Erny

"3 yearly" .... or the normal vaccine once every 3 years? I wouldn't do the 3 yearly. Mind you, I don't routinely vaccinate. Rather do a titre test to confirm immunity.

Clarify, please Tess32 ..... do you mean they are fine with the "3 year vaccine" or with giving the normal vaccine once every 3 years ??? There's a difference and not everyone seems to realise/understand that.

I'd ring AVA back and let them know. I've placed a call - couldn't get hold of person straight away but have left a message for a call back.

Ask the Vets why they advocate something that is contrary to what the Australian Veterinary Assocation advocate (ie vaccination no less than 3 years apart). I may be able to get the name for one ..... if no one can answer you here. It'll just take a phone call.

Oh Nuurse !

This is what I do as well if I can ("if I can" meaning that it is safe for me to leave my/the dog where he is). They very quickly learn if they don't, they get left out of it. I'd also use NILIF as per Wuffles' suggestion.

Decently put. Whatever the human rights & wrongs, it's to be hoped that the current animals will be well cared for & good homes found. Yes - that is my concern as well. It isn't about supporting Pets Haven so much as it is about thinking of the animals first.

I am with PetPlan. Although we had a bit of a rocky start I think due to some misunderstanding, they have been really good since, to deal with. I also understand they are if not the only, then one of a few, who don't add your dog's health issue as an "exclusion" in the next year's policy renewal.

I would imagine the answer would she would cool quicker once out of the sun/heat. But I would also imagine she would heat up faster when out in the heat as she has no coat to insulate her and which means of course she's also at risk of sun burn.

Ok - you're on to it and sounds like you've done and are doing what you can. To answer your question, I wouldn't have thought that hot weather would have anything to do with your dog's coat thinning out/balding as much as it is. If that were the case, we'd have a lot of bald but otherwise "hairy breed" dogs running around, I would think.

That, coupled with your description above, doesn't seem 'normal' to me. (I'm presuming the hair loss is symmetrical?) I can see in that photo where she's thinning from the arm pits up through the front of her shoulders. She's 11mo now and you say that was an 'old' picture. My first thought would have been to rule out thyroid dysfunction as a culprit, but she's pretty young for clinical signs to be showing as they are (IME - I'm not a Vet). But then my boy had skin issues very young and it seems that these might have been related to thyroid issues. I had him checked at 10mo. His levels came back as "excellent". But that was really early to check for thyroid (and so I knew the risk was that they might not show up in the blood tests even though I sent them to USA where the testing and analysis is more thorough) so I had them checked again 12 months later. The second tests showed thyroid levels as "very low". I think if it were me I'd have the tests done at least to see if they can be ruled out (and if negative now, and nothing else can be found in the meantime, then test again later) BUT I would ONLY have them sent to Dr Jean Dodds in the USA. Our testing facilities do not cater for a full blood panel test when it comes to thyroid. Our analysis criteria is a bit questionable too.

That's her Xmas pressy... Give it to her early. She won't mind . A picture would help. Depending on whether it is abnormally 'bald' or not, it could be the indicator of a health issue.

Why the difference, do you know, Rappie? I mean, why are steroids indicated for IBD but not for other Gastrointestinal diseases? What makes it ok for IBD but not for others?

Is this the same shelter who was on the TV program that did a "makeover" for her?

If they're closed down, what happens to the foster animals in their care?

mine did this as well :D Mine too.

NTDF is a formal government accrediated program, I believe one of the Delta programs is also government accredited. There is the NDTF CertIII, but I was actually thinking more of the franchised outlets that conduct a 2 week course. However, certificates are not trade qualifications as such in unregulated occupations, like anyone can call themselves a qualified trainer/behaviourist ligitimately, but you can't call yourself a qualified hair dresser or accountant without the relative schooling and credentials. .... then why include NDTF and Delta in with the others? They are a far cry from the "2 week course franchise companies". In fact, they couldn't be more like chalk and cheese.

Will PM you, Pandii. Also visit our website - click on the signature link below.

And we teach it as a part of our general obedience classes ..... and carry that over to our agility classes.

Four Paws K9 Training or "Kelpie-i" on DOL

How very cute he is, Bushranger .... and how cute your story. Watch how fast he gains weight - too fast, and it can cause joint damage (causes growth spurts that are too fast). In my experience and to my knowledge, about 1kg per week. I'm not a breeder nor a canine nutritionist so others might follow to tell me I'm wrong and I will stand to be corrected. But this is how it was for my boy.

About a tablespoon to a cup of water should do it. Brew it just as you would a cup of tea. But hold the sugar, lol.

Then it may well be marks from your little nipper. I'd be inclined to just keep an eye on them to watch for (a) them disappearing and (b) for any signs of new ones developing. But if you're not sure, still shouldn't hurt to treat them to a Calendula Tea rinse. :D

I'd be inclined to give the area a bath/rinse with Calendula Tea. The scabs look a bit greasy? That is sometimes a sign of secondary infection. The Calendula treatment often helps tremendously in stopping that.

No, the gait is ok - I mean that the dogs, whilst not pulling and otherwise walking quite nicely, were walking on an angle (varying from very slight to quite obvious). I have seen this from time to time with head collars as well. I suspect it is from incorrect handling (eg. handler not being conscientious about giving a loose lead to their dog when they could) and I don't say that I see it often, but the point is it can happen.