trinabean

Thank you for that Trinabean. It is really difficult to feel confident enough to add more to my girls diet.

I tried adding a small amount of oil to her diet and she was really sick after it. I am very hesitant to add oil again.

The barley is a good idea. I hadn't thought of that and it doubt it would hurt her. Also I am thinking that rolled oats might be good too?

Yes, Balance IT was suggested but I found I wasn't available in Australia.

Can you tell me how to get it?

Hi Stitch, I order Balance IT directly from the US website: Balance IT

I checked with Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) before ordering it. It's within their guidelines, so is OK to import.

It's worth noting that it doesn't come with recommended dosages, this needs to be worked out on an individual basis, depending on what the dog is eating. We had a canine nutritionist draw up a diet for Bruno, and she calculated the Balance IT dosage accordingly. Ours was done by my vet contacting a nutritionist in the US, but it looks like Balance IT offers a similar service through that website too.

I can understand your concern about adding oil to the diet, especially if she got really sick last time. Typically Bruno doesn't handle oil well (and still doesn't do fish oil well) but the cold-pressed safflower oil surprised me. As I said though, we added and increased it very gradually. Might be worth talking to your vet about it though?

Also, can she tolerate any fattier meats, like lamb? Just wondering if the roo is simply too lean for her? My dog lost an unacceptable amount of weight while on a roo/sweet potato elimination diet once, and the vet had to change the plan.

I'm not sure if I would go oats. Oats can be quite the allergen.

In saying that my boy was very bad, only Kangaroo and potato for him

Yes, the dermatologist wasn't keen on oats for Bruno, I can't remember the reason though. Everything makes sense in the consult, but my brain deletes most of the info shortly after.

Either way, we were using quinoa as the novel protein but it was too expensive for a big dog to eat long-term. Barley was her preference as an alternative, if tolerated. Thankfully it's been fine.

She is cute beyond words Hankodie!

well

how to freak me out.

http://augustineappr...ancer-research/

Jeebus!

Stitch, my Boxer suffers from Histiocytic Ulcerative Colitis ('Boxer Colitis') and food and environmental allergies. He can't tolerate dry dogfood, or chicken, beef or lamb.

He is very sensitive to any dietary change too, so I understand your hesitation.

Bruno's current diet has been formulated with the help of his dermatologist, and he is "in remission" and looking the best he's ever been. I've found cooked goat and human-grade roo are good for him. Roo on it's own is too lean for skinny Bruno. He eats mostly goat (still a lean meat, but has more fat than roo). He also gets cooked barley and sweet potato, a couple of tablespoons of cold-pressed safflower oil and a vitamin/mineral supplement called 'Balance IT.' He gets some fish oil capsules too, but can't digest as many as the specialist recommends (he gets a runny bum!).

The cold-pressed safflower oil is, according to the derm. vet, one of oils that are easiest for the dog's system to ultilize. We are adding it for omega 6, but also to increase the fat content as the meat Bruno consumes is so lean. You can get it from health food stores. We added it to the diet very gradually, increasing the dosage over a couple of weeks. Bruno is 30kg and now gets 2 tablespoons a day added to his cooked food.

Just a couple of thoughts. :)

ETA: the Balance IT seems to have helped Bruno too. It contains no animal products (so is good for dogs with food allergies) but I get it shipped from the US as there is no Australian retailer. Bruno's diet was so limited and was deficient in some vitamins and nutrients. I think the dietary deficiencies were compounding his gut/ skin problems last year.

Still can't get over the cat's behaviour, just incredible especially how effective it was on a dog in full prey drive.

Might need to start carrying a loaded cat on our walks :)

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Glad the little boy is OK.

We had a male tabby cat when I was a kid who used to chase dogs out of our yard. Once when my sisters and I were little, we were playing in the front yard and 2 dogs came running through our (open) front gates. As we ran up the front stairs to get away, our cat shot out like lightning and scared them off, hissing and scratching.

He was badass. Good ol' Sugarplum. :laugh:

My dog has allergies, so I make his treats as that's the only way I can know for sure that the ingredients are ok. Since he can't have chicken, beef or lamb, I tend to use meats like goat or kangaroo. Mostly I just cut thin slices of meat and spritz with olive oil then bake for 15-20 minutes. Sometimes if human-grade roo is on sale, I'll buy the mince and bake tiny meatballs.

I like sweet potato treats too, thanks for sharing that idea. Yay, something else Bruno can eat!

