karly101

You are probably best to contact Virbac directly .... number from website Customer service hotline 1800 242 100 Merial is the manufacturer that makes thimerosol free vaccs in the USA (for rabies and C4) so may do them here, but we generally have different vaccines here so best to call the companies as they will have all that data.

I use monthly advocate as I have a dog with skin issues and can't afford to take any risks of his skin going downhill due to parasites which I am exposed to on daily basis due to work. If he didn't have these issues and I wasn't around it all he would be on Sentinel every 60 days which according to their literature is enough to be protective against heartworm.

I'd just be sure to be aware of costs of owning a giant breed - we had 2 tibetan mastiffs at my old work place (vet clinic) beautiful dogs, the owner was very firm with them in regards to training. Whenever they got sick though or required pain medications often the cost of one medication alone would be $100 due to the large dose required. Not to mention the cost of any surgeries which are priced according to the dogs weight. Then worming/flea control - the tibetan mastiff needed 2 packets so double the cost compared to a large breed which fits within the weight range. I've had a german shepherd and now have a smooth collie - the german shepherd was actually the biggest wuss in the world but both I felt quite safe walking on my own. From what you've written with costs etc perhaps its not quite the right time for you to own a giant breed and a large breed may suit you a lot better.

You don't want to change your normal routine whilst on a diet trial! If you are avoiding plants etc whilst on walks now how do are you going to know if its this or the diet that he is responding too? Pls speak to a dermatologist as you may have to repeat this diet trial again if its not done to how they specify.

I would be asking for a referral to a dermatologist.. they should see him before you start a true elimination diet.

I used etsy - http://www.etsy.com/shop/FetchAPassionTags?ga_search_query=dog+tags&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=handmade&ref=sr_gallery_17 I'm really happy with my tag its different and seems like it'll last awhile :)

Ask about tramal instead of metacam....its a human medication so is much much cheaper and see if they can give u a script to get it from pharmacy.

You aren't feeding a true elimination diet with your choice of dry. Stick to a single protein and single carb only (check with your vet as some need fat or b vitamin supplement) ...they need to be ingredients you haven't fed before....for 8 weeks then you go back to old diet. Each week keep a record of how you think she is going....I did 8 weeks with no sign of improvement so it was clear diet wasn't the cause of.my pups skin issues. The dry (even allergy formula) have too many ingredients that can still cause reaction...if you can't do home made they are an option but nay not rule out diet issues according to my dogs dermatologist.

Buying overseas doesn't it get seized by customs here? Whenever I've bought shampoos or vitamin supplements for my ferrets they get seized. Vets are meant to prescribe the animal product if there is one available. You can always ask for a script and go to your pharmacy - most vets I know will charge for a script if it is not done in a consult as it does take some time to write one. Pharmacies are able to purchase a lot of products SO much cheaper than vet clinics who must purchase from veterinary suppliers.

I'm sorry for the traumatic experience... But please don't rule all vets as uncaring... just one example, the clinic I am at now and the one I was at prior... all the vets find euthanasia upsetting and difficult. They commonly come and have a cry out the back afterwards and they do everything they can to make it as quick and painless for both the owner and their pet...I'm also amazed that they all constantly work long hours from 8am-9pm at night to ensure that they treat, keep up to date and have time to talk over results/treatments with owners. I'm sure there are plenty of not so good vets out there but please don't neglect your pet medical attention because of bad experiences... talk to neighbours/friends and find their recommendations... I often find that is the best way to find a good vet.

Food is an easy one to trial ... but my derm doesn't think much of z/d and prefers to do a single protein single carb based elimination diet. Z/d would have been much cheaper for my skinny dog! My boy is currently involved in the drug trial. I highly recommend seeing a derm.. adding up your general vet bills can turn out to be more than what you would spend at a derm and you may not get a result. I visited the derm and we made a treatment plan - first we started on the blood test and the test involving allergens injected. We've trialed booties, food, antihistamines, cortisone and all that confirmed atopy and got him into the drug trial. Without doing the basics first (the blood test) you can be stabbing in the dark and the desensitizing injections will be most effective for long term relief. I'm disappointed my boy just didn't show a strong enough result to start them. Just be prepared, skin is tricky to treat and unfortunately the medications can be costly. Once you have done the diagnostics and get your treatment plan then fortunately most can be handled by your regular vet.

It really depends... on how hard they can be to find! Generally costs are very similar to a spey surgery as the vet has to search to find it. Sometimes you can be lucky and they are just in the groin and then it is not so bad. Recovery again depends but I would highly recommend on IV fluids as they really seem to improve recovery time and if it ends up being a long surgery. The clinic I'm at has seen a few cases where the previous vet wasn't able to find the 2nd testicle in a reasonable time frame and closed up and referred, so I'd probably ask them on their experiences in the clinic on that! I was very fortunate, I had to wait to desex for a multitude of reasons and at 11 months my boys retained testicle dropped! The vets at my work said it is fairly rare for that to happen. I had him desexed as the testicle wasn't normal because it was retained but it did save a lot of extra costs.

I've been thinking about this for a few days.. I also tried an unsuccessful google search.. but is this what you were thinking of? http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/213182-a-warning-about-probiotics-and-very-ill-dogs/

There are different microchip brands but not sure on the variation in their prices... Also... I tend to see microchipping prices at around $60 at vets, generally because there is a consult fee inbuilt to that as most times the owner does ask other things and it tends to turn into a consult, plus you are really paying for the vets time. Chipping days tend to be cheaper because it is bulk and there is no question time!

I've just started Canidae Pure Sea so will have to wait a few weeks to let you know how its going. He LOVES the taste but that may also because he's been on an elimination diet for 8 weeks lol.

Yeah sounds like the mistake was not brushing the coat out before bathing... I've done that before too! A good dryer will help you out if you can find one...some vets have DIY hydrobaths with dryers that you can use. I personally love Aloveen but I've also used Ego wash and the coat comes up beautiful with that as well!

Agreed.. I have to say I tend to get fantastic service from online stores :) And would love to give a thumbs up to Wagsalot Pet Supplies - very speedy delivery and refunded me a Dol Discount and a nice little freebie bag of treats as well. Much appreciated and will definitely be shopping there again! My pup had a very happy birthday with a whole bunch of new toys :D

I don't.. I chose to put money aside in an interest account, the reason being I saw to many claims get dismissed and not covered, then the next year the premiums get bumped up. I also work in the industry so do get some discount. However, I have a dog who has been to the specialist a number of times and is probably facing a lifetime of medications.. perhaps it would have been worth it for him if I had done it straight away.

Try a different brand, its very common for dogs to be intolerant of certain wormers! Definitely try a bland diet and also just to rule out it is not something else giving him grief.

I had the same issue but it was an old car that lacked head rests completely... in the end I just covered all the seats as you just don't have anything to secure the protector