What an Awakening!!

[ColColt]

Last night we went to bed around 11:00 and Bubba woke me up about an hour and a half later moving around and I could hear his toenails against the plastic tray of the crate. I had just bough a new three inch cushion with a non-skid backing and wondered how he got it pushed back. I turned on the light and he had that thing bunched up with half the tray showing and was standing straight up!! Having no idea what was going on, I thought maybe he needed water as he hadn't drank as much as usual and brought him some. He acted like he wanted out of the crate but we had just had a potty break before bed so, I just straightened out the cushion and gave him a little water a turned the light back off. Moments later, he was doing the same thing but barked. I threw my pants and a shirt on, opened his crate and he took off toward the living room and turned into the dining room where the door is that leads to the deck. I tried to persuade him to go the other way and come downstairs so we could go out the back since the flood lights are brighter out back. He didn't make it. He started pooping in the dining room and as I prompted him to hurry and go outside the way he started he got confused and headed for the living room and through the kitchen, pooping every three feet on the way!! I got to the dining room door to let him out quickly and he ran down the staircase of the deck and into the yard where I could just see him going again in two different places about 30 feet apart. I let him stay out for a little while until I could get the mess cleaned up as I didn't want to let him in to possibly track back through it. I must have cleaned about 12 different places from the dinging room, living room and kitchen. It was awful. This morning about 8:15, nearly had the same situation. He woke me up moving around and half awake I could see him doing the same thing with the cushion but he barked twice. I didn't hesitate and opened the door to his crate and we dashed outside. This time he made it!!

Having given all those wonderful details, I'm curious as to what happened. I kept going over in my mind what I gave him differently than usual and nothing was coming up other than a portion of EVO canned food I added to his kibble along with some green beans and a little chicken and some zucchini along with 1/2 cup of his kibble. Something sure tore him up!! This morning after his outing in the yard, I fixed some rice and chicken and put in about a tablespoon of Science Diet's i/d since it worked before when he got sick. That's all he's had and he'll be very disappointed today that there will be no treats today.

Any ideas what could have done this and if 'm just giving him too much of a good thing?

[CorgiMum]

Having given all those wonderful details, I'm curious as to what happened. I kept going over in my mind what I gave him differently than usual and nothing was coming up other than a portion of EVO canned food I added to his kibble along with some green beans and a little chicken and some zucchini along with 1/2 cup of his kibble.

Any ideas what could have done this and if 'm just giving him too much of a good thing?

Oh David! Sorry about the mess that Bubba made for you. Poor pupper.+SICK+

My only thought is that you might be giving him too much of anything different than his regular food.

The rule of thumb is that a dog should not have more than 10% of anything added to his meals, and that included treats. The bowl % I'm strict about, but sometimes fall down on the treat situation. Mine are always training after all.:WINK:

[Jespah]

I agree with Barbara - if he's never had the EVO or much to do with green beans that could have been the issue. I am very careful about meals - they are always the same, it's a long day while I'm at work and I don't want them having accidents.

The other problem is that if you added 2 new things to his meal, you don't know what caused the issue - or if it indeed was what caused the issue.

[ColColt]

The rule of thumb is that a dog should not have more than 10% of anything added to his meals, and that included treats. The bowl % I'm strict about, but sometimes fall down on the treat situation.

He's definitely getting more than than, Barbara...about 50% would be more like it. Between the morning meal, where I give the least, and the evening meal, there were treats like Old Mother Hubbard Assorted Treats, Peanut Butter treats by them, Sam's Yams, and maybe 1/4th an apple. All this before the last meal he had.

He had a variety of things Friday and Saturday so, it is hard to say, Deb. I don't think internal parasites is what caused this because he's just too healthy acting/looking. I think there's a good possibility the culprit is me for giving to much...just a guess. Not having any Pepto Bismol handy, he just got the rice and chicken this morning with a little i/d. He's a good boy for barking to go out as he very seldom barks at anything. That's why I knew we were in trouble.

[CorgiMum]

He's definitely getting more than than, Barbara...about 50% would be more like it. Between the morning meal, where I give the least, and the evening meal, there were treats like Old Mother Hubbard Assorted Treats, Peanut Butter treats by them, Sam's Yams, and maybe 1/4th an apple. All this before the last meal he had.


There is the problem, and your solution David, too much cupboard love.+MUSHY+

I don't remember where I read it, but someone said, "if it doesn't look like there is enough food in your dog's bowl with the measured amount, then buy a smaller bowl."+YES+

[ColColt]

There is the problem, and your solution David, too much cupboard love.+MUSHY+

I don't remember where I read it, but someone said, "if it doesn't look like there is enough food in your dog's bowl with the measured amount, then buy a smaller bowl."+YES+

Cupboard love...I love that!!:CUTE: You're probably right, too. He, like most of them, enjoying eating and I don't mind giving it out. For the rest of the day it'll be just a bit of pumpkin, rice and chicken to be sure.

