Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Looking for advice about adding 2nd dog

Am hoping some of you out there can give us some good advice about adding a 2nd dog to the household where the "original" fur kid has IMHA. (This may get a little long - please bear with me!) Sheba is approx 12 1/2 - German Shepherd/Cocker Spaniel mix - 16 months post diagnosis, 7 months meds free/in remission - has been an "only child" since we adopted her 3 years ago - did learn she was from a multi dog home before being surrendered to the local shelter because owners had too many dogs and she was acting jealous around the new grandchild - up until recently has been reticent about interacting with other dogs - we joke she is almost catlike, as she will come to you when she wants attention and when she's had enough will immediately get up and leave - my heart and soul Sugar is approx 8 - Beagle - brother-in-law's dog - currently living outside and has been for last 3 years - he's finally admitted that she needs a home where she will get the attention and affection she deserves and that he doesn't have time to give - typical Beagle, goofy, happy, a real love sponge - breaks our hearts every time we have to go to his house - we try to spend time with her when we visit him and his family Have had Sugar at the house several times over the last 3 years, most recently last week when I took Sugar to the "spa" and then brought her home for a couple of hours. Sheba seemed to take her presence well - only getting "huffy" when Sugar got "in her space", i.e. right next to her. Our vet seems to think Sheba might benefit from another dog as this sometimes "lights a fire" under an older dog/perks them up. He admits there will be some stress but doesn't think it would be severe enough to cause a relapse. Anybody else added a dog after one of your fur kids was diagnosed with IMHA? Is there anything I may not have considered? (Other than the usual - time, money, traveling issues, cleaning and allergies!) Any insight, advice or thoughts are most welcome! Thanks! Rita, Mike and Sheba

Rita IA

Dear Rita, We adopted our now 11 year old Maltese Sh*tsu X Millie a year and a half ago. She was taken to the pound when current owners were about to have a baby (this really annoys me) and had only ever been the only dog in her household. We had to young pups at the time - Mitsy (Maltese X Foxy) and Harry another Maltese Sh*tsu X. Mitsy was one and Harry 9 months. We also had two cats. A huge adjustment for Millie, and the pound wasn't too sure how she'd go. But we said we'd try. Well, Millie became one of the gang. She is so 'puppy like' and can't help but join in with the play fighting and puppy antics! It's great to watch, and our vet said she's never seen a happier more playful older dog! I'd like to think that's thanks to Mitsy and Harry giving Millie a new lease on life. The three of them can't be separated, and the two girls are often curled up together in bed. When Millie was at the hospital at her initial IMHA diagnosis, Mitsy missed her like crazy. Sitting at the door, whining and generally miserable. when Millie came home, there was crazy scenes! I'm not sure about the stress triggering IMHA, I guess it's a concern, but if the vet thinks Sheba will be OK - I say go for it! Good luck, Samantha.

Samantha Geelong

Hi Rita, We added our Honey (she was a foster that we adopted) to the pack this past February while Tiggs was still recovering from IMHA. He was doing very well at the time, and we felt he was stable enough. Tiggs has always LOVED other dogs, so for us it was more about his physical health than his willingness to accept another companion. Tiggs also has a senior canine sis that we had before him. All in all, adding Honey was wonderful for Tiggs. She is young and likes to play, and I think she gave him his playful, energetic, if not mischevious streak back. I love watching them now, chasing each other around the yard like two normal dogs. As for other dogs in relation to tiggs health, I also interact with hundreds of dogs between my volunteering (with three rescues/shelters currently), and my business as a professional pet sitter/walker. I've asked my vet, and as long as I wash my hands and clothing, she feels it is ok. I try to never interact with other dogs that are sick or not immunized. I keep our home very clean as well- you have to with three of them! There are so many wonderful dogs that need good homes, I commend you for considering sharing your home, heart, and love. Whatever you decide, Sheba loves her mom and is proud! melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Hi Rita, I had my daughter move back home with her 3 year old Standard Poodle when Kahlu, also 3 was 5 months post diagnosis. The two boys now and like each other very much, so it is a different situation. I think the addition was very good for Kahlu (and me) it was good to see, that a healthy dog sometimes pants too.:) Ripley sure kept Kahlu on his toes. Initially I was a bit scared that Kahlu could get insured, because he has lost so much muscle. But as he got stronger that fear went away and now there is lots of fun playing going on. I always think it is a much more natural way of living for a dog, having an other one in the house. Good for you to consider giving this neglected dog a home. I am sure you will get the love back threefold! Best wishes, Brigitte & Kahlu (& Ripley)

Brigitte BC Canada

Rita, Just to clarify - we got Millie pre-IMHA and she was the addition to our family... a bit different to you situation.... But I guess my point was that it's been great for her to be with the other dogs (even without having had IMHA) and I'm sure having them around has also helped her recover. And it definitely helps keep her young! Sam.

