essentialdog

That's a really good point actually. I know adding any extracts including calendula extract to any type of formula the extracts must be added under 40 degrees celsius in order to gain all the benefits. I suspect the sample principle applies to calendula flowers in that you may lose some of its benefits if placed in boiling water. I'll do a bit of research on that one and let you know.

It will spoil in a couple of days growing mold, bacteria and fungus which is quite dangerous. I would make a fresh batch every time you want to use it and try to use distilled water or purified water minimum.

I think entering in the category 'person who best acts like a dog' will be very entertaining as well!

I am lucky enough to live in the dog friendly area of Newtown/Erskineville in NSW. I have brought my dog into two local chemists, cafes, the newsagency and even some pubs let your dog inside. Some parts of Australia have come a long way but some parts of Europe and the U.S. are by far the most pet friendly places in the world. I only wish Australia would follow suit.

Another good event coming up is The Easter Dog Parade. Saturday 12th April 2014, Gladstone Park, Balmain. Last year they had competitions and the categories include fluffiest dog, best costumed dog, best dog trick, person who best acts like a dog and many other categories.

I just started my girl on the Holistic Anchovy/Salmon. I thought she would love it but she doesn't and it's very expensive. Thanks for the tip on the Earthborn. I will definitely try that one.

I do not know of a any vets in Australia that will do a teeth clean without the GA. Reason being is they move around too much and the procedure is stressful for the dog.

How terribly sad. I don't know what i'd do without my dog. I admire you for doing what was in her best interests.

Another great thing to do is to get a chamomile tea bag (organic if you can), steep it in warm water, let it cool and then wipe the teabag across your dogs eyes and any inflamed areas. I have a spoodle and I can tell when she's about to get an eye infection as her eyes start looking a little irritated and the chamomile really relieves her discomfort and helps to prevent them becoming infected.

Hi Morita, there isn't one remedy out there that will work for all dogs and finding treatment that works for your dog can be a case of trial and error so it's worth a try. The only concern I have is if you spray this on broken skin it will sting.

I have the same problem. To open my dog's mouth, I lodge my thumb and index finger either side of her mouth and it will automatically open. The trick is getting the treat in far enough so she has no choice but to swallow. I don't want to stress her out so lately I have been crushing up the tablet and mixing it with mince meat which always does the trick.

Hi, I got about 10 clips with my spoodle with a 'no name' blade and kept having to get it resharpened. It ended up being way more expensive so have now switched to the Oster blade which is proving to be far more durable. Lesson learnt.

It could be the blades are blunt. My blade needs resharpening generally after 10 clips of my spoodle. Botany Bay Imports in Sydney do a sharpening service for around $15 and will post them back to you. I'd be inclined to get the clippers serviced as well if you've been using them for years.

My girl is also very sensitive to treats. I tried these new treats called Savour Lives. As far as I can tell they're only available in NSW but could also be online. She hasn't had any problems with them and I love the fact that the company donate half their profits to pet rescue organisations.

Re. Inner Health Plus and dosages - it might be something you could ask your vet. Vets usually give information for over the counter antihistamines and correct dosages so maybe they might be willing to impart information on the IHP.

It wouldn't surprise me that Malasab is too harsh. Like flea shampoos that contain alot of chemicals, it can really dry out the skin and the sulphates are way too harsh and can cause flakiness - the negatives simply outweigh the positives. If it were necessary to use a medicated shampoo, I would not be using it as a regular shampoo. I tried for years with my girl who has sensitive skin and occasionally used medicated shampoos and regularly used herbal washes. I also tried apple cider vinegar and I agree that it is a good option too but the pH of ACV is very high as well so I didn't think it was wise to use long term. Let me know how you go with it.

I found the cheapest one for $38 here: http://ovedshorseandpetstore.com.au/Dog-Products/Calming-Agent-/-Anti-Cribbing/2317-DAP-Spray-60ml.html Next cheapest was $39.95 here: http://www.pacificpetsupplies.com/products/adaptil-60ml-calming-spray.html The Sierra one is $41.95. Not sure about shipping costs but these 3 had the best price.

I find it quite upsetting that he would say that, especially the "fat chance" part. It's always good to get other quotes and do a bit of shopping, but if that's what it costs, I would not hesitate if I thought my dog was in pain or her health was in jeopardy. Some people shouldn't own dogs.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/STARMARK-INTERLOCKING-EVERLOCKING-TREATS-LARGE-LIVER-FLAVOUR-/321305925954?pt=AU_Pet_Supplies&hash=item4acf535942 They are still available overseas, I heard the problem was they changed manufacturing from USA to china, then hated the product then swapped back to USA made. Then because of all the paperwork having to be redone because of import, sizing, packaging, manufacture etc it basically became a PITA to try and get them to Australia. Same happened with all the toys that contained a free treat in there as well. I just ended up selling heaps of pickle pockets and loaded up on the toys the odd times they were in good supply when I was buying them in bulk just over a year ago. Thank you so much for that! That however is the interlocking treat. I'm looking for this one: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Starmark-Everlasting-Dog-Treat-Chicken-Medium-/111258065236?pt=AU_Pet_Supplies&hash=item19e77f5954&_uhb=1 but I don't trust that it's not from China so might wait until my pet store gets it in.

A final rinse in calendula tea would be fine. However, solely using the tea to wash wouldn't give you a deep clean as it would only rinse off any loose dirt. Shampoos contain cleansers that are designed to attach themselves to dirt particles and repel them from the coat. Cleansers have a negative charge to repel the dirt from the coat thereby giving you a deep clean.

Ok well another great thing I do for my dog is when she has sore or weepy eyes, I dunk a chamomile tea bag in some warm water and brush the bag across her eyes to wash and soothe them - she loves it (probably the attention of it too)!

Ok well another great thing I do for my dog is when she has sore or weepy eyes, I dunk a chamomile tea bag in some warm water and brush the bag across her eyes to wash and soothe them - she loves it (probably the attention of it too)!

Yes it's unfortunate it's on at the same time.

For those of you who live in Sydney, Fair Day is at Victoria Park (cnr of City Rd & Broadway) this Sunday 9th Feb at 10am. There is an area for dogs and their owners called Doggywood. You can enter your dog in a pageant and there are lots of prizes to be won.

It would be nice to think so, but that can be far from the case as I know from first hand experience with people in my neighbourhood. Yes, definitely say something, please. The dog will be or soon will be suffering, if not pain, a deal of discomfort. Yes I also agree that it can be far from the case. Please let us know how you go.