Cruising With A Service Dog....everything You Ever Wanted To Know!

[Algebralovr]

I'm with Roz. If my vet told me he didn't recommend heartworm preventative, I would find another vet. Just my humble opinion.

Me three! On our first vet visit, I let Dr Smith know that Scooter had had zeri vet care in the first 8 weeks of life. She asked for a stool sample. When I couldn't bring one in, she decided that a five day worming treatment was a good idea, since Scooter had been living outside in a barn and eating who knows what.

 

She insists that he is on a flea & tick oral chew as well as Heartguard. Once a month and not that expensive. Safer for him.

 

Years ago (like 40) hubby saw a dog who had heartworms. They lived on a farm. He said it is a horrible way to go. He is glad we have a preventive now.

 

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

[wizard-of-roz]

Me three! On our first vet visit, I let Dr Smith know that Scooter had had zeri vet care in the first 8 weeks of life. She asked for a stool sample. When I couldn't bring one in, she decided that a five day worming treatment was a good idea, since Scooter had been living outside in a barn and eating who knows what.

 

She insists that he is on a flea & tick oral chew as well as Heartguard. Once a month and not that expensive. Safer for him.

 

Years ago (like 40) hubby saw a dog who had heartworms. They lived on a farm. He said it is a horrible way to go. He is glad we have a preventive now.

 

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

 

The heartworm attacks the dogs heart and respiratory system. They die a very slow death of congestive heart failure........it is agonizing and tortuous.....breaks my heart when I even think of it!

[rangeley]

Have a great cruise Chris!!!

[rangeley]

Mayor of Lurkerville checking in!

 

Fairborne, I was starting to worry since you haven't posted in a while. Bonnie is so beautiful! Your hard work is having great results. One of my co-workers recently visited a relative who is a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind, I think that is the organization. At any rate, it got her thinking that maybe she could do it too. I hope so, what a joy to help others have greater independence on life's journey.

 

Warning - Tiny bit of a cute story to share now. 😊 Gibson thinks he should be able to enjoy people food at every opportunity. (We do NOT feed him anything but his special dog food.) Mandy was enjoying some of her favorite Queso flavored potato chips, when she dropped the whole bag on the living room floor. Of course, Gibson has his eagle eye on the cleanup operations to make sure no stray pieces of chip are left on the floor. Very thoughtful of Gibson to be concerned about cleanliness, not! He made his best effort at licking up any residue/potato chip dust that Mandy couldn't see. End of story? Nope! Later in the evening, after she had gone to bed, Diana calls her to ask why Gibson has nacho breath. She noticed it immediately when he snuggled down for the night. Guess he didn't realize that Queso chip dust causes bad breath after consuming...

 

When we are in the kitchen he always takes special note of anything that hits the floor. As soon as we move from the spot where it fell he hurriedly strolls over to snap it up. He wouldn't want to be so obvious as to run to the dropped item. It doesn't matter how diligent we are about picking up fallen pieces of food. He loves to eat! Sometimes we have to attach his leash to a chair so he will stay in his spot in the kitchen. Certain members of the family are messier cooks than the rest of us, which he figured out very soon after moving in to be Diana's service dog. Labs are too smart for their own good.

 

Hope all of you are doing well and enjoying the spring weather. DH and I are getting some R&R on the beautiful banks of Lake Taneycomo, in Branson, MO. Last evening we saw a Pileated woodpecker fly past us, and then a couple hours later he came swooping back the other way! First time in my life to see this gorgeous bird. Across the river from us a Great Blue Heron is standing still as a statue watching for an unsuspecting rainbow trout to catch for his next meal. We can also see and hear dozens of different birds; such as wrens, chickadees, green flycatchers, goldfinches. Not to be left off our list, the ubiquitous turkey vulture, or buzzard as we commonly call them. Winged sensory overload!

 

Thanks!

Beckie

 

Labs are like vacuum cleaners. Wex doesn't miss anything that hits the floor. He doesn't have the 5 second rule, he has the any second, minute, hour rule.

Edited April 7, 2016 by rangeley

[rangeley]

Mornin' all:

I guess I have become Ms. Lurkerville #2! I just want to say, I come to this site every morning and at least read all the posts. It kick starts my day with a smile on my face (most mornings). You guys make me laugh, sometimes you make me cry, other times tears just well up in my eyes (like right now) just from being a part of you amazing peoples lives. It is refreshing to read about all the "good" and not reflect on the evil that is consuming this country.

 

I read posts and think, "oh I should respond", then think "I will do it later and later never comes." Also, don't want to miss responding to someone and leave them out! I know, I know, Ms. OCD shows up far too often, even for me.

 

Cindy: I think your calculation must be wrong, Mr. Sexy Wexy cannot be 9 years old!

