When she came to us, she was traumatized by the loss of her dad and was very sick herself. Because her dad had been sick for several months, he wasn't able to attend to her needs. When we got her, she was underweight, had two ear infections and severe allergies.
I’m happy to say that she is doing well now. We took her to the vet and got her on medication for both the ear infections and the allergies. We were able to clear up the ear infections within a few weeks, but the allergies are a bit more problematic.
Right now, I still have her on a low dose of steroids since we don't know what specifically she is allergic to. I'm carefully testing different food to see how she reacts and bathing her on a regular basis to help reduce the itching.
But beyond that, she has adjusted well. She’s happy in her new home with several kitties to keep her company. She enjoys hanging out in my office while I work and going for a daily walk around the neighborhood. She still seems to have some issues with separation anxiety, but we're working on that.
Then there are the other things we've had to work on - things like staying out the cats’ litter boxes, not getting into the trash, not taking food off the counter, etc. She’s learning, but I'm learning too. Learning to pick things up that I used to leave down, to not leave food where she can reach it, and to shut the cellar door so she can’t just go downstairs when she really should go outside. Yes, we're both on the learning curve here.
We're slowly finding our way to a “new normal”, and now that we've made it past the initial crisis of her adjusting to a new home, I’m looking forward to spending more time together. I'll let you know how it goes.
I'm glad that she's doing better the rest will fall into place with time,xx Speedy's mum
ReplyDeleteso glad that you are BOTH adjusting pretty darned well! I keep Cody's litter in my bathroom (where Dakota can't get to it). I have part of our condo baby gated to keep Dakota away from cat toys, cat food and litter!
ReplyDeleteHer allergies are most likely from food. You could try taking her off all food containing grains and soy. For about three days, just feed her cooked turkey or chicken and see how she does on that. You can get it ground, make patties, cook them in the oven, freeze the cooked patties, and feed as needed. Also, try giving her spoonfuls of canola, olive, or grapeseed oil in her food, give her only bottled water, and for a treat, let her have PUMPKIN. I am fully convinced that pumpkin is a miracle wonder food. My dogs go nuts for it, the cats eat it like starving creatures, and I initially bought it only for my bunnies!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, slowly add ingredients to the patties, like egg, shredded carrot, pumpkin, a tiny bit of banana, maybe some babyfood applesauce and spinach, etc. Then add whole grain one at a time. First, brown rice. the next week, add whole oats, then...well, then that is it. For my babies,two cats, two dogs, and four rabbits the only two grains that are acceptable are whole oats and brown rice (the rabbits only get the oats, not rice). As far as vitamins, you can buy a supplement, it does not have to be all their food.
You can also use olive oil on her itchy spots, cortisone cream on her hot spots, and add tea tree oil and even canola or olive oil to her to her shampoo. You can also have the vet give her something for anxiety (low dose) and that might help with her skin and coat a little. Who knows how much of her problem is nerves.
Thank you for the update - I was wondering how you were faring and I am glad to see Zora is being so well taken care of. Life is always a learning curve and it is wonderful that you can acknowledge that with grace and honesty!
ReplyDeleteAllergies can be so difficult to identify and treat. It's wonderful of you to take such good care of Zora.
ReplyDeletePoor baby, she sure has been thru a lot. Thank God you rescued her and took her in. You are her angel!
ReplyDeleteZora will be just fine - she has YOU as her new pet parent. Bless your heart!
ReplyDeleteHow sweet! I'm glad you could take her because you understand and will work with her. We think it's bad when we lose our pets. How about when they lose us?
ReplyDeleteConsidering the circumstances, it sounds like things are going pretty well. Zora is so lucky to have you!
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing. I am happy Zora is in your care!
ReplyDeleteI've been a dog mom to Luna for just over 6 months and we are still figuring out things. I think it is great that you can learn about each other and adjust. Zora is a lucky girl to find a loving home. Luna and I dealt with some separation anxiety too. I think the key is to make sure she is well exercised and to play into her natural interests. Since Luna is a beagle and loves to smell and hunt, we hide small treats and toys around the house before we leave.
ReplyDeleteJessica from Beagles and Bargains
Zora is blessed by having you as her new mom. I'm sure she's going to keep getting better.
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