Welcome to my diary!
My diary of a middle aged puppy mom.
Stories of events that keep happening, which hopefully will keep you laughing, while sharing will prayerfully work a lot like cheap therapy for me. #agirlcandream
Let me tell you about the day…
MY DOG ATE A SOCK –
VET’S OFFICE: “Mapleshade Animal Hospital, Stephanie speaking – how may I help you?”
ME: “Hi Stephanie, it’s Cathy – My dog ate a sock!”
My tone was relaxed and unruffled. Similar to when your youngest child runs into the house with a bloody nose and you never stop stirring the spaghetti sauce.
You never let go of the spoon as you threaten to kill him if he gets blood on the carpet on his way to the bathroom. #thatwasme
A totally different parenting style from the first born. Years ago the sauce would have been abandoned and ruined for fear my baby boy was going to die from a nose bleed.
It was the same with Harley. His medical jacket could easily be mistaken for an 85 year old hypertensive, diabetic, overweight, asthmatic, hypochondriac. It’s that thick.
Not because he’s a sickly dog, but because he’s my first dog.
Harley’s got to be the only puppy who sneezed on a summer night making Doodle Dad sweat like crazy because I turned the air conditioner off. #truestories
But with Jax, at my age, he doesn’t get a new recruit as a Doodle Mom, he get’s a seasoned veteran. One who’s seen “almost” all the action, one who has learned to pace hysteria! #gotthetshirt
So when Doodle Dad started yelling like the sky was falling, I knew something was up, but I didn’t panic.
I got downstairs (barely in time) to see a smidgen of a sock disappear into his mouth.
Had this been Harley, I would have danced in place babbling continuously “what should I do, what should I do?”
But this was not “new” me, this was “old” me. I calmly pried his mouth open with two fingers and used my other hand to reach down his throat, grab the athletic accessory and pull it out. #yesIdid
Full of confidence, self gratification with a side of conceit, I looked at my husband and said “that’s all you had to do!”
Imagine my surprise when he snapped back, “that was the second sock, he already swallowed the first one.”
NEVER LET THEM SEE YOU SWEAT –
Isn’t that what they always say?
I mumbled something like – “no worries, it will either come out the back or the way it went in. He’ll be fine.”
Alone in my room, I quickly dialed the vet’s office to find out if what I just rattled off to impress my husband was in fact the truth.
NOT AT ALL –
Stephanie insisted I speak to a vet tech immediately.
Did you know?
- A sock can rest in the stomach of a puppy for approx. 60-90 minutes
- A sock can travel to the intestines
- A sock can get lodged in the intestines
- A sock can cause expensive and dangerous emergency surgery if it reaches the intestines
I had no idea.
The young and new me would have told the vet – “I’m on my way”
The older and seasoned me said – “what do I need to do?” #datsright
According to the vet tech, I had about 30 minutes to resurrect the sock before it left the stomach and traveled into the intestinal track.
10-12 minutes later I’m back from CVS with a bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide and a syringe.
Jaxson has to consume at least 2 tablespoons of Peroxide if we’re gonna be successful.
20 minutes gone. #ticktock
I grab the CVS bag, poop bags, baby wipes and we head outside on the deck.
I fill the syringe, tell him I’m really sorry for this huge inconvenience as I administer his first dose.
Jax shakes his head trying to get the bitter taste out of his mouth and then belches in my face.
I wait…
NOTHING –
5 minutes left on my 60 minute clock. I prepare the second dose.
For those of you who’ve never used Peroxide as a means to induce vomiting, let me tell you – it really works! #realdealholyfield
As I can tighten the top on the bottle, Jax gives me this quizzical look, sits down, opens his mouth and #whoopthereitis…
- Hydrogen Peroxide? $2.39
- Syringe? FREE
- Moment when you surprise yourself? PRICELESS
I’m beginning to appreciate this whole “middle aged puppy mom” thang!
More and more I’m relating to that famous quote by Richelle Mead:
I’m like fine wine. I get better with age. The best is yet to come.
As for my little “Fruit of the Loom” bandit –
I’m using socks to re-inforce the “leave it” command…
And Harley has guard duty on laundry day…
*I am not a veterinarian, please do not try this at home. Should your pet consume something he/she shouldn’t – seek professional help from your veterinarian.
Thank you for stopping by – share us with your friends!
REFLECTIONS FROM THE SERIES “DIARY OF A MIDDLE AGED PUPPY MOM”
I am joining the Monday Mischief blog hop brought to you by Alfie’s Blog, Snoopy’s Dog Blog, My Brown Newfies. The Hop that wraps up the weekend.