Yes, good idea to take him with you. At least you'll know he's fine if you can keep an eye on him. :)

Yes, I would just keep an eye on the poos and provided he is eating and drinking normally, I'd probably relax a bit after tomorrow. Yes, he could just be tired after training, he is only 6 months old and it takes a lot out of them at that age (Bruno used to sleep all the way home after training).

My dog normally saves his poo for a walk, so that makes it obvious (and public!) if there's a problem. I know the weather's not great, but if your dog is similarly-inclined you can always bag the poo and check it once you get home.

*Yes, my name is Trinabean, and I'm a poo-watcher*

I use Epi-optic but don't squirt it down the ears. I use a make-up remover pad like Erny does.

Yes, I use Epi-otic or Duoxo ear cleaner, on a makeup pad too.

Any sign of the plastic Yonjuro? I hope he's ok.

I had no idea he'd swallowed it actually. Took me a minute to go through his toys and work it out!

Yes, I would just keep an eye on him Yonjuro.

My boxer once chewed and swallowed half of one of these happy chaps:

The cheery mangled face in the poo gave me an awful fright! :laugh:

Well done!

It's a juggle. We had a lovely BBQ planned once and everyone was great with dogs except one guest's partner who was paralysed. She tried so hard to relax but of course Stevie was worried that she was worried and kept trying to get close to stare at her lovingly. We put both dogs behind a fence but the princess did object, and it was a long afternoon

We also had trouble with Maggott because he was a bad fear biter so we'd crate him in our bedroom but when he was healthy he would protest very loudly! Then if anyone saw him or had seen a photo they wouldn't believe such a cute munchkin could be a problem (um yes, he'd go for your face!).

Oh Stevie, staring lovingly works on most people. :laugh:

And yikes Maggott, not the face.

I find dogs amazing and am constantly surprised by the way they know they need to turn their energy down and become gentle with those who need it most. Brandi us a bouncer who, in her enthusiasm to join humans on human furniture, has trampled various delicate parts if DHs anatomy under paw in her way through. Yet on therapy visits, asking her to join an elderly and fragile person with osteo and dementia, she knows instinctively where and how to get on the bed and how to lie so they can pet her and feel her body heat without bruising, breaking bones or tearing fragile skin. They know when someone is fighting their fear to pat them and interact and, I think, go to extra lengths to please.

Yay for Bruno!

Yes, Bruno is bouncy normally. The trampling of delicate anatomy under paw happens here too. I wasn't sure that he knew how to tone down the bouncy enthusiasm. I'm glad he did. :)

Bruno the doggy ambassador!!

Well Done to you, the little girl, and Bruno ! That worked very well, by the sound of it .

Jeez, I must be getting old . I have little tearies reading about how the day worked out. I can just SEE the little girl so thrilled and puffed up about what a great dog trainer she is going to be :laugh: :laugh: I'd love to by a fly on the wall in that household over the next couple of days.

Trinabean and Bruno: take a bow !!

So glad you didn't listen to MY advice, but went with your instincts and recognised your own and Bruno's abilities.

Trust me DDD, our abilities are limited, that was most of our obedience repertoire. I haven't been a good enough trainer to teach anything fancy. :laugh:

Brunes has a lovely Boxer temperament though and is confident, not fearful, that helps.

That little moment was a spontaneous thing, I hadn't anticipated that any of their kids would want to interact with Bruno at all. It was sweet and Bruno was so good, sitting and dropping before being asked. It's his default setting when he's keen on being awarded a treat. Kind of "I'm not sure what you want, but this usually wins a treat." And it did. :laugh:

Thanks all for your thoughts.

I'm proud of Bruno for doing so well at everything the little girl commanded him to do. And I'll credit his breeder for his sunny good temperament. It was a much better day than I had hoped for. :)

Ok, if the people that are coming are causing you so much worry that have to ask on DOL what to do, why not cancel the trip. :) Just saying.

I thought I'd seek ideas from dog-savvy people on Dol. I wouldn't say that I'm so worried that it warrants them cancelling their trip. That would be an over-reaction.

I like to plan ahead and look after my dog, and didn't realize it was such a dumb question.

Thanks to all who offered ideas. The day was a roaring success.

I locked doors and made the backyard off-limits for some of the day. We supervised the kids playing in the front yard after lunch. And then I popped him in the laundry (put a baby-gate on it) for a little while too, and the kids had a bit of time playing in the backyard. He was quite happy in the laundry as he could see us. And I gave him a treat-filled Kong.

Whilst I didn't use the crate today, he was happy to spend short periods in there yesterday, so I may invest in one.

