Bloodwork or other testing for 9 month old

[SheriS]

@Dr. Jeff and @Dr. Christina,

Cooper is now nine months old. He is doing well in many ways, but I have a few concerns regarding his behavior and physical health.

Lately, he has been struggling to sleep during the day due to separation anxiety and follows me constantly. Additionally, he is a very picky eater. I have also noticed that he occasionally breathes very fast and experiences what feel like abdominal hiccups.

Given his history—including multiple vaccines, three shelters, and a foster home—would it be wise to perform bloodwork or other testing now? I want to ensure we are doing everything necessary to avoid any surprises during his planned one-year checkup.

Thanks for your insights!

 

[Dr. Jean Hofve]

Bloodwork probably wouldn't be useful. Better to concentrate on the Happiness Protocol and making life feel good and safe for him. Flower essences could be extremely helpful, and EFT could really benefit him too.

 

[Dr. Christina]

Sheri, have you settled on your holistic health care team that we discuss in the 101 course?

• A local or virtual homeopathic veterinarian
• A local vet trained in TCVM, chiropracty, osteopathy, ayurveda within a decent drive (some I know make a 2 day fun trip, spending the night to do this) for Cooper's annual physical
• An animal intuitive check up twice a year (and this could really help with the anxiety.
• A local vet or great ER (check out VEG ER to see if near you) for diagnostics, emergencies, physical exams, etc. Even healthy pups do get into things!
• And people trained in other modalities.

Breathing fast and hiccups is probably normal. Just note this in his journal.

The time you spend now to build relationship to have a totally settled, happy dog will give many rewards for then next decades.

Listen to as many webinars as you possibly can. We have lots on anxiety, puppy, behavior and general happiness approaches, especially for you. Totally agree with flower essences and EFT.

Check out Tellington TTouch (2 videos on that) which have excellent ways to get in great relationship with your pup which will decrease anxiety.

We have webinars on music, WEBB (Whole Energy Body Balance), Irith Bloom (she does some on-line puppy classes), Bryndon Golya, and in the library click on Brain and the Path to Pet wellness.

Picky appetite in a pup is often a communication problem - maybe Cooper wants to eat mostly in AM, or PM, or some other time. Become a great detective and try different approaches. Maybe you are not letting him get hungry. Maybe it is too noisy or busy where you feed him. Maybe food is in a bowl and he needs a platter. Maybe he is asking for you feed a huge variety of fresh food - it helps to journal all the "real" foods he loves or dislikes, and notice if some change over the years (especially if homeopathic treatment is needed. Read in 101, the library and on the forum about feeding.

Keep us posted on all his issues and work with your health care team.