Pip the Parson Jack Russell

[sarahJ]

One of my dogs (JRTs) has recently been diagnosed with congenital heart failure after collapsing twice on me (VERY FRIGHTENING). He is about 6 years old and is a rescue dog so we do not know of his parents. He had extensive tests and is now on tablets and a low salt diet, but I wonder if anyone has any suggestions on natural ways to try and calm him down? He is a VERY lively dog and it worries me greatly. I don't want to change his character, but am a lot happier when he is calm!

[KYS]

Did your vets have any ideas and possibly suggest
holistic medicine.
I have a little energy terrier and I can't even imagine trying
to keep her calm, other than keeping her in the house.
Sorry I have no suggestions, but I wanted
to send good thoughts that your JRT will be ok.

[sarahJ]

No they haven't but this is what I was wondering?

He has been back for a check up and they have upped his medication to one a day and say he is better. He has only been on higher dose for a day so I will have to see if they have calmed him at all. They are meant to open his heart vessels to allow better blood flow as part of his heart is enlarged.

He is already a "house" dog, as to take him for a walk where other dogs are about is a nightmare, although he gets along with his "brother" Jax fine! He races round our large garden many times a day (the pills are making him pee and drink more!)

Thanks for your kind thoughts.

Sarah

[RockyRoad]

Prayers are on the way for your JRT. Lady is very energetic as well, but sometimes she will just get tired. Sorry, I have no suggestions either. I wish I could help you. I'm glad he is doing a bit better though. Just stand by him and give him lots of love.

[sarahJ]

Many thanks for your kind thoughts. He has been a little quieter today having had his dose upped to 1 a day, it is very worrying as every time he moves I worry that he is going to collapse again ... although the vet told us not to worry. He certainly is dearly loved and seems happy so will keep everyone up to date. He loves playing with his Kong and jumping up and barking ... that's just the way he is I suppose. The vet seemed happy with him though so hopefully he will be fine.

Sarah

[tatsxxx11]

Hi Sarah. I'm so sorry to hear your little JRT is not well I wish I had some good suggestions for you. I will be thinking of you and praying for your little guy. That's quite a tall order, keeping a peppy little JRT quiet Lots of well wishes for your boy.

[Rachel]

Oh, Sarah, what a heart break to know that your boy has heart problems. JRTs have a special attraction for me...like a moth to the flame. No, I don't have any knowledge or suggestions for the matter at hand other than to say all we have is today. Let him live his life as he sees fit. What is the dear boy's name?

[sarahJ]

Thanks for your kind words. His name is Pip. Today he seems bright enough, still trying to keep him calm!

Sarah

[tatsxxx11]

Dear little Pip...just checking in on you, sweetie. Not only are you one of my all time favorite breeds, but you are named after a character from one of my favorite books by my favorite author! Did your Mum name you after Pip in Great Expectations by Dickens?? I think it suits that terrific JRT personality so perfectly. I hope you're feeling a bit better today, sweetie. We're sending you lots of love and get well prayers, Pip. Try and mind your Mum and rest up! Love, Sandra, Cody and Star

[sarahJ]

Thanks so much for your kind thoughts. Pip as you will have read is a rescue dog, and was called Snoopy when we got him. The name didn't fit especially as my mums dog was called that, so my niece came up with the name, and yes it was perfect! He is fine this morning, sleeping on the bed with his brother. I am trying to "chill out" over this but it's hard. No more scares, but the worst is when the doorbell goes and he goes bananas, but that's Pip all over. We love him so much, and will do anything for him. His "little" brother is Jax (a JRT) who is 14 (we got him when we got married) and he was 12 weeks old. He was also a rescue dog. All we can do is our best for them both.

Thanks again.

Sarah