topic Re: Any suggestions for Willow? in Community Chat

Any suggestions for Willow?

MamaWick — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 21:57:44 GMT

I know this should probably go in the Pet Lovers forum, but I really only post here along with in the TV and Movies forum. She's making us crazy. We have deer in our yard every day who leave presents. We do pick up and dispose of the presents, but not every day. In the 6-1/2 months Willow has been part of the family, she was not in the least interested. However, since Saturday she has decided the deer poop is appetizing and we don’t know why. BRAT!

Re: Any suggestions for Willow?

Mz iMac — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 22:41:14 GMT

My Chi-Chi lives in the boonies where the deer population is the majority over human population. Our private dog park is full of deer poop in certain spots where the deer feed. In the dog park, she runs wild unleashed.

Fortunately, Chi-Chi knows the word "NO!" which I taught her when I first rescued her. I would say "NO!" loudly whenever she ventured towards the deer feeding grounds and/or deer poop.

Now she just ignores the deer feeding grounds & the poop.

I have a deep voice which helps.

If I wasn't around, I am sure she would be feasting on deer poop.

Does Willow know the word "NO?"

Re: Any suggestions for Willow?

nooni — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 22:52:34 GMT

When a furbaby does that, it means that they are lacking a certain enzyme in their body..

Prozyme is a good powder that you can add to her food... that will replace the enzyme..

It contains Bromelain..pineapple enzyme which is very good for our babies..

Try it... add a little canned pumpkin to her food.

Hope this helps ...

Willow be a good girl.

Re: Any suggestions for Willow?

fthunt — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 23:11:18 GMT

Spank her and yell........NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

That took care of first dog's interest in her own poo poo - would bring it in the house.

Re: Any suggestions for Willow?

SilleeMee — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 23:42:29 GMT

I had a dog that ate all kinds of poo including his own, the cat's poo and the other dog's poo. I could not control him when it came to that problem. I tried everything. I even asked a pro dog trainer and the trainer told me to use a shock collar and it would only be a temporary thing until my dog got trained to stay away from the poo. It worked. I know that sounds cruel and inhumane but it was my last resort. The dog turned out to be one of the most loving dogs I ever had and I was so glad I didn't give him away.

I'm not saying that's what you should do but that's what I had to do. The poo eating was only half of the problem. The rest came afterwards if you know what I mean and that happened inside the house constantly.

Re: Any suggestions for Willow?

RedTop — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 23:48:12 GMT

Willow is just doing what all dogs do, but deer poop is a dangerous thing for a dog to eat, especially a very small dog. I would be calling the vet, because she's likely going to need treatment.

Re: Any suggestions for Willow?

SilleeMee — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 00:05:59 GMT

Most every wild four-legged animal has parasites living in their gut amongst some life-threatening bad bacteria. If the dog shows signs of lethargy after eating the deer poo then take it to the vet right away.

Re: Any suggestions for Willow?

bmorechick — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 00:07:47 GMT

What @RedTop said. Deer carry so many diseases that are not visible to you. The DNR around here constantly warns people about feeding and attracting them. Apparently it's a bad idea to try and feed them. They are wild animals and should be treated as such.
They may be nice to at, but they are so destructive. I would be trying to get them as far away from my property as possible. That's a cute little dog and hopefully she will be ok.

Re: Any suggestions for Willow?

maximillian — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 00:22:51 GMT

@MamaWick

You love your Willow AND you love the deer.

I agree with other posters about consulting with your vet about this issue.

However, is there a way to give Willow room to run in the yard and construct some kind of a fence or barrier so she does not go out into the yard area where the deer congregate? I can't imagine that you would discourage deer from coming to your property after all this time you have enjoyed them and supported them with your feedings.

This is a tough one. Let us know how you resolve it.

Re: Any suggestions for Willow?

ECBG — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 00:39:29 GMT

I would go by your vet's advice.

So sorryI haven'tbeenabletopost. A number of us can'tget into the forums.

Only my phone works. It is too consuming to use.

Re: Any suggestions for Willow?

colliemom4 — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 01:04:57 GMT

@MamaWick Here's a brief article about this issue. Hope it helps.

https://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/dog-eats-deer-poo-5716.htmlhttps://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/dog-eats-deer-poo-5716.html

Re: Any suggestions for Willow?

nooni — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 01:50:31 GMT

Why would you spank her?

Re: Any suggestions for Willow?

