espinay2

Not a 'public area' as such, but the 'we cant let you do that because of health regulations' argument comes up a lot. Take hotel rooms for example. Out of curiosity I recently asked the NSW Department of Health where the 'health regulations' were that hotels/motels often cite as their reason for not allowing dogs in the rooms. The answer I got was as follows: "There is no such health regulation. Hotels and motels should express their own policies, which they are entitled to do under fair trading laws, about the keeping of pets." I have no problem at all with establishments deciding that they personally do not want dogs on their premises. It is their right to do so (even if I wish it were otherwise). I just wish they wouldn't hide behind the false reason of 'health regulations' when these (in NSW at least as I haven't checked other states) do not actually exist.

Here is some info explaining the hip score system: http://www.online-vets.com/hipscore_1.html Here is some info oh hip score averages which lists the Lagotto as having a mean average of 15.43: http://www.ava.com.au/sites/default/files/documents/Other/CHEDS_breedchart.pdf

Once he starts eating it ok, you can start adding some meat/soaked food mixed into it. I would be cautious about trying too many 'adult foods' at the moment. Pups have immature stomachs and after a bout of gastro, at 7 weeks of age his system may not be able to handle too much more than 'mums milk' (which it seems he wants). Basically you are 'restarting' the weaning process. The only other thing I might add to the leerburg mix in the beginning is some Protexin (probiotic) to help rebalance his system.

I have very mixed feelings about TPO surgery largely becaue I feel it is currently being very much over prescribed and performed. It appears to be the latest money making venture for many vets - the latest 'in thing'. What I would suggest to anyone contemplating it is that you relax and take your time sorting out the pros and cond beforehand. Do NOT be rushed or guilted into it! First step I would recommend is x-rays. You can't tell anything concrete without them. You can NOT tell wither a dog does or does not have hip issues by palpating the hips. And any vet that does try to give you any kind of definitive diagnosis like this is IMO not one I would be trusting. Second thing is to remember that the average vet can NOT read x-rays properly (I wish I had a dollar for every time a vet has told me confidently what the results of a hip x-ray would be when the actual official hip score is in fact totally different). This is particularly the case for a young dog. Even specialists have difficulty reading them for still growing dogs and the hip score system used in Australia can NOT be used on immature dogs as it is in no way accurate if the bones are still developing. Large dogs (such as my Pyrs) we don't do hip scores until two years of age for this reason. The ONLY way to get an accurate reading on a young dog is to get x-rays done for PennHIP (which requires 3 x-rays rather than just one and the person taking it must be accreddited to do so) and send them to the US to have them assessed. PennHIP assessment can ONLY be done in the US - no one in Australia is trained to do it). Your vet can NOT read them. So please don't just rely on the word of your local vet that the 'hips look dodgy and the dog will need an operation' without this specialist advice first as basically they are 'blowing it out their a (to put it politely). Third is to remember that even a dog with 'above average' score for a breed may still be perfectly fine and this is not a death sentence. Remember that 'average' is the MIDDLE of the bell curve for those dogs that have been tested. The average is ued for breeding purposes as a guide so that breeders may work to lower that overall average over time. It seems that many of the vets recommending the operation are doing so 'just in case' because the dog is a 'target' breed (read large) or because the hips are not 100 percent perfect. 'Normal' hips includes a much wider range than just 0. 'Mild' hip Dysplasia is not generally considered until a dog has a range (under the AVA system used in Australia) of 26-35 total. See the following chart for example that compares a number of scoring systems in use (apologies the table keeps scrambling): OFA (USA)/ FCI (European) / BVA (UK/Australia)/ SV (Germany) Exellent/ A-1 / 0-4 (no > 3/hip) / Normal Good/ A-2 / 5-10 (no > 6/hip)/ Normal Fair / B-1 / 11-18 / Normal Borderline / B-2 / 19-25/ Fast Normal Mild / C / 26-35 / Noch Zugelassen Moderate / D / 36-50/ Mittlere Severe / E / 51-106 / Schwere It seems to me that many times surgery is being recommended by vets for growing dogs when in many cases the dogs would have normal hips with minimal problems once grown, or mild symptoms which can be easily managed (note I have had a dog with a score of 65 and she was managed will until she passed from an unrelated condition at 10 years of age. With management she had a full, happy and active life). I am not saying that it is not perhaps a good option in some cases. IMO though I would personally only be considering it for the more severe cases after thorough and proper diagnosis and I would NOT be succumbing to any guilt trips to 'do it now or our dog will suffer' which seems to be the way some vets are convincing caring owners to put their dogs under the knife. But that is JMHO.