Samantha Geelong

Rita, since Sheba knows Sugar and Sugar is an older dog it sounds like it would work, can you do a trial run? I would give it a shot. And just work on Sugar not getting in Shebas face Laurie

Laurie CA

Just wanted to thank everyone for the advice/comments/support. Quite by weird coincidence we had Sugar for an over night stay this past weekend. Things did not go as well as we would have liked. Sheba seemed resigned to Sugar's presence up until we headed for bed and she realized Sugar was staying. Got very huffy and more or less barricaded herself in behind some blankets next to my side of the bed. Got up around 2:30 and acted like she needed to go out. Sugar was crashed on the couch and went out, too when we let Sheba out. I think Sheba was maybe hoping we'd leave Sugar out there as she never left the deck and came in immediately after Sugar went down to pee. The next morning we had to coax Sheba down for breakfast - VERY odd as she usually has a little something - even if it's only the deli chicken we add to her hard food. At lunch she as even more difficult - even when I brought out the canned food I use to get her to take her noon supplement. She proceeded down the hallway one step at a time. And I do mean one step at a time. She would place one paw down - look right and left then place the next paw down and do the same thing. When she spotted Sugar at the bottom of the stairs she froze and just gave me this look - couldn't tell if it was deep concern or panic. After we got home from dropping Sugar off at my brother-in-law's Sheba was her normal self. Greeted us like she always does and "helped" put all the groceries away. You'd have never known she was upset earlier. We're not sure now what we should do and so if anyone has any further advice/ideas/etc. we would love to hear them. We may have to forget this whole idea and start trying to find Sugar another home. Anywa, thanks for listening and for any/all advice! Rita, Mike and the stubborn one

Rita IA

this is kind of a cute situation, although you might not feel that way. Sheba sounds like quite the little manipulator! Your dog loves you and is jealous! My personal opinion is to give it a few days to a week. Keep giving Sheba reasurrances, pat on the head, a hug/kiss whatever you terms of endearment is. Maybe after a few days, when Sheba doesn't feel as threatened, she will like having the companionship of another pup. Keep us posted and good luck.

Mardi Northern Cali

I agree with Mardi, it sounds like a behavior problem and not a health issue, unless you are worried stress could trigger a relapse for Sheba. So it depends if YOU want the second dog. Sheba will learn to accept Sugar who seems to be happy with the situation. I would reassure Sheba that she is top dog to sugar by feeding her first, giving her the treat first. Doing this they will both accept their rank and that should avoid problems. It does not sound like there is an aggression problem with either dog, so i don't think it would take long for Sheba to realize Sugar is no threat. Good luck, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Hi Rita, Mike and the stubborn one I have fostered many dogs over the last 6 years and we always tell the potential adopters that already have a dog to give it at least 2 weeks before they make any kind of decisions. I agree with Brigitte you must great, treat and give your dog her food first and make sure she knows she is the top dog. If you have time go to the internet and do a search for tips on introducing a second dog to your family, I am sure there are plenty. Maybe you could try another play date only longer this time. At least there is no physical aggression, it just may take some time and who knows they may turn out to be best friends. I personally would never have just one dog after seeing my dogs find friendship, playmates and comfort from that second and in my case third dog. If it does not work out finding Suger a new home would be great too as it sounds like she does not have a very good home life and deserves better. Sugar sounds very sweet. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Give it time. Echo our lurcher behaved similarly with Mitch when he was a pup (he was to be the third dog) She looked at him like he was something she had done in the garden - well he was about that size! If he tried to lie within a metre of her she got up and walked away, she wouldn't have him near her. No nastiness but she was so not impressed. Guess which two now have the strongest bond? She is his heated couch, and he, her little water bottle. They curl up together at night for warmth. He often now sits on top of her when she is resting. She is top dog still but him being a terrier doesn't exactly bow down to her higher status but they get on great now. Good luck Kath

Kath Scotland

Thanks to everyone for the additional advice and encouragement. We are still very seriously talking about adding Sugar to the family and your suggestions have given us some things to think about. My biggest concern, of course, is making sure Sheba is happy and healthy. She is supposed to have her PCV checked at the end of the month - her last test was at the end of May and was 40.75. We will also be talking to the vet about some pain meds to help with her rear legs. They are still weak/sore and we're not sure if it's arthritis, lingering side effects of the pred, some other problem or a combination of the above. If her PCV is good and the pain medication seems to help some, perhaps we'll try a longer "visit" from Sugar. In the meantime we may schedule another overnighter or two. Sugar enjoys them and perhaps Sheba will see her as less of a threat if she visits now and again. Thanks again - it's great having people who understand your concerns/fears/hopes/dreams to bounce things off of! Rita, Mike and Sheba

Rita Ia

This thread was discussed between 06/08/2009 and 13/08/2009

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