he happy, otherwise healthy, eating, drinking, peeing, pooping, playing and giving his mama kisses? Then remind yourself of the good and try to get through this setback with your sanity intact. I truly do empathize with you as I am totally at my worst when I am sleep deprived, but I hope this can give you a little something to make it not seem so bleak. Now go cuddle up with your Toby and take a well deserved nap. 

 

P.S. The medical tape Christine mentioned is a life saver with dogs and wounds.

[Sandy]

Yes, I am, sadly.  He is healthy, no fever, eating with a little coaxing, drinking (especially if reminded), peeing, pooping, but not really playing much with the cone on - more pouting than playing - and no kisses, but he's never been a kisser.  I just want old Toby back that wants belly rubs and runs to the door with a toy.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I know, he will be back, and I hope very very soon. Funny that he runs to the door with a toy. My Murphy always does this and I still wonder why cuz he won't give it to us, just runs around us with it. Silly doodles.

[Sandy]

That's what Toby does, ordinarily.  He runs over to show you a toy, usually his newest toy, but doesn't want you to have it, just see it.  I bought him something new, but he's not interested while he has his cone on.  :(

[Cindy M, Zachary & the Frenchies]

He'll come back! I imagine it's hard to be that dog with that irritating bandage and cone! Dogs are so reliliant though - once the cone and bandage are gone - he'll be his old self!

[Sandy]

Thank you.  I am impatient - I want him back NOW.  :)

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Ohhh poor Toby.  Paws crossed he feels super soon :)