Hello,

I went through this with my last pup and my current one. I think it’s a immune triggered reaction to chicken. He will scratch until he bleeds and it will take days for his immune system to calm down once exposure has stoped. I would stop the chicken and all derivatives. I would get a vet to check him of course just to make sure it’s nothing else topical.

My 3 yr old pups immune system is now triggering to most everything. It’s a big challenge. My adult dog is temporarily on Apoquil to get his most recent reaction at bay so his skin can heal. He last reacted to lamb.

I wish I had a solution but I can say it’s highly likely it’s chicken. The good news is if you stay away from all poultry and eggs for a while things should calm down and you might be able to phase in tiny cooked bits in his food later on to see if he grows out of it.

Best,
Adina

Hello,

Good for you for doing your research! .I do not believe a Basenji is for you though. This is good information as you need to consider that whatever pup you pick will be your best pal and responsibility for 14+ years. I know they are cute but they are often aggressive with other breeds and or in situations that are spontaneous- crowds, kids running up, they will run away and cannot be off leash as a sight hound, and they can often climb fences, counters and are not an easy dog to take into a dog park or in crowds. Not all clean themselves like cats and some yodel a lot so not quiet like people think. This is good information for you to know. There are so many easier pups that will allow you to socialize with people and at events with ease.

Best,
Adina

Hi Kodak,
You will really want to do some homework on this as I did find a couple breederS on Basenji.com and they were less than reputable. In one case, The mother was in poor condition and they didn’t seem to care and the other just wanted cash fast. They hardly asked me a thing and then they sold the pup promised to me.

Really, this is going to be your baby and you want a healthy, happy pup so you do need to go in person. It is well worth the money. A great breeder is Jasiri-Sukari at http://www.basenjisisters.com/. Most reputable breeders will not ship their dogs to you and you will have to go in person to pick them up for the safety of the pup but also so they can make sure they are putting their pup in good hands. It may be a four hours car trip for you each way but isn’t a healthy pup for the next 14-16 years worth it?

If you haven’t had a Basenji before, please, please, please do lots of research as they are not an easy breed but if you are willing to put In the time and effort it’s worth it. Good luck.
Best, Adina

Hello,

I would get his spine and neck checked as something may be out of alignment or slipped. I once had a pup that experienced internal neck swelling post vaccination- not common. Not visible. It was something that would easily get exacerbated if he was bumped or fell. Eventually the swelling went down with anti inflammatories and later dog chiropractic. Hopefully it’s not this but it would be good to check out with X-ray. Good luck.

Best,
Asian

Hello,
Good for you for researching the breed! So many do not. I will speak from my own 16 years of experience. No, I would never take a Basenji off leash as they are a sight hound and will take off. By the time they realize they are gone they will likely never make it back to you.

I love the breed but always keep in mind they are an ancient breed that I find has feral traits that come out later. They may not like strangers or children and may get jealous of a partner. The partner thing can be addressed if needed but this is not a breed I would readily throw into new situations and expect a great outcome.

As puppies all is fine - then comes the teenage phase where they become wary and some of the aggressive issues can come out including real issues with certain other dog breeds. That phase might pass but there is a general wariness I have found they grow into. You would need to be be top dog always. That said I would never resort to some old school type common dog corrections that in this breed would only bring out the bad side.

I adored my past pup and current pup but have been bitten. aggression can come out with rawhide chews and none of my pups were ever denied food or abused. This is true of all dogs but just take that up a few notches with a Basenji. It is /was just how they are. You can try and trade to remove a rawhide but good luck.

I have a sweet boy pup but know to I never let children approach without him on leash and a nice calm intro. Socialization is absolutely key but there are general traits that just come with the territory.

If you want the freedom of a pup that can go off leash anytime is easy going all the time and you can take out to events/ coffee shops AND it will be relaxed then no this may not be the best choice. I would definitely equate a lot of Basenjis to having a Jack Russell demeanor.

Please think carefully. As you may already know, once you have a handful it is too late to change your mind.

It is a fact that there are a lot of Basenjis that go to rescues because they require work and/ or have qualities that the owners did not bargain for.

Best,

Maria

Hi,
I would definitely do homework to make sure you get a pup who is test and had their parents tested for the different kinds of PRA blindness, Fanconi syndrome, & hips. Etc. I am in the San Fran area and in the past looked into Jasiri Sukari Basenjis in Southern CA. They are very reputable and have healthy tested pups. As for Basenji.org, it is hit or miss. Before I got my current pup I visited a couple different breeders from the site and one was clearly doing it only for the money only as the mother dog was not in good shape and needed better care. I was pressed to write a check immediately and they didn’t bother to ask about my home or if I knew about Basenjis at all. So -definitely do your homework it’s so worth it. Good luck.

Hello IMBJ,

My heart hurts for you as I went through this. I won’t relive my story but maybe I can give some advice. There are a few things I would do differently if I could go back.

Know this, you need to take care of the caretaker- yourself. The peace you impart on your pup on this journey is everything - no matter how long or short. They pick up your fear and worry.
Keep in mind there is quality of time and there is quantity of time. They are not the same.

So, you need a plan.

1. Ditch the kibble stuff as the ingredients and protein levels will spike their blood counts and they feel so sick afterwards. Home cooking is best and definitely contact an animal nutritionist. Univ of PA has a veterinary school that does this as do a few others. Money well spent. They will give you a few recipes.