 

Ms. Fairbourne: Little Ms. Bonnie cannot be that "BIG". She was just a wee one, yesterday. Oh and speaking of being that "BIG" Ms. Aruba just can't be training Ms. Bonnie. She was that little mischievious thing just the other day.

 

Roz: Mr. Horty pants is still that tall, lanky, dark haired boy that trots around with that Tall, big haired blonde lady.

 

To all the "newer" members. WOW, just WOW that you share your fantabulous furbabies with us. It is like growing up with them.

 

Anyways, thats all folks. Everyone have a great rest of the week and a wonderous weekend.

 

 

Wish it was a mistake Nancy. Not liking that he is 9 already. 🙁

[rangeley]

Krypti, I called my Vets office and asked them why would another Vet tell their patient that heartworm med. was not necessary. He said that would be a Vet who has never seen a dog suffer in agony when they come down with the heartworm. The heartworm is so easily prevented with a tasty chew that the dog takes once a month.

 

Canine Companions for Independence [the org. I get my Service Dogs from] INSISTS that their dogs be on Heartguard.

 

Please ask another Vet about it. And, in answer to your question my Vet ALWAYS puts on the form that my dog is treated for Heartworm and takes a flea and tick abatement chew each and every month.

 

My Service Dog is invaluable to me [as would be my pet dog], it's my duty to make sure they get the very best care I can give them.

 

I have never heard of a vet that doesn't think a dog should be on heartworm meds. Bizarre!!

[Insuregal]

Nancy, I am quite sure you are the president of Lurkerville. Roz appointed me as mayor, so I'm sure your position is much more grand than mine. :)

 

Happy Thursday!

Beckie

[wizard-of-roz]

I have never heard of a vet that doesn't think a dog should be on heartworm meds. Bizarre!!

 

Unfortunately, there are some! I don't understand it either. I hope that Krypti really questions their Vet about his/her reasoning.

[Krypti]

Thanks for the advice, all!

 

I think (and I'm trying to remember back two years now, so forgive me if I get the details wrong) my vet's reasoning is that he didn't want to keep putting more chemicals into Darian's system, after Darian started having seizures. We also discussed medications for his seizures, such as phenobarbital, but decided against it. As it turns out, Darian can go between 8 and 12 months between his "seizure weeks" (I don't want to call them clusters, because they're not!) so it's a good thing we didn't try the phenobarbital. We never would've known he could be seizure-free for so long without medication if I'd filled that prescription the day I got it.

 

We're also in Arizona, and here in the desert, there's A LOT of controversy about our mosquitoes -- as in, we don't have many at all, especially outside Phoenix proper. Towns do mass-spraying, and people face hefty fines for leaving standing water, but in general, our mosquito problems are minimal at best.

 

Things will be different with the puppy when it comes to heartworm, especially since we'll be traveling more. As for flea and tick preventative, I'll stick with an as-needed treatment instead, only because we don't go to places where exposure is likely. Again, I know it's not 100%, but I feel better avoiding more unnecessary chemicals.

 

I don't want this to seem like I'm looking for an all-natural solution to everything. I'm not! I'm all for vaccines and whatever supplements and medications my vet recommends. I just don't want to go too far the other way, too. I'm looking for a healthy balance.

 

+++

 

On a cheerier topic, we had a great outing to the base today, practicing walking in stores and resting quietly in the food court. We head to Vegas in three days! Wish us luck!

[wizard-of-roz]

Thanks for the advice, all!

 

I think (and I'm trying to remember back two years now, so forgive me if I get the details wrong) my vet's reasoning is that he didn't want to keep putting more chemicals into Darian's system, after Darian started having seizures. We also discussed medications for his seizures, such as phenobarbital, but decided against it. As it turns out, Darian can go between 8 and 12 months between his "seizure weeks" (I don't want to call them clusters, because they're not!) so it's a good thing we didn't try the phenobarbital. We never would've known he could be seizure-free for so long without medication if I'd filled that prescription the day I got it.

 

We're also in Arizona, and here in the desert, there's A LOT of controversy about our mosquitoes -- as in, we don't have many at all, especially outside Phoenix proper. Towns do mass-spraying, and people face hefty fines for leaving standing water, but in general, our mosquito problems are minimal at best.

 

Things will be different with the puppy when it comes to heartworm, especially since we'll be traveling more. As for flea and tick preventative, I'll stick with an as-needed treatment instead, only because we don't go to places where exposure is likely. Again, I know it's not 100%, but I feel better avoiding more unnecessary chemicals.

 

I don't want this to seem like I'm looking for an all-natural solution to everything. I'm not! I'm all for vaccines and whatever supplements and medications my vet recommends. I just don't want to go too far the other way, too. I'm looking for a healthy balance.

