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Reliability of results.

We've had the blood tests, the first time it came back as totally negative, the Vets sent it through to another Lab and it came back with quite a few positives most of which we have now proven to be false positives, we spent just over $500 for the desentising injections which did nothing. If you say she falls apart with the one flea why are you looking for an alternative allergy answer....are you not totaly sure it's a Flea Allergy? I believe there is no such thing as a Food Allergy, it's actually food intolerance and it's the rarest form compared to Atopy etc.

Something like this may be suitable? http://www.dogleggs.com/files/pendulouscallus.cfm

Then go and learn to use one. Right because i dont know how to use a check chain? Perhaps you should go learn how to train a dog to not pull without any equipement? Sorry to burst your bubble but they are merely a temporary control, one that is no different to a halti or gentle leader, the dog immediately starts pulling as soon as the prong or whatever is taken off.......what has the dog learned about not pulling? Uhh nothing! *shakes head* I expected more from you...a person who usually comes off sounding pretty educated on the training front BUT you've just shown that like any other uneducated person you can knock something you haven't tried. I've used a prong many a time with fosters and taken it off and they haven't continued to pull. Clearly you are not familiar with prong training principals. A prong isn't suitable for all dogs but surely you know that....just like any training technique isn't one size fits all. I'm really disapointed to hear such words out of your mouth.

You alright? Sound a bit bitter when it's really not neccessary or helpful to OP.

Wagner Ester C Tablets from the Health Food Store.

We've been on 3 elimination diets without success. We've done Roo, Horse & Rabbit as the usual ones. We have a Dane that eats 2 kgs of meat a day so food elimation diets with 'fancy' meats sent us broke. Horse you think would be cheap it was actually pricey and it smells disgusting! We did a year on Raw meats and veggies with no success Food allergies are apprantly the rarest form but everyone seems to treat it as the first thing they look at. A Spot test is a great way to start, although it does deliver False positives which you'll have to rule out. We still have allergy issues dispite desentising injections for a year and thousands of dollars in potential miracle cures. We're treating now for a potential yeast problem as yeast can present it self like allergies and we have had more success.

1) Blood Test to test for Allergies (Approx $200-$500) 2) Intradermal Skin Testing at a Skin Specialist (Approx $500) If the Owner can not afford the testing, I personaly feel it is only right to get the dog onto some medication so it can become comfortable such as a low dose of Cortisone. I'd get the dog onto Omega 3, 6 & 9 such as this product: http://www.animalcare.net.au/p/146429/performa-3---20lt.html Also be looking at getting the dogs general health up, I reccomend Rufus and Coco Vitamins: http://shop.rufusandcoco.com.au/c-1-vitami...upplements.aspx I have personaly had some success with their Itch Relief Shampoo: http://shop.rufusandcoco.com.au/p-7-itch-relief.aspx Has your friend tried Malaseb? http://www.vetnpetdirect.com.au/product.ph...16279562e66da5c This is something the Vet probably would have reccomended on the first consult. Some DOLers have had some success with the Evening Primrose Range from Groomers Products: Food Supplement: http://www.groomersproducts.com.au/equineg...ersproducts.htm Evening Primrose Shampoo: http://www.groomersproducts.com.au/equineg...ersproducts.htm Supplements such as Vit E and Zinc can be helpful when dealing with skin issues and sometimes you can find these vitamins combined with Omega Oils such as with this product: http://www.vetnpetdirect.com.au/product.ph...=302&page=2 Sometimes skin issues can be a result of a lack of minerals so mineral tablets can assist such as: http://www.vetnpetdirect.com.au/product.ph...=305&page=1 http://www.vetnpetdirect.com.au/product.ph...=305&page=2 Methionine is also used for skin issues: http://www.vetnpetdirect.com.au/product.ph...=305&page=1 The problem could very well be something as simple as a Flea Allergy, so making sure the dog is having regular treatment or even changing products if neccesssary. The skin issue could be related to a food intolerance, so going on a 6-8 week food trial could assist as well. The Eagle Pack Holistic Range can assist in some cases: http://www.fortheloveofdogs.com.au/eaglepack.php Yeast issues can look like allergies too, so this is something to look into, typically the Vet can do a tape test to see how much Yeast is present on the skin. Some information here about Yeast problems in dogs and the natural appraoch to sorting it out: http://www.naturalpaws.com.au/fungalyeast-...-110-false.html Looking online for a Holistic Vet in your area can also be a good start for complimentary medicines. Many DOLers have used Robert McDowell, so he's a good place to start with Natural treatments: http://www.herbal-treatments.com.au Greenpet is also another well known company: http://greenpet.com.au/pet-shop/