[CorgiMum]

Hope Bubba dosen't waste away on that!:LAUGH:

[ColColt]

Oh, he looks like he's a refugee from Dachau as it is!! Poor little boy.:CUTE:

[Jespah]

Wow - that is a major case of cupboard love David!! I can tell you that the night's I give my two Sam's Yams - they are well and truly cleaned out the next day!! I also found out that Jemma cannot tolerate peanuts in any form what so ever - a very explosive situation, if you know what I mean!!!

Just 'cause you aren't constantly feeding him - doesn't mean you don't love him. He'd be just as happy with attention as a treat!! He's a Corgi!

[ColColt]

He's had Sam's before but it sure didn't act like that!! I keep wondering if I'm just giving too much of a variety in a days time. Really it's not been too much more than usual but yesterday, I did go a little overboard with the food. What puzzles me is why he only pottied once yesterday morning and had ample opportunity many times during the day but, he waited until after we went to bed...puzzling. Then, a case of diarrhea hit him big time late last night. He so looks forward to those treats, I have to keep myself out of the cupboard looking at the smorgasboard of goodies I have for him. I probably enjoy giving them as much as he does receive.

[Jespah]

Variety can be very hard on their gastric systems, that's why when you switch foods, you need to introduce the new food in increments that increase by about 10% each time. Ie: 90% old 10% new, then 80% old 20% new, etc.

[ColColt]

I did that when I was staking him off the Purina he was use to. in fact, it took me about 10 days to ween him off to Innova. He did real good with it. I had to go start adding things to it and guess I may have gotten a little carried away over the past couple of days. I hope that's all it is anyway and not some other condition. He seems a bit lethargic today as yesterday but, he sleeps so much anyway, it's hard to tell. We went for a walk about an hour ago and he did fine. I hope I'm making a mountain out of a molehill. and it's not something more serious.

[CorgiMum]

If he is ok tonight, it was probably just that he ate too much of too many good things.:WINK:

[ColColt]

They sure can worry you. It's like attending a three year old with the same concerns. Any deviation in behavior or eating/potty habits are cause for concern. I think also, he gets to uptight and anxious thinking he has to be on the alert all the time with ears perked up and pacing during and after meals. It's like he thinks he's in a war zone! Hard to figure these critters.

[sutulu]

Poor Bubba. When Tuck wakes me up in the middle of the night, I know he has to go. We went thru a phase as a puppy when he would wake up and want to go out just to explore.

But since I broke him of that habit, anytime he wakes up in the middle of the night I take it seriously.

When it happens now 99% of the time it is a night following agility class. And it is because I gave him too many treats in class (real meat cut up as treats) and past his dinner time at that.

We may think giving them scraps and a special dinner here and there is cool, but they really have sensative tummies. And my two, for the most part, have cast iron stomaches.

OK... I'm coming clean here.... my two most disatrous over feedings that had Tucker racing...... 1) I grilled a steak on the grill, I can handle steak in small doses... so what do I do? give him the better part of the steak in one sitting. He puked on my bed and all the way downstars to the door. Needless to say.... I haven't eaten much steak since.

2) After an agility trial I gave him a whole MacDonald's hamburger (usually the three of us split one!). This after treats all day at the trial. Good dog! Wooohoo, let's celebrate. Turned out to be "Bad Mommy"! Poor Tuck puked all night.

Lulu so far has managed to keep everything down but live and learn!

Oh and by the way... Evo is known to be one of the best foods but is also known to be hard on tummies of some dogs.

[CorgiMum]

They sure can worry you. It's like attending a three year old with the same concerns. Any deviation in behavior or eating/potty habits are cause for concern.

Yes, it seems to have become some what of a hobby to diagnose potty habits and the production there of since getting the corgis!+2FUNNY+

[Milosmom]

Poor puppers, hope he's feeling better.
Glad to hear i'm not the only one that pays attention to Corgi bowl habits. Milo had a similar episode a year or two back. Around 3 or 4 am I heard him whining and crying and it only semi-woke me up so I told him to hush and went back to sleep. Had I been fully concious I would have realized something was wrong because Milo never fusses at night in his crate.
Not much later the whining got more frantic and he barked...no that woke me up!! I found that he had diarreha. He was smart enough to lift up the crate padding and do the bulk of the poop on the crate floor and not have to sit in it.... but oh what a mess it was.

In thinking back he had a chew-ez treat the night before and a new brand of dog food. Boy I learned my lesson! From then on when I introduced a new food I made sure to do it slowly...and no treats until i'm sure his tummy can take it.

[ColColt]

sounds like I have a few witnesses here!!:LAUGH: Bubba barfed on his big cushion I have for him in the kitchen in several places and also on the floor several times a couple months back as he was getting use to his daytime(kitchen) home while I was away. This is the only time he did that and as much as I dislike Hill's Science Diet, the i/d did help with this.

