Animal Profile
Teflon
Hello, my name is Teflon . My animal id is #220983. I am a desexed male tri color dog at the Queens Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 3 years 4 months 2 weeks old.
I came into the shelter as a agency on 6/1/2025.
Teflon is at risk due to behavior concerns in care. Teflon has made it difficult for handler to walk him due to his dog reactivity and kennel fighting when. He displays hard bark, leash biting, jumping, and pawing at the kennel door, and has been observed to screech and lunge at neighboring dogs. Teflon pulls hard on leash, exhibits leash reactivity, and has demonstrated difficulty settling during handling and enrichment sessions. Medically Teflon is Apparently Healthy.
You may know me from such films as...
Let's get to know each other a bit more...
This pet needs emergency placement. Please click here to go to our emergency placement page for more information. Teflon is at risk due to behavior concerns in care. Teflon has made it difficult for handler to walk him due to his dog reactivity and kennel fighting when. He displays hard bark, leash biting, jumping, and pawing at the kennel door, and has been observed to screech and lunge at neighboring dogs. Teflon pulls hard on leash, exhibits leash reactivity, and has demonstrated difficulty settling during handling and enrichment sessions. Medically Teflon is Apparently Healthy. There is an adorable video of me on social media! Click here to experience the cuteness! What my friends at ACC say about me: My history is a mystery and my friends here do not know much about me yet! I have medical needs that staff will address with you when you meet me. I would do best in a home without very tiny humans, although I could be open to older human children once I meet them. I love to be loved, but on my own terms! Let's brush up on some canine body language together! A volunteer writes: Teflon is officially one of two dogs a part of the NYCACC "wink squad." (The other is our big boy, Andre). He's a beautiful merle, with funny little front teefies that we get glimpses of when he smiles. We fall fast in love with his good looks and even better personality. He's so much fun, loves to play tug and chase after balls and toys, eventually settling down for some cuddles. "He might be missing an eye but his love for you (and toys!) is 20/20." Teflon came to us initially back in February with an injured eye (it was coming out of its socket!). The shelter was able to provide surgery to get him back into tip top shape and he obviously has acclimated just fine with the remaining eye. He was reclaimed by his guardian, but found recently with his buddy Sea Lion (placed with rescue) in an abandoned building. Now the stress of the shelter is starting to take it's toll on Teflon and he is at risk. While Teflon's been very social with people, he has shown some reactivity towards dogs so should be the only in the home right now. He is available to an experienced adopter with kids over the age of 13.
My medical notes are...
Weight: 50 lbs
2/21/2025
DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 2-5 years old Microchip noted on Intake? scanned negative History: Brought in by agency Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - wagging tail, head shy, allowed handling, lip curled for R side of face touched near proptosed eye but otherwise did not escalate Is there evidence of Cruelty? No Is there evidence of Neglect? No Is there evidence of Trauma? Yes Objective: T = P = 110 R = 30 BCS 5/9 EENT: Ears clean cropped pinnae, no nasal discharge. OD proptosed with dried blood from eye. Skin surrounding OS mild-moderately swollen with dark red brown crust/dried blood and ulcerative areas. Dazzle positive and inconsistent menace response OS. Oral Exam: Mild dental calculus PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Male, two scrotal testicles MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat, mild pin point scabbing and erythema on dorsal head CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Externally normal Assessment: Proptosed eye OD Ulcerations around OS Possible impaired vision OS Scabbing at dorsal head Prognosis: Fair Plan: Intake tasks Tolerated brief gentle cleaning around OS but would not allow further eye diagnostics Applied Neopolybac ophth ointment to OS and surrounding skin Recommend enucleation OD and further examination/eye diagnostics at time of surgery House in Medical Start gabapentin 400 mg PO BID x7d for pain Start carprofen 50mg PO BID x3d Continue Neopolybac ophth ointment to OS and surrounding ulcerations x3d Recheck tomorrow SURGERY: Okay for surgery - neuter + recommend enucleation OD and further examination/eye diagnostics at time of surgery
2/22/2025
Recheck proptosed eye S/O: BAR, eating well, no c/s/v/d noted, eupneic. OD proptosed with severe dried discharge down the right side of face. E-collar in place, resists touch near OD. A: Proptosed OD, ulcerations around OS, suspect impaired vision OS, scabbing at dorsal head P: Continue gabapentin and carprofen for pain. Surgery (enucleation) scheduled in 2 days. CTM closely on rounds.
