We have always had more than one dog so we’ve been lucky that we have never had to deal with the problem of separation anxiety. But galgos and podencos are used to living in packs, so it is something which could be a problem if a rescue is adopted as an only dog. Having said that, some – notably ex racing greyhounds – have to live as an only dog.
This article from the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals PDSA explores the problem.
From Bev Farmer of Podenco Friends – yet another reason why anyone adopting a podenco should have an enclosed garden of at least 2m high.
A question was raised on social media recently by a lady adopting a rescue podenco, which will have spent 3 days travelling to her in the UK. She was concerned about the podenco being stressed out and asked for advice on any product to help calm the dog. This was my comment in answer.
Pheromone is a natural ‘product’of a female body when it gives birth as it calms the newborn and takes away the stress of birthing. This is why it is so important for a newborn animal to suckle soon after birth. I occasionally use a product with pheromone called Beaphar CaniComfort for my blind podenco when travelling distances, as he sometimes gets upset by the very loud noise of car tyres on rough tarmacadum – because of course he can’t see it. Not all products which claim to calm an animal contain Pheromone – so you need to check the ingredents of a product and discount it if it does not have Pheromone.
Read about Pheromone on this weblink. It calms the animal without tranquilisng it.
Several years ago when I adopted my galgo Polar from Pepis Refuge in Pedrera, I consulted a canine physio for treatment to his damaged hind knee joint. It was interesting to see that the work she did on him was very similar to that used by my physio on me when I injured my shoulder.
Weblink to article about canine physiotherapy.
Read the full article on this weblink.
Many people are concerned when their dog starts to lose its sight – how will it find its way around? We made the choice to adopt a blind dog as they are always harder to find forever homes. And it has been a revelation, not least because wherever he goes out in public wearing his Blind Dog harness, it’s always a conversation starter with most people.
We adopted Rosie and blind Bo (Bocelli of course!) nearly 2 years ago, they have stayed in kennels whenever we have gone on holiday. The owner is a very quietly spoken calm man who works with rescued German Shepherds so he is very sympathetic to our 2 rescued hounds. However, we’ve always missed having our dogs with us on holiday, for beach walks etc.
A story from 5 years ago.
‘2 podencos found in an abandoned concrete pit with these contraptions in their mouths so they couldn’t bark or eat. Scratch marks all over the walls where they had desperately tried to get out. Rescued by Galgos del Sol. Video at the shelter, on this weblink.
Badly abused and injured Podenca Tracy with Galgos Rescue Almeria had her first day out in the sunshine, after her operation.
From Bev Farmer recently.
‘This was Rory..I couldn’t find him and thought ‘no he’s escaped’ but he had curled up in a corner trying to hide. Dogs aren’t born like this, relentless abuse is the reason why.
He doesn’t understand he is safe now, all he knows that people are cruel. His coping mechanism is to make himself invisible to avoid been hurt.
I want to wrap my arms around him and say it’s ok Rory but that is last thing to do to him.
For now I need to respect his personal space .. He just needs time’.
