A sticky problem

[UncleBob]

Hi all,

Whilst not quite as desperate as the Blackadder scenario - "The stickiest situation since Sticky the stick insect got stuck on a sticky bun" - I do have a bit of a dilemma with my dad and his dog that I'd like to share and get some feedback on.

My dad's email was as follows:
" I don't know whether Harvey eats vast amounts of grass, but Stan on occasion not only eats grass but twigs as well and he's been sick on the lounge carpet this evening. The problem is that the little sod does it when I'm not looking. I can't think there's anything the vet could do about it and he passed his yearly check with flying colours, so I'm at a loss as to know what to do next, if anything."

Now, tiny twigs are bad enough but if Stan builds up from twigs to sticks I'd be quite concerned, especially as my dad's idea of a walk is to let Stan out of the boot of the car at the designated walking area (a local wood) and then not seem him again until the end of the walk!!

I've warned him that sharp sticks can be a health issue in terms of potential damage to Stan's mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines and suggested:
* On lead only walks for a while in hopes that any twig-eating habit can be broken before it becomes too ingrained
* One of those canvas muzzles to stop him from eating anything while on the walk / off-lead adventure

Has anybody else encountered this scenario and, if so, how did you resolve it?

Thanks

 

[HAH]

Hmm, I'd say the first port of call would be a vet visit specifically on this issue - eating things like twigs suggests something else going on with digestion or behaviourally. But it's tricky when it's your dad who sounds like he has a more casual approach than many of us! I might sell it as avoiding bigger vet bills down the line.

The other thing I'd want to know is when is he eating twigs/sticks (e.g. at the beginning of walks so possibly overexcitement, or at the end so maybe displacement activity?), which is again tricky as it sounds like Stan is fairly free-roaming on walks. And is it a specific spot? Are the twigs tasty there for some reason?

Your advice is sound, I hope it gets through. But I do think Stan should be checked out for underlying reasons, with management in the meantime as you've suggested. Good luck (also always love a Blackadder quote ).

 

[Selina27]

I agree, talking to a vet would be a good starting point, also maybe discuss diet with a canine nutritionist if possible. I think Lisa Jackson the dog trainer in Worcester has that qualification now doesn't she?
Does your Dad mean that he eats grass /twigs unobserved? If so, how come?
Or is he sick when unobserved?

I think that ruling out any physical cause is the way to go, but also doing training and games to play on walks so that Stan is more focussed on your Dad .

 

[Cath]

Once Stan has been checked out by the vet, I would get one of those canvas muzzles to stop him from eating anything while on the walk.

I don't see what else your Dad can do if he goes off on his own. How old is Stan?

 

[Jelinga]

I would try a basket muzzle. A friend's Lab had an obstruction caused my impacted grass in his stomach. I hope he doesn't throw sticks for him? Probably not if they both have separate walks

 

[UncleBob]

Thanks all.

I've contacted Lisa to see what her thoughts are. I'll pass these on to my dad in addition to what I've already suggested. The trouble is, I suspect it will be a case of 'You can lead a horse to water ...'.

 

[Selina27]

You can only try @UncleBob !

 

[Candy]

I would try a basket muzzle. A friend's Lab had an obstruction caused my impacted grass in his stomach. I hope he doesn't throw sticks for him? Probably not if they both have separate walks

Solstice also had an obstruction caused by grass. The vet who operated described it as 'A 13cm long twisted rope of grass' She used to grab it and eat it on the run because she knew we'd take it from her if we could get to her in time! The vet said that under the circumstances the only thing he could advise to prevent it happening again was a basket muzzle, so we took one with us on every walk and put it on her whenever we came across the sort of grass she liked to eat. Luckily she only seemed to enjoy it in the Spring and early Summer, so the rest of the year was no problem.

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

The trouble is, I suspect it will be a case of 'You can lead a horse to water .

This was my thought, particularly in light of my own experiences trying to get my father to stop feeding Carbón things like sugary cereal with raisins, chocolate chip cookies, etc. .

I will say that it may depend a lot on how irritated he is about cleaning up sick off the carpet and potential payment of big vet bills. My father has ONLY listened to me about not feeding Carbón potatoes, and that’s because he did so against my stark warning and Carbón vomited in my father’s precious car. That stopped my dad COLD.

Hopefully your father can have a similar moment of enlightenment before Stan comes to real harm.

 

[Atemas]

Sadly if this is entrenched behaviour I don’t think your dad can stop it unless his mindset completely changes. So I think once seeing the vet, a basket muzzle ( with the extra guard inside) is the way to go. Our Labrador Sky used to eat other dog poo - . Despite our vigilance and attempts to stop this behaviour, we had to muzzle her on walks. She probably hated it but she eventually accepted it and at least we could give her freedom

 

[Cath]

I would try a basket muzzle

Yes They are better @Jelinga