2. QT— learn how to give a QT yourself- fluids IV in loose skin a top of neck if you are comfortable doing this. A vet can show you how and you will save a lot. This journey is an expensive one. If you are not comfortable with this or your pup gets aggressive then don’t do it. It is far better to keep things calm as long as possible but it will mean a shorter journey. If you do give fluids whether from a vet or yourself you will definitely see them perk up and maybe get playful. Enjoy this time.

3. CBD —-know that pups never show the level of pain they are in. Watch the signs- hiding, sleeping a lot, less eye contact or more, and the obvious signs of pain. If I could go back, I would have given my pup CBD in addition to pain medications. Check w your vet if perhaps you can try a medication that will make him less groggy and/or see double. CBD is amazing but it can’t do everything. There is still pain and discomfort so please still treat w meds.

4. Listen, You could have another year or so making it the best you can is worth making a plan. 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. Everyone I have talked to says they wish they had made this final action sooner - days or weeks sooner. I also feel this way. We do the best we can and they know we love them and that is the most important thing.

These are all ideas for a plan but do make one, it will empower you.

Every day is a wonderful gift with your pup. I hope this helps. - Your fellow Basenji pup mother

Hello Leigh,

Yes, all of those things are true and no they are not like other dog breeds as not as readily trainable. They can be the most lovable pain in the neck and Lots of work for 14 +years. I love them dearly though there were days when I wished I could just have them off leash, less excitable, or not react to certain breeds. Destruction can be very real and while mine never dug out of yards etc, I have seen others on kitchen counters, climbing fences. Exercise is key but you can’t necessarily just go to a dog park with ease. If your still thinking of one, You want a really reputable breeder which means you need to do site visitS even on the ones listed on Basenji.org. I know firsthand. Not all are the same in terms of their concern for the mom dogs health etc.

Don’t necessarily pick the first one you see. Meet mom and dad and see how they interact. Take time to choose wisely and definitely know to go to breeders that do the genetic tests for blindness and Fanconi syndrome which is awful. Make sure that the pups grandparents and all related are free of It.

There is no rush as puppies/ dogs/ rescues can be found so it is much better to research like you are doing. In any case, I hope you find a dog that fits your lifestyle.

Best,
Adina

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.

1. Try to keep bag and tube etc out of sight of pup, cover with something

2. Hang ringers bag on a tall standing lamp or maybe in a hanger in a closet. Needs to be elevated pretty high.

3. hold standing pup between your knees at their waist (not their chest as they can’t breathe) and you stand and bend over them,

4. 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.

5. one hand hold collar (in right hand if you are right handed),

6. left hand swiftly tent loose neck skin in a triangle,

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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

As an anecdote To my last post my pup kept pooping normally Too but The vomiting happening repeatedly w attempted feeding until the cheese slice wrapper came up. Keep hydrating until you can get to a vet tonight.

Best
Adina

Hi,
So sorry to hear your pup is having serious troubles. Puppies really can be so sick and hide their pain. I want to suggest a potential problem that many may not want to consider. I am not anti-vaccines but there is an evidence based link to anemia as a result of vaccination in some children and in dogs. This may or may not be the case but it could not hurt to dose a commonly used natural remedy called Thuja. natutalpathic vet and or online should be checked as to the dosage on a puppy. I have used it myself on a dog before and it help with lessening some of the symptoms. The dog version is sold on Readily Amazon and In many stores and in health food stores. Here is an article about thuja as used for this.

https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/homeopathic-treatment-vaccine-reactions/

I hope this helps. Anemia is serious and the vets should be trying to find the cause. Consider as well that some external exposure to something could be causing anemia as well. ...chemicals used on the yard, household floor cleaners..etc.

Household cleaners can cause anemia as well. Here is a link.

https://www.dogster.com/dogs-and-cleaning/dog-safety-health-cleaning-products-not-safe

Good luck,

Adina

Get to a vet ASAP. Years ago my previous pup got into trash and threw up over a day and a half until a clear cheese slice wrapper came up. It was blocking his stomach entrance to intestines. Little wrappers and bathroom trash stuff is dangerous. See if vet can induce vomiting and or X-ray to see. Good luck!

Best,

Adina

Hi,

Not to worry. I was on the fence about neutering my past boy pup and had to So it when he was 8 due to hormones making extra ligament laxity causing a likely anal Prolapse.

I got it done and you know what? He was the same boy, no changes. Never fat or lazy in fact the challenge was preventing him from jumping up for one week during healing. He had no pain after first day. Luckily he also never prolapsed unlike his brother.

PleasE remember girl pups can and do get pregnant as puppies and it’s terrible for them. They WILL breed if you do not get him fixed.

Visually, my boy was just fine too if your worried about it. Find a vet you trust and it will be just fine and you will have so much peace of mind.

Best,

Adina

Hi All,

Another note, please be careful using tea tree oil. I do not use it as it can be toxic.

Online it says the following-

Although products containing low concentrations of tea tree oil are not expected to be a problem in pets, the use of pure tea tree oil directly on the skin is potentially very serious in pets and should never be used. Exposure may cause ataxia, salivation, lethargy, coma and tremor.

Regards,
Adina