2/23/2025
recheck, scheduled for enucleation of OD tomorrow at offsite S/O QAR, no c/s/v/d, food tray empty, good appetite, e-collar in place EENT: OD proptosed w copious dried, ulcerations/scabbing around OS, no nasal dc HL: eupneic MSI: amb x 4, scabbing to the top of head A. proptosed OD periocular ulcerations OS P. Enucleation scheduled for tomorrow CTM in medical prior and con't on current tx's
2/25/2025
Returned from outside surgery, enucleation OD. S/O: BAR, loose body, wagging tail No c/s/v/d noted EENT: OD enucleation - mild diffuse swelling at right periorbital area, no discharge from sx site LUNGS: Eupneic CNS: Appropriate mentation A: Post-op enucleation OD P: Per discharge instructions- Codeine 30 mg - 2 tabs PO BID x 1 more day, start tonight Gabapentin 300 mg PO BID x 5 days Rimadyl 50 mg PO tonight, then 100 mg PO SID x 5 days Clavamox 375 mg PO BID x 5 days, start tonight CTM in ICU and recheck as scheduled
2/26/2025
Hx: post op OD enucleation Q-BAR H eating eent- no nasal or ocular discharge; OD enucleation site looks CDI; minimal swelling hl- eupneic abd- relaxed ug- m msi- amb x 4 neuro- nsf A) 1 day post op OD enucleation P) Placement/homing Carprofen(Rimadyl) is being dispensed to the client. In compliance with Bouy's Law, a written client information sheet was included with the prescription. The handout was downloaded from Plumb's™ and discloses all required information regarding the use of this drug, side effects and missed dose and handling instructions.
6/1/2025
[DVM Intake] DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: ~ 3 year Microchip noted on intake? Scanned Positive History: Agency Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - Very excited, hyperactive, very sweet and friendly, allowed all medical handling once out of kennel Is there evidence of Cruelty? no Is there evidence of Neglect? no Is there evidence of Trauma? no Objective P = 130 R = eupneic BCS 4/9 EENT: Eye clear OS, missing OD, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Mild dental calculus. Pink mm. PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Castrated male Externally normal MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat. neuter incision resolving CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: externally normal Wood's Lamp Exam: not performed Assessment Apparently healthy Prognosis: good Plan: Intake exam and tasks SURGERY: Permanent waiver due to previously neutered
6/3/2025
ACS reports that he vomited an entire plastic shopping bag. Otherwise BAR, no c/s/d, eupneic. Okay to monitor on rounds.
6/4/2025
Behavior team reports hard barking and screeching at other dogs that pass by. Also note anxious and difficulty settling in behavior office - panting, pacing, jumping up. Start trazodone 9 mg/kg PO BID and CTM
6/4/2025
No further vomiting noted, no reports of diarrhea or inappetence. CTM while at QACC.
6/5/2025
Noted suture at lateral aspect of enucleated eye - fully healed. Attempted to remove suture, but patient way too active and resists restraint. Unable to hold still long enough to remove. Plan: Give gabapentin 25 mg/kg PO once tomorrow morning (with traz) and attempt suture removal approx 2 hours later
6/6/2025
Suture removal - given traz and gaba this AM, but patient still not amenable to full restraint. No aggression, but very active. Sedated for suture removal - dex/torb 0.5ml IM of each. Full antisedan reversal after suture removed, smooth recovery. CTM while at QACC.
6/21/2025
Marked kennel stress increase; heavy panting, flushed face. Adding gabapentin 600mg (~30mg/kg) PO q12h
7/1/2025
Seizure-like episode reported this morning. "Teflon was on his way outside, leash biting, and active. He was coming from A2 and began to have a seizure in the main hallway. He vomited his food, urinated himself, and legs splayed out. He was in the seizure for about a minute and then got up and was able to walk back to kennel." S/O: BAR, very active and vocal in kennel this morning prior to episode during cleaning/walks, BAR and calmer when checked later during quiet time. No c/s/v/d noted EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge LUNGS: Eupneic MSI: Ambulatory x 4 CNS: Appropriate mentation A: Neuro vs syncopal episode P: Unable to rule out seizure vs syncopal vs vagal episode at this time. Based on length of episode and the fact that it occurred during high stress/high activity moment, less likely to be seizure. Currently on trazodone 9 mg/kg PO BID and gabapentin 30 mg/kg for behavioral challenges in shelter. Add clonidine 0.01 mg/kg PO BID for continued arousal and leash biting. Recommend placing harness for walks instead of neck lead when safe to do so CTM closely on rounds
7/7/2025
P noted to have syncopal vs neuro episode 7/1. At the front of the kennel, BAR, A+A, no c/s/v/d appreciated. EENT: no ocular or nasal dc HL: eupneic MSI: amb x 4 A/P No neuro signs aTT r/o syncopal vs open No treatment needed aTT, CTM on rounds
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 1. Green
Upon intake the dog allowed staff to pet them, collar them, MC, and place them inside the kennel with no issues.