The 8 year old girl was nervous, but quite fascinated by Bruno. She asked if she could pat him, which is a huge step for her. I took her outside and showed her how to get him to sit, drop and stay. He is always very gentle in the way that he takes treats too, so that gave her a bit of confidence. He was so good, and calmer than normal (phew!) Our friends commented that he was one of the best-behaved dogs they'd met, - he's only done basic obedience though, so maybe they just haven't met many dogs! :laugh:

He's back inside now, snuggled on the favourite couch with me. Happy happy joy joy.

It sounds like you have options & with understanding from both parties it will work & not be as bad as you think :) plus you sound responsible in knowing your breed is "out there " at times & not for everyone ,i too have the same type & apprepriate not all dog lovers like my dogs either

Yes, 'out there' describes him well. :laugh: You get where I'm coming from.

What a shame I didn't see this earlier, I have about 25 meters of pool fencing sitting in my shed I could have lent you to make a yard for sweet Bruno :) I've used it with star pickets and it is really sturdy!

I have used the bunnings compost panels to make a fence/yard for my two when workmen have been here, and they haven't got through it.....you've met Rhino and know if he wanted though something he wouldn't hesitate :laugh: but they have respect for fencing(though will jump on it to get pats/say hello, so again star pickets have kept it steady)

Hopefully he'll love his crate, and maybe you could have him on lead, when the kids are outside, for short periods to let him stretch his legs/have a pee?

Have a nice day, I'm sure it will all be fine :)

Thanks Raffiki, that was a kind thought. And if a fence is 'Rhino-proof' it should definitely be Bruno-proof. He doesn't try to get over or through fencing, or baby-gates. It's something to keep in mind then, if reinforced with star pickets or posts.

Totally understand Trinabean, nice as pie but sometimes just get too excited :laugh:

I know he doesn't want to eat anyone, but he's very strong of paw and tail and forgets himself when excited.

Yes, Bruno is the same. :laugh:

Ok, as a backup measure I have borrowed a crate from a friend. I will set it up today with some familiar bedding and toys, and will try giving him a few chewy treats in there. Just in case it might be useful tomorrow.

We have some other, dog-loving friends visiting tonight. He has a ball when they visit, as they will throw a ball all afternoon for him. He usually puts himself to bed when knackered, while they're still here. I might put his Snooza bed away and encourage him to use the crate as his bed tonight.

Id suggest a local restaurant and meet up there :p

If only! Probably needed to book somewhere weeks ago to get 9 people in for lunch at Easter though. Sadly, I didn't know they were coming until recently.

Presumably these people know you have a dog and they've chosen to come and spend the day at your home.

I would not be altering Bruno's routine at all. If these people have a fear of dogs, in my opinion they can either get over or find a way to keep themselves in control.

Surely they must know Bruno is not going to eat them alive. They're coming into his home by choice so let 'em deal with it. I mean really, what do they expect you to do with Bruno for the duration of their visit?

Parents who impart their fear of dogs onto their children do their kids a disservice. My neighbour has two small boys (4yo and 6yo) who are terrified of my Cavaliers though they know the dogs won't bite them. If Mum comes to my door with the kids and accepts my invitation to come inside I pay no attention to the kids squealing and jumping around if the dogs happen to walk near them. My dogs are not much interested in the kids either after the initial greeting. I sure am not going to crate the dogs for their benefit. They chose to come inside my dog's home so they can suck it up.

I wish Bruno were disinterested in visitors CavNrott. He is always happy to see visitors and is particularly interested in kids. He is gentle with my kids, just loves being near them. He's great with dog-savvy kids who visit ( I'm always hyper-vigilant and supervising). He will sit, drop etc for them, and follow them around trying to press his squeeky toys on them, so they can throw them. But I recognize that he is exuberant (doesn't jump up on kids, but will whack them with his helicopter tail and nudge them with toys etc) and I have always kept him separate from fearful kids, on the rare occasions we have had one here visiting. For his benefit and their comfort, I suppose.

Do you have a large enough front yard where the kids could play supervised?

The front yard is large but unfenced. We might do an egg hunt out there.

Lock the back door with Bruno out for a while, then pop him in your bedroom with door shut while the kids play outside.

That's a good idea. He loves our bedroom and could sleep or watch the backyard through the window. I could put a baby-gate across my bedroom door-way as an extra security measure...

The risks are too huge. Your dog won't understand why kids and their mother are screaming their heads off.

I'd be boarding them at the local veterinary clinic, no matter what the cost.

No way would I be taking any chances that my dog could come of second best in anything that might happen. You won't have a moment's peace unless your dog is safe.

Bruno has had a lot of time at the vet's in his short life. I think being crated at the vet, away from us, would be more stressful for him than being secure and separated at home. Besides, I don't think they're open on Sundays, let alone Easter Sunday. But thanks for the ideas DDD.