I should have payed more attention as well since he never wakes me up during the night thrashing around and he never barks after the lights are out. In fact, he may only bark to get me to bed or when he gets excited when I come home. During the night should have been a clue something was wrong but...live and learn hard. From now on, if I hear those toenails against the tray and he's standing up, I'll make sure I throw something on real quick and get him out even quicker!! I guess I thought he could handle any food anytime of the day or night. I got fooled again!! No more giving a variety of veggies with kibble and then a dehydrated sweet potato as a pre-bedtime snack. Then again, it could have been a stomach virus...either way, I hope we're ok for tonight....wheew-don't want to go through that again soon.

[ZdogZ]

David - I hope that Bubba does a lot better tonight. Poor little guy!

[ColColt]

I got woke up to the tune of barking at 2:30 am this morning. I didn't hesitate getting him out like before. He ran toward the shed(about 40 feet from the deck) did his thing and tlhen ran in the opposite direction sounding like a horse running and pooped again! Or, he went through the motions anyway as it was dark and the light wasn't enough to see him good. Then he decides lhe doesn't want to come back in and I had to go get the leash. That led to another game of chase-mostly like him. I was in no mood for playng that time of morning, especially since I had to get up in two hours.

I don't know if I should take him to the vet or not. I gave him a small handfull of kibble this morning along with three Tbsp of SD i/d with the hope that he'll be ok later this morning. He does all the normal things but I can't figure what's going on with his tummy. This started Saturday night late and if it had been tlhe food, you would think he should be over that.

[Jespah]

It sounds like you may have to starve him for a day David. I'd do that before the vet's - if it's a bug it will starve the bug out, if it's an upset, it will give it time to settle down before more food is added on to it. Give him a spoonful of Pepto bismol before bed tonight.

[ColColt]

I hope he's ok when I get home. I can't understand his not drinking much water...about half of what he usually does. At least he must not be dehydrated from all this. I'll try the Pepto this evening and see how he responds.

[CorgiMum]

Hope Bubba is feeling better by the time you get home tonight David.

{{{{{}}}}}

[ColColt]

Oh, so do I!! I can't get my mind on what I'm doing here for wondering about how he's doing. This is worse than having a three year old at home!

[Fluffypants]

You poor guys! I hope that Bubba is feeling much better today, and that you come home to a clean house tonight! When Jackie's tummy acts up, it usually takes a few days of the chicken & rice diet to get her back to 100%, so hang in there & keep doing what you are doing. If there is no improvement after a few days, then definitely go to the vet. Good luck!!! +WUBCLUB+

[dcole]

Poor Bubba! Like everyone else has mentioned, it also takes Trevor a day or two to get things "right" again after an upset tummy episode. And I'm not too surprised about him not drinking much; I know that whenever I'm not feeling well, I don't like a lot of liquid in my stomach either.

Hugs for Bubba! +WUBCLUB+

[disraeli ears]

Poor Bubba....Hugs {{{{{{:CUTE:}}}}}}

[ColColt]

I'm afraid Mr. Bubba will be on a bland diet for several days. He's going to pout and grumble over that for sure and with few if any treats at all, he may not bark next time to pay me back!!. You would think with all that tummy trouble, he'd be a little dehydrated and want to drink...I would but, we're all different, I reckon. He could have got hold of something in the yard...who knows what. I'm still speculating on what started this. He appreciates the hugs and well wishes. I'll know more when I get home and see if he greets me in his usualy fashion. If so, it can't be too serious and all that running and jumping requires some energy.

[ZdogZ]

I have wondered about Bubba today. Let us know how things go this evening and tonight.

[ColColt]

I left work around 3:00 today...couldn't take it so, I came home to see how Bubba was doing. He was his usually self, running and jumping when I got home and wanting to play a little. I took him outside after a few minutes with that and all he did was pee. We came back in and I checked the kitchen out and there was nothing in there as I had expected a mess...nothing at all. so we went outside and he did pee a bit and we stayed out for awhile. I was hoping he would do more than that so we wouldn't have to get up at 2-3:00 in the morning again like we did this morning.

About 4:00 we were on the couch together and he felt a little warm to me and had for several days so, I decided it was time to go to the vet. I told her what had been going on and she asked if he could have gotten in the trash somewhere or drank from a mud puddle and I told her no as I was always with him. She felt around all over him and did a Fecal C/Exam and there were no internal parasites as it came out negative. She took his temperature and it was a little high at 104.1. She prescribed Metronidazole (250mg) and gave him "Subcutaneous Fluids" ,whatever that is. Also, she said to just give him the Hill's i/d for three days(half a can per meal) and nothing else and if he wasn't better by Wednesday to come on back in and the would do some blood work.

We got back home and had supper around 5:50 and went out for a potty break about an hour later. He pooped finally and I hope that's it for the night. It wasn't normal but definitely not the diarrhea kind-sort of in between and only half the usual amount which I expected since I haven't been giving him much for a couple of days. Hopefully with the antibiotic she gave today with the fluids and i/d he will be back to normal real soon.

I suspect he either got hold of something in the yard or picked up something at PetSmart of Pet Supply. Thanks guys for asking and wondering about him. I know you know where I'm coming from!! He hoovers the back yard and it's hard to see him if he picks up something and swallows it. It's hard to tell what triggered this. I only hope by Wednesday he'll be his old self and his schedule back on track.

