Dagmar

I regularly worm my dogs with a natural product as worms tend to become more and more resistant to chemical wormers. I am using food grade Diatomaceous Earth and it works beautifully! Even the vet rang me one day and asked what I used. Here is more information about it: http://animalconnection.com.au/Natural_De-wormer.php

Was wondering what the difference is between a cough that sounds like they're pulling on a lead and kennel cough. Is this coughing Like this a sign of kennel cough or just a dry throat.

Even for vets it is sometimes difficult to differenciate between a normal cough and kennel cough. If there is foamy white mucous then it is most probably KC, also this retching like coughing is an indication.

My previous boxer stopped breathing after I gave her the KC cough medication and I had to do CPR to bring her back, I then used Brauer's Cough Remedy for Babies and it worked perfectly!

If you add them to the food, puree the carrots, then the dog's digestive system can actually use it.

So - pureed, chunks, grated: which to add to their food?

My dogs would not talk to me any more, if I forgot to get them crunchy carrots! They are great as a treat and also clean the teeth. Due to the 'relatively' high sugar content I would not feed too many to a dog with cancer, but for a healthy dog carrots are fantastic. If you consider giving carrots as vegetable as a part of their meal, please bear in mind that a dog's digestive system is unable to break open the cells of vegetables (you will find pieces in their poo), therefore puree them and add then to the food and all is good.

Happy crunching!

Dagmar

http://animalconnection.com.au

another vote for deer antlers.

they're great, non messy and last ages.

Where can you buy deer antlers?

I ordered them here:

http://www.deerfarm.com.au/

Thanks! I will look into that! I hope my dogs find them appealing as there seems to be no meat on them. But one can only try

Hehe, no, there is no meat on them, they are antlers. But they do have a darker substance in the middle (I guess some type of marrow), which must be appealing. My boy loves his, and I love the fact I can give it to him inside the house and it doesn't smell or make a mess. Plus he's had it for about 2 weeks now and it's still almost the same size it was at the beginning, even though he's spent hours chewing it. Definitely worth a shot, and if your dogs don't like them, you might be able to give them to a friend with dogs.

Sounds like marrow - is it smelly? Then they will probably like it ;)

Good to have something to give them inside, especially now in winter!

Hehe, good plan - give it to a friend with dogs! I have done that before with roo tail bones, now she has to buy them on a regular basis, her dogs just love them!

It is not marrow - it is the renmants of velvet. When the antler is a living growing thing covered in a soft fuzz the inside is a blood rich honeycomb full of amino acids. As the antler ages it slowly calcifies and hardens with the outer layer becoming white and bone like and the inner layer turning into a solid honeycomb, the hardness of which is dependant on whether the antler was shed or cut off. The term "velvet" refers to inner layer not the fuzzy outer layer.

Wow - a deer expert! ;)

Thanks for the explanation, interesting... The amino acids would be very good indeed! Although I believe you have to be a dog to like it...

I think whether bones are sufficient for tooth cleaning depends a little on the dog. I had a client in at our clinic last week who had an older dog with lovely clean molars one one side & a substantial tartar build up on the other side. Turns out it got a big bone to chew on at least every week - but tended to only chew them with one side of its mouth! Not something I'd seen before.

Interesting - my first thought was that the dog might have a tooth ache?

another vote for deer antlers.

they're great, non messy and last ages.

Where can you buy deer antlers?

I ordered them here:

http://www.deerfarm.com.au/

Thanks! I will look into that! I hope my dogs find them appealing as there seems to be no meat on them. But one can only try

Hehe, no, there is no meat on them, they are antlers. But they do have a darker substance in the middle (I guess some type of marrow), which must be appealing. My boy loves his, and I love the fact I can give it to him inside the house and it doesn't smell or make a mess. Plus he's had it for about 2 weeks now and it's still almost the same size it was at the beginning, even though he's spent hours chewing it. Definitely worth a shot, and if your dogs don't like them, you might be able to give them to a friend with dogs.

Sounds like marrow - is it smelly? Then they will probably like it ;)

Good to have something to give them inside, especially now in winter!

Hehe, good plan - give it to a friend with dogs! I have done that before with roo tail bones, now she has to buy them on a regular basis, her dogs just love them!

My dog loves denta stix and also greenies, which I would highly recommend. Their website isn't working for me today, so here's an alternative one just in case: http://www.pookinuk....u/greenies.html

I brush my dog's teeth too - I find it to be easiest with a little finger brush like this (however my dog is a toy poodle, so perhaps it's different for your guys!):

I am using a similar style of finger brush and I have boxers, no problems! ;)

another vote for deer antlers.

they're great, non messy and last ages.

Where can you buy deer antlers?