 

+++

 

On a cheerier topic, we had a great outing to the base today, practicing walking in stores and resting quietly in the food court. We head to Vegas in three days! Wish us luck!

 

Are you taking your dog to Vegas? Vegas is full of standing water and mosquitos. I don't want to beat this horse to death but I still disagree with your Vet.

[DUTRAVEL]

Final packing day! Tomorrow we drive over to Ft. Lauderdale and sail at 4 p.m., 10 days Caribbean & Canal.

 

I sent the paperwork last week to the USDA Service Center for endorsement (all overnight service.) They held it back and told my USDA-certified vet to call them yesterday to confirm that the dog had received her K9 Advantix II, 48 hours before departure. Her notation on the submitted form that it would be done wasn't sufficient.

 

Have a fabulous time Chris and Raylene (and Mr. Chris!). You are our guinea pig - we will want to hear how everything went in Panama and your other ports.

 

Fingers crossed that your forms arrive on time tomorrow. At least for my first time in October, I think I will drive to Sacramento (which is only about an hour away) to get the USDA endorsement.

 

Dianne

[DUTRAVEL]

The heartworm attacks the dogs heart and respiratory system. They die a very slow death of congestive heart failure........it is agonizing and tortuous.....breaks my heart when I even think of it!

 

That sounds so awful, I can't even think about that happening.

 

Henri is on heartworm and flea medication. We were given the topical Frontline by CCI. What is the flea and tick oral chew and is it approved by CCI?

 

Dianne

[Caribbean Chris]

Have a fabulous time Chris and Raylene (and Mr. Chris!). You are our guinea pig - we will want to hear how everything went in Panama and your other ports.

 

Fingers crossed that your forms arrive on time tomorrow. At least for my first time in October, I think I will drive to Sacramento (which is only about an hour away) to get the USDA endorsement.

 

Dianne

 

Thanks, Dianne! I did get all the USDA papers back today! Besides the 7001 there was a 2-page USDA Aruba form and a 3-page Costa Rica form my vet unearthed. (Not found on the USDA website.) Book a cruise, kill a tree, that's my mantra.

 

We'll leave by 8 a.m. tomorrow, so it was a relief to get them. You are so right to plan on driving to Sacramento. Apparently they'll give you an appointment, at least here they will. Every time I send the docs I wonder what obscure point will be an issue this time. But at least now I have my local vet in my corner helping me.

[Krypti]

Question for solo-cruisers:

 

Have any of you ever cruised alone with a service dog? If so, how did you handle the dog at the pool? If the dog has a rock-solid down-stay, would you leave him within sight of the pool so you could swim? Would you tether him to something? Or just not swim?

[Algebralovr]

That sounds so awful, I can't even think about that happening.

 

Henri is on heartworm and flea medication. We were given the topical Frontline by CCI. What is the flea and tick oral chew and is it approved by CCI?

 

Dianne

 

The oral chew is called NexGuard, and my vet thinks it works. She started Scooter (3/4 lab, 1/4 chow) on it at 8 weeks.

 

We are in Missouri, and the ticks are already BAD this year. Plus we have Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in the tick population in the area. I know this for a fact - as my DS got it 18 months ago.

 

You'd have to check further with CCI.

[Caribbean Chris]

We're on board, preparing for safety drill in 40 minutes.

 

Holland America has treated us royally. We were escorted through arrivals to a very professional lady who took us to a check-in station for the photo, key cards, etc. she then personally took us onto the ship, no waiting at all. She radioed ahead and we were met by a Guest Relations supervisor who escorted us to our stateroom and told us where we would find the relief box. The room had an assistive hearing devise for door etc (Raylene already serves that purpose.)

 

We went down to the promenade deck forward, and there were two boxes in a protected area out if the wind or rain, side by side, one tagged with Raylene's name and the other for "Louie." Looking forward to meeting him! Ray hasn't used it yet, just sniffed, but that's normal. She resists the idea but eventually gives it up.

 

Had a peaceful, civilized lunch in the main dining room, followed by a glass of champagne up in the Crow's Nest Lounge by invitation for repeaters (Mariners Club.) Now just awaiting luggage but of course we had some dog food packed in our carry on, so we're fine for now.

 

So far, we are off to a great start! Love Holland America Line.

[rangeley]

Chris just reminded me of something on the ship last cruise. They had this plastic ball on the desk and everytime the phone rang,( which seemed to be alot) the ball would bang on the desk like you wouldnt believe. Awesome for the hearing impaired, not so much for hearing people. We tried to disable it but nothing worked outside of ripping out of the wall, which I almost did. Scared the crap out of us. Finally wrapped in in a big towel and that worked. :eek:

[DUTRAVEL]

The oral chew is called NexGuard, and my vet thinks it works. She started Scooter (3/4 lab, 1/4 chow) on it at 8 weeks.

