Something To Think About

[jackaroo]

My 16 year old Sheltie Shae has just had his third seizure. A very nasty one. By the next day he is ok but eventually this will not happen. I have a question for all of you.

I am planning some vacation time in the near future. What do I do with Shae? I am so afraid that I will go away and this poor girl that dog sits will have to handle Shae and his seizures. Is this fair to her? How long do I let this go on?

When do I let go?

Any thoughts? Please be kind. I have no plans to put him down just do go on vacation. I am just sensitive to the person who dogsits

Lee

 

[Fran27]

I don't know. Honestly I wouldn't go on vacations if my dog had such a problem, I would be too worried to not be with him if he didn't survive one. But that's just me I guess.

 

[thewhitewitchone]

You could discuss this with your sitter but I think you mentioned that she is pretty young and may not have experience with that kind of thing. Is it possible that maybe someone from your Vet does Pet Sitting? They would probably be more knowledgeable about it. Please don't even consider boarding Shea. The stress would likely kill him at his age.
Have you checked with your Vet about the seizures? Maybe he should be on medication. They sound pretty severe for him to take until the next day to recover.
Maybe you can get your sitter or a more experienced sitter to house sit for you so Shea will not be left unmonitored. Other than that, my only suggestion would be to cancel your vacation.

Pam

 

[avenlee]

I think only you and Shea will know when the time comes. And I also think nobody here can tell you when that time comes. However, if your so concerned about him, I wouldn't be taking a vacation. Just in my opinion anyways. I certainly wouldn't leave him with just some dog sitter that you couldn't rely on in any event.

I'd take the advice on inquiring with your VET if there is a professional sitter able to handle the seizures that they could recommend.

 

[bubbatd]

Could you board him at your vets ?? When my female golden had major seizures with her brain tumor, I know I couldn't have left her with a sitter. When do you plan to go and for how long ?? Things may have changed by then. At his age, I would give him the highest doses of meds to keep him happy and hopefully seizure free. So many have long term damage to kidneys etc... but to me quality of life at this stage is better than quanity. Bless you both !

 

[thewhitewitchone]

I thought about suggesting boarding at the Vets but they don't have staff there 24/7 (most, anyway) so he would be unattended overnight. Also boarding at the Vet would probably put as much stress on him as boarding at a kennel, IMO. Staying in his home would be the least stressful for him, I would think.
Could you have a friend or relative stay at your house while you are gone?

Pam

 

[Dobelover]

I was thinking of a vet as well. My vet lives right next door to the vet clinic and has broading facilities there.

With your dog being at the vet you can have peace of mind that the dog will be looked after while you are gone and if the dog has a seizure then you will know the vet will be able to deal with that.

I would check and see if there is a vet on your area that can accomadate you.

Good luck .

 

[smkie]

i worked at one kennel that was diligent about giving the meds..they all were charted and no ifs ands or buts was it done and done right. I am sure if you show your dog sitter how to manage the seizure she can handle it..if you don't think she can their are others that may be able to if you have to board. I too think you will know when the time has come.

 

[jackaroo]

Thanks for the replys. I appreciate it. There is a vet tech that dogs sits and I may just ask her to dog sit. We had already paid for and planned the trip before Shae started his seizures. Right now is is doing quite well and having fun with his pal Jack. Jack looks out for Shae.

The trip is for 5 days and since it's a ways away, I'll have time to look into alternative care for Shae.


Again, thanks for your responses and caring.

Lee

 

[bubbatd]

You are very caring....looking into this now ...it's such a worry when we love our friends so .

 

[Athebeau]

Thanks for the replys. I appreciate it. There is a vet tech that dogs sits and I may just ask her to dog sit.

That would be a great idea

I have a few dogs that come in for boaring which are on seizure medication. We know what to do if one the dogs does take a seizure. So, an experienced person should make you feel more at ease away on vacation...don't forget to keep tabs and call every day.

There are so many people that have dogs that take seizures, you can't stop your life.

A friend of mine has a 14 year old Collie that was taking frequent seizures. She has a holistic protocol she started about a year ago and has been seizure free for 8 months. If you want I can ask her what supplements she is giving, and other things she is doing to control them. She actually was able to wean him off Phenobarb.