I ordered them here:

http://www.deerfarm.com.au/

Thanks! I will look into that! I hope my dogs find them appealing as there seems to be no meat on them. But one can only try

Our dogs vomit after nearly every different bone they're given. If they don't vomit they get constipation or the runs. I've tried lamb shanks, kangaroo tails, turkey necks, marrow bones and others that I don't know the name of. I now only give them chicken frames or necks, but Angel's teeth are getting a bad build up on them. I know there are other people here that don't feed bones for the same reason. What do you use to keep their teeth clean?

If I cannot get hold of bones for my dogs, I brush their teeth. It takes a while to get them used to it, but patience will get you there. Maybe start with a toothbrush from the pet shop which you can slip over your finger (but be careful not to get bitten ;)) and use a special dog toothpaste (no human toothpaste!) and let your dogs check out the brush with a bit of toothpaste on it. This way they get used to the feeling of the brush. Next lift their lips and gently brush a tooth, just from the outside is fine. If your dogs are a bit like mine, you will experience tongues everywhere . So do not get frustrated, just do every day a bit and eventually they will learn what you are doing. The reward is the taste of the toothpaste.

Good luck!

another vote for deer antlers.

they're great, non messy and last ages.

Where can you buy deer antlers?

I'm all for alternative methods, I'm just nervious of people spending a huge amount of money with no return.

I agree. Working with alternative methods myself made me realise how many black sheep are out there who just try to sell their products, no matter what.

I had lots of clients who also spend a huge amount of money for conventional methods with no return ;)

Hi Sandra, I would try eliminating that which you mentioned being a pinched nerve causing the issue. You never know, if your dog is out of alignment and has a pinched nerve this could cause muscle spasm and tense rigid symptoms to be exhibited. When rested and inflamation reduces symptoms reduce. Then when something triggers off the symptoms again you will see the same thing. It would be cheaper to have an animal chiropractor see to your dog before paying for tests that may not identify anything. Worth a try. I use a great one in Qld who provides a mobile service but definetly regardless of whether this is the problem is a great treatment to provide your dog early in life to eliminate any issues later on, I wish I had of - have only learnt the benefits now my dog is nearly 11! Good luck and keep us up to date, mystery illnesses are always difficult to narrow down

I agree with Rottifan, could well be a pinched nerve. Maybe get a full blood count done AND see an animal chiropractor. If she was my dog, I would also add acupressure. There is a saying in Traditional Chinese Medicine - if there is a stagnation in the Gallbladder Meridian, one cannot move his limbs...

Dagmar

He's nearly 2. Our vet clinic has a vet that has done extra courses in eye medicine. I might see if I can get in to see her on Wednesday. They are pretty good about referring up there and she will be able to give me more information. I don't really want to just wait and see if it happens again. It's a fairly big deal to look after him when he has a sore eye, and I don't want him going through it yet again if we can prevent it.

If he was my dog, I would go to an eye specialist right away. Normal vets do not have the expensive tools to check a dogs eye properly. My dogs had corneal ulcers and they are VERY painful. My previous vet actually suggested to stitch the eye closed for a while! Thank god I refused and went to an eye specialist and within only a few days they were fine.

Dagmar

Just a quick question.

My female, almost 9 year old, Stafford has developed a hard-ish lump on her right hand side...around the waist area.

It only seems to have developed overnight, after she had a particularly stressed evening due to thunderstorm.

She's eating and drinking fine, had her walk this morning & doesn't seem to be in any discomfort (though being a Stafford can often hide it well!). (And I think has had bowel movement).

Just wondering if anyone knows what it might be? Probably around the size of a 10c coin.

Obviously I'm not going to wait around too long and keep an eye on her and take to vet within the next 24 hours, just in case it is a hernia...

But just wasn't sure because of where it is on her abdomen.

Any advice appreciated! Thanks.

Very hard to say, I would get her to the vet and have it checked out. If it is a lump, the vet can also do a fine needle aspiration.

Dagmar

You are right, your dog is really underweight. I think the flea problem is also pressing, but fleas prefer animals with a low immune system, so I personally would first try to get a number of other health issues in order and then look at the flea problem. I am afraid you might have caused some allergic reactions with flea bombing the house. No offence, you tried to get rid of them and after all that rain they are everywhere!

If she was my dog, I would get her to a vet and send some blood plasma to Dr Jean Dodds. The standard T3, T4, Free T3 and Free T4 tests which are done here in Australia do not necessarily show you the results you need. Both my dogs were fine with these values, but after sending samples to Jean, we learned that one of my dogs was hypothyroid and the other one suffers from autoimmune thyroiditis. Please let me know, if you need a vet who is willing to prepare the blood samples, mine does and I had to go through 4 vets to find one!

A full blood count would also be worthwhile to check, if there is any infection or other health issue going on. I would also take an urine sample to the vet to have it checked in the lab.