July 13, 2015
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! This killed me! I can totally relate. Thanks for a good laugh on a Monday! Poor Jax.
July 13, 2015
Glad you “get me” Flea. Have a good one!
July 13, 2015
I’m so impressed and glad it worked. Bentley is my 7th dog and although I like to think I’ve calmed, I still freak out! LOL
July 13, 2015
I think I’m just too freaking old to panic a whole lot anymore LOL I was concerned, but I was not about to rush to the vet and spend hundreds of dollars probably when I’m learning to do stuff myself. Well, the easy stuff I think…
July 13, 2015
You weren’t kidding, Jax really did eat a sock and almost two socks! Your storytelling is so entertaining and I can totally relate to how you handled this with the hubby and Jax.
We had to use peroxide once when Haley ate a whole plate of dark chocolate brownies off the kitchen counter when she was young and the hardest part was getting her to swallow it or trying to figure out how much went in and how much went all over the ground. So glad it worked perfectly for Jax too!
July 13, 2015
Yes he did Elaine – he had himself a ball. The socks belonged to my husband who always leaves them lying around so hopefully this has cured him as well. I also happy you enjoy reading our stories. I too am a huge fan of your work. I loved using the syringe, I thought about it and washed it out and have decided to save it – just in case. Have a great day 🙂
July 13, 2015
LOL oh man Jax is just endless entertainment and soo funny. Well for us readers, a sock thief is no fun!
July 13, 2015
Yes, Jax is a comedy show all by himself Talent Hounds! I will say there is rarely a dull moment around here with him. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love the chaos. Have a great week my friends.
July 13, 2015
This post is so spot on! When Rodrigo and Sydney were puppies, I made appointments just to ask questions. Today, I’m not worried one bit about our dogs. I’ve done the hydrogen peroxide trick on Rodrigo. He swallowed a squeaker toy. By the time he finished vomiting 5-6 came up. Jeez!
July 13, 2015
Haven’t we “evolved” as pet parents. I only became a little concerned when Lee told me I retrieved sock #2. The syringe came in handy, and the pharmacists gave it to me. I am saving that bad boy in the event I’ve got to whip it out again! The vet’s office said they are going to order me a pair of scrubs! LOL I can’t imagine finding 5-6 toys GEEZ – it’s like Jonah and the Whale! 🙂
July 13, 2015
You sure handled that beautifully! I have always been so thankful that my dogs aren’t ones to eat none-food items, well, other than poop that is 😉
July 13, 2015
Why thank you so much Taryn. I’m learning to be a little more hands on with this one. Not as scary as it was when I had Harley. I was a hot mess regarding anything. I’m amazed my vet still lets me make appointments LOL
July 13, 2015
OMD! Just when you think you’ve heard/seen it all. Glad your Fruit of the Loom bandit had a happy ‘out’ come. And why is it mom’s are always the one to deal with the bloody noses and sick dogs, etc? Is there some rule in stone that says we HAVE to do that stuff? Just wondering out loud. So glad for the positive result (though I’m sure Jax didn’t view any of that treatment as positive). Best of luck with the ‘leave it’ training. 🙂
July 13, 2015
Monika – I think (and this is only my opinion) – Mom’s have tendency to “take over” when it comes to kids and pets. I know I sure did/do. Something about feeling like no one else can do it like we can. Since my human children are grown now I’m sort of used to it.
July 13, 2015
Oh my doodle!! Way to go mom!
I have never done the peroxide trick but i’ve heard it works well! Glad you got that sock out before it became an expensive trip to the vet!
July 13, 2015
DZ – I’m super glad I got the sock out too! I’m happy I now know the truth about dogs eating socks. I had no idea about the intestinal dangers. Whew…
July 13, 2015
Sounds like the day Bailie ate a hair scrunchy. Our vet said making her vomit could go bad too, as it could get lodged in her throat, so we opted to wait and see. 5 glorious days later as Mom was expecting it to come out the back end like days ago she heard a noise in the living room, raced over there, and miss Bailie had puked up the scrunchy and was about to eat it again! One never knows what will happen but thankfully she survived and so did Jax! Scary for the moms, though.
July 13, 2015
Emma, between Bailey and Jax your mom and I will be bald from pulling our hair out! LOL
July 13, 2015
That would have been a very expensive vet visit! Thanks for the great tip in case Taffy starts eating socks next. Love Dolly
July 13, 2015
Oh I’m sure it would have been close to a car payment Dolly. Please don’t let Taffy eat any socks but if it happens, please consult your veterinarian first! 🙂
July 13, 2015
This is all pretty funny. I only have one kid (human), but my friends with many kids tell me it is the same way with parenthood – super careful with the first one and then ease up a bit out of exhaustion.
Sure glad all worked out with the sock!
July 13, 2015
Yep! You realize after the first “whatever” human/pet that they are more resilient than you think.
July 13, 2015
OMG I would have been TERRIFIED!! Dakota is obsessed with socks and that is a HUGE fear of mine that he will eat one. Thank goodness all was ok, you are one BRAVE lady!
July 13, 2015
I don’t know about “brave” Caren – I’m numb from exhaustion after 5 months with a puppy in the house at my age! LOL He’s fine, and now I can add “inducing vomiting” to my resume 🙂
July 13, 2015
We’re on dog #1 so I still panic! Luckily, Mr. N is good about not eating weird stuff. The only bad thing he’s eaten were chicken bones and luckily those passed without issues.
July 13, 2015
Well Mr. N. please do not terrorize your mom – leave all the socks alone. It’s not worth it, and I’m sure the peroxide tastes nasty too…
July 13, 2015
LOL. So many funny lines in this post. Love it. Havning written a novel (WHAT THE DOG ATE) that opens with a dog that’s eaten thong panties (that don’t belong to his mom….), I’ve heard a lot of “my dog ate…” stories. I’ve never had to do the hydrogen peroxide thing but have heard it works like a charm. Socks and undies are apparently the #1 and #2 things eaten by dogs that end up in a trip to the vet (and possible surgery!). Glad you were able to handle it like a pro and avoide the vet bill!
July 13, 2015
You do know that “what the dog ate” is my FAVORITE book of yours. My sister borrowed it, and I assaulted her when she was slow to return it. After all, my copy is signed 🙂 Yes, I too am pleased with the ending in my story. What we experience when we have pets. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
July 13, 2015
OH MY GOSH. Well done, Cathy. Well done! Oh that puppy. That puppy, that puppy, that puppy.
July 13, 2015
I’m aging fast Deirdre and the cause is named JAX 🙂
July 13, 2015
That was great for a chuckle and I’m glad to hear all’s well that ends well! Hydrogen peroxide is an essential doggie first aid kit supply!
July 13, 2015
Eliza, I even amazed myself with how calm I was during the whole thing. AND – I learned the importance of having peroxide on hand from now on. Who knew? Not me! Thanks for stopping by!
July 13, 2015
You rock! Way to stay calm and just handle the situation! Luke picked up everything when he was a pup but luckily never swallowed anything that big. I do remember my sister’s dog eating a sock at a family picnic and I believe at the time she was told to wait it out. I think her dog ended up throwing it back up, but not for several days or even a week! I guess she’s very lucky he didn’t get seriously ill.
July 13, 2015
Jan, I don’t know what it is about Jax and “fabric” He loves to carry clothes around. But he’s never tried to ingest anything before. Socks are definitely his appetizer of choice nowadays – I pray it’s only a phase..
July 13, 2015
Maybe he learned not to do it again. Hope so!
July 13, 2015
That sounds too much like “right!” LOL I hope so, I don’t wish to revisit this adventure – once is truly enough 🙂
July 13, 2015
Hydrogen peroxide is a dog-mom’s best friend. It has gotten us out of some scary situations. I literally laughed out loud when I read this post. With any goldie (doodle or not) they are in a very extended state of puppyhood. Just this morning I took my socks off in the middle of the living room and marveled at my puppy who is finally growing up. He only mouthed the socks and didn’t tear holes, what a good boy!
July 14, 2015
Puppies are a true experience – hilarious all the time. I love laughing at Jax. I never knew about the peroxide before this, but I’m happy to know about it now!
July 14, 2015
ha ha ha – happy Tuesday!
July 14, 2015
Happy Tuesday to you too Nicole – glad to make you laugh.
July 14, 2015
hahahahahaha oh boy can I ever relate to that!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
July 15, 2015
OMDoodle Jenna – you’ve had to use the peroxide too? Crazy stuff happens when you love a dog LOL
July 14, 2015
This is awesome information to know! I had no idea you could use Peroxide. Poor Jax! I’m glad everything worked out fine and you surprised yourself! 🙂
July 15, 2015
Reagan – I was totally clueless about the peroxide myself. Had no idea!