To everyone on the forum, Cody got to come home yesterday. He is doing better but is still very ill. HIs diagnosis was anaphylactic shock and hypertension. His liver values have gone down from 6000 to 3992 and tomorrow I am taking him to the vet to get them rechecked. I hope they go down considerably. He has lots of meds but is a good boy in taking them. He is eating well now and I have divided his food into 3 sometimes 2 meals. He is getting boiled chicken.
We cleared out an area in our back yard of all weeds and put a fence we use when camping so we hope this helps. Our dogs will go out there from now on, until we can figure out what to do to get rid of all the weeds on our 1/4 acre the dogs run on.
We are considering a roto tiller, considering Cody's sensitivity to things, we do not want to use chemicals.
Thanks for all your encouragement and prayers.
Cody and I appreciate it.

Yay! so glad he's home

How sure are they that the shock was caused by weeds as opposed to the thousands of other chemicals and other items that it could possibly be?

Still heading in the right direction! Lets keep it that way.:wink:

Glad that there is a steady improvement.:smile:

Terriers......

 Quote: Sharon Empson

We are considering a roto tiller, considering Cody's sensitivity to things, we do not want to use chemicals.

It's a losing battle without chemicals. Even if you till everything up and replant. I know, I tried it. I've tried just about every possible thing you can do with or without chemicals.

Spray the whole area with 2,4-D, give it a week, spray again. Use crab grass killer (liquid) once if you need it, then 10 days later. You can do both of these at the same time. Dethatch and aerate the whole property, and overseed with a good fescue based seed made for your area (Like Pennington's). Don't waste your money on Scott's or other big box brands.

I do the lawn in a front section and back section, and then just keep the dog off of it for a few days after I put down chemicals. Fescue is awesome because it doesn't require much water and it grows thick to keep the weeds out. Bluegrass may look nicer, but it requires tons of water and weeds can start taking over with it easier since it has a sparser root structure. Once the fescue has taken over, you shouldn't need to worry about every having to put down weed chemicals again, but you'll still need to fertilize in the spring and the fall.

Dealing with putting down chemicals and keeping the dogs off of it is a huge PITA. But if you use the right grass, and make sure it stays thick, you shouldn't need to use anymore chemicals that could hurt them.

I had nightshade and other poisonous plants growing all over the place. I'd rather use chemicals once or twice than to have to risk them coming back and being chowed on by the dog.

I wouldn't say that without chemicals it's impossible. After all farmers till all the time. No chemicals involved... all you do is till... wait... till again... and continue to do that as many times as needed. Eventually the dirt is disrupted enough that not much is growing there on it's own. Then you plant what you want.

Here's an article on weed control without chemicals if you are interested http://landscaping.about.com/od/weedsdiseases/a/organic_yards.htm

I personally use vinegar in the horse pasture for thistles. It takes a couple of applications, but I don't have to worry about the horses or dogs getting sick.

Also, I would talk with your vet about giving your dog SamE for his liver. This is a supplement that brought my dogs' liver values back to normal after very high levels. I also give all my dogs SamE for 10 days after any vaccinations or anesthetic. It's a great thing for liver problems, but talk with your vet first.

Good luck,

Kelly

Glad to hear that your Cody is back home. Here's to a full and speedy recovery. Those terrier are fighters!

 Quote: Julie Deans

Glad to hear that your Cody is back home. Here's to a full and speedy recovery. Those terrier are fighters!

Oh, so am I! What a relief!