Never thought I'd say this .. I think I need to rehome my dog :(

[ladyjane]

Advice was given to the OP by a YHR member. Our understanding is that surrendering was not going to happen but other groups were suggested since we could not take him.

[Ursula and pup]

Hi guys, yes, that is what's going on. My husband and I have spent a while discussing and thinking about it and we think we will be contacting one of the more local groups that was suggested to us. We want to take it slow and make sure we find a great fit for him. Thanks so much for your help and concern - I will update again.

[Ursula and pup]

Well, I discussed it with my husband, and he is adamant that we try one last round of testing and treatment. This is very expensive - almost $500 for the testing alone, and over another $1,000 more for the treatment, which we won't even see (potential) results from for several months. No guarantees either. He says after we do this we can talk about rehoming in.

Not gonna lie, folks - I am unhappy. I told him I'd support one last-ditch effort to help our dog, but I am so upset that we are spending this huge amount of money which we really CAN'T afford right now. In the meantime, our dog and our house still smell horrible, and air fresheners worry me because of the health of our poor baby and his underdeveloped lungs. Oh, and this morning we woke up to a NEW hot spot on the dog's side, on the opposite side from the huge nasty hot spot he's been obsessed with for over a year now (this is why he wears clothes, to cover his trunk up, but he finds ways to chew up his skin anyway).

So anyway, this may seem like a happy turn in the story to some of you - hey, we're keeping the dog and trying new treatments! - but for me, it's a continuation of the stress of trying to deal with our dog's problems. I find myself resenting him, even though it's not the poor little guy's fault, and resenting my husband too. I hope that this next round of treatment either cures him (I'm not optimistic) or finally makes my husband see that we can't continue bleeding money and dealing with the stress and tension of his problems.

[capt_noonie]

Your dog deserves to life a life free from whatever disease ails him. It sounds like your husband isn't ready to give him up yet. It is good to hear that he wants to try and see what else may help him. It's a lot better than some stories I've heard that the person doesn't want to treat the dog, and doesn't want to give them up either, and in the end the dog suffers.

In case you haven't been pointed in our direction yet, YTNR has members in the Nor Cal area. I can give you some contacts in you want, but I cannot guarantee we have room or funds to take him in either.

[chachi]

Just dont take it out on this pup that you resent him he doesnt deserve it he cant help he has these problems and its your husband that didnt want to rehome him. I think he would be better off being rehomed than being resented

[Ursula and pup]

I would never do anything to hurt my little dog! I want to help him, and I have been trying for years (and still am), but we are not wealthy people, and with a new baby and me not working the cost is beyond what we can afford. Still, we are making the sacrifices in order to do it.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Ursula and pup

I would never do anything to hurt my little dog! I want to help him, and I have been trying for years (and still am), but we are not wealthy people, and with a new baby and me not working the cost is beyond what we can afford. Still, we are making the sacrifices in order to do it.

I do hope this works out. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. It would be wonderful if you could get this under control. Please keep us posted.

[jsbart]

Have you tried Douxo shampoo? My yorkie has itching problems and I have tried many things. Found this while searching online and decided to give it a try. He still scratches but his skin is now so clear and clean and he no longer has that funky smell. It's kind of pricey (about $25) for 16 oz. but lathers really good so I think it will last for at least 3 months. I think I got it on Amazon.

[Ursula and pup]

Went to the dermatologist today and left feeling demoralized, depressed, and broke. Here's the breakdown:

Visit and meds: $335
Allergy testing: ~ $400
Immunotherapy: ~ $75/month (we went with the less expensive oral doses vs. shots)

The rescues we've contacted can't take him. Our vet seemed somewhat sympathetic to our plight but even she made us feel like bad people for even thinking of trying to find him a foster home. This is emotionally taxing enough as it is (currently in tears), and we would only ever leave our dog in the care of kind, gentle people. So we have no choice but to eat the cost, get on immunotherapy, and re-evaluate in a few months. Oh and our rent just went up!!

Honestly I am pretty devastated. Anyone know any rich retirees who wouldn't mind taking a very sweet, lovable dog to the vet for skin infections every couple of months? I think that's what he really needs!

[gemy]

I truly feel how painfull and frustrated you are. But I was going to suggest to get a soft e cone collar for him. THis will work much better to stop him licking on his hot spots. I would use this collar around the clock, other than when you take him out for walks and or are playing with him.

One of our members makes and sells them.

Don't allow even another vets opinion of what you should or should not do in terms of re-homing your pup cause you grief. You and your husband need to make the right decision for your family, and your family includes your dog.

And yes I do know how expensive seeing specialists can be, but look on the bright side, those allergy tests might show something definitive!

I do so hope that your dog begins to heal, you and your husband are really going that extra mile for him.

[lisaly]

One of my Rainbow Bridge babies had terrible allergies. It was a long time ago, but my vet taught me how to administer Kiwi's injections. I hope the medication helps your pup. Congratulations on the birth of your baby.

[Ursula and pup]

He really hates any kind of collar besides his regular one, and clothes actually work fairly well for him (when they cover enough of his trunk), but maybe we'll think about it again. The fur on his trunk is kinda sparse at this point so he looks better with clothes anyway, and his head is still fluffy and cute.

Thank you for your words of encouragement! I'm really, really hoping the immunotherapy works, and I'm very curious about what the allergy tests will show (results come in a week). I suspect he's allergic to the world!

[107barney]

OMG it's cruel to not allow a dog to scratch by putting it in a cone!!! I have a dog with allegies - severe allergies - and never have I done this to her. I use medications and baths and Benadryl.

Have you tried Atopica with this dog?

[107barney]

Also, for hot spots, try domeboro's solution. OTC at cvs in first aid section. Make up the solution and hold cotton balls soaked in it on the hot spots 3x a day and they will dry up.

[gemy]

OMG it is not cruel. Dogs wear cones all the time after surgery to stop them from licking sic.. irritating a healing wound. A cone could provide a healing oasis of time to allow his meds to do their work and allow the hot spot to heal up and become less hot and irritating to him.

In any case OP you can talk to the vet about the advisability of cone in your dogs case.