Clyde

I know. Like she needs an excuse Yep she is 'there' right now Thanks everyone for the information, it's been really helpful.

I'm panicked by the potential cost, but she's now staying in overnight as they can hopefully fit her in tomorrow.

Probably flying off the couch to tell the big dogs off. She does it two dozen times a day. I'm going to have to do some serious number crunching Can't say I have a spare 4?? grand lying around.

Dropped Gertie my little Shihtzu at the vets this morning as she has been limping. She's just been examined and had radiographs done. She's torn both cruciates and the vet is recommending having both repaired at the same time. Anyone here done two together? I'm so upset for her....

Latest research from a top Dermatologist Vet (can't remember name), is that plucking is a no go. It aggravates the capillaries and may cause irritation or infection. A lot of vets are moving with this information, as obviously they all read the same studies and there was a lecture given in the past 12 months on this in Sydney. Think yourself lucky that you have a vet who is open to new information. I've gone with a happy medium and none of my clients dogs have suffered since some of the ear hair has grown back. I would also steer clear of Epi Otic. I know one of Oz's top groomers (MG) no longer advocates plucking along with well known vets. I think you'll find this is the way that it goes over the next few years. I would say more and more new groomers won't pluck as this is the way they will be trained.

Thanks! Give that gorgeous Lani a cuddle from me

Where do they work from, and how much on average per visit? Cheers.

Yep, I find that with grooming. Too much for me and unless I've had a quiet work week, I usually refer Labs elsewhere. grooming Labs are the easiest, bath, quick towel down and off you go, and they only need to be done a couple of times a year. I have a grooming business, there is more to it when someone is paying fifty five dollars to have their dog washed, completely dried, deshedding treatment, nails and ears. I know how to wash a dog and no, I don't do a 'quick towel down'. It's the Labs themselves, not the work. Thanks for the tips though.......

Northern Districts Vet will do it too (DeeWhy, Warringah Rd).

Yep, I find that with grooming. Too much for me and unless I've had a quiet work week, I usually refer Labs elsewhere.

Both of my preferred vet clinics use the 3 yrly. Northern Districts Vet and Gladesville Vet. You could always ask your regular vet to order it in for you.

What are you feeding her? My Shihtzu (like so many others) gets the serious itchies, pulls fur out etc so Ive found playing around with her food has helped a lot. Diet makes an enormous difference to their skin so I am surprised vets have written off the notion that it could be her diet.

I'm truly sorry Pandii, how devestating for you all

No I don't find that to be the case. If you didn't like the second vet as a person then simply don't go back. The price they quoted you is the norm and that is with no extractions. You will be looking at $500 upwards if there are extractions. Shop around, although don't expect vets to give you discounted consults because you feel they didn't look in the mouth long enough.

I don't like tinned stuff either but if it's a definite answer rather than fiddling around with other foods. It's specifically designed for gastro disorders. http://www.hillspet.com/hillspet/products/...845524441763417 The i/d is largely turkey and rice, so perhaps try that rather than more chicken. Pup could have a chicken intolerance. My Shihtzu falls to pieces if she has a chicken neck. FWIW, I can't stand the regular Hills kibbles but the prescription diets have been a life saver for me in the past year or so. Truly worked wonders.

Can you get a hold of some Hills cans, from memory the i/d. It's low residue so will firm his poos up nicely and is very gentle on their tummies. I recently used it on Esme and it worked wonders. I gradually added her dry food until I was back on track.

What did you purchase the pups for if you want them to only bond with each other? I don't understand.......

Did you call Gladesville? I know they do it. I Luv Amstaffs has already posted that it's cheaper than your quote.

Or it could kill them. It pays to exercise caution. The dogs do not need to eat the bone as bone is not digestable. It is however great for them to chew on the bone. So if you can give the dog a bone and throw it out before they swallow it then go for it. Or they'll eat the meat and leave the bone. Nothing natural about eating bone. Almost losing my own dog to a bone a few weeks ago has really opened my eyes to just how dangerous they can be. Small doses and careful monitoring are the key.

He's lovely!

Definitely no tick? Ticks can be quite itchy and very, very small initially.

Esme was the one in the litter to hang back a bit. She is still on the sensitive side and a submissive dog with people. She is also as mad as a cut snake and loves life. Just not pushy with people she doesn't know. Perfect for my situation and just what I wanted. I think it's a great idea that you are visiting again.

Yep this is correct. My pup is already on sentinel 3 weeks ago. The bite marks are increasing each day. I still have not been able to locate a single flea. Yes Miranda does make a very good point. If you are being bitten the pup must have a fair amount of fleas which would be visible. How bizarre.

I didn't know that. In all my grooming years I've not ever had a pup clipped before coming here. Quite a few pups breeders though, have offered to do the first groom for the puppy owner which I think is nice and fully encourage. Admittedly there are a large percentage of pet shop puppies in this area.

If you have bite marks then it stands to reason you have fleas (at least your dog does). If a dog is tolerant to fleas, and in not allergic, then often you don't see the bites on the dog. Fleas are still prolific at this time of year in some areas.