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***Katie***
Katie- first I hope things are going ok by you with everyone being sick, DH being OOT, and now your dog. I don't mean to bother you, but I thought you might be a good person to ask about this.
My Mom told me last night that our lab, Bella, tore up some carpet in the bedroom. She's NEVER done anything like that. Of course she had her destructive streak when she was a puppy, just like all labs, but she's 8 years old now and hasn't done anything destructive since she was around 1...and never anything like this. It's VERY out of character for her. My Mom was home at lunch time, everything was fine, so it was sometime between lunch and when my Mom got home from work that she tore up the carpet. She seems to be fine otherwise...she's wagging her tail, happy to spend time with everyone, drinking and eating. The only things my Mom could think of are that she's been constipated for the past few days (unlike her, no food changes either), or maybe she got some pesticide on her paws from the grass (the community just sprayed some; but my parents keep her off the grass at all costs because she has a grass allergy). Bella is suffering from seasonal allergies right now, but that's nothing new for her. I'm going to call later to check on her, but it's just SO weird that she'd do something like this. I didn't know if you (or anyone else) had experienced this, or had any suggestions.
Anyone else who happens on this post...feel free to respond if you have any thoughts.
Thanks!
Re: ***Katie***
With labs a lot of the time it is separation anxiety. This can develop at any time and is a pain to deal with.
If your parents don't have a solid slab foundation, I would say there is a chance she could hear a critter underneath and was trying to get at it. (Mouse, etc.)
As for the constipation, I would give her a few tablespoons of canned pumpkin over her food for the next few days. The extra fiber will help get her going. I doubt pesticides are the issue because the symptoms would be totally different.
You can give her Benadryl for her allergies as well. Its 1mg of Benadryl per pound when giving it to your dogs. You can get regular Diphenhydramine over the counter anywhere . . . it works great. If that doesn't help see if your vet can prescribe something else. We usually recommend you start with Benadryl first because it is affordable.
What Bella did is something I would classify as being a behavioral issue, it doesn't sound medical. A lot of dogs develop separation anxiety because they aren't being disciplined the way they should be . . . such as owners who let them get away with being dominant, etc. I went through this with Trudie. Try working on training, even though she is 8, simply so she gets the message that she isn't the boss. See if that helps.
If all else fails, call your DVM. Good luck! (Sorry its so long!)
Thanks for all the suggestions! I really appreciate it!
Do you happen to know if pumpkin is ok for sensitive stomachs? Bella has food allergies, so her diet is very basic. The vet suggested some olive oil for the constipation, which has been ok for her in the past (not sure if it's helping this time around yet). But, I'll suggest pumpkin to my Mom as well.
My Mom stock piles Benadryl for her LOL, she takes it throughout the allergy season. Poor thing.
Very interesting about the behavioral/separation anxiety. She's well trained and pretty submissive and has always been very content with the routine (my parents' work hours, etc.). I wonder what could have changed. I'll ask them to keep an eye on her to see if there are any other behavioral changes.
Thanks again!
**butting in**
Can the benadryl also help with flea allergies? My dog Snap is allergic to flea bites(of all things). I give him Comfortus(sp?) and it really helps but it's sooo expensive. I'm about to have to buy more and was just wondering if I could try the Benadryl.
Thanks
**butting out**