Hello Lennys mom.
Unless the ringers are being overnighted I would get them from a pharmacy if possible. Size 18 needle is standard but get a 20 as well in case he becomes lethargic at some point and you want the flow to go faster. Room or body temp lactated ringers are so much more comfortable. I literally put the bag against my body for ten minutes.
My pup has since passed and he would become aggressive no matter how careful I was so you might need to muzzle first.
If you have never done this before, see if you can have a vet show you how. If COVID means you can’t go in, ask that they video it on your phone or theirs.
lots of cookies nearby if possible, one cookie first. Liquid CBD by mouth helps. I like Treatables - oil dropper CBD. I found This essential to use in addition to vet meds for discomfort. If pup has music they know put that on.
It’s hard to do alone, I know. Even if someone can hold them for you it will help you but if you think they can’t do it, skip it and do it alone. First attempt will likely fail, it’s ok.
Remember, It’s exactly like giving a shot - swift and clean. You can do this.
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Try to keep bag and tube etc out of sight of pup, cover with something
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Hang ringers bag on a tall standing lamp or maybe in a hanger in a closet. Needs to be elevated pretty high.
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hold standing pup between your knees at their waist (not their chest as they can’t breathe) and you stand and bend over them,
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Hold prepped ringer tube w needle in your teeth. You might turn it on first and hold bended tube in your mouth to prevent it from running all over.
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one hand hold collar (in right hand if you are right handed),
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left hand swiftly tent loose neck skin in a triangle,
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use right hand to quickly swipe needle and tube from your mouth. Place needle in center of triangle but don’t go out other side.
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Quickly turn on drip so flow starts if you did not have it turned on before. They will kick and make a big deal. Again, It’s exactly like giving a shot - swift and clean.
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Holding pup while they have a tantrum is stressful but do your best to hold needle in. Lots of soothing talk the whole time throughout even if they get loud. Really it is the cool water that is surprising as the needle prick is the only quick pain part.
If they are super aggressive it’s time to just have a vet do it once and make this the last time. This allows them to feel hydrated and less toxic in their last time before you put them at peace. I do not say easily. It was very hard for me to make my final decision and I so regret not doing it days sooner and before things got desperate.
You have Been fighting this along time together. It’s exhausting for your pup too.
Keep in mind there is quality of time and there is quantity of time. They are not the same.
We all will pass but having a plan in place helps you from having to make emergency arrangements and getting even more upset in front of you pup.
Have stronger pain meds at the ready as per a vets guidance in case a pain spike. And arrange that whenever the day comes, how and when you will go about alleviating their pain once and for all. Whether a vet that will come to your home (now w shelter in place - maybe your backyard or a park). I had a lovely on call vet arranged in advance. All I had to do was call and give my name and they came as soon as they could. At that point it is never soon enough.
These are all ideas for a plan but do make one, it will empower you.
I hope this helps. - Your fellow Basenji pup mother