Allergic reactions to vaccines

in my puppy!

My poor little puppy had an allergic reaction to her shots on Saturday. Her little face swelled up and she broke out in hives! Her poor little fur looked like there were pebbles under her skin!

Of course, the vets' office was already closed and the answering service referred me to an emergency vets office in Fredricksburg (almost an hour away!). I called them and they said bring her in!

Okay....not that I was not concerned for her (beleive me, I was!)....but I was not going to drive that far without checking to see if there was another ER vet closer to home. I looked in the yellow pages and found one that was only about 25 minutes away and CALLED!

I was able to speak to a vet over the phone (was not given that option with the other place)... he asked me several questions and then told me to give her Benedryl. He told me the dosage to use and how often. He said that if she did not improve (or got worse) to bring her in, but that the first thing he would do would be to give her a shot of benedryl....so instead of driving her in, I could get her started on the medicine!

It worked! Within 30 minutes of the first dose...some of the hives had dissappeared. By the time I get her the third dose, her face was almost back to normal and there were only a few hives left. By the next morning, there was no trace of her reaction!

I am so thankful for a vet that was more interested in getting this puppy better fast, than having me come in and pay for a vet er visit (over $100).

I plan to write a letter of thanks to the animal hospital! I do not remember the name of the vet, but I can give the date and time....so that would at least narrow it down abit in case there was more than one there that day!

Thanks so much for the special people that are out there taking care of our pets!

**Here is a website that talks about animal allergic reactions. I did not even know this happened to animals!

Urticaria (Hives) & Angioedema (Swelling of the Face)

Shiva had the "moderate" reaction.

School days....school days...

Start again in just a week!

Have you started back yet? Or are you in an area that waits until after Labor day?

We are almost ready here. We bought new tennis shoes today...and back packs. Last years did stand up to the usage I had hoped they would. (sigh)

I made my little girls school year...I let her pick out a "High school musical" back pack! LOL I swear, she is 6 going on 13!

I also agreed to let my son get a back pack "on wheels" this year. But with the agreement that it has to last at least two years. hehehe

How are you "back to school" plans coming along?

I am being over run with cherry tomatos!

I plan to surf the net and find something to do with them besides in a salad or pasta dish! LOL

If you have any recipes...I would greatly appreciate them!

How do you get ready for "Back to School"?

I start by keeping an eye out for the sales that always happen this time of year for school supplies. So far, I have gotten some really good deals.

I also start looking for close out sales on clothes. Involved in this is also going through their clothes and giving away what is out grown (and still usable) and getting an idea of what is needed.

What are some of your "getting ready" strategies?