[taflar]

She prescribed Metronidazole (250mg) and gave him "Subcutaneous Fluids" ,whatever that is. Also, she said to just give him the Hill's i/d for three days(half a can per meal) and nothing else and if he wasn't better by Wednesday to come on back in and the would do some blood work.

Subcutaneous means under the skin, it's fluids given under the skin. The same fluids can be given by IV but in this case were just put under the skin. They are then absorbed into the system. Helps with dehydration.

Peggy

[Jespah]

Good to hear you took him in David - sounds like he'll be himself in a few days. Hydration is very important - after all that pooping and peeing, it doesn't take long for dehydration to set in and then you'll have kidney problems fast!

[ColColt]

I had told the vet he was only drinking about half of what he usually does so, I suppose that's why they did it. Although to me, if he was dehydrated, looks like he would be drinking a lot more water. I left at least 16-20 ounces this morning for him and there was nearly that amount when I got home. I know canned food is roughly 70-75% water and I imagine the i/d has close to that amount though I haven't checked; so, maybe he got some moisture from that. Still, he just isn't drinking like normal. Perhaps by tomorrow things will have changed.

[taflar]

I had told the vet he was only drinking about half of what he usually does so, I suppose that's why they did it. Although to me, if he was dehydrated, looks like he would be drinking a lot more water.

That's how you get dehydrated by not drinking enough. And if his stomach hurt he might not have wanted to drink. Or driking made him feel worse, queasy maybe?

So yes, they gave him the fluids either to help prevent dehydration or to help alleviate it.

Still, he just isn't drinking like normal. Perhaps by tomorrow things will have changed.

I hope so.

Peggy

[corgiland]

David...I am sorry to hear that Bubba has not been feeling well. I know you must have been upset at work...trying to work when your mind was with Bubba back home. I am glad that he has been to the Vet and I am sending lots of healing vibes to him and hope that you both sleep through the night tonight and that tomorrow is a better day..

Please keep us posted.

[Fluffypants]

Glad to hear that Bubba is feeling a little better David. I know you must be worried about your little guy. But it sounds like he is on the mend.+WUBCLUB+

[MVons]

David you are incredible to be able to tell Bubba had a fever. Of course, Bubba may be thinking you are too sound a sleeper! It is amazing how our dogs teach us, though we can be slow to learn. I don't think you will ever hesitate to get up for Bubba again! Though I too wonder how 10 minutes later they can need to go after just being out, but we live with that.

When Pepper had diarrhea for a whole day, when I thought it was all out, I'd give her 1/2 a pepto tablet with a very bland diet. The thing to remember is that it turns there poo black. I was alarmed until I remember that.

Glad Bubba is on the mend and you have stopped the overflow of cupboard love.

[sutulu]

Poor Bubba, I hope he is on the mend soon. It is so hard when they can't tell you what is wrong.

I am a hysterical doggie Mom. I tend to run to the Vet when things don't seem right to me.

Keep us posted and give Bubba a big old hug for me.

Susan

[ColColt]

We survived the night ok and I hope his temp is down to normal today. He inhaled the i/d this morning as I figured but Istill didn't see him drink. Perhaps he will sometime today. I'm glad I decided to take him on to the vet. I just felt all wasn't right with him seeing his drinking/potty habits change in just a few days. I had noticed the elevation in temperature last Friday but, I thought it was me. Mine runs a little lower than normal at 97.5 and I knew his should be about 101-102 so, I figured he'd feel warm but, he started feeling a bit more warm than I thought normal. He sure wasn't happy about getting his temperature taken but he stood there like a brave soldier induring the humility of having two females and me watch his reactions.:LAUGH:

Of course, Bubba may be thinking you are too sound a sleeper! It is amazing how our dogs teach us, though we can be slow to learn. I don't think you will ever hesitate to get up for Bubba again! Though I too wonder how 10 minutes later they can need to go after just being out, but we live with that.


He's as bad as I am about going into a comotose state when sleeping. Before I got him it could thunder, fireworks, etc and I wouldn't hear a thing. Since then I hear him breathing on the couch and watch his side to see if it's rising and falling with rhythm. If not, I take him to the vet!! I know, silly but, I'm still learning and concerned about anything I deem unusual.

Nope-no hesitation on my part at all. As soon as I can get them britches on I'm outta there with him leading! He still wasn't drinking to my satisfaction last night so, I brought him some water to his second home, the couch, and dipped my fingers in it and brought it to his mouth attempting to persuade him how good it was!! He did lick my fingers and I did that several times. He did drink maybe two ounces after that but, none this morning. Maybe a little chicken broth in his water tonight may prompt him.

I'm not quite hysterical yet, Susan but, I may be bordering on it!! Hugs accepted by all and I'll proxy for him since he's at home!! I'll be giving plenty hugs when I get there though!!:CUTE:

[Jane Austen]

David if you are still concerned about the liquid that Bubba is getting, I would add some water to his food. He will still eat or drink the food if it is in liquid form. He would probably be more satisfied with the amount. You could also boil chicken and degrease the liquid before giving him some.

