poodlefan

You might try seeing how she travels with the crate on the back seat. Two of my dogs are far less nauseous foward of the rear wheels.

BB: Perhaps because a bitch in season isn't always allowed to compete and probably creates havoc with other dogs... especially seeing as most others would be entire males.

TLC: Or he has had a recurring bladder infection that antibiotics aren't completely knocking out of his system.

Lock your gates, kennel your dog or have him cared for by family at their place if someone can't stay over. I'd rather have mine under the supervision of someone while I'm away. Personally I think its too big an ask to have someone come in just to feed them. I also think the dog would do better with some sort of company. While he may be locked inside at night, you aren't there and that's not a great situation for any dog IMO.

Where do you think he sees himself in his relationship with you?

Actually I know bugger all.. I like to ask questions to find out more and I'm a good Googler.. The process of getting the information is what I know. Ask lots of questions of your vet. Get specific information on what's causing the problem and all potential solutions. Then research yourself so that you're happy with the course of action you agree with your vet. You get better service and your dog profits when you become an informed client rather than just taking what they say as gospel. I'd still like to know what tests the vet performed to conclude that the problem was only diet, not infection.

Take Two

I think this depends entirely on WHY the crystals are forming in his urine. You may need to talk to your vet about this. If they are not related to bladder infection then you need to know what aspect of his diet is causing it so you can avoid this. For some dogs and some forms of crystals its excessive protein that is the culprit but you need a clear understanding of the cause of the problem so that you can consider a solution. Most "sensitive" diets cater to dogs with common allergies. This is not the issue that Oscar faces. Some premium biscuits have high (and in some cases very high) levels of protein. What you need to know specifically from your vet is: 1. What is the cause of the crystals forming in Oscar's urine. "Diet" needs to be clarified into "what element of the diet". 2. What needs to be changed in the diet to prevent reoccurence. Don't be fobbed off with "feed brand x dog biscuits". You need more info than that. ETA: Just googled Hills C/D canine. This is what the food involves: So the vet has prescribed a diet with reduced levels of protein (ideally you should get a maximum percentage - the Hill C/D is 23%) and some minerals, low sodium and more antioxidents. This doesn't sound like a diet designed to increase thirst to me. It may be that a "senior" diet (traditionally lower in protein) might be suitable but you need to discuss this with your vet. Here is one that might be suitable.

Think about having the lock changed on that door..

Poodlefan it's Sturvite/Struvite? Crystals. Thank you I will just do that. A quick google says that Struvite Crystals are generally linked to bladder infections and that eradicating the infection should fix the problem. Has the vet indicated that the issue is more than this?

Keep in mind that in some US communities, their yards are metres deep in snow and winter temperatures are truely freezing. We don't lose dogs to bears and coyotes here either. Just because some Americans seem to be paranoid about dog safety doesn't mean they don't have good cause to be! Aren't there also areas in the US where houses dont have fencing ( a friend from - I think this is right - upstate new york?) said there was no fencing there. So in this situation, I can understand why they would not think it safe to leave dogs unattended outside. There are also States where it is illegal to leave a dog chained outside (and rightly so IMO).

What sorts of crystals is Oscar getting in his bladder? You might want to post for advice in the Dalmation thread SF.. Dally's are prone to these issues and you'll probably get lots of good information.

Personally I'd not be discouraging that first leg cock outside when you go somewhere. Constant marking or marking inside however Sounds more like dominant territory marking (or overmarking) than nerves to me. Do you do any training with this dog?

Keep in mind that in some US communities, their yards are metres deep in snow and winter temperatures are truely freezing. We don't lose dogs to bears and coyotes here either. Just because some Americans seem to be paranoid about dog safety doesn't mean they don't have good cause to be! :p

The general view is that there are better foods out there than Hills. Mind you, vets dont' sell them. I think a diet high in raw meaty EDIBLE bone (suggest chicken wings) would assist, particularly if she likes them. Mind you, at 8 months she's done most of her height growth. I would be careful over exercising this girl. If she's not desexed, I'd not be rushing it - give her more chance to build bone density. BTW most dogs love eating poo.. .and don't grow out of it.

Ask your "dog toys are a waste of money" family what they expect your dog to do home alone? Is chewing things up an acceptable way to pass the time? My dogs LOVE toys, play with them every day and I play games with them with toys. They fetch, play tug of war etc. Toys are fun, good rewards and great for stimulating a dogs mind and body. Dogs learn to love playing with toys. I feel sorry for the dog that never gets to experience them. You don't have to spend a fortune. Clearly your family aren't "into" dogs. ETA: You don't always get to choose the toys your dog will enjoy most.. he will. Mine love soft plush toys with rattles or noise makers in them best.

And the realistic alternative is ??????? Anyone who allows their pet dog to roam on land knowing its baited (there are signs where 1080 is used) is a damn fool. Ditto for anyone who allows pet dogs to roam in the country at all.

Some people really don't appreciate the finer things in life. ;)

Smaller meals more often may help Vickie. Its like they revert to puppies as they become older. They need more meals, the toilet training has to be watched..

As Kirislin suggests, constant reinfection may be the cause. Are your cats outdoor cats? Do your dogs go to the dog park and come into contact with other dogs?

How about just for pure and simple enjoyment of the dog and the teamwork. Not every dog sports person is or has aspirations to be a breeder. Not every top performance bitch is purebred or comes from a "working" breed either. Besides seasons are bloody inconvenient if you're seriously campaigning a dog - bitches have no sense of timing. Unlike the show ring, an in season bitch cannot compete in dog sports.

Friday 9 Saturday 21 Sunday 20 More than a few I'd say!

You can't even commence training at our club unless your dog is 14 month old and has passed a basic soundness check.

Oakway: And so does any dog sports person with more than one brain cell. However when plates close also affects skeletal structure for the life of the dog.

Yes. Yes, find a kennel that provides places for bitches in season.