You would think that after watching and writing about Ducky’s interactions – good, bad, or neutral – with Shadow since Callie got her angel wings that I would realize when something is amiss.
But noooooo. DUHHH! After nearly 16 months it finally sunk in on Wednesday morning.
I made an appointment with the vet on Monday thinking Ducky had somehow ended up with another UTI, despite the surgery in late February. She had been licking back there – almost constantly – all day Sunday.
Ducky had been increasingly bratty toward Shadow (again!) since the previous Thursday night. She was snarky almost every waking moment; and hubby was getting snarky with her and me. Talk about stress overload! But we all survived.
Wednesday morning while Ducky and I waited in the exam room, it hit me like a smack upside the head. 🙄
Since Callie 😇 went to Heaven/the Rainbow Bridge/ in late August 2015, Ducky had been acting sweeter, more considerate/respectful of Shadow. EXCEPT when she wasn’t feeling well.
Every. Single. Time. Ducky isn’t feeling well, she takes it out on poor Shadow. Because Shadow won’t “tell her off” like Callie used to, or like hubby and I do. Shadow just isn’t built that way.
Anyway, Ducky’s medical issue this time was a slightly impacted, somewhat inflamed right anal gland. How she ended up with that is beyond me. But the vet cleaned her out, gave her some loving, and sent some Carprofen and antibiotics home with us. She started feeling better almost immediately afterward. And having a spa treatment at daycare a few hours later? Well, she was just in doggie heaven that night! ☺️
During the exam, I mentioned to the vet how hubby and I were seriously considering consulting a veterinary behaviorist about Ducky’s bratitude.
And how it had finally dawned on me that it’s only really problematic when she isn’t feeling well. So, since we really can’t afford a behaviorist anyway, the vet suggested I start keeping track of Ducky’s worst days/nights and obsessive behaviors. He feels I’ve hit the proverbial nail on the head, but the only way to be sure is to keep a written record of it. So, that’s what I’m going to do from this point forward.
Anyway, things are pretty much back to normal. We spent most of the day Thursday in the yard without a peep out of Ducky. Even when Shadow sniffed at “her” toy for a moment. (I was so stunned by Ducky’s lack of reaction that I couldn’t even say “good girl!” in time for her to know why I’d said it.)
in my heart 4ever 
Glad you found the solution!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I am, too!
LikeLike
These little Eureka moments are so important. Once we connect the dots, they make all the difference in the world. Little Ducky is a lot like me, if I’m not 100% I’m kind of bratty too. BOL 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me, too, Monika.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😇
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you took her in and got the canal gland checked out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me, too! Thanks!
LikeLike
It seriously is not easy to interpret a dog’s behavior. You did well to put two and two together, even if it took a while!
I hope Ducky continues to feel better, and things stay peaceful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, my friend! So far so good. Keep your fingers crossed.
LikeLike
Wow, so glad you’ve had a brainstorm. Hopefully this insight will help you manage Ducky’s behavior and help her to feel better at the same time.
We all have those Duh moments. Our pups must be so pleased when we finally figure out what they’re trying to tell us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Pamela, you’re so kind! Thank you! It seems, so far at least, that my ah-ha flash is pretty accurate. As the meds continue to work on her condition, she continues to be a bit more tolerant/respectful of Shadow each passing day. Keep your fingers crossed.
LikeLike
I hope everything is good and all things heal quickly and you have an un-bratty ducky who is a happy camper all the time. it is interesting how dogs act when there are any kinds of problems… some hide, some get angry and some have always a pokerface ;o) Phenny becomes a hellion when he is hungry or when he has to go out for a pee-mail or a mail with attachment … so we always have to figure out if in-put or out-put is the solution… :O)))
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, Katty, you’ve made my day! Thank you! The mental image of Phenny becoming a hellion when he has to go out just made me laugh because Ducky is the same way. She barks up a storm. Hopefully now she won’t have any more medical issues. And maybe she will stop eating the yard again. ;o)
Have a great day! Hugs to you & Mark, kisses to Phenny!
LikeLike