Danielle

What may come into play is domestication and what part that plays in the evolution of the dog. I was actually wondering about that! What are your thoughts on that sas? I think you are right, I think domestication has a lot to do with the evolution of the dog. For example (bit off topic, but still animal related) in regards to Rainbow Lorikeets, I know you arent supposed to feed them seed (it damages the hairs on the tongue) but if you do provide it, they will eat it. But if you look at a lorry in the wild they wont go near it.....they tend to stick to the nectar bearing flowers and wont touch the seed. This is a very interesting point and Id like to hear other peoples opinion on it.

Everybody makes a great point on this thread, but as the matter stands they are scientifically classified as carnivores, so it really doesnt matter what we believe, the fact is they are carnivores.

This is actually untrue. Obligate means - restricted to a particular host, substratum or mode of nutrition. So, an obligate carnivore would ONLY eat meat, for instance a cat. Dogs are not obligate carnivores, they DO eat plant matter, but this does not scientifically place them in an Omnivorous category, they are still considered Carnivores, but NOT obligate.

Scientifically, dogs are classed as Carnivores, simple as that. They are not Obligate like cats, but they are still under the classification of Carnivore. Sorry to burst the bubble, but Ive done studies on Canine Nutrition and yes, they are carnivores. They do eat plant matter yes, but most of their diet consists of meat. If you look at a dogs teeth structure they are different to humans or bears (omnivores), they dont have the flat molars for crushing and grinding plant matter or grain. Its a real "ify" one, but they are still scientifically classified as Carnivores whether we agree with it or not.

Could just be a growth. Lots of older dogs get skin tags or warts. Usually nothing to worry about, but Id still get it checked if I were you. Its not a tick is it? Can you see it well enough to rule it out? Either way, get the vet to have a look at your next check up. Good luck! Danni

Yeah, but the Oldfield does have an adjustable knob that you can turn down to a low force so you arent sending the little ones flying off the table!!! Hehehe! Poodlewrangler- If you are to get a force dryer, please be careful with it, there is a technique to using them and if not used correctly they can be very dangerous. When drying around "delicate" areas dont put the nozzle too close to the skin. Areas such as the "bottom", ears, face, and genital area can be hurt with a force dryer that is put too close. Keep the nozzle at least 6 inches away from those areas when drying and NEVER blow air into the ears, even at 6 inches you can burst an eardrum, so cover ear opening with your hand before drying. Also dont blow air directly into the eyes. Just use your judgement with it and you should be fine, there should be a manual that comes with the force dryer anyway which will tell you all the danger points to look out for. Good luck! Danni

Absolutely, a cheaper one will be fine. I have the double motor Oldfields in my salon and they only cost me about $600 each brand new, with all the different hose attachments. Maybe try to find a stockist near you, Oldfield is one of the oldest kinds of force dryers, theyve been around forever and are good quality. I think the single motor will be cheaper, if you are a groomer you should get trade price at most places.

I agree, as I said though, those brands IMO are pretty woeful. In regards to the Raw meat thing, if you compare the protein levels in lets say a 500g slab of steak it is waaaaay lower than a 500g tin of cat food. All Im saying is that it isnt a healthy substitute. Just trying to help guys, I just dont want to see this lady's dog go downhill and have her on here broken hearted cuz her dog is sick. Ive done studies in Animal Nutrition and this is what I have learnt.

No, they won't die from occasionally eating cat food. But a daily diet of it, which is what the OP is suggesting, is not a healthy diet for any dog and can cause future health problems. The OP was not suggesting it as the daily diet. What was asked is if it would be ok to mix in with the meat the dog is already getting. Danielle - why do you suggest high protein is dangerous for dogs? What are your thoughts on the RAW diets? Also just for interest sakes, the fat percentage in fancy feast fish cat food is lower than that of Pal tinned dog food. Hey, Ive not no qualms with raw diets, BUT as I said earlier, its common knowledge and a PROVEN fact that cats require higher fat and protein in their diets. And I never once said that high protein is dangerous, go back and reread my post. I said that high fat can cause pancreatitis. High protein like what is in cat food is just not a balanced food for dogs, and the dog will end up in poor health if fed it solely. Id really like to see the fat percentages you are talking about, but then again I wouldnt be surprised, you are talking about "PAL"! I seriously dont know anybody who would feed such rubbish to their dog! MY animals are fed raw meat, steamed veges and lots more, including high quality premium special diet from our vet, I personally wouldnt touch Pal if you paid me! Anyways, I got this info from my vet who is a trained professional, so why dont you have a talk to your vet and maybe he will inform you of the truth.

Yeah, the electrical tape is brilliant. Abbi stood on a nail once and had to have surgery on her foot. She came straight home and ripped off her bandages. So we rewrapped the bandage, secured it with electrical tape and then put on a sock (lol!) and then wrapped electrical tape around that too! That dressing stayed on for about 4 days! Its great having a tradesman for a hubby, he is so inventive and can fix any problem! LOL!

