Yonjuro

Thanks for your reply, it is good to know that there are more choices these days. It will be interesting in the future if Cannabidiol becomes acceptable and some serious studies can be done to compare effectiveness.

Do you mean political resistance or physiological to the chemicals? It seems to be getting used a fair bit in the USA, not sure what that is worth though?? Political. I think acceptance in the U.S is patchy too, depending on your home state. Fair enough, thanks for your comments :)

Do you mean political resistance or physiological to the chemicals? It seems to be getting used a fair bit in the USA, not sure what that is worth though??

Hey Persephone, The problem we have is getting all the loose fur out of his undercoat - you can spend an hour with a brush and still have loose tufts coming out. Essentially, he needs some TLC from a professional with industrial tools. Also, he's a big baby that is afraid of vacuum's :p Hiya, am sorry I don't have a recommendation, but is yours a Mally Ridgeback cross? I met someone briefly when I was leaving the fenced in dog park a week or so ago? Hey :) We're not 100% but we're pretty sure he's crossed with a GSD - he's a giant doofy blond thing. But it wouldn't have been us at the dog park as he isn't great with strange dogs. Ah no worries, I'd love to see some pics of your boy, I'll bet he is a beauty!

Hi all, I stumbled on a discussion regarding the use of Cannabidiol for treating dogs for seizures. There is currently a big fight ongoing for a couple who have used this to treat their poor child who suffers from severe seizures and I think some for of autism. There was a recent show on Sunday Night or 60 mins discussing the case. I think the case is in Victoria. I believe that the THC is removed from the product so it can't be abused by stoners but there is still debate about the legalities even though the cannabidiol was administered originally by a doctor in the hospital. Anyway I was wondering if this type of treatment is being used in Australia for dogs with recurring seizures? My limited understanding is that it doesn't cause the same problems that some of the common treatments do with kidney function over time? I am not a pot user or advocate nor has my dog ever had a seizure - but I am curious about in this treatment, especially as a friend has a dog that recently had three seizures in a day and is now embarking on the lifelong treatment using the traditional pheno(something)? Please note that I have no experience in this and I am not pushing an alternative treatment in any shape or form. :)

Wow - ya learn something every day :)

Hey Persephone, The problem we have is getting all the loose fur out of his undercoat - you can spend an hour with a brush and still have loose tufts coming out. Essentially, he needs some TLC from a professional with industrial tools. Also, he's a big baby that is afraid of vacuum's :p Hiya, am sorry I don't have a recommendation, but is yours a Mally Ridgeback cross? I met someone briefly when I was leaving the fenced in dog park a week or so ago?

Where did you here this? You can always call your RSPCA to find out.

It sounds strange to me, especially when it is served in restaurants to humans(Kidney, liver, tongue, heart). Chicken liver, hearts and giblets are sold raw in Woolies here. Sometimes it is very hard to get hold of raw green tripe due to various health regulations but as far as illegal to feed a dog I am surprised to hear that.

That really is amazing. He looks like a Blue Heeler to my untrained eyes, what do you guys think he is or has mixed in?

I had a similar experience with the first registered breeder I met for my chosen breed. The negatives outweighed the positives so I looked elsewhere. I found a lovely small breeder who really only breeds rarely these days. Unfortunately her bitch kept having silent heats and after a long time waiting she recommended me a couple of good interstate breeders. I now have by beautiful puppy, he is 9 months olds now and I am in contact with her on a weekly basis. I send her photos and stories about Ronin and she does the same with the girl she kept from the litter. I know that she is there anytime I need her and I would like to think we are now friends. It is also reassuring to get similar feedback from her on the trials and tribulations of raising Ronin's sister who really are two peas in a pod :D These are things that I would keep in mind when looking for a puppy. Like anything there are exceptional, good, average and bad registered breeders, I would whole heartedly recommend your friend keeps looking for the really good ones. My gut tells me there are more good ones than bad.

Are these available locally?

Thanks everyone, I ended up getting one of the Novacones that Aliwake was kind enough to suggest and I also picked up one of the Medical Pet Shirts, I will try the bitterant first and if that doesn't work I will have two good options and neither broke the bank. It will be great if I don't need to use either, but at least I will have them on hand if needed.