Date of intake:: 6/1/2025
Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Stray; history unknown
Other Notes:: June 2025 (second stay) - returns as a stray; limited history Feb. 2025 (first stay) - surrendered as a stray; history unknown
Date of assessment:: 7/3/2025
Summary:: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: moderate pulling Reactivity to humans: inconclusive - did not pass Reactivity to dogs: inconclusive - did not pass Leash walking comments: reported to hard bark and screech at other dogs that pass his crate Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): loose body but anxious - pant, pace, jumps up persistently on handlers, difficulty settling or focusing. becomes pushier when offered treats Call over: distracted, does not readily approach even with coaxing Sociability comments: Handling Soft handling: leans in, pants, scoots closer, finally sits between assessor's legs Exuberant handling: leans in, pants, tongue out, raises head, and pants in assessor's face Handling comments: Arousal Jog: follows, distracted Arousal comments: Knock: barks, loosens with approach Knock Comments: Toy: grips, moves away Toy comments:
Summary:: Due to entering the facility as a stray, there is no prior dog-to-dog history recorded. 06/09/25 Teflon is introduced at the gate to a novel female dog while off leash at the care center. Teflon will approach the gate with a stiff frame and hard face while the novel female dog approaches with her hackles raised and tense body. While both standing self-present in front of the gate adjacent to each other, Teflon lunges forward at the gate and begins to snarl. The novel female dog will do the same and she is moved away as she hard barks at Teflon. Teflon is also moved away from the gate as he is hard barking, concluding the interaction as they both are returned to kennel to decompress.
Summary (5):: 7/10/25: Teflon is at the front of his kennel pawing at the door when the handler approaches, and when leashed will try to push his way out and is not interested in any treats that is offered to him. He is leashed quickly as he tries to push out, and pulls hard trying to kennel fight towards another dog as he is exiting the kennel room across from him. Teflon is walked out into the yard, pulling hard and chasing birds on the sidewalk. Teflon in the yard is social with the handler, leaning his rear into petting and offered a toy. Teflon will take the toy and begin to chew on it and shake it, and begin to lay down chewing on the toy for his time in the yard. The handler will go from playing with him with the toy, and petting him as he leans into contact. Teflon is brought back to kennel, pulling hard into kennel without issue. 07/08/25 (trainer note): Teflon was standing on his hind legs wagging his tail in his kennel as handler approached him. He continued to jump and tried to push his head through the door as handler leashed him. He would fixate and crouch his body to the ground as he passed the other dogs in kennels. Handler used leash pressure to keep him walking and at times used a squeaker to redirect his attention. He walked to the live room with moderate leash pulling. He was placed on a drag leash and explored and marked the room with a loose body. He had a loose tail wag, and he became visibly more relaxed. He engaged with the enrichment items and would readily orient towards the handler. He would sit between items and was able to take deep breaths. Handler introduced the 123 game and he was able to remain focused on the handler throughout the pattern and took treats from hands gently. He was easily leashed. On his return back to his kennel, he easily walked in, however quickly did a U-turn and tried to flee from his kennel. Handler tossed in treats, but he did not follow. Handler had to use leash pressure to pull him into his kennel and to be able to shut the door.
Summary (6):: 07/02/25 (trainer note): Teflon was standing at the front of his kennel with a loose frame. He was easily leashed and strongly pulled to the live room. He was placed on a drag leash and explored and marked the room while panting. Handler provided enrichment items to help him settle. He engaged with LATTE rotations and would orient towards the handler and sit between items when asked. He eventually lost interest in LATTE and began to counter surf. He then participated in the up, down game to keep him focused and keep his paws on the ground. At the end of the session, he was easily leashed and returned to his kennel with moderate pulling. 07/01/25 When staff attempts to leash Teflon in kennel, he begins to leash bite, snapping at the lead. As one staff member finds difficulty leashing him, another will approach, successfully leashing him. On the walk it is reported that Teflon maintains a moderate pace and is easily walked to and from the facility. 07/01/25 Teflon is witnessed standing on his wall while on his hind legs, hard barking at his neighboring kennel. 06/24/25 (trainer note): Teflon is standing at the front of his kennel with a neutral frame as novel handler approached. As he was being leashed, he tried to push his head through the door. Handler was able to leash him and walk him to the live room with moderate pulling. He was placed on a drag leash and explored the room with a loose body and tail wag. He tried to counter surf and at times would excitedly jump on the handler. Handler provided enrichment to help him decompress, which he engaged with. Once finished with the enrichment, Teflon would lose focus and disengage until handler got his attention again. At the end of the session when it was time to get leashed up, Teflon began to repeatedly jump on the handler and counter. Handler used the spray cheese to calm him down and keep him still so he could be leashed. Handler was able to leash him and return him to his kennel without issue.