Not to burst your bubble or anything but there isn't such a breed as your dog, your dog is a cross breed. These are the only recognised Dog Breeds in Australia: http://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/list.asp Head to the Vets

Dogs don't need extra salt. There are different ways to cool dogs down... 1) Cool Coats 2) Cool beds 3) Offer an air conditioned area for the dog to get out of the heat or simply allow the dog inside if outside is too hot 4) Clam Shell pools 5) Doggy Ice Blocks 6) Shaving the dogs belly 7) Make sure their food isn't over heating them like some super premium kibbles can 8) Keep the dog fit so it can handle the heat better

Just found this out, so sad. Another Angel you know...

Can your dogs not eat bones?

Yeah it stinks and I don't personaly like the texture and I can't help thinking about the Horses. I think after this lot we'll just go back to Beef which he was maintaining his weight really well on.

I think it may be a bit lean, we usually give 800 grams of meat per meal and 400 grams of mashed veggie per meal but I think we'll need to add another 200-300grams of horse meat per meal as the boy is dropping weight...he's not an active dog either.

If it's a product designed specifically for dogs then you'd be pretty safe to give it a trial run, it's when you're trying human stuff you need to be a tad bit more careful. I'd feel more comfortable trying something that was created for Greyhounds (and dogs in general) as they tend to put a fair bit of research into their products. I think you'd find these minerals are in low levels, if you are concerned pop onto a Greyhound forum, there's a few Australian ones around with helpful members happy to answer questions. Of course you could always contact the makers

Hi Guys, What are your thoughts on Horse meat for dogs in terms of providing a good diet, I hear that it is low in protein, leaner than Beef and lower in energy. Anyone have any information? We're currently trying it out as a noval protein for a food trial. So far have been on it for 2 weeks and haven't seen anything different overall in the dog. Oh and it's not cheaper than horse meat, it's actually a bit pricey!

First of all your dog should not be put in the situation where he can attack another dog, you need to keep him well away from other dogs. Your dog biting a puppy could very well contribute to that puppy developing fear aggressive behaviours.....not very fair of you is it. I don't know how old your daughters are but if they're younger than mid-teens then they shouldn't be put in charge of an aggressive dog. IMO, you should leave your dog at home or keep well away from other dogs until an Accredited and Qualified Behaviourist can come and access your dog so you know what kind of aggression you're dealing with as the rehabilitation/training is different.

My point poodlefan is not to give the individual false hope. Behavioural problems should be seen by behaviourists not people who think they have all the answers on a dog forum.

I've used the PP Herbal Whitening Shampoo on my Harlequin Great Dane, it wasn't an issue on the Black but I did find that the Glo White Horse Shampoo gave better results...Whiter Whites and shinny Blacks.

That's Eastwood and Obedience rather than Agility

Nothing special there, it has all the normall fillers that other kibble has.

There really isn't a way to know that exactly, you'll find preservatives in human grade mince as well. Nice thought but things typically aren't as Black as White as that....what gives you the impression that this dogs behaviour problems are attributed to its' diet? Lower Protein diets can assist with some behavioural problems, not highly reported on though. If you go raw to avoid preservatives you're most likely going to go to high protein levels. With Fish Oil the typical dossage is 1 x Capsule per 10kgs of Body weight, it should be the brand of Fish Oil that has Vit E included or you will need to supplement with 1 x Vit E Capsule every 2nd day.

You can get Atopica, it's pricey, for my dog it would be just over $100 a week. Best to get the allergy testing so you actually know what you're up against.

I'm really sorry to hear about your puppy. I'm dissapointed to hear that you seem to want to place blame....sometimes things just happen, you seemed happy with them prior to your dog being injured? You didn't ask for the Terms & Conditions then that's your issue? A doggy daycare to me is a place where a dog is likely to get injured, it's like a human pre-school, they play, they rumble, they fall over etc. etc.

I've read about the condition before and I really hope you can find some answers. In regards to improving coat condition, I would reccomend a BARF diet and a coat supplement such as: http://shop.rufusandcoco.com.au/p-2-super-skin-coat.aspx In regards to de-sexing, you mentioned you were waiting until all the growth was completed at around 12 months.....I don't have small dogs but I thought they matured very fast?