BlitznBear

We rang 3 Bunnings stores last night and found the Cannington store had HEAPS, so if your in that area go up and give them a visit. We also got a good size piece of carpet with underlay cut off the roll to fit in the cage, its got a stick grip bottom too, easy to clean off with the hose for little accidents and CHEAP.. throw in a blanket, sweet azz! We get our 3 month old staffy rescue pup tomorrow!!! we cant wait!!!!

I was just looking on line to find other topics about crates, we too are getting our pup on Saturday and would like to know where to get a crate from, Ive tried City Farmers but they didnt really know what I was talking about, they said they have play pens or travel pens but Im not sure if thats the same. I want a wire crate so he can actually see where we are and what we are doing instead of an inclosed one with a little door, one we can also put in the back of the car. Any suggestions?? P.S sorry to take over your topic Goldengirl !!

THANK YOU so much guys for your feedback and advise!, after recieving the above information we have decided we will start with an elimination diet, get him off the dry food and introduce him to a complete raw diet. We have a medicated shampoo (MALASEB) that we will soak him with once a week, to strip him of any yeast on his body, trial that for 6 weeks and if no improvement we will look at getting him in to the dermatology clinic for assessment. He has been placed on a stronger dose of steroids along with more antibiotics for ANOTHER infection in his paw, but as soon as his infection has cleared we are dropping his meds to half, then less again with antihistamine whilst closely monitoring his reaction to change of diet and regular washes. Im hoping we will see a change! Thanks again Rangitoto

Hi Im new to this forum and have to say this site is amazing, I can learn sooo much in here. Im desperately seeking dog owners who have had their dogs Allergy Tested. I am the proud owner of a beautiful Staffy, and he is in excellent condition but he suffers from skin allergies, he is 12 months old, very fit, is on what I call a good diet that he thoroughly enjoys, premium food with raw chicken necks thrown in on top every second night, and raw bones every other day. To treat his constant nibbling, and biting at his paws he is on antibiotics for an inflamed infection, an antihistamine and some steriod to wipe out his inflamed raw front paw, we absolutely hate seeing him scratch and bite himself raw, and are not happy about having to keep him on this medication for long periods of time, possibly for ever. It has been recommended to us by our Vet to have an Intradermal Allergy Test conducted, which involves clipping a patch of hair from the side of the flank and pricking the skin with a tiny amount of purified allergen extract. A positive reaction is a raised swelling observed thirty minutes after intradermal injection, the skin test is affected by a number of drugs including antihistamines and corticosteroids. To manage the identified allergy involves using a vaccine that is made specifically for your him on the basis of the allergy test results, it is very costly, and can take 12 months before they can evaluate whether is has been successful in reducing the itching, and could possibly need the vaccine for life at $600 a year, not including shampoo and medical therapy. Only 70% successful, we are prepared to pay for the testing, but I would like to hear from other owners who have had this done and what their experiences and comments are on this. Thank you for taking the time to read my message.