Summary (7):: 06/20/25: Teflon is standing at the front of kennel with a neutral frame as handler approaches. Teflon begins to jump onto the kennel door and paw slap. Handler tosses a handful of treats to redirect his focus, but as soon as the door is crack open, Teflon begins to jump and paw at the lead. Handler closes the door and resets, leashing Teflon with a treat lure. He pulls hard out of kennel and continues to pull on the walk to the Live Room. Teflon pants heavily, paces, and displays a flushed face throughout his time in the room. He will engage with spray cheese offered to him but after eating it all will begin panting and pacing again. Handler offers him spray cheese twice more during his time in the room. He will lean into petting but remains panting and jumps up onto handler, so they redirect his attention with tossed treats. Teflon pulls hard back to kennel, returning safely. 6/9/25: Teflon is laying down on his bed as handler approaches. He then approaches the front and begins barking and pawing at the door as the handler unlocks it. He is able to be leashed while being distracted with treats. He starts pulling hard on the way to the play yard for play group. On the way, he would have a tense body and would hard stare and try to pull towards dogs on his hind legs. He is unable to be redirected with treats or toys. In the yard, he greets the other dog with a loose body and then becomes tense and hard barks at the dog, causing the other dog to react back. He is then taken back to his kennel where he would hard pull and hard stare at dogs along the way. He would jump up on his kennel door as the handler locks it and walks away. 6/2/25: Teflon appeared eager to exit crate as handler removed cover. He pawed at the door as handler prepared to leash him and walked the short distance to the BA room for his assessment. Teflon would frequently bump into things as though he had limited vision remaining. He was wiggly and unable to settle in one place. Teflon often counter surfed. Teflon was highly toy motivated and eventually lay down briefly to chew his toy. He was returned to crate without issue. A short time later, Teflon was observed laying calmly in his crate. Teflon has been observed to hard bark and screech at other dogs that pass his crate. When in the behavior office, he remains anxious and has a hard time settling. Teflon peristently jumps up while panting, pacing, and becomes pushier for treats. He jumps on the desk, counters, and manages to get the fridge door open when he jumps down.
Date of intake:: 6/1/2025
Summary:: allowed handling, petting, and intake tasks
Date of initial:: 6/1/2025
Summary:: active, friendly, allowed handling for exam
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: Level 4
Recommendations:: No children (under 13),Single-pet home,Recommend no dog parks
Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): We recommend Teflon be placed in an adult-only home at this time. Single-pet home/Recommend no dog parks: Due to Teflon's reactivity shown while in care, we recommend that he be the only pet in the home along with avoiding all dog parks.
Potential challenges: : Basic manners/poor impulse control,Handling/touch sensitivity,Anxiety,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration,Leash-biting
Potential challenges comments:: Basic manners/poor impulse control: Teflon persistently jumped up on the handlers when seeking treats. He would then jump up on their desks and the counter in the office. It is recommended that default behaviors such as "Leave it", "Sit/Stay", "Down" are reinforced to substitute any frustration and teach him to control his impulses instead of simply reacting; proper management is also advised. Force-free, reward-based training only is recommended. Please see handout on Basic manners/poor impulse control. Leash-biting: Teflon is noted to leash bite in care Handling/touch sensitivity: Teflon previously became head-shy and lip curl when his head or around his face is touched, showing discomfort with touch in certain areas. Due to his medical concerns, this is a strong correlation between this behavior and his injuries. But it is unknown if this could extend to other areas around his body or any form of handling. It is important to avoid touching Teflon in these areas at this time and to be cautious when touching him in other areas as we do not know where he may have other sensitivities. Positive reinforcement, reward based training should be used to pair touch with good things such as food rewards to teach him to be more comfortable with this. Please see handout on Handling/touch sensitivity. Anxiety: Teflon appears anxious at the care center, pacing, panting, and was unable to settle or focus during his assessment. We have no history on his behavior in a home environment, so we do not know if this will occur outside of the care center. If it does appear in a future home, we recommend puzzle toys, long walks, and giving him other things to focus on to alleviate his anxiety. Positive reinforcement, force-free training only should be used. Please see hadnout on Generalized Anxiety. On-leash reactivity/Barrier Frustreation: Teflon has been observed to hard bark and screech at other dogs that pass his crate. Please see handout on On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration