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@Rebanne "A vegan dog food manufacturer is being sued over claims it produced a toxic batch of biscuits which killed seven dogs and caused illness to more than 60 others. Veganpet dry dog food was recalled in October 2020 after it was linked to an outbreak of megaesophagus, an incurable condition which causes lifelong eating difficulties or death. Documents lodged in the County Court of Victoria by SNH Products, the owner of Veganpet, reveal the company has paid out $232,000 in damages to 33 dog owners. The company is now suing the manufacturer of the toxic batch, Advanced Pet Care of Australia. According to court documents, expert testing found toxic levels of fumonisin B1 and fumonisin B2 linked to a contaminated corn-derived ingredient. Veganpet is suing for damages and costs, claiming the manufacturer was responsible for the “contamination event” which caused them loss of business, profits and reputation. The toxic batch of dry biscuits was manufactured in June 2020 in a volume of 22,155kg at a facility in Western Australia. Veganpet, based in the Gippsland town of Nar Nar Goon, was made aware of associated pet illnesses four months later following correspondence from The Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA). In its voluntary recall message, Veganpet wrote: “We feel greatly for those that have lost a family member to megaoesophagus, or whose dogs may have been diagnosed with the condition.” “Veganpet has been produced safely for over twenty years by our same manufacturer and there has been no change in the quality, formulation or process used in the product as it is supplied to us,” the message said. Its website states it uses “human grade, Australian grown, organic (when available) raw ingredients” in its pet food products. Unlike in other countries such as New Zealand and the US, there are no mandatory standards for pet food in Australia. Here it is self-regulated, with voluntary industry standards applied through the PFIAA, but no mandatory recall system for pet foods deemed potentially dangerous or deadly. There is also minimal government oversight of the industry. In 2018, it was revealed more than 100 dogs became ill or died after eating top-shelf dog food brand, Advanced Dermocare. Some of the dogs who died were part of the Victoria Police dog squad." T.

Yep. Sorry but I thought I should post the abbreviated version as a warning for other dog owners.

behind a paywall.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=DTWEB_WRE170_MG_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailytelegraph.com.au%2Fnews%2Fvictoria%2Fvegan-dog-food-maker-veganpet-sues-supplier-over-recalled-batch-that-killed-seven-dogs%2Fnews-story%2F12a8e96393d3c34c958b8aa0d94ffd10&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=ULTRALOW-Segment-2-SCORE

Hi everyone. We are bringing home a french mastiff puppy in a few weeks and I will need to bring him in the office for the days I'm in as the gap between me leaving and OH coming home is a little too long for the little one. We will be driving in and will be in the office about 5 hours. So I need to prep our things and bear the office situation in mind when we are settling her in at home. Any ideas, tips, stories you can share? We are terribly excited to have this little one home and our 5 year is desperately trying not to get too excited :-)

Ricey, That is so sad. Poor Keisha. You did the kindest thing to stop her pain. Take care of yourself - she was such a big part of your life.

Sorry to hear of your beautiful girl passing. It sounds terrible what she went through but you did the right thing, as hard as it would have been. It’s been 7 years since my girl passed ( hermangiosarcoma) and there is not a day that goes past where I don’t miss her. Take care, the pain does ease but never truly disappears. I’m sure your girl had the best life ever.

Macrolone, which contains the active ingredient prednisolone, is a corticosteroid used to treat various conditions in dogs, such as inflammation, allergies, and autoimmune diseases. While it can be effective, it may also cause side effects. Here are some potential side effects of Macrolone (prednisolone) in dogs: Common Side Effects Increased Thirst and Urination: Dogs may drink more water and urinate more frequently. Increased Appetite: Dogs might feel hungrier than usual. Panting: Excessive panting can occur. Weight Gain: Due to increased appetite and fluid retention. Behavioral Changes: Some dogs may become more anxious or restless. Long-Term Side Effects Immune Suppression: Increased susceptibility to infections. Gastrointestinal Issues: Ulcers, vomiting, and diarrhea. Muscle Weakness: Muscle atrophy or weakness over time. Cushing's Syndrome: A condition caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of corticosteroids, leading to symptoms like a pot-bellied appearance, thinning skin, and hair loss. Diabetes: Long-term use can lead to the development of diabetes.

Keisha is gone; December 2023 just before Christmas. It wasn't the hemangiosarcoma recurring though; it was a ruptured lumbar vertebral disc that paralysed her hind legs and caused her unspeakable pain and suffering. Euthanasia was the kindest option. Took me a long time to tell you guys. It will take me forever to stop missing my girl. Every time I come home and she's not there at the back gate waiting for me, I die a little death.

Maremma dogs, known for their protective instincts, can sometimes attack sheep if they are not properly socialized or trained. To prevent this, ensure that they are introduced to sheep gradually and under supervision, starting from a young age, and provide consistent training and reinforcement of appropriate behaviors. Proper socialization and training are key to fostering a protective but non-aggressive relationship between Maremma dogs and sheep.

Leash reactivity in dogs is increasingly common due to several key factors. Firstly, many dogs lack proper socialization during their critical developmental periods. Without positive exposure to various stimuli, they may develop fear or anxiety towards unfamiliar people, animals, and environments. Secondly, improper training methods can exacerbate reactivity. Owners may unintentionally reinforce negative behaviors by reacting with tension or frustration, which heightens the dog's stress. Fear and anxiety play significant roles; dogs on leashes often feel restricted and unable to escape perceived threats, leading to defensive aggression. Previous negative experiences, such as being attacked by another dog, can also cause lasting trauma and reactivity. High-energy dogs that don't receive sufficient physical and mental stimulation can become frustrated, resulting in reactive behaviors. Additionally, a lack of proper leadership and guidance from owners can make dogs feel the need to control situations, often through reactivity. Urban environments contribute to the problem, as crowded sidewalks, loud noises, and frequent encounters with other dogs can overwhelm some dogs. By understanding these factors and using positive reinforcement training, consistent routines, and ensuring adequate exercise, owners can help reduce leash reactivity and improve their dog's behavior on walks.

I like that the owner has her siblings as well - that line must be just what he wants I'm glad there is a little girl to spoil her a bit

cognitive decline, or environmental changes. Common signs include irritability, confusion, decreased activity, and altered sleep patterns. First, consider health issues such as arthritis, dental problems, or organ diseases. Schedule a vet visit to rule out medical conditions, as regular check-ups can detect problems early. Cognitive decline, similar to dementia in humans, can lead to confusion and anxiety. If diagnosed with canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), your vet may recommend dietary changes, medications, or supplements. Environmental changes can also impact behavior. Maintain a stable, familiar environment and consistent routine to help your dog feel secure. Ensure they have a comfortable, quiet place to rest. Understanding that behavioral changes in senior dogs often indicate underlying issues is crucial. With regular vet care, a stable environment, and patience, you can help your senior dog navigate their golden years comfortably.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-18/world-record-border-collie-working-dog-begins-new-farm-life/103840044

I had a stafford who was bullet proof but then developed anxiety when her hearing suddenly went. Her eyesight was also diminishing with age and she went from a dog who liked to be loved kind of roughly to one who didn't want to be touched for fear of being hurt. Then she developed Sundowners too. It was a lot for her and us to deal with. Our interactions with her changed as soon as we realised - very gentle touch and cuddles. She went on Antinol Rapid (which helped her joint discomfort) and we minimised her ability to hurt herself jumping up and down off furniture (I ended up with a ramp at the end of my bed and a baby rail down one side so she had to use it. We also started making and giving her Golden Paste, which I feel also assisted. We developed big gestures to get her attention in the yard (still had an issue with alarming her to wake her). We tried an adaptil plug in the wall and then a collar but ended up using Vetalogica calming chews which worked best for her. It helped the wandering and panting reduce in the early evening. The other thing we did (recommended for doggy dementia) was get a blue light for the base of the ramp at our bed. It stayed on all night (didn't have any worries sleeping with it on) and it helped keep her settled at night. These are just some basic changes we made that worked for us. We've got a great vet so had they recommended something (medication) I would have tried that too. The doggy dementia FB page I found was really helpful too. It must be hard for them when everything starts changing and they don't know how to tell us.

Her ill health and pain would be contributing to her changed behaviour: up to 80% of dogs with problem behaviour have chronic pain of some description which when treated improves their behaviour or resolves the problem entirely. However, it sounds like she may also have a genetic predisposition to anxiety which was impacted by her spay – these days it’s understood that hormones help with confidence. And given her age we can also start to wonder about canine cognitive dysfunction (dementia), though if you ask me, 10 isn’t super old for a chi! I’d see how she goes with her treatment, but if her fearfulness and barking continue I would go back to your vet. If they are unable to help you, which is possible as it’s a bit of a niche area, look for one with a special interest or further qualifications in behaviour. They can determine whether she has an anxiety disorder or CCD, and if so what treatment she needs to feel better. Once she feels better you should see her behaviour improve. In the meantime you could try things like playing calming music for dogs - I really like Through a Dog’s Ear, and giving lots of other enrichment opportunities focused on relaxation and supporting cognitive function. Scent-based activities can be particularly calming and suitable for dogs of all ages and abilities. Some over the counter products that can be suitable for mild to moderate fear/anxiety/stress include Adaptil, Zylkene, Purina Calming Care, and certain speciality diets from Royal Canin and Hills. These products may not necessarily be suitable costwise or appropriate for her as an individual, and you should speak to your vet. I just know that many people are tempted to go out and buy stuff that is suggested to them online, and these are at least evidence-based unlike most things on the market. Finally, don’t let her age make you think that improvement with her fearfulness and barking isn’t possible. My chi mix was only diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder and canine compulsive disorder (doggy OCD) at 10 despite being anxious from the get-go. Getting a diagnosis and treatment plan from a veterinary behaviourist along with ensuring contributing chronic illnesses were treated made a huge difference in his quality of life. He lived to ~15.5 so that was a 3rd of his life spent feeling better within himself and consequently behaving in less exasperating ways (he too communicated his feelings by barking a lot). Some links for you: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/10/2/318 https://www.anzcvs.org.au/chapters/veterinary+behaviour+chapter https://dogdementia.com https://www.amatterofmannersdogtraining.com/single-post/2017/06/18/enrichment-for-fearful-dogs

hi everyone we have a 10 year old female chihuahua. when she was a puppy, we had her desexed and her behaviour changed. she started not liking being pat, when you reach for her, she would cower. when you carry her, she would squeal. over time, we learned what she likes, what she tolerates and what she doesn't like. now she's in her senior year. she's going blind. i noticed an increase fearful behaviour in her which i think is natural. but this fearful behaviour would make her bark more often. and we would be doing our best to guess what she wants, either go outside, have something to eat, take her to bed, etc. the other night, she barked most of the night due to pain when she tries to poo. she would squat but nothing happens, and when she does, she would have runny poo and she would squeal in pain. we took her to the vet and found out she has a cyst and infection so the vet gave her enema and antibiotics. what do you do with your senior dog when their behaviour changes? how do you deal with increase barking and you don't know what is causing it? thanks for all your advise

Should also have a muzzle. 1080 baits everywhere.

I know when Jonah's dad took him on his outback adventures he had a tracker on him. Imagine trying to find a red dog amongst the red earth. PS DW's photo, not mine.

ABC News

oh I love Rose's ears! They make her look very cheeky Poor giraffe- but isn't that what stuffed toys are for ? LOL Lovely photos!

Sorry. I meant the Giant Schnauzer. He looks a lot like my boy.

Happy birthday Rose. She looks so sweet and surely not guilty of destroying the poor little giraffe.

just had a (very) quick look - and some very nice dogs. Agree re the GS - especially on the stack. I have silently despaired over that once noble and sound breed (yes, I am old enough to remember Serendipity - a truly magnificent bitch). So nice to see