If people come here that don't like dogs it's their problem not mine.

I always oblige by putting the dog outside but that's as far it goes. :)

Yes, outside is looking like the best option. I do wish I had crate-trained now though! It would have given me an option of keeping him inside and near us. He does get a bit stressed being banished to the backyard. He prefers to be in the midst of things, with people.

If it was my house they would just have to get over their fear.

Yeah same here. Or just say the kids cant go outside.

In my heart I feel the same way Canetoad. But these are old, dear friends. They can't help that they are afraid of dogs, anymore than I can help being terrified of heights.

And yes, it will probably come to that Aussie. As I said, not ideal. Bruno hates being separated from us. And it's a small house, especially with extra kids buzzing around.

I would just lock the back door, and tell the kids the backyard is off limits. They might be put out, but the family chose to come somewhere that scares them, they have to compromise too.

Yes. :)

I was seriously thinking it is such a same that the water pipe burst and the lounge is flooded so ya'll have to go have a picnic wherever & Bruno can be safe in his own back yard.

I understand they have come from a distance.

There are two sides here:

The hosts with a beautiful dog & guests with phobias....

Cyberhugs to Bruno. I would come all the way from the East Coast to visit ANY boxer

Oh, and he loves meeting new people VizslaMomma! If only you could dog-sit him. :D

It sounds like a less than pleasant situation.. It is always hard when someone doesn't like dogs and you have dogs that live inside..

I agree with Jules, just don't let the kids outside and keep Bruno in the yard for the day (or if you have friends that could take him for the day)..

If Bruno has to stay out of his house for the day, the least they can do is stay in the house (or take the kids to a local park to run off steam)..

Yes, it's tricky. It's not a situation we are normally in. Bruno adores kids and has to know where mine are at all times.

He will be pulling the saddest Boxer face imaginable at all of the glass sliding doors while we are inside.

Do you have friends family or neighbours who could take Bruno for the day.

No, everyone seems to be away or visiting family for Easter Sunday.

No the panels aren't tall enough for a 30kg dog. They are mainly good for puppies.

I would be saying the kids can't go outside. Do you have a local park? Perhaps you could take the kids there for a couple of hours if they get restless.

Yes, I can key-lock the security doors and block the dog door to make the backyard off-limits (and unable to be 'accidently' accessed). But it will be necessary to get out to a playground as our house is small. With my two kids, my husband, myself, and a faimily of five visiting, things will be cramped!

You can tell your friends that the backyard is off limits to their children and you can go to the park.

I think only complete separation is safe in these circumstances. I suggest you spend most of the day out of your home.

Yes, my initial suggestion was for a picnic at a park/playground. The mum was hesitant as their youngest has just had surgery and isn't supposed to go overboard on activity. Plus he's still on pain meds. We can make the backyard off-limits, eat at home then head out to a playground with the rest of the kids I suppose.

I've just found out we have friends visiting tomorrow for most of the day, instead of just dinner. They have 3 kids and they and their mum are scared of dogs. Two of the kids get quite terrified if they even spot a dog in public.

Bruno, our 30 kg Boxer is part of our family and normally has free access via a dog door. He is not crate-trained although he had a crate as his bed as a puppy. Whilst I can borrow a crate, I don't think I can adequately prepare him for being locked in it in one day.

These friends live hundreds of km's away and we don't see them often, so it isn't a problem I've faced often. Normally if they come for dinner, I put Bruno outside with a bone and a stuffed Kong. Because their little kids will want to play in and outside tomorrow, and I will be busy cooking and hosting, I need ideas on securing Bruno so that he, and the visitors, are comfortable. So far, my best idea is to block the dog door and just keep him in the yard when everyone is inside eating. And when the kids want to play, I can babygate the laundry and keep him in there. The laundry is small, but adjoins the kitchen so he will be able to see me, and has glass doors that overlook the yard, so he can see outside.

A lot of Doler's have mentioned the Bunnings compost panels. Is it feasible that I could construct a pen in the yard from them? Are they sturdy enough to contain a 30 kg dog?

My Boxer loves everyone. But he is especially interested in other Boxers and other squishy-faced breeds like Frenchies, Pugs etc..

I do have to watch him at the dog beach though as he has a bit of a thing for huskies. He would happily trot home with a husky and their family if I didn't call him back.

How come dogs who have never attacked anyone can be euthanised and yet dogs that have attacked, and no one denies this, are not?

because the law is an arse...............

Yup.

HW I'm so upset for you and your dogs, especially after seeing their injuries.