Ranga

Agree that both are great shots but #2 is more pleasing :)

Sorry news RIP Ralph

Why? :)

He looks very cute :) Maybe he feels too embarrassed to go out in the outfit though? :laugh:

I agree, the dog is not on a vegetarian diet :) It's also not losing weight on the diet either I have seen references elsewhere to people feeding vegetarian diets to dogs and it prompted my interest into 'why'.

The rest of the diet is veges. That doesn't make the dog a vego My original post was simply a question as to why some people may choose to feed a dog a vegetarian diet. Not picking at anyone, just interested :) The owner had originally implied the dog wasn't fed meat - and this is still the case - kibble isn't really meat ... I hope this clears it up?

The rest of the diet is veges.

Well the dog has a health problem if it is overweight. Should that vegetarian diet be more carbo than protein, then there are issues there I would say. Would the neighbour consider a Vet visit for a check up or not bother? VM I've never discussed the diet with her, but I think I'll raise the question next time I see her. She's a lovely lady and certainly not stupid, and the dog is very sweet. She obviously thinks it's the right thing for the dog Now, to clear things up ... The dog in question is fed a cup of kibble per day, so at least there is a meat base (of sorts). I think the lethargy is due to the inactivity and weight gain - a viscous circle My twelve year old toy poodle is more active than this dog and happily walks 3/5 kms a day with me and my other two dogs :)

Good post

Awwwwww ... Hugo is gorgeous! I'm sure you'll have lots of wonderful times with him

Apparently the Scalibor collar takes two to three weeks to be effective. Keep that in mind if you change over :) I've been using preventic this year and so far so good

About the flaxseed ... I use it for my horse and dogs. Buy the whole seeds and crush in a coffee grinder (takes about 10 or 15 seconds). This way you get the benefit of the oil and meal :)

I'm no expert, but would crate training help her? Maybe she has too much freedom and if she knew she had a 'bolt hole' or safe den she may be quieter and happier? Good luck and good on you for taking her on :)

Well the dog has a health problem if it is overweight. Should that vegetarian diet be more carbo than protein, then there are issues there I would say. Would the neighbour consider a Vet visit for a check up or not bother? VM I've never discussed the diet with her, but I think I'll raise the question next time I see her. She's a lovely lady and certainly not stupid, and the dog is very sweet. She obviously thinks it's the right thing for the dog

The owner doesn't give the dog bad treats, but the lack of exercise means the dog gets fat. I tried to take the dog jogging for a while but she held me back - and I'm not fast by any means! I've never met a working breed with so little enthusiasm for exercise :laugh:

The reason I raised this subject is that my neighbour has a dog with no health issues ... All good. It is a working breed (BC/Cattle cross). For no apparent reason the dog is on a vegetarian diet This animal has always been 'lazy' and now seems very lethargic. It looks healthy (apart from being overweight) i.e. shiny coat, bright eyes, and is only about six years old. The owner is not a vegetarian, and so I don't understand the purpose in not feeding the dog meat

I'm not wanting to create an angry debate about this topic, but apart from health issues ... Why feed a vegetarian diet to a dog when they are carnivores? Interested in others thoughts :)

Well said :) We all have to be first timers at some stage. True dog lovers work with the chosen dog and overcome the problems. Those who just want a cute puppy and then forget about it are never going to be true dog people. Humans are able to have children without much preparation or thought too. That raises some awful issues as well

What a lovely article :) Well done KC

That is good to know. Next time I have my 12 yo toy poodle's teeth cleaned I will mention this to the vet. I just wanted to clarify that the gas your dog receives is still a general anaesthetic (most likely isoflurane) . It is a different method of delivery. Inhalation vs. intravenous. Inhalation anaesthetic is safer in that it is expelled very quickly (via the lungs) whereas intravenous anaesthetic needs to be metabolized which takes time. Induction with an inhalation agent is usually more stressful on an animal as they can taste/smell the anaesthetic and often fight it (obviously different for different animals). But it is good that animals do recover so quickly from this method. Thanks for that info jrm :)

I'm sold on it!

Agree!

I tried it and found it good value for money. One of my dogs wolfed it down ( but he eats anything) and my other two were a little blasé about it. I didn't find any negative results from using it if that helps :)

My vet cleans my toy poodle's teeth without a GA. The dog is sedated with gas and I sit in on the procedure. The dog recovers well without the drama of being left at the surgery for hours :)