Crisovar

Where do you get Comfortis from? and in what form does it come in ie a tablet, spray etc??? Maree CPR Over the counter from the Vet or from most online Pet supply places. It is a once a month Tablet, dosage depending on dogs weight.

Breeders will refrain from registering the litter until all pups are sold then simply register them straight into the buyers name, saves transferring them from Breeders name to buyers. I wouldn't call it dodgy.

and how will you judge that? I looked at it because I wanted to know why cryptorchidism made the news +1

Unfortunately the Boarding industry can attract operators who are in it for a fast easy buck, running a kennel properly is far from an easy job, but you will always have those for enter the game and will cut corners to make fast money. They are however in the minority in my experience. It is next to impossible in peak time for most kennels to be able to thoroughly search every dog for ticks, if you are expecting this you need to try and find a small, very small boutique type kennel. Owners with coated breeds particularly fail themselves in lots of cases themselves to do adequate checks so expecting a boarding facility to do so is unrealistic. For the majority of kennels they are relying upon prevention (and prevention procedure varies from kennel to kennel) and observation of animals, all kennels should have staff that are capable noticing signs and simply observing the dogs and noting behaviors or symptoms whilst they go about their normal tasks in paralysis tick area this is one added extra thing for them to be aware of. It has already been mentioned that it can be impossible to actually get your hands on some dogs in care. I have seen some shockers, and also owners need to be aware that how their dog behaves at home and in familiar surroundings can be a far cry from how it acts in boarding situation. There are always going to be stuff ups accidents and incidents, especially in an industry working with animals, it is inevitable. It is how a kennel handles these things and what the owners expectations are that is important. Owners can help things run smoothly by investigating before hand and seeking out kennels with excellent reputations, understanding that their expectations and a boarding kennels ability to meet these expectations may be worlds apart. Planning ahead for emergencies, having an emergency contact that is authorised to make decisions and can communicate your wishes to your vet and kennel. Having a standing agreement with your Vet for treating your animals in your absence. Particularly when boarding long term there needs to be an exchange of information regarding parasite prevention programs, administering of medications, diet requirements, health issues, behavioural issues etc. You need to read and fully understand any agreement/contract you sign. Ask questions if the contract seems off or too open, and get amendments signed. If you require special services ask in advance about the costs. Obviously sometimes an emergency can arise and you have to board without notice but generally plan ahead and don't be left having to board in an unknown facility or having to accept sub standard because you have not prepared. Good kennels will be booked out well ahead of peak times. Don't go looking for a kennel now for Easter and expect to find a dozen good ones waiting for you.

“The owner agrees to pay all costs and charges for special services and all veterinary costs for the pet during the time the pet is in care.” The dog did not have a pre existing hip condition – there is no disagreement about how the animal was injured which was during a swap over of pens by an attendant. The boarding kennel is the agent and has the bill made up in their name with balance falling due by the owner on pick up. The dog was in their care for approx 3 months and did not have ticks at time of arrival. The dogs were not boarded locally to the owners usual vet and the kennel's vet is used for all emergency and vet services. Are you saying that the owners had no idea that their dog had required Vet attention until their return? Sloppy contract I would not have signed it. You don't simply allow someone else to make the choice of Vet and treatment as a standard thing. Even Boarding Kennels that have a Vet on call allow owners to stipulate their Vet is to be used and/or that they are contacted and kept fully informed. The owner should have been in contact with Vet and been fully informed and made the treatment choices, and therefore fully aware of the expense. It is rare that you are unable to contact owners in this day and age. The owner should have had a emergency contact other than themselves in the event that they are out of reach, all these things should be fully covered especially when leaving animals long term. All medications and preventions etc, grooming and routine healthcare should be fully covered in the agreement. I would not sign anything that left a kennel owner the ability to run up a bill or choose treatment options aside from standard emergency treatment, pain relief etc. Big danger signs here and owners need to be better informed.

What did the boarding agreements state in relation to Vet fees? Did the dog have a pre existing hip issue? Usually the owners or their emergency contact would be called and the Health issue discussed and the owner would be aware that the dog was needing Vet Treatment, normally at the Clients regular Vet if boarded locally, otherwise as agreed to. Vets require Owners or agents consent so they cannot just willy nilly run up a huge bill unknown to the owner the owner or agent would have to agree to treatment. I have a standing agreement with my Vet re my animals treatment in my absence, always handy. This sounds like a communication issue, too little information to know. The tick issue would have to be thoroughly investigated, could the dog have had ticks on arrival, did the kennel insist upon all dogs being on prevention if they are in a tick area, how long was the dog in their care?? Read the agreements, ask around in advance when looking at boarding find out which ones are highly regarded and plan ahead.

I have never experienced a Boarding Kennel that adds extras unknown to the client at time of drop off so this is new to me, in normal circumstances you book in for x days at a rate of $y. It is not hard to work out what your bill will be at the end. The Kennels I know that offer extras clearly state the costs of these. I have seen many animals abandoned at kennels and the kennels left to sort out that mess, hence clauses regarding this circumstance. Many people fail to plan and are left floundering when looking for boarding facilities, and I am not talking emergency boarding, people who neglect to book when they have holidays planned way in advance and those who simply expect to find a space on the day abound. It pays to plan and read the fine print. Of course there are grubs out there, but there are just as many owners in that basket not just service providers.

Could you please explain why these two points are an issue please?

The OP said her mum was going to buy JointGuard which contains glucosamine amongst other things, what it sounds like the dog needs is some short term pain relief until the Jointguard kicks in.