Thanks I am told it is on the list of products they would love to bring in - I will let you know more as I find out. Thanks for that. I will look forward to hearing.

What about starting him back on something like the Leerburg puppy formula It will provide energy, may be a bit kinder on the stomach to start off with and may help build appetite for something more solid.

I do have a judge in my book for just that reason. Didnt even let the class winners get in the ring (the last few were still to be called by the steward). He did it for several of the classes. Never ever will that judge get another entry from me. Sure, he may have made up his mind (glad he can keep them all straight - knowing what dogs were in what class from each breed ......). But a common courtesy would have at least been to let the dogs have their number called and enter the ring.

Jamaican Me Blush

Depends on the type of coat, but no I don't use conditioner as a rule as it softens the coat too much. I do use a final leave in rinse after washing that I sponge through the coat. Most often it would be a few squirts of Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil and a capful of Fido's Herbal Rinse in a bucket of warm water.

Pretty much the same: Rough (this is a big strike out) Didnt bother to even really look at the dogs (if they are watching the other ring rather than you and then hardly put their hands on your (coated) dog - what is the point of being there?) Rude Didnt know what the heck breed they were judging (yep, it has happened!) Comments make it clear that while they think they know the breed, they actually have very little clue (some of the strange ideas and comments have been gob smacking - not even sure where some come from). Or maybe just aren't fussed with the style of dog I have (I may note this, but it does not mean I won't enter under them again) Note sometimes you can come away from a loss being a lot happier with the judge and their judging than when you win. Putting me up or down does not mean a judge is necessarily 'in' or 'out' in my book. If a judge gives consideration to the dogs, I can see what they are doing and/or they explain their reasoning and are polite/pleasant, even if a dog doesnt win, I am happy and feel my dogs have been judged fairly on the day.

Yep, saw that and he has a "jacket" but he is in a show trim and it's his bare bum and legs that get so cold. That's why I'm needing the all-in-ones. Sorted now though because Andrea is going to kindly whip me up a pair! :) Ok, needs knickers :laugh: Glad you have it sorted. Edited to add: just found these :D : http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/170819019724 http://www.dinodirect.com/pet-dog-coat-hooded-autumn-winter-stripe.html?cur=AUD&AFFID=97&utm_source=myshopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Pet+Supplies&utm_term=Stripe+Pattern+Hooded+Autumn+Winter+Cute+Pet+Dog+Coat http://www.dinodirect.com/pet-dog-shirt-stylish-striped-suspender-trousers.html?cur=AUD&AFFID=97&utm_source=myshopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Pet+Supplies&utm_term=Stylish+Striped+Suspender+Trousers+Pet+Dog+Shirt http://www.dinodirect.com/dog-coats-suspender-trousers-letters.html?cur=AUD&AFFID=97&utm_source=myshopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Pet+Supplies&utm_term=Suspender+Trousers+Letters+Dog+Coats

A good video that might help: Remember too that controlling the head and working systematically will help. Set the front first then the back, always keeping the head in place with one hand.

Ellz did you see the current thread on making 'instant' dog PJ's? May do until you can get something else: http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/238873-instant-dog-coat-or-pajamas/

The 'wolves don't eat the stomach contests' thing is backed up by the research and observations of wolf behaviour guru Dr David Mech. They may still consume a small amount of course (as they tend to shake out the stomach and eat the stomach itself or may end up eating the stomach of small prey such as rabbits of they catch it, as they cant be bothered removing such a small amount) - but huge amounts they don't get and certainly not every day (or even necessarily every week).

See the most recent thread on the topic here: http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/237437-accommodation-near-kcc-park-vic/

See my recent thread on this topic here: http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/237437-accommodation-near-kcc-park-vic/ The Kingston Motel (Discovery Park) at Carrum Downs is probably the best bet if you are able to get a room.

Most US folk I speak to about them are shocked that we would use dog trailers. Most have commented to me that they consider them highly dangerous (as well as in most places in the US being illegal).