Tinkrbl44 — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 18:33:02 GMT

Years ago, when I first brought Bogey home as a kitten, a friend bought us a Clever Cat litter box ... the covered type that's got a lid with a hole in it for the kitty to get in and out.

She said when you have both cats and dogs in the house, the dogs will go for the kitty poop because the cat's food is much higher in protein than a dog's diet.

So, the dogs think that cat poop is "edible" .... this is not something anyone should be punishing their dog for ..... c'mon folks, read up a little on how to care for your dog.

Re: Any suggestions for Willow?

Tinkrbl44 — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 18:35:54 GMT

@nooni wrote:
Why would you spank her?

@nooni @fthunt

ITA ..... Spanking a dog because they think something is edible? Seriously? Wow.

Re: Any suggestions for Willow?

candyagain — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 18:58:55 GMT

My late dog, ozzie, had a few bad habits. Barking incessantly for one. A friend suggested I get a spray bottle filled with plain water and spray him (not directly in the eyes or nose) each time he got out of lne. And say NO at the same time. (I used to aim for the top of his head

Not perfect but he got the message and most times all I had to do after the first few weeks was reach for the spray bottle.

Worth a try. Not painful just uncomfortable.

Re: Any suggestions for Willow?

chickenbutt — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 19:08:42 GMT

When Rupert was young, one of the commands I taught him was 'leave it'. Whenever he went for something he was not supposed to take/touch/eat, I would say 'leave it' and he was great about it.

I did treat training so, especially for a while, whenever he heeded a command he got a treat (just small training-size type bit).

One thing I do tell people because I learned it from having the cruel mother thing scream my name at me was not to ever yell their name at them. Use a one-word command for everything. Having that happen to me made me hate my name. By the same token, using a pet's name in that way makes their name a bad word.

I hope she is ok!! Training can go a long way. Rupert was such a good boy and he never forgot the commands we learned when we went to puppy school. 💖

Re: Any suggestions for Willow?

MamaWick — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 20:42:38 GMT

Willow does know the words NO and LEAVE IT, but she is very stubborn when interested in something. We would never spank her.

We are just shocked that she has suddenly developed this affinity for deer poop. We are telling her no and moving her away. She tries to go right back.

We cleaned the yard very well and will try to keep on top of it daily rather than every couple of days. Will be considering an enclosed dog run area, too.

Re: Any suggestions for Willow?

cody2 — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 23:26:52 GMT

@bmorechick wrote:
What @RedTop said. Deer carry so many diseases that are not visible to you. The DNR around here constantly warns people about feeding and attracting them. Apparently it's a bad idea to try and feed them. They are wild animals and should be treated as such.
They may be nice to at, but they are so destructive. I would be trying to get them as far away from my property as possible. That's a cute little dog and hopefully she will be ok.

@bmorechick While I know this is not a popular opinion around here I need to insert my observations. All of the wild life experts tell you to never feed the wild animals of any kind. It isn't in their best interest in the long run for the animals. Teaching wild animals to trust humans and depend on them for food takes away their natural desire to fend for themselves. We live in a rural area and our local SPCA is continually posting warnings not to feed them. National Parks, State Parks and almost anywhere there is an abundance of wild animals do the same. I know it is tempting. I love animals too. So I get it. I really do. But I believe the experts know more then I do. So I abide by their rules. As for Willow, I would want to protect her against all of the fleas, ticks, droppings and diseases that the deer have because it IS our job to protect our domestic animals. They depend on us, as they should.

Re: Any suggestions for Willow?

Tinkrbl44 — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 21:41:05 GMT

@MamaWick wrote:
I know this should probably go in the Pet Lovers forum, but I really only post here along with in the TV and Movies forum. She's making us crazy. We have deer in our yard every day who leave presents. We do pick up and dispose of the presents, but not every day. In the 6-1/2 months Willow has been part of the family, she was not in the least interested. However, since Saturday she has decided the deer poop is appetizing and we don’t know why. BRAT!

@MamaWick

Your comments remind me of my father's response to unusual or strange things ..... "Good grief, it's always something" .... LOL

Re: Any suggestions for Willow?

Lucky Charm — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 00:55:16 GMT

Your dog is precious and so lucky to have you. But I don't think it's little system can handle this new *food*. Pets just don't know these things....

Please safeguard Willow and any other dogs in the neighborhood that may *take* to the new food that's around.