My Chi is acting odd; pain problem with chi;

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have a year old female Chi. I've had many types of dogs in the past but never a Chi, and I have to admit that I'm having a hard time figuring her out. She is very moody and temperamental all the time. I'm kind of used to it by now but this past week she's been acting even weirder than usual. At night she sleeps in her kennel and she's been trained like that since she was a baby...no problems! This week she's been growling at times, barking at others, wining and crying for unknown reason. Yesterday night she kept me and my husband awake because of this. Her kennel is in the living room and there's nothing there that could scare her. Also, she's always been bad for eating and worse lately, she's getting even skinnier and she looks sad all the time. I had her spade about a month ago before her first heat. The vet says that she's fine, healthy but a little bit on the skinny side. I've tried many things to make her eat and still no luck. Also, she's usually hyper and loves to play. This past week she seems sleepy and tired, not interested in playing so much. Another things is that she snaps at us at times when we try to pet her on her back, she growls and seems like she doesn't trust us. I hope this details help so you may be able to answer my question more accurately. I very much appreciate any advice you can give me. I'm kind of desperate and I don't know what to do with her. I sometimes feel like I've made a wrong choice on dog. THANK YOU!
Bruny

ANSWER: Hi - I wonder if your little Chi has some pain in her back or hip area?  Chi dogs can hurt themselves with just a little jump onto the chair or bed.  The way you mentioned she is wining  and other adverse behaviors tells me she may have some pain.

Here are a few things you can try:  
For feeding - would you like to make this dog food Meatball recipe?
Easy and you can freeze them up:
see here:

Dog Meatballs - can be used as a snack or as a meal -
YOU can use this as the Am meal or the PM meal..

DOG MEATBALLS-

Dog Dog Food Recipe by Michele, provided to her by her vet.

Ground chicken
Ground beef
4% small curd cottage cheese
2 cups quaker oats soaked in low sodium chicken broth
peas (* don't do both the peas and beans)
string beans
2 tablespoons salmon or fish oil (health food store or break open capsules from grocery store)

2 eggs
2 boiled yams or sweet potatoes -this is great protein and helps keep everything moist.

Mix together and make into meatballs the size of your dogs portion. Bake them at 350 until they are completely done.

Freeze into bags and warm up in microwave until warm and serve. They should love it and it is all digested so there is very little waste and smell.


As for the ? discomfort - NuVET makes a great product called NuJOINT Plus - I bet giving her 1 per day will help any inflammation or swelling?  You may not see the swelling but she sure seems to have discomfort.
Call 1-800-474-7044
Tell them you are working with Pet nurse Marie and give referral code 81098
Tell them you want the NuJoint Plus for your chi.


Keep me posted - Try the meatball recipe - She will love it!!!

Marie Peppers LPN MA
mtnmom@gci.net

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you Marie for the advice and for such a prompt response. When you mentioned that my Chi might be in pain, I recalled that she was hurt on a leg some weeks back, so that might be it.
The recipe sounds really good and nutritious. I will definitely do it for her.
Thanks again!!!  

Answer
Hi - Let me know if she likes the doggie meatball home made treat?
Also, yes, it sure does sound like pain or discomfort to me.
Keep an eye on her...
BEST wishes

Marie Peppers
mtnmom@gci.net




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NuVET Powder or Wafers
http://www.nuvet.com/81098
A Wonderful vitamin supplement for your Chi
Tell them pet nurse Marie sent you...