Is there any chance that Keira has worms?

Are you using products for flea and tick control such as Frontline Plus or Advantix? Many allergies are being caused by those products.

The way her feet are pointing could indicate some mis-alignment in her spine, but could well also be caused by her hips. A good animal chiropractor could be beneficial.

Does she suffer from digestive problems (diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, noisy abdomen, etc.)?

Suffering from pancreatitis really makes it difficult to use fats as a pancreatitic dog should be on a low fat, low carbohydrate diet.

Therefore rice, pasta, oats, etc. should be cut out of her diet. Those carbs can also cause inflammation. I would not use milk products either. Please boil the egg as raw eggs deplete the liver of Vit B.

Please check with your vet, if she can have good oils such as Omega 3 fatty acids. I also have the impression she is lacking a few basic vitamins such as Vit C and E. Other good supplements would probably be probiotics and digestive enzymes. Again, check with the vet.

In pancreatitis Selenium is often used as an antioxidant and there are also some homeopathic remedies and Australian Bush Flower Essences which could be given.

Once you have a diagnose, acupressure could be very helpful too.

Please keep us updated!

Dagmar

Look up idiopathic head bobbing. If you also look specifically on youtibe you will see examples of what it looks like.

My bulldog started doing this, his was in the "yes" manner. He was perfectly conscious and able to follow commands and eat. It happened at night 4 days in a row, would only last a minute or 2 each time and could not be related to hunger or excitement.

I tried giving cheese (which was a recommendation), no change, rescue remedy (which helped the first time, not the 2nd) and finally mag phos (which is a cell salt avail from chemists or health food stores) and this is what provided the answer for us. Since giving him mag phos 1/2tab once a day with food, he has not had an episode since. My bullie was on cortisone at the time and now he has been weaned off the cortisone I plan to take him off the mag phos too and see what happens.

Thank you so much for your post! Finally we have a name for it. That is exactly what my Gina does, only in the "no" manner ;-). Similar to you I tried the Emergency Essence of the Australian Bush Flower Essence and the head bobbing time came down from about 15 minutes to 1 minute. Now with the acupoint GV 26 I can stop it immediately. It does not happen so often any more either, maybe only once in 6 months. Interesting about the mag phos, are you giving it every day? I wonder, if it would not react with the food first?

Please let us know what happens when you stop.

Thanks for sharing!

Dagmar

Thanks all for your replies.

Dagmar if I do see it again I will try. How long do you apply the pressure for?

OOS what is head pressing?

I usually apply the pressure until it stops and then a bit longer. Eventually the dog will move away. 1 minute should be enough.

Dagmar

Hi does any one have any exp with a slight heart murmur. Just found out today. My girl was seen last sept and there was nothing and today she went in to get teeth cleaned and we found out she has a murmur and some fungal thingy on her tonsils !! antibiotics for a month and just to keep a watch for the murmur . I was so upset , the vet said not to worry that it may never change and if it does there is great meds to control it. My poor girl. Any thoughts?????

Sorry for asking - but what are the antibiotics for?

Dagmar

She has a low grade infection on her tonsils

Didn't you say it was a fungal infection on her tonsils? Antibiotics wont help here, they could actually make it worse... That is what worries me a bit.

Maybe check with the vet again, if she should not better be on an anti-fungal medication?

I was told not to feed dry food unless soaked and also do not feed any for 6 weeks after surgery. Mine got boiled chicken and rice starting with a tablespoon full and working up from there.

Soaking the dry food before feeding reduces the risk a lot. Boiled chicken and rice is a very bland diet and does not irritate the digestive system, so I personally would also go with that. Kibbles can contain things you would not want to feed at this time.

I do not have a GSD with bloat, but I will tell you anyway what I would do, if he was my dog ;-)

I would definitely not feed dry food any more. No exercise after eating. If your dog is afraid of thunderstorms and licks his lips continually, he will probably swallow a lot of air, so keeping him calm will help.

I don't have a GSD but have a very bloat prone breed (danes). This is an article I have saved as a favourite: http://www.gsdcqld.org.au/GSDV.GSD.htm

Not feeding dry is not one of the recommendations that you usually see as a bloat preventative. I had not heard about air swallowing either - do you have a link about that as it sounds interesting?

Most dane people don't exercise an hour either side of feeding. I am cautious about too much activity on hot days and anything which causes sudden changes of temperature e.g. giving ice cubes.

There are so many theories about what causes bloat - and they're often contradictory.

I had a preventative pexy performed when my boy was desexed. I know he can still bloat and torsion with it and his spleen could also go.

After his surgery I fed at least 6 small meals a day for the first 4-6 weeks. I soaked his kibble in water before feeding, made a cooked mix of rice, chicken mince and pumpkin, made porridge with rice milk and mixed with kibble.