I would be doing Omega oils with vitamin E added. Also adding half to a one teaspoon of turmeric daily to meal. or you can go with one of the additives like "Young at heart" http://www.k9pro.com.au/young-at-heart.html

Regarding the similarity to a thundershirt it really is only a theory based on the fact that will hold your dog a little more snugly and securely than the thin strap type harnesses. I only thought of it when my trainer suggested a harness may make my boy feel more secure in the car - sadly he still vocalises a lot when we go out in the car. It will fit over a thunder shirt without a problem though. They do have a lot of flexibility with size adjustments so you should be okay with what you have said. As far as how far back they go you can see from my pic that it is not too far back, but it might be different on the smaller ones - I have attached a couple of the harnesses on smaller dogs that I found on google - sorry couldn't find a westie in my short search.

Thanks Aliwake - I think Ronin's measurement is 13" or 33cm from collar to end of nose so not sure if the large is the right size for him? I will probably need to measure him again to make sure, can you PM me what $ you are looking for?

A few Europeans have recommended the medical pet shirt http://www.medicalpetshirts.com/index.php/en/ http://www.vetstoreonline.com.au/-medical-pet-shirts-for-dogs-cats-and-rabbits-281/ any one used one here?

My boy will be going in for neutering in two weeks (9.5 months) unfortunately he has one undescended nut (Cryptorchid) so the surgery is a little more involved and I can only assume that the recovery will take a bit longer . He is a Husky for those that don't know. I am looking at the Kongs cloud collar http://www.kongcompany.com/products/for-dogs/grooming-and-recovery-collars/grooming-and-recovery-collars/cloud-collar/ and the comfy cone http://www.allfourpaws.com/the_comfy_cone.php I will probably require a large size and was wondering what the general consensus is or if anyone has any other recommendations? Many thanks and apologies for a topic that has no doubt been done to death.

I addition to the excellent advice above. Here is a link for a book by a well respected Australian behaviourist that might be worth picking up. http://kathysdogtraining.com.au/products-howtointroduceyourdogtoyourbaby.php

I would say a male, as groups of girls together can be such bitches :D Seriously though, I don't think a male would be a problem assuming the females are desexed and the male gets done at a suitable age for the breed. Hopefully those more experienced than I will give you better advice though. Oh, and welcome to the forum :)

These are great! http://www.doggonegood.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=10341&ParentCat=14 Price Discounts (mix bait bag styles & colors) 19.99 Buy 3-5 save 10% Buy 6-11 save 15% Size 5.75" L x 6.75 " H x 2.75" D (open)

Thanks so much :) The baby versions are cheaper as someone mentioned and there are also Y belt and chest pad available. They are pricey though. I have a theory that this type of harness with the plate also works a bit like a thundershirt as they have that snuggle type arrangement. If cost wasn't a factor then this is what I would recommend, the inside has a nice soft breathable lining. There are little loops on the top that you can put a small LED torch into for night walking as well. The handle can also be layed flat via a clip next to the lead ring. I have seen a few at the park with ezydog versions and I really believe that Julius K9 versions are a much better unit.

I have the Julius K9 and there is no restricted movement. My dog can jump and run at full pelt. They were designed for Military and police duties. Ronin is obviously a pulling breed but he doesn't pull on this harness, having said that we have diligently trained him to loose lead walk on a collar.

I know parks get a pretty bad rap here, but this wasn't my intention. All I wanted to get across is that we really need to be careful with "treat etiquette" - A lady I really like there brought out some treats and she dropped a few by accident and one dog growled and guarded the fallen food. She was horrified and apologised profusely. Nothing happened but she sussed out the potential disaster. I had 1 bad experience at the park in around 30 visits. I think all of us here would probably realise what could happen, and hopefully we can kindly suggest that it might not be a great idea to bring out treats for other dogs when we are at the park. Or, at least move our dogs away when we see someone who may not be dog savvy bring out a bag of treats :)

Yeah, they are building a semi circle limestone seated area - sort of amphitheatre type thing. Kind of weird really as it will be bang smack in the sun. Gotta say I am happy they re-grassed around the drinking bowl. Ronin would always dig in the mud puddle... no doubt he will again when it is finished LOL I was told they were going to put some agility equipment in as well - dunno when though. I also have a suspicion that the reduction in the size last night didn't help the incidents - possibly too many in a smaller area and the entrance gate being cramped while they do the work??