[ZdogZ]

David - how was he when you got home today? Hope he's on the mend.

[taflar]

He did drink maybe two ounces after that but, none this morning. Maybe a little chicken broth in his water tonight may prompt him.

If you want to increase his water consumption, add a little lemon juice to his water bowl. Not enough to make lemonade, but just a teaspoon or so. That will make him drink more and of course pee more.

You don't need to put chicken broth in his water. Chicken broth itself has water in it so just offering chicken broth is good.

Peggy

[ColColt]

He's doing pretty well, Kristi. He's still not drinking much if any water. He left half his food this morning and about 1/4 of it tonight. I'm sure the Sub Q's he had yesterday is probably aiding him in hydration but I'd still like to see him drink. His temp is still a little higher than the norm but other than that, you couldn't tell anything's wrong with him. He's active after I get home but gets more sleepy afterwards...probably because it gets dark and colder these days and we only go out for short potty breaks.

No more diarrhea, which is a blessing. I did put about 2-3 Tbsp of water in his food this morning and tonight and will yet make another attempt to see if he wants water before he goes to bed. I've got lemon juice, being a tea connoisseur, so I'll try that as well. If there hasn't been much of a change by tomorrow or Thursday for sure, we're making another trip to the vet. It will probably take several days for the antibiotics to kick in and lower his temperature.

[dcole]

Another hug for Bubba... +FUZZHUG+

[MrsGrace]

Awww David... big hugs for you and Bubba!!!

+FUZZHUG+

Hope you're 100% soon Bubba!

[taflar]

I'm sure the Sub Q's he had yesterday is probably aiding him in hydration but I'd still like to see him drink.

Those fluids should have been absorbed and gone by now. It it's been more than 24 hours.

If there hasn't been much of a change by tomorrow or Thursday for sure, we're making another trip to the vet. It will probably take several days for the antibiotics to kick in and lower his temperature.

IMO, it should not take several days of antibiotics to lower a temp. Esp. if the reason is a gastric upset. That should resolve itself fairly quickly.

If he's not back to normal tomorrow morning I'd be at least talking to my vet.

JMO
Peggy

[glencorgi]

Crystal Light (no affiliation) has the individual drink packets that one can add to a bottle of water. I have a box of the lemon flavored for Hydration in my dog cabinet. It contains electrolytes to aid in hydration.

Debbie

[ColColt]

I was pretty happy about him drinking some water today. I left him plenty this morning and when I got home, he had drank maybe 3-4 ounces of it during the day and did once more tonight after his meal of i/d which he inhaled. The temperature is down as there's a big difference in the way he feels, especially the tummy area from what it felt like last night. The antibiotics must have kicked in, however; I'm still taking him back for a checkup Friday but I think for now he's much better. It could have been a bug he picked up at PetsMart or one of the other places he goes where other dogs are. the come up to him and they stand there sniffing each other's faces and he could have gotten something that way. He doesn't lick anything so I don't think he got it that way since he's not a licker. His appetite is sure back up to normal if I could just see him drink a little more.

[taflar]

I was pretty happy about him drinking some water today. I left him plenty this morning and when I got home, he had drank maybe 3-4 ounces of it during the day and did once more tonight after his meal of i/d which he inhaled. The temperature is down as there's a big difference in the way he feels, especially the tummy area from what it felt like last night. The antibiotics must have kicked in, however; I'm still taking him back for a checkup Friday but I think for now he's much better. It could have been a bug he picked up at PetsMart or one of the other places he goes where other dogs are. the come up to him and they stand there sniffing each other's faces and he could have gotten something that way. He doesn't lick anything so I don't think he got it that way since he's not a licker. His appetite is sure back up to normal if I could just see him drink a little more.

Great! That's good news, sounds like he's made the turn for a recovery.

I'd just be more careful about the amount and variety of treats given to him. His system isn't used to a lot of variety and obviously can't handle it.

Peggy

[ColColt]

I'm real bad about giving variety. I counted eight different types of treats (mostly Old Mother Hubbard and Wellness) in the cupboard the other night...everything from 15 to 40 calories each. He looks for a treat everytime he does something from peeing outside to rolling over or just going from upstairs to downstaris. I try giving a different one for each event and need to stop that. I'm just happy about his getting over the temp and seeing him drink again. When he cuddles up on the couch, he doesn't roast me like before and is more energetic now. I was just scared he may have Pancreatitus and I think that worry is over.

[Jespah]

I'm so glad to hear he's on the mend David!! You don't have to give him variety and a tiny tiny piece or a treat is enough of a reward. Mix up the rewards for attention. Sometimes a treat, sometimes just a lot of love and noise to tell him he's done well. Corgis love our attention!