Okay, first of all, dont stress, this is manageable. Do you have any Styptic powder? If not, go to a pet store (hopefully one is open) and buy some. If you get some then you can attempt to remove the nail yourself if you are confident. If it bleeds then at least you have the Styptic to stop it. If you cant find any styptic, call around your local mobile groomers (accredited please!!!) and ask if they could take the nail off. If it bleeds they should have some Styptic to stem the bleed. Even if they arent working because of the public holiday most will help when you tell your situation. Is the joint broken or just the nail? Has this happened before? If so, id be looking at removal of that dew. My Timmins Biter had two hind dews which I had removed when she got spayed purely because they had no joint and were nothing but a hindrance to her. If you cant find a groomer or pet store or vet to help, bandage the area with a pressure bandage (not too tight) and secure with electical tape (I find that this works a charm!) until you can get proffessional help. Good Luck!! Danni

Im glad you wouldnt give a daily diet of cat food, otherwise your dog would not be at its optimum health. As I said earlier, to give a high fat diet to dogs is potentially dangerous, Im not saying that your dog will keel over from a can of cat food, just that if it is a regular/daily diet then you are asking for trouble. Just trying to help.

I thoroughly agree that this is ridiculous to say the least!!! What is she thinking??? This is cruel and potentially detrimental to her dogs health and very well being! Dogs are carnivores, not omnivores. Dogs ARE very adaptable, but just because they can survive on an omnivorous diet does not mean it is the best diet for them. The assumption that dogs are natural omnivores remains to be proven, whereas the truth about dogs being natural carnivores is very well-supported by the evidence available to us. Dogs can be omnivorous yes, they do eat plant based matter, but they are essentially carnivores, scientifically they are STILL classified as carnivores, so until the scientific community changes their views, "Dogs are carnivores" whether we agree or not. All you have to do is look at the teeth structure of dogs. They are nothing like ours or lets say bears (another omnivore), with the flat molars at the back. Dogs teeth are different, they are structured that way specifically to eat meat, not to crush grain or plant fodder. Its pretty plain to see. Although I do agree that they do sometimes have an omnivorous diet (which is healthy), they still are classified as carnivores. But this is besides the point, at least we all agree that dogs are NOT herbivores! Does she want her dog to be in optimum health or just getting by??? As stated before, tell her to go and buy a rabbit!!!

Okay, well the deal is that cats require a much higher protein and fat content in their diet than dogs, therefore cat food is generally very high protein and fat. This is not good for dogs. A high fat diet can cause not just weight gain but a potentially deadly condition called Pancreatitis. Its a really nasty condition which I have personally seen but it can be easily avoided with just a little bit of common sense. A little bit of cat food every now and then is perfectly fine, but not as a whole diet. There is a reason that there is a difference between "Dog Food" and "Cat Food". Although biologically similar, metabolically dogs and cats are quite different. Hope that helps! Danielle.

The hair in the ears needs to be removed. If it is left in there the moisture accumulates and a fungus called Red Yeast can flourish causing all sorts of dramas. Not to mention the fact that the dog cant hear as well with an ear full of fur! As stated above use some ear powder (not talc) to dry the hair and give you a better grip, you can purchase this special powder at grooming supplies, pet stores or vets. Try pulling about 5-10 hairs at a time until the ear is clear of hair. Eventually the dog will get used to it and wont put up a fight, but prepare yourself for an argument with him first time as he probably wont like it. It is something that needs to be done though, kinda like vaccinations, you have to do it (painful as it may be) for the health of the dog. If he squeals dont stress, it really doesnt hurt that much, all the carry on will be for show, but take it slowly with him for his first few times. Good Luck!

Hey there, I specialise in dog dyeing. I use a product called Dyex. It is formulated in Japan and is imported by a supplier on the Gold Coast in Queensland. It is PH neutral for dogs skin so wont cause any irritation. It is apparently semi permanent but I find it is permanent. It fades but has to grow out. They do pretty much every colour but black which they are trying to formulate now and should be available soon. They also do a neutralising agent which when mixed with the colours will create pastels. If you have an ABN you will pay around $25 per tube. Retail is extra. In regards to application, I generally paint it on with a dyeing brush and then work it in with my fingers, always use gloves by the way! I leave it in for about half an hour and then rinse and shampoo. Depending on your girls natural colour will determine the outcome. If she is very dark then they wont be so bright. I used this product in a creative grooming competition in the Brisbane Pet Expo (Spectacular Petacular) at the RNA in March and ended up coming 2nd. Its really bright and got the judges attention! Danni.

Hahaha! Love the ball teaser! That was a bit hmmmm.....lets say fallic looking! Gotta be PC and all! Who comes up with this stuff!!??

Hey, I just remembered another one, the Scarborough vet is also great, you could try her???

Why the roll of the eyes? Your motivation for such sarcasm has got me stumped?????? Danni.

Let me guess..... you used to go to Graham at the Affordable Vet??? I know this is far away, but we use either our local vet Frank Feeney at the Banyo Veterinary surgery (vaccinations, creams, etc...) or for special things like operations we go to Paul Macginley at the Grange Vet. It may be a bit of a hike, lets say about 20 mins from you, but both of these guys are brilliant and I trust them both fully. I use Paul for operations because he does keyhole surgery which Frank does not. Good luck finding a vet you are happy with.

Hi Im a Canine Stylist. I use the Plush Puppy. Its pretty good, although quite expensive, if you are using it on a commercial basis, okay if its just for your pet though. I use it on my toy poodles. Plush Puppy is made by Jon Le Court, you know, the hairdresser. He has over a hundred Malamutes, and really loves dogs, so he decided to come out with his own line of products. Dont think they have silicone, although I may be wrong. Nice products though, I use the Pixie Dust (1 container has lasted me two years!) and I also use the Conditioner, it smells like bananas and leaves the coat nice and soft. Danni.