Please do, that sounds RIDICULOUSLY cute, and would also be handy as an example of how to make a coat for puppies :) Here you go :D Day old lamb with sleeve jacket. Note this is a female lamb. If it were male I would cut it away further underneath.

If you are after a main register dog, you may have to spend some time getting to know the breeder of the dogs you want a pup from so they feel comfortable selling you one. Take a look at the DOL listings, decide who you would like a pup from (regardless of whether they are currently advertising puppies), and contact them to open up the lines of communication. You may need pateince to get what you are looking for and a breeder has to feel you will be a worthy home for one of their dogs, particularly if you plan to show and/or breed.

I actually make coats for poddy lambs out of sleeves of old sweatshirts. I just cut the arm off and then cut a couple of holes for the front legs. The cuff at the wrist end is where the head comes out. Works well! I can find a photo if you like :D

I think most of them will be that price. Oz grooming world has them: http://www.ozgroomingworld.com.au/shop/index.php?route=product/category&path=131 Take a look at some of the crates/cages on www.vebopet.com.au though. They have two high stackable ones for example.

Thanks

Do you know if the K9 Raw Raw! is going to be brought in at all?

Because I am lazy, I have cut and pasted from my webpage: Hip Dysplasia is an abnormal formation of the hip socket which in its most severe form can cause lameness and painful arthritis in the hip joints. Though found in many breeds, large and giant breeds can be particularly susceptible to Hip Dysplasia. The causes of Hip Dysplasia are considered to be genetic, but diet and environment can also play a role. Environmental influences can include things like overweight condition, injury, overexertion of the hip joint or a ligament tear at a young age, or repetitive motion on a forming joint (i.e. jogging or walking on lead particularly on hard surfaces with a puppy or young growing dog). Dogs with Hip Dysplasia may exhibit signs of stiffness or soreness after rising from rest, reluctance to exercise, a bunny-hopping style of running or other abnormal gait, lameness, pain, reluctance to stand on rear legs, jump up, or climb stairs, or wasting away of the muscle mass in the hip area. While some dogs may show signs early on, many affected dogs do not show clinical signs until well into adulthood. No one can predict when or even if a dysplastic dog will start showing clinical signs of lameness due to pain. X-rays however, can confirm the presence of hip dysplasia and the degree of change in the hip joint often well before there are any outward signs. What you do at home can help or hinder too. Here is info on a recent study which backs up what large breed breeders have been telling puppy buyers for years: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326112842.htm Using stairs, jumping andrough play can cause damage to growing bones and joints as they cause the limbsto jolt sharply, which can cause tears and chips in the soft cartilage. These tears and chips can cause the bonesand joints to break down in parts and not form correctly as they grow. Longwalks on lead wear the puppy out, can make them sore (even though they may notshow it much) and does not allow thepup to rest when it needs to keep going until the end of the walk. The repetitive motion of the walk,particularly when on harder surfaces can also put stress on growing joints andligaments, also causing them to break down. Pups may compensate for the soreparts if they need to keep going, which may then affect other muscles, jointsand ligaments due to their irregular gait. The absolute best form of exercise for a young growing large breed dog is free running and play, particularly on an undulating surface (e.g. small hills and slopes). Note that not taking your pup on long walks does not mean you never take your pup out on lead, as taking it out to a wide variety of places is important. However, these outings should be viewed not as physical exercise, but as training, socialisation and mental stimulation. If you are not doing it now, I would also perhaps add Vit C to the food. While debated, IMO it is a good addition for a growing pup to help with proper bone and joint development. It may be a range of things. Growing pains (pano) - but this can be told via x-ray as the inflammation in the bone will show up; issues with knees rather than hips; a growth spurt causing the rear to be high can throw off gait at times. If you are concerned, then yes a visit to a good vet is warranted, but as suggested x-rays will really be the only way to see anything concrete. If you do get x-rays though, I suggest reading by a specialist before you take any major action. HTH

I would just let her eat them and not worry. If you want to add organ meat, add chicken livers. You may find closer to whelping she prefers more of the meat without bone and organ meats etc. Normal and good as is the bodies natural way of kick starting use of its own calcium stores and helps prevent eclampsia.