[taflar]

I'm real bad about giving variety. I counted eight different types of treats (mostly Old Mother Hubbard and Wellness) in the cupboard the other night...everything from 15 to 40 calories each. He looks for a treat everytime he does something from peeing outside to rolling over or just going from upstairs to downstaris. I try giving a different one for each event and need to stop that. I'm just happy about his getting over the temp and seeing him drink again. When he cuddles up on the couch, he doesn't roast me like before and is more energetic now. I was just scared he may have Pancreatitus and I think that worry is over.

Maybe choose one type of treat for every couple of days. Only give that treat not a variety of treats.

IMO, not only are different treats not good for every event, corgis or even dogs in general do not need a treat for every event. . Corgis do love food but they do not need treats for everything they do. All that does is lead to stomach upsets or a fat dog.

When you're housebreaking a dog treats are good, but they need to be tapered off. Once they get the idea they do not need and should not expect a treat for every time they go potty. That is a natural event that they need to do anyway and they should be expected to go outside (and often by themselves if you have a fenced yard) and go do their business.

Also, a pat or scratch and verbal praise is very well recived and enjoyed by dogs. Most times that's all they need.

They really don't need treats EVERY time they do something.
When you do this you risk your dog not listening to you when you need them too. Sometimes they just need to listen and do what's told because you're the boss. Not because they'll get a food reward for it.

As for going up or down stairs, really their being able to be with you is treat enough. I sure don't reward my dogs for going up or down stairs. They have to do that to go inside or outside and that's just the way life is.

Bubba has a great life now. He gets to be inside and he gets loved on and gets to be with his favorite person. He gets good food reguarly. Think about how many things in his life are so good. He doesn't need additional rewards for going potty, or going up stairs. Once in awhile for rolling over or things like that. Try to cut down on how many treats he gets a day. Go for 3 or 4 right now and pet, scratch or hug him for his other rewards. He'll be just as happy. Honest. :)

The above advice isn't just for David and Bubba. I've noticed that many of you are rewarding your dogs every time they go potty, etc. And IMO, they are getting too many treats. They really do need to learn to do some things, like bodily functions, just because they have to not because they get treats.

Peggy

[ColColt]

He gets lots of attention for sure. I think I could have worded that better when I said I try to give him a treat for each event. I didn't mean I gave him one for going up and down the stairs for real. :CUTE: Just a figure of speech. I'm sure he'd like that, however. I do give him one for any pottying he does outside and sometimes if he plays and sticks his head down to the ground to really get his scent on the yard by rolling several times, I'll give him one. I do have too big of a variety and probably spend more on treats than his food. Remarkably, he's still the same weight now as he was when I got him about four months ago now. Well, plus or minus a pound or so. He's fairly long and muscular (although I don't know why since he does very little) and hold his weight well.

He does have a pretty good life and many times he eats better than I do. He definitely doesn't have "a dog's life"!!

[taflar]

He gets lots of attention for sure. I think I could have worded that better when I said I try to give him a treat for each event. I didn't mean I gave him one for going up and down the stairs for real. :CUTE: Just a figure of speech. I'm sure he'd like that, however.

Ok, it did sound that way. And yes, I'm sure he would like it. LOL!

I do give him one for any pottying he does outside and sometimes if he plays and sticks his head down to the ground to really get his scent on the yard by rolling several times, I'll give him one.

IMO, those are natural events and don't need to be rewareded. A dog rolls to either spread their scent or more likely because it feels good. And doing something that feels good is it's own reward.

IMO, I don't think you should give him a treat for going potty. What if you have to board him some day, say some family emergency comes up and you can't take him with you? The boarding kennel isn't going to have time to walk him and treat him for going potty. Or if he needs to be hospitalized, yes the staff will walk him but they won't think to give him treats every time he goes potty. Or if he's got some illness or needs surgery and can't have treats that day? He really does need to learn to go potty without getting a treat after it.

Instead of giving him a treat for going potty or rolling, try giving it for some behavior you ask for. Roll over, sit, down, stay, speak, whatever. But not frequently.

I do have too big of a variety and probably spend more on treats than his food.

If you're spending more on treats than his food you do have a large variety! Variety isn't necessarily bad, but giving too many of different varities in one day isn't good.

Remarkably, he's still the same weight now as he was when I got him about four months ago now. Well, plus or minus a pound or so. He's fairly long and muscular (although I don't know why since he does very little) and hold his weight well.

Maybe a bit too well, I was hoping he'd loose some weight when you got him. From the pictures you've posted, IMO, he could stand to lose a couple of pounds. It would be better for his joints, back, heart, etc.

He does have a pretty good life and many times he eats better than I do. He definitely doesn't have "a dog's life"!!

And that is the great part. His life has improved since he came to live with you! And yes, many of us feed our dogs better than we do ourselves. I know I'm picker about what food I buy my dogs than I often am for myself.

Peggy

[MVons]

My personal standard for calling a dog muscular is that I can see the thigh muscle in the butt. When Pepper walked 2 miles, she had that type of butt. Chester is still an awkward teenager and is finally developing a butt bigger than my palm. His front even though it is bulldog, I can see the muscles in the legs. I don't call a solid dog muscular and to me Bubba is solid, not muscular.

