[MississippiC]

We have a 4 year old adopted rescue beagle who is about to start his serious heart worm treatment. He is now strong and really rambunctious. On one hand, I'm hoping that will give him a better chance of survival. On the other, how do I keep him calm? He is not neutered, since that is yet another thing the vet recommended we hold off on until after the treatment. He is highly allergic to grass and despite my efforts to make him a house dog, he loves to escape. Any thoughts or advice from someone who has been through this would be greatly appreciated. He's a spoiled mess, but we love him.

 

[oldhounddog]

I would crate your dog and take potty walks only for now. This worked for me and my dogs all did OK.

Best , oldhounddog

 

[MississippiC]

Thanks, Oldhounddog. He hates the crate, but I think that might be the best option for this. I may try covering it and see if that helps.

 

[lynn]

I agree, covering the crate and keeping it in a quiet place away from your daily household activity sounds, might make the crate more tolerable to him. Most dogs feel comfortable in a quiet "den".

 

[MississippiC]

Thanks, Lynn! I'll try that.

 

[MississippiC]

I haven't updated this in a long time, and I'm not sure anyone is going to respond, but I feel the need to vent, so here goes. After going through the months of treatment, our sweet dog seems to be feeling great. However, I noticed that he was still coughing so I was concerned. Anyway, when we got him tested right after the treatment, he tested a very faint positive for heartworms. We were told that sometimes happened, and that he would be tested again, to verify that the treatment worked. Meanwhile we were to continue his monthly heartworm prevention, which we did religiously, being very careful to document it on the package. He was tested again last week, and the results came back a very strong positive. He has more heartworms than when we started the treatment. Apparently there is a strain of resistant heartworms in the Mississippi delta (and nearby areas, I found from researching internet), and our sweet rescue beagle has them. The vet is making calls and told us that he'll keep us informed. I should also mention that he is also on a treatment against mosquitoes. That's who I've decided to blame - the mosquitoes, because I never did like them anyway.

 

[Mom2Beagles]

Oh no, I am so sorry to hear that! I really, really hate mosquitos and ticks...both are useless creatures. I hope your vet can come up with something to help. How is your beag feeling other than the cough?

 

[MississippiC]

Thank you, Mom2Beagles. He seems to be feeling great! He is playful and loving. We have a 7 month old kitten that he thinks we got just for him, and they are silly together. He really hasn't coughed today at all. He really doesn't act sick, so that's a blessing. It's hard waiting, though. He's such a sweet dog.

 

[wishbone]

So sorry to hear about your beagle going through, thank you for your big heart for him. Just glad he is still having much fun after all, sending more healing vibes for his full recovery.

 

[MississippiC]

Thank you, wishbone. He still isn't coughing as much, and seems to be feeling great. I'm just grateful that he seems to feel as good as he apparently does. I need to take one of the cats in to the vet for her shots, and will ask for news on his situation then, assuming they haven't called.