Persephone may have it nailed if he is a chronic barker he may well have barked himself hoarse in the kennels. On the other hand he could well be a problem barker who has been debarked LEGALLY because of that. By the way debarking is not cruel or inhuman, he is not suffering or being put through anything if he has indeed been debarked.

Arthritis is painful. Poor little man is probably letting you know he is hurting. I agree he may need something for the short term until the Jointguard kicks in.

If I was looking at boarding my dogs I would be looking for Security: I want secure safe enclosures where the dogs are not only unable to escape but safe from interactions with other dogs. Adequate shelter from weather and the ability to be confined in a smaller night area if needed. Hygiene: Easily cleaned kennels, able to be totally cleaned between dogs, soft furnishings to me don't cut it. Knowledgeable & caring staff and management. Quality diet or assurance that my supplied food will be fed. I expect my large dogs to be fed twice daily and staff to fully understand the risk of Bloat. I do not want my dogs being exercised or enjoying playtime with dogs other than my own. I expect the facility to have properly structured down time during the day and at meal times so dogs can rest and not be continually stimulated. So kennels that allow visitors all day are out for me. I do not want motel room type facilities that appeal to the owners rather than the welfare of the animals. So in short Security, Hygiene, Safety and Dog Sense.

Cop : Sir please restrain your dogs so we may enter Perp: Yep as soon as I stab/shoot/bash my partner Cop: No worries Sir, be as quick as you can :rolleyes: ;)

I never increase the quantity of food in the first 6 weeks. You want a bitch fit never fat to whelp, and they are that way before mating. In the later stages it is more the quality rather than the quantity. Some bitches may get a bit pickier as they get larger and less comfortable, but I stick to good healthy foods, edible bones, sardines etc and smaller more frequent meals if needed. After whelping they need increased amounts again of quality foods.

Pups are lovely, they smell wonderful, you want to bury your face in them. But that wonderful puppy stage is over so fast, and it is hard work, but rewarding. I knew that when the time was right, when I had the time, when everything was just right I was getting a new pup. I knew my next dog was going to be a pup, and be raised the way we always do things here, to be tolerant of the cats, little dogs, accepting of strange rescue dogs coming and going and well mannered, I was so wrong. Along came a 15mo rescue, emaciated with open weeping lesions over 75% of her body. The smell was just beyond description. But her eyes, her beautiful intelligent GSD eyes showed a beautiful intelligent and trusting soul, and I was gone. There was nothing for it but to bring her home. Friends were a bit taken back, and expected it to be a nightmare, an unknown animal, that couldn't even wear a collar to restrain her, what if things went bad, and they could easily have. However it was all good. The reward is exactly what I was going to mould for myself, but it was there from day one. It took some time to see the outside as it was meant to be, but in time it emerged and we have the whole package. Rescue animals come and go here, a couple have stayed because they were not suitable to rehome, I don't just fall for the first sad case I see, I see too many to be that soft. My next dog was going to be special it was going to be another GSD it was going to be raised and trained just the way we like from 8 weeks. It was going to be my buddy, my companion when my old mate passed. It was planned and neatly packed away for when the time was right. So much for plans, sometimes when that special dog comes along it just happens.

Childhood dogs ate whatever was going, bones, butchers scraps, leftovers, and then when it was more readily available some dry and tinned food was added to the mix. All except for one that contracted Distemper during an outbreak have lived into their teens. My own dogs through the years have eaten pretty much the same, a wide variety of foods raw, cooked and packaged with the brands of commercial food varying as more and more became available. Again they lived long healthy lives, and currently we have several in their teens 13 yo and up and suffering no more than the usual geriatric complaints like arthritis. Fussy cat is 17 and has lived on commercial food all her life.

I always have Natures Gift tinned food here, it is a good product, all of mine get it from time to time and my 15yo has it daily. My sons dog eats NG and dry every day and has for 9 years. I groom quite a few old (some very old) dogs that are happy and healthy and eat My Dog every day. Neighbours feed their dog chum dry and tinned and it looks very well for a 13 yo. I feed a wide variety of foods to mine, raw is often hard to source and just recently they all had to enjoy Natures Gift for a while due to the supply issue and the floods etc.

Quite normal.

The only one that I am aware of the breeding of has a silver sire, not a bad looking dog but definitely brindle.

I'd say its pretty uncommon. I don't know the mode of inheritance but I do know that I've never seen one or heard of one in this country. I have clipped brindle poodles.

That's really funny. I know an RSPCA inspector and she has never owned a pet - she's just a jack boot wearing radical who earns her money pushing a pencil and loves to call people hoarders. I agree with Megz as well. Considering they source most of their inspectors from law enforcement or investigative type backgrounds, and that no animal knowledge is a requirement I am not at all surprised. I too think that the numbers will vary considerably according to each individuals abilities and lifestyle. While I consider getting up at sparrows fart every morning to exercise dogs, do a poo run, feed those that need morning feeds, clean water bowls etc and tend to horses before I start work to be simply something that goes hand in hand with the pleasure of keeping them, others would find it a chore. I know single pet owners who cannot manage, it is all very individual.

Pop the bag in the freezer for a bit. If the dead ants are a concern just shake the food in a colander before feeding out.

Have one client who has a small terrier cross that has had a bit of nausea, but have heard of no other reactions from clients. Good reports from almost everyone that is using it. I have used it for my GSD for 9 months now and no probs with her. The most common side effect apparently is nausea or vomiting. Most Vets should have it on the shelf.

I've always understood that rear dew claws are illegal because of the lethal damage they can inflict. Uhm well that's a new one

My butcher makes a lovely mince it consists of Ox cheek, lamb off cuts and heart, with no crap. I also get my minced chicken frames from him, again fresh and no crap. There are some crappy pet minces but I wouldn't wipe them all.