Cardigans should be between 30 and 38 pounds, females between 25 and 34 pounds. Pepper was 26 and Chester may be 39 - what a scale swing. Bubba isn't as large as a Cardigan. Chester is 20 inches long (neck to butt) and I can't figure a shoulder point to measure that, but he clears 7 inches (I know the male chest will stop that measurement soon). And no I won't give him an extra pound because of his ears. It is easier to tell the weight on a Cardigan because they are to have a pronounced waist, but I think a Pembroke should have at least a slight waist, right???

[mtoy]

Yes, Pembrokes should have a waist. When Millie didn't have one she was fat. She now must have a clearly defined waist or she can't walk properly. She's 23 lbs.

[taflar]

Chester is 20 inches long (neck to butt) and I can't figure a shoulder point to measure that,

Use the withers, the top of the shoulder blades. Just past the neck you should be able to feel the tops of the shoulder blades. That's where you measure height, from there to the floor.

It is easier to tell the weight on a Cardigan because they are to have a pronounced waist, but I think a Pembroke should have at least a slight waist, right???

Yes, a Pembroke should have a waistline too. The real test is being able to feel the ribs.

Here's an article on feeding corgis: http://goldengatecorgis.org/articles/ss-feeding.htm

A couple of sites on how to tell if your dog is overweight:
http://tinyurl.com/ys7xwl
http://tinyurl.com/yutup6

Peggy

[ColColt]

Does this evermore hit the proverbial nail on the head...


Unfortunately, many people who have Corgis as pets seem to be taken in by the pleading looks, and plaintive complaints of starvation coming from their very dramatic and manipulative little dogs. Corgis are experts at getting what they want. Their expressive faces, and artful begging, can make you feel terribly guilty for not giving them just a tiny bit more.

Someone knows what it's like obviously. I can feel Bubba's ribs while he's standing and toward the back, just ahead of his hips when he's lying down, there's a pronounced sunken in area. for his size, build, I think he looks pretty good although getting to 32 pounds would do him even better. This was just a casual shot out in the yard a few weeks back. He was exactly 36 pounds when this was taken.
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x220/ColColt/SeptemberShots/CopyofIMG_0066.jpg

This is a great example of an overweight Corgi. maybe 30 pounds overweight. I don't believe there's any waistline there at all.
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x220/ColColt/100_0402.jpg

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

Mucho Mojo Vibes going out to Bubba and I hope that he continues to feel better.

[Fluffypants]

You said it David!:LAUGH:

And don't you worry - Bubba knows he has a great life with you. Cutting back on the treats will not diminish that. He's got a top notch Daddy. He just knows you are a softie and he has you wrapped around his cute little paw. Stay strong!!! +FLEX+

I feel bad for that dog (not Bubba) in your post. It must be exhausting just to walk around. +SAD+

[ColColt]

He's doing good today, MGM and almost back to normal...being that he's not drinking like normal but temperature, activity and eating are normal. Being off today I've observed everything he does and have yet to see him drink anything and we've been up nearly four hours. I dropped small pieces of a treat in his water bowl and he went for that, needless to say, and got some water that way. Realizing it's colder now and he's not getting hot or not as active I know the quantity of water will diminish but still, he needs to be drinking some. I have a call in to the vet that last saw him about this and awaiting her response.

Jessica, that "fluffy" corgi (fluffy meaning chunky!!) has lost a good bit of weight since that picture this past summer and looks better and I know she feels better. She could still stand to loose another 15 pounds, though.

[disraeli ears]

Good to hear that Bubba is no longer waking up in the middle of the night, needing to high-tail it out to the backyard! :TWITCHY:

[manymuddypaws]

Bubba looks AWESOME!!!! You are doing a great job with him!
Glad he's feeling better

[ColColt]

Good to hear that Bubba is no longer waking up in the middle of the night, needing to high-tail it out to the backyard! :TWITCHY:

Oh, yeah!! That's a blessing in itself. I took him by the vet today just to be on the safe side and I think in a round about way they told me to stop worrying that he was fine. I guess I notice too much to often. When your Corgi is all you have, you pay a little more attention at times than at others.

Bubba looks AWESOME!!!! You are doing a great job with him!
Glad he's feeling better

He's doing 100% better today than last weekend, Amanda, and he thanks you for the compliment.:CUTE: He's not drinking water to my satisfaction and that's why he went to the vet. They think he's doing great but, I'm going to add a touch of chicken broth to his meal tonight and watch his water intake.

[corgiland]

I am glad that Bubba is doing better, David............he looked great in the picture you posted!

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

What is the normal water consumption for a Corgi? I have always thought that Miss Gambler drank too little. Maybe someone on here can answer this, and to know how long you should go before seeing a vet when you know that they are not drinking would be helpful. Just curious, I'm the type that likes to be prepared, you're less scared that way I think.

[LaRositaMonita]

What is the normal water consumption for a Corgi? I have always thought that Miss Gambler drank too little. Maybe someone on here can answer this, and to know how long you should go before seeing a vet when you know that they are not drinking would be helpful. Just curious, I'm the type that likes to be prepared, you're less scared that way I think.