I agree, it is sometimes nearly impossible to find the reason for bloat which makes prevention so hard.

Sorry, I do not have links, I was talking from experience.

In my understanding what can happen with dry food is the following: The dog eats a large bowl of dry food which makes the dog thirsty. Then the dog drinks a lot of water and the dry food expands rapidly in his stomach. This can cause the stomach to start twisting (as a dog's stomach is not attached to the abdominal wall like ours are), of course it is more dangerous, if the dog exercises after such a meal. Just place some dry food in a bowl and pour water over it and watch... Scary stuff.

I experienced a case of 'swallowing air' caused bloat while volunteering in the Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre. It was just after a thunderstorm as this poor boxer girl was brought in. According to the owner she was very nervous and just sitting next to her, but licking her lips all the time (due to her fear of thunderstorms) and swallowing air. No food, no jumping, just air swallowing. Probably a rare case, but it was nearly deadly for her. That was the reason I mentioned it.

I am having deep chested dogs myself (boxers) and you know that danes are at risk as well (beautiful dog in your profile picture!), so I believe knowing as much as possible about this dangerous condition is so important.

Dagmar

Thank-you for the replies.

There was no real reason for the bloat, dog was quite, ate slowly nothing that would suggest bloat. Yes the vet has removed spleen & tacked the stomach in the hope that it will all help.

I have been told to feed 4-5 small meals with no dry, so at this stage she will only eat fresh meat I have given BBQ chicken, My Dog but no good. I'm hoping this will change as she is very thin now from her stay in hospital.

Poor girl! But be positive, she will come around eventually. Sometimes it is hard to make out the cause for bloat. Have you tried boiled chicken instead of BBQ chicken? Boiled chicken mince mixed with white rice would also be an idea. Is she eating at all? You might need to hand feed her for a while, she is probably very weak. Warm it up a bit (not hot of course), it smells better and she might then start eating.

There are also some Australian Bush Flower Essences which would be beneficial for her.

Dagmar

Hi people,

just asking if people here have had a case of the GSD getting bloat? if so what was your after care along with food given?

Thax

chitchat

I do not have a GSD with bloat, but I will tell you anyway what I would do, if he was my dog ;-)

I would definitely not feed dry food any more. No exercise after eating. If your dog is afraid of thunderstorms and licks his lips continually, he will probably swallow a lot of air, so keeping him calm will help.

Do you know, what caused his bloat? Did they attach his stomach to the abdominal wall as they did surgery, so that it cannot twist easily again?

Dagmar

Hi

Just recently I have seen two dogs (Greyhounds) that have had involuntry head wobbling/shaking as I said in the topic description it is like they have Parkinsons. With both dogs it didn't last very long, they didn't appear to be in any pain and with both dogs I have only seen it once. Both times the dogs were anticipating an exciting event. One dog I don't know the other is my own and I think she may have done it once about two years ago. Can anyone tell me could be going on?

Hi

I have a dog who sometimes has this kind of head tremors, it is not like nodding, it is more tiny shakes from side to side. First it was quite frightening, but now I know what to do to stop it. I assume in my dog it is a very light form of a seizure. I tried a number of things, the Emergency Essence of the Australian Bush Flower Essences shortened the duration a lot. But still I was not happy with the result. I am an Animal Acupressure Practitioner, so I tried pressing the acupoint GV 26 - and the tremors stopped immediately! Gina recently had a full blown seizure and I tried that point again - she came out of the seizure immediately. This point is also used in humans to treat shock or to get newborn babies to start breathing, if they don't do it by themselves. I believe it is absolutely crucial that every dog owner knows where this point is, so I will explain it here: GV 26 can be found on the midline below the nostrils

Please try it next time it happens and let us know how what happened!

Dagmar

Does anyone have a dog that grew out of car sickness?

None of my previous dogs have suffered, and this young girl was fine until she turned about 16wo. For the first month I had her she came with me in the car everyday, and now goes for about 3 car rides a week.

It appears to be genuine motion sickness, because if we are on the freeway she drools a fair bit, but it's not until we leave a freeway and come to the first set of lights and stop that she vomits. Once she vomits then she is perfectly fine.

I have stopped feeding her breakfast before a trip and that has eased the amount, but she still drools like crazy. I have fresh air in the car and if she is preoccupied then she also seems ok.

I would rather manage the vomit than medicate her. Can I also add that she always has had positive associations with a car.

So, please someone tell me that their dogs grew out of this!

If she was my dog I would walk her before a car trip (to make her tired), no food obviously (you already learned that lesson ;) ). Have you ever tried Australian Bush Flower Essences? A good start would be the Travel Essence.

Dagmar