Nadia

I thought the Febreeze thing had been proved to be an Urban Myth. As far as I know it was one of those hoax type emails that circulated and was disproved.

I'd be taking her to a good Vet Chiro.

Not all the facts get filtered down from the drug companies.

In 2003 there were 90 reports of adverse reactions to Proheart S12 to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, including deaths.

I don't understand what the different options are, can you explain a bit more?

Some Vets wil insist on bitches staying in O/night to ensure that they ARE kept quiet. As routine as desexing is it is still Significant surgery with a GA.

Some killed vaccines are available that owners can vacinate with, but Live vaccines are only available to Vets. ANY vaccination must only be given to a HEALTHY animal. Absolutely healthy, any animal that is being treated with drugs or medications such as cortisone and other immune suppressant medicions should not be vaccinated. Dogs that are under stress, recovering from illness etc should not be vaccinated. All of this must be taken into consideration before the animal is vaccinated with any vaccine.

An adverse reaction is possible with ANY chemical or drug. DEC is not safe for animals with Heartworm. The dog must be clear of Heartworm being commencing use with this and many other HW preventatives.

Proheart S12 is not reccomended here either, my Vet simply will not reccomend it. One has to wonder when we are going to stop bombarding our dogs bodies with so many drugs and chemicals, and over processed foods. Much is said about the inbreeding and the purebreeds being unhealthier etc etc. How about we stop and look at the crap we are subjecting the animals too over generations. It is no wonder that many have immune issues.

My pups are never vaccinated before 8 weeks of age at the very earliest. On the subject of litter vaccination prices. Established Breeder clients are given generous discounts at the clinic I work for. Bargain hunters who simply shop around for everything don't get as much discount. I have been very lucky to have worked for many Vets who do not live the luxury lifestyle. I have also never worked for a clinic that was not on call 24hours.

Dried liver or cheese are the order of the day here. I stay away from the human small goods, far too much crap in them.

Watching a good gundog working is a great sight, they truly immerse themselves.

There is no need to be concerned about growth hormones in chicken. Any line of dogs is capable of producing the odd few that are not correct size. Wylie is spot on, there are some BIG shelties about, your girl is big because of her genes.

Dogs cannot digest a chemical found in chocolate called "Theobromine". Theobromine affects the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system. This can be fatal. If you suspect your animal has eaten chocolate Call the vet. Do not wait to see if the animal will be alright . Irregular heartbeat and convulsions can come on quickly if the dog has eaten enough. Easter is always a bad time for this to happen.

How would you suggest the feral pigs etc were controlled, maybe we should politely ask them to vacate!! It seems that we should simply hand the country over to the rats, the rabbits and the rest of the feral animal nuisance because culling is never conducted humane enough for some. Not all hunters are as you would like to have them painted lillysmum.

As upsetting as it may appear to you Lillysmum, hunters and their dogs do this country a service by helping to control feral animals that destroy our wildlife, our crops and farmers livelyhoods. Not all animals are cute and cuddly household pets. A working dog belonging to a hunter is quite possibly a happier and better cared for animal than some you find in suburban backyards. It is always lovely to see new posters welcomed here so warmly. Heres to a better nights sleep Angelo, and welcome to DOL.

ANY product is capable of causing a reaction. I have one dog who is highly reactive to Frontline. He is fine with Advantage and Advantix. Different products different dogs different reaction. One of my cats almost went crazy tearing at himself after Advantage. He is fine with all other products I have used. It is good to keep in mind that ANY product could cause a reaction. Still wondering about that Flea Injection that was mentioned earlier in the thread, Anyone??

I work at a Vet Clinic and we sell Eagle Pack. It is a very good food.

Vets do not get a lot of Nutrition training, but since they are also expected to deal with many different species, it would have to be one hell of a nutrition course!! We seem to forget that our Vets are GPs, they are not specialists. Just a comment on the Vets and kickbacks from dog food and drug company's. There are no wonderful kickbacks. Some company's do offer like bonus points which accumulate and you can cash them in for things at the end of the year, but it is peanuts really. You may get some freebies in the form of promotional items as Blacklab has already stated, the food is not purchased cheaper, and in all the clinics I have worked in has been purchased through the Vet suppliers like everything else at the same high prices that Vet supplies companys charge for everything else. Vets deal with these companies for ease of supply and quick delivery. Email your order through by 3/4pm and have it on the doorstep in the morning, and you can get just about everything you need from the one company. Drontal is simply a good, effective all wormer that covers all intestinal worms in one easy dose and comes in convenient sizes. Never seen any flash kickbacks from them.

What "injection" are we talking about here for fleas?

As someone who also works every day with the lost, the sick and the dumped animals I applaud your passion lillysmum, but some people are capable of making INFORMED choices and being responsible owners of ENTIRE animals. I myself have several geriatric entire animals who have never been a problem, they are also healthy. Jodee you may find this link interesting. http://www.caninesports.com/SpayNeuter.html Yes for many owners the BEST thing is to desex, I will never agree that it is entirely the BEST thing for the animals however.

I have several, including 2 that I have had for about 20 years. They are fantastic brushes. I love them. I had one go missing off my trolley at a show once, it had my name on it and I had painted the back, about 12 months later I spotted it on a table in an assembly area, still with my name etc on it. It's home again now!!

Ivermectin used in that fashion is off label. You really should discuss its use with your Vet. I know it is popular but it is also very regularly dosed incorrecty.

Any drug can cause a reaction in any dog, just like humans. Gastrointestinal side effects can occur with any of the NSAIDs like Metacam. Often in the first week or so of treatment.

This pups needs a VET now!!