We have a 24-ounce sized bowl, and Mac usually drinks two-three bowlfuls of water per day (usually close to two).

[ColColt]

I've read recently that a "normal sized dog" should drink 2-4 cups a day... whatever normal size is.

He is doing better, Bev and thanks. He is a pretty boy and photographs well. I was euphoric this morning that after a longer than average walk, we came back and he drank maybe half a cup!! It could be the weather being colder. I guess I just feel he should drink more. He's eating well(knock on wood) and still begging for treats so, he must be himself again after his bout last weekend.

[disraeli ears]

Despite her size, I would say Andy drinks quite a bit more than Rhys. :EEK: So it can definitely vary!

[dcole]

What is the normal water consumption for a Corgi? I have always thought that Miss Gambler drank too little. Maybe someone on here can answer this, and to know how long you should go before seeing a vet when you know that they are not drinking would be helpful. Just curious, I'm the type that likes to be prepared, you're less scared that way I think.

Hmmm.... I'm kind of interested in that answer, too. I've occasionally thought that Trevor should drink more water, too, although he does get small amounts of pumpkin, yogurt and wet food on a daily basis - all additional sources of moisture. I'd guess his actual water consumption to be around 16-24 oz./day., which is inline with what David read. Anyone have any idea if this is a normal amount for a corgi?

[Jespah]

I would guess that for a dog of a certain size there would be an optimal amount of water they should be drinking. However, there are a lot of variables to take into account.

Does the dog eat moist food?
Humidy and heat where they live - airconditioning and or heating system.
Level of activity.

I don't think there is any one amount that is written - as long as they have clean fresh water available at all times and they are healthy - things should be fine.

Knowing the signs of dehydration is a good thing for owners to know.

" Checking for dehydration in dog is done by pulling the skin on the top of its neck and let it go. If your dog is healthy, the skin quickly goes back to place. The skin does not draw back at once when your dog is unhealthy.
It is more difficult to assess dehydration in some dogs. The skin is tight in obese dog where as an aged dog naturally loss its skin elasticity. The best way to check these dogs is to feel the gums. If the gums are dry and sticky, your dog is dehydrated."

If your dog is showing the symptoms of dehydration - get to your vet.

[ColColt]

Deb, I've also been told that if the gums are grayish, that's another sign of trouble. I suspect that in Bubba's case some of the slowdown can be attributed to the sudden change in weather. It seems we went so quickly into colder weather without a gradual change it could have thrown him off balance...just a guess.

[dcole]

I would guess that for a dog of a certain size there would be an optimal amount of water they should be drinking. However, there are a lot of variables to take into account.

Does the dog eat moist food?
Humidy and heat where they live - airconditioning and or heating system.
Level of activity.

I don't think there is any one amount that is written - as long as they have clean fresh water available at all times and they are healthy - things should be fine.

Knowing the signs of dehydration is a good thing for owners to know.

" Checking for dehydration in dog is done by pulling the skin on the top of its neck and let it go. If your dog is healthy, the skin quickly goes back to place. The skin does not draw back at once when your dog is unhealthy.
It is more difficult to assess dehydration in some dogs. The skin is tight in obese dog where as an aged dog naturally loss its skin elasticity. The best way to check these dogs is to feel the gums. If the gums are dry and sticky, your dog is dehydrated."

If your dog is showing the symptoms of dehydration - get to your vet.

Thanks, Deb. I just reached down and snapped the skin on the back of Trevor's neck. He seems confused yet hydrated! :LAUGH:

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

Yep, add one more confused, yet hydrated Corgi to the list :LAUGH:.

[Jespah]

Confused is good - dehydrated - not so good! :WINK:

I went through 4 years of two cats going through kidney failure, so I did the skin fold test on a regular basis - I also used to administer fluids under their skin by needle to hydrate them. Both cats lived 2 years after their diagnosis by me keeping on top of their hydration level.

You can confuse yourself too - we can test ourselves or others by pulling up the skin on the back of our hands and seeing how fast it will snap back. Oooh, party trick!!! :TWITCHY:

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

I think that I just gave myself a bruise! Don't think that I will be trying that trick on a stranger, else hubby may be bailing me out of jail, LOL!

[taflar]

Deb, I've also been told that if the gums are grayish, that's another sign of trouble. I suspect that in Bubba's case some of the slowdown can be attributed to the sudden change in weather. It seems we went so quickly into colder weather without a gradual change it could have thrown him off balance...just a guess.

Everyone.
Don't confuse the black on some dogs gums for a problem. That's normal.

When pink gums are bluish yes, that's a problem, dog is probably not getting enough oxygen. More likely the gums will be pale.

The better test is to press on the gums till they blanche white, and see how fast they return to pink. If they return quickly that's good, if not there could be a problem.

It's a good idea to know the normal color of your dogs gums so you know when they're lighter (or even darker) than they should be. And how fast they normally refill.

Peggy