 

We are in Missouri, and the ticks are already BAD this year. Plus we have Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in the tick population in the area. I know this for a fact - as my DS got it 18 months ago.

 

You'd have to check further with CCI.

 

Thanks Barb - if its safe and effective it would be so much easier than the topical treatment.

 

Dianne

[DUTRAVEL]

We're on board, preparing for safety drill in 40 minutes.

 

Holland America has treated us royally. We were escorted through arrivals to a very professional lady who took us to a check-in station for the photo, key cards, etc. she then personally took us onto the ship, no waiting at all. She radioed ahead and we were met by a Guest Relations supervisor who escorted us to our stateroom and told us where we would find the relief box. The room had an assistive hearing devise for door etc (Raylene already serves that purpose.)

 

So far, we are off to a great start! Love Holland America Line.

 

Wow - they are doing a great job, sounds like HAL knows how to do it.

 

Dianne

[Krypti]

We're on board, preparing for safety drill in 40 minutes.

 

Holland America has treated us royally. We were escorted through arrivals to a very professional lady who took us to a check-in station for the photo, key cards, etc. she then personally took us onto the ship, no waiting at all. She radioed ahead and we were met by a Guest Relations supervisor who escorted us to our stateroom and told us where we would find the relief box. The room had an assistive hearing devise for door etc (Raylene already serves that purpose.)

 

We went down to the promenade deck forward, and there were two boxes in a protected area out if the wind or rain, side by side, one tagged with Raylene's name and the other for "Louie." Looking forward to meeting him! Ray hasn't used it yet, just sniffed, but that's normal. She resists the idea but eventually gives it up.

 

Had a peaceful, civilized lunch in the main dining room, followed by a glass of champagne up in the Crow's Nest Lounge by invitation for repeaters (Mariners Club.) Now just awaiting luggage but of course we had some dog food packed in our carry on, so we're fine for now.

 

So far, we are off to a great start! Love Holland America Line.

 

That's fantastic! It sounds like HAL knows how to treat their guests and service dogs!

[Insuregal]

Thanks Barb - if its safe and effective it would be so much easier than the topical treatment.

 

Dianne

 

Hi Dianne,

Gibson used to hate the topical treatment. As soon as we put it on he would tear through the house and throw himself on the floor, and over on his back trying to rub it off. Now that he gets Nexgard we have no such behavior. He thinks both the Nexgard and Heartgard are special treats he only gets once a month; so much excitement when Diana gets them out of the drawer for him! Oh, those food centric Labs...

 

Have a great weekend!

Beckie

[thephantomsgirl]

LOL on Gibson thinking the Nexguard and Heartgard are treats!

 

Jagger fortunately just takes his Triflexis without argument.

 

Hope Chris is having a great cruise. HAL sounds great.

 

Jagger and me at class today. Hoping he's coming home SOON! (we are going well)

 

 

Holly

[Algebralovr]

Wish me luck, all,

Scooter and I are going to our puppy socialization class all by ourselves tomorrow. Hubby cannot go. I finally drove on Thursday for the first time since March 4. The PT thinks everything looks good so far on the left ankle, but I don't want to push it. I'm allowed some weight on it after being completely non-weight bearing since surgery.

 

When I take Scooter out on crutches, he is so good! I am rather amazed.

 

Our niece and the girls next door (we live next door to the Christian Campus Fellowship -Women's House) have been amazing. The only bad thing is that he sees a girl heading his direction and he flops over onto his back for belly rubs. It is so funny! But something we will need to work on. I think he likes his belly rubs almost as much as his treats!

 

He is up to 35lbs. Such a big boy and 17 weeks old today. He got to visit the machine shop at the student design Center today with the niece. All the students are stressed out getting ready for competition, so he provided some much needed puppy time for them. Because life is always better when you get puppy kisses.

 

Meanwhile the Human Powered Vehicle Challenge team, the Concrete Canoe Team, twould different proto-type car teams, the Mars Rover team and more are all spending the weekend working hard. Life at an engineering university is never boring, and Scooter makes it better!

 

Have a great weekend!

[thephantomsgirl]

Barb,

 

Good luck, you'll do just fine!

 

Holly

[DUTRAVEL]

Hi Dianne,

Gibson used to hate the topical treatment. As soon as we put it on he would tear through the house and throw himself on the floor, and over on his back trying to rub it off. Now that he gets Nexgard we have no such behavior. He thinks both the Nexgard and Heartgard are special treats he only gets once a month; so much excitement when Diana gets them out of the drawer for him! Oh, those food centric Labs...

 

Have a great weekend!

Beckie

 

Thanks Beckie - I am definitely going to talk to Henri's vet about the Nexgard at her next appointment. It sounds so much easier than the topical treatment. She loves the Heartgard - of course she is a lab too!

 

Dianne