Question from Buddy (Formerly Patchy)

Posted on October 02, 2011 by Catherine

Hi all. This is the week before Thanksgiving 2011. I’m a happy camper, but I have to tell you that the ragweed in this area really does a number of my sensitive skin. But, my question is this:

Catherine tells me that a fire in the fireplace is nothing to worry about, and is something that humans and even dogs enjoy throughout cold winters. But, it’s not THAT cold! It’s now perfect weather for me to run and not get too hot. I’ve got to tell you - I’m not so sure about this inside-the-house-fire-stuff! Kyra, who has ADD for dogs, doesn’t seem concerned, but, like I said, she’s got ADD for dogs! I’m not at all thrilled about this, but I will be a good friend and companion to her, and trust that what she says is true.

By the way, this picture is old, but she couldn’t get one of me where I was comfortable, because of this ‘lit fireplace’ thing going on right now.

Members Comments

- Debbie
- posted on October 03, 2011
Poor Buddy…how about if you toast a marshmallow or a hot dog over the fire for him? Maybe he’ll change his mind!
- Kat & Maeggi
- posted on October 03, 2011
Hmmmmm, roasted hot dogs, yummy! Have to sympathise with you Buddy on the ragweed issue - that stuff makes me itch and scratch and sneeze. Here in Vaudreuil, many neighbours think it is pretty and grow the stuff in their gardens. Egad! Just can’t wait til the snow comes and buries it!
- Catherine
- posted on October 03, 2011
What great ideas! He’s a food magnet for sure! I could do the hot dog thing (maybe just two small bites since I’m really watching his weight - he’s got hypo-thyroidism and gains weight just by blinking!), so that he sees the fireplace as a great place. This dog though, is mega smart and catches on to my ploys quickly. I’d have to make sure that it is a one or two occasion only, so that he doesn’t automatically look at me with begging eyes, for food every time I light the fireplace!

In Ottawa, there is a law banning ragweed from being allowed to grow because of the allergens to both animals and humans, and is constantly being mowed - except for the dog park on the NCC (National Capital Commission) properties, or so it seems. We have to rinse the dogs off after every outing in the fall, until their allergies are gone and when the snow comes. It may be pretty, but!
- Debbie
- posted on October 03, 2011
Zoey suffers from allergies to ragweed, and our vet recommended BENADRYL, (the pink caplets that humans take)! WOW! What a difference it made for her. She was scratching herself raw, and was soooo miserable! This stuff really worked for her!
- Kat & Maeggi
- posted on October 04, 2011
Catherine, invite some friends and have a weenie roast! Buddy may think you’re up to something but how can he resist a party? LOL Good luck!
- Catherine
- posted on October 04, 2011
Hi Debbie. Unfortunately, the Benadryl didn’t work for Buddy or even Kyra (our 40 lb hound/border collie/retriever mix). Last year, surprisingly enough, Buddy was fine - this year, the allergies came on strong and in full-force! My vet actually recommended (besides Benadryl), Reactin (?) Dosages depend on the weight of the pupster in question. But, Buddy needed the big ammo this year, given that he also had a skin infection (from the polluted river water around here) and the hypo-thyroidism thing. Poor guy! That said, he was still in better shape than me. His heart beat seemed low at 50 beats per minute, so when the vet sent me out for a three minute jog with Buddy, Buddy’s heart rate had increased to 68 beats per minute, while mine was through the roof! I’m the one who needed hospitalization! (Just kidding!) It’s sad indeed when your dog afflicted with all of the above at the same time is STILL in better shape than the owner!!! Yikes!
- Catherine
- posted on October 04, 2011
Hello Kat & Maeggi,

A weenie roast sounds like mega fun, but I suspect that Buddy would care less about the company, and have eyes only for the weenies! The odd time, I’ve actually had to leash him at the off-leash dog park because other folks had better-tasting treats than me and he would have followed them home!

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