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Topics - Sullivan

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Saint Bernard General Discussions / Backwards Sneezing
« on: October 16, 2005, 02:15:42 am »
Lately Finley has been doing this backwards sneezing thing, it sounds like she is sucking in air and can't catch her breath.  It is only every once in a while.  She also sometimes sounds like she is hacking up a hair ball, also not a constant thing.  Also when she sleeps she has this deep wheezing sounding breath, it almost sounds like a person w/ asthma or something.  Her health seems really good, and the weird coughing stuff doesn't seem to bother her at all.  I'm only asking b/c I know there is that flu going around and i'm wondering if these may be symptoms.  Do I need to be worried?  Could it be something else?  Do Saints have any inherent breathing problems I should watch for?  Hopefully someone will have some insight into this.  Thanks! ;D

P.S.  Here are more pictures of my little girl!

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Saint Bernard General Discussions / More Finley Pics
« on: October 13, 2005, 06:51:47 am »
Here are just a few more.  Sorry, I'm a proud mama!

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Saint Bernard General Discussions / Pictures of the new baby!
« on: October 13, 2005, 06:46:02 am »
Here is our new little girl, Finley.  She is about 8 or 9 weeks old in this photo, so she is much bigger now.  She is such a great addition to our family.  Seamus was a little skeptical at first, but now I think he likes her. 

Just wanted to share!

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Saint Bernard General Discussions / Pee Monster
« on: September 30, 2005, 06:57:52 am »
We recently got a new puppy, another St. named Finley.  She seems really smart, but we have had a little trouble house breaking her.  She has gotten down the concept that she shouldn't poop inside, but peeing is a whole other story.  We call her the pee monster b/c she is peeing constantly, half of the time in and half of the time out.  I talked w/ our trainer at petsmart and she suggested limiting her water intake.  She said some dogs just drink a lot, sometimes more than they need. 

When we first got her I tried to have a strict water curfew, no water after around 8pm.  The problem was she was rough housing w/ Seamus even after 8pm and seemed soooo thirsty.  I inevitably ended up giving her water b/c she was being active.  I have sort of tried limiting the water on a small scale, I leave an empty bowl down and when she goes to it, typically I will give her some.  I don't know how much a puppy should drink and it just seems like it can't be good for her.  Is there such a thing as too much water? 

What should I do?  The pee monster is driving me crazy!

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Food Discussion & Information / Walking while eating
« on: September 03, 2005, 02:54:43 pm »
Whenever Seamus eats he puts a huge bite in his mouth and then wanders around.  He spills food out of his mouth ALL over the house.  It is so annoying and we can't make him sit still.  Does anyone else's dog do this?  If so, any suggestions to make him stop?

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Saint Bernard General Discussions / Can puppy St.'s handle stairs?
« on: September 01, 2005, 03:26:43 pm »
We are getting a new puppy soon and I have a question about whether or not she can handle stairs.  I've heard that puppies shouldn't attempt stairs while they are young to protect their hips.  My bedroom is upstairs so unfortunately they are unavoidable.  I'm wondering should I carry her until she gets too big, or let her try them now? 
We didn't have any stairs in our old house so Seamus never got used to them.  Now he is a little afraid of them.  It is kind of an ordeal to get him down, and I don't want to have to go through the same thing with Finley. 
Any advice?

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Saint Bernard General Discussions / What is the right time to switch to adult food?
« on: September 01, 2005, 03:22:41 pm »
I've heard a bunch of conflicting information.  Our breeders told us to keep our dog on puppy food until he was two, as St.'s are puppies for about two years.  Also, one of the vets where we go confirmed that.  However, Seamus saw a vet today and he told us to switch now. 
Seamus is 16 months now.  He is a VERY finicky eater and is really underweight, he fluctuates between 125 and 133 b/c he'll sometimes go a day or two and not eat much and then gorge himself another.  This behavior started about the time the weather started to get warm, so I've attributed it to the heat.  I'm a little worried about how thin he is.  The vet hasn't said anything and he seems healthy.  He drinks plenty of water and his energy level is good.  The only thing i've noticed is severe itching all over his body.  The vet says allergies and recommends a hypoallergenic food.  Could it be something else?
So, two questions- when to switch to adult food AND could there be something wrong with him?  Thanks!

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Food Discussion & Information / Bill Jacks
« on: May 20, 2005, 03:12:29 pm »
Has anyone ever heard of this food?  It was recommended to me for dogs who are picky eaters.  I haven't ever heard of it and wondered what the pros and cons were.  Thanks!

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Saint Bernard General Discussions / strange bump
« on: May 18, 2005, 11:25:10 am »
I found this strange bump on Seamus' back.  Above his hair it feels like it could be a tick and then when you look at it, it is flesh colored.  It has been there for at least 2 weeks, but who knows how long it has been there under all that hair.  My dad is a Dr. (for people) he said that b/c it is soft it is probably a mole.  I've never heard of dogs getting moles.  Is it normal?
There is always a possibility that it is a tick who got it's head stuck.  We've had that scare a few times and he has taken medication to prevent against blood diseases and stuff.  Do you guys think I should take him to the vet, or just watch it to see if it changes sizes or anything?  Let me know if anyone has a clue.

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Saint Bernard General Discussions / Light Weight
« on: May 04, 2005, 12:46:30 pm »
Ever since Seamus was sick about a month ago, he isn't eating very much.  He only eats about 4 cups a day.  I know they eat less in the summer months, and it is getting hotter, but i'm worried.  He doesn't seem to be affected by it, he still is energetic and looks pretty healthy.  He seems to be severly under weight to me though.  He is almost a year and weighs about 116 lbs.  His father weighed 170 or so.  I know he is still growing, but shouldn't he be bigger?  He is really tall and lanky, but i'm starting to notice how thin he looks.  He seemed to be pretty much average with his growing and weight gain, and since he had that bladder infection he dropped to about 111 and has only gained 5 lbs in about a month.
Anyway, I was wondering if anybody had any suggestions.  Should I add something to encourage him to eat his dry food, or leave him alone? 
I was thinking of adding some canned food to his dry food.  Is there anything better?

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Saint Bernard General Discussions / Exercising your St. Bernard
« on: April 27, 2005, 10:43:36 am »
Should a St. exercise be limited before they reach a certain age?  I know jumping is a no-no, but what about long walks?

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Saint Bernard General Discussions / Feeding Suggestions
« on: April 19, 2005, 01:29:24 pm »
I've noticed on several posts people mentioned they mix food in with their dog's food, such as chicken or vegitables.  I'm really interested in the raw diet, however, I don't think it will really work for me now.  I don't really even cook for myself much less the dog.  But lately, with all of his health problems i'm thinking that maybe I should start.
His eating is still pretty minimal, although it increases a little daily.  I still think he is kind of underweight for his age (113 lbs at 10 months).  I was wondering if those of you who mix in food could let me know what you do and how it works for you.
Before all of his recent medical woes we were told to feed him green beans as it was good for his joints.  He loved them, but we didn't know how often or how much to give him.  He seems to have a sensitive little belly so i'm worried about experimenting too much. 
Should I consider mixing in canned vegitables or some chicken?  Or is canned food okay?  I guess i'm trying to find the most convenient AND cost effective plan (if those two coincide).  I'm also worried about making him a finicky eater. 
I would love any advice you experts may have.  Thanks!

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Saint Bernard General Discussions / Constant Itching?
« on: April 16, 2005, 07:39:10 am »
For about a week and a half now Seamus has had constant itching on his sides.  He seems to itch most behind his shoulder blades.  He is always biting at himself and kicking up his leg to try and get the spot.  I can't find any bumps and the skin doesn't look red or irritated.
He has been on prescription food for his stomach problems, as well as several medications.  The two seemed to coincide.  Could he possibly be allergic to something?  If so, why is he only itching in that one spot?  He just had frontline applied about two weeks ago, so I don't think it is a tick or flea bite, but maybe it is.

I seem to be at the vet every week and I think they think I am a hypochondriac.  Before I take him once again, can anyone give me some advice as to what it might be or possibly how to relieve his itching?

Thanks!

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Saint Bernard Pictures / Seamus
« on: April 09, 2005, 11:52:58 am »
Seamus at 9 months.

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Saint Bernard Pictures / Seamus
« on: April 09, 2005, 11:47:06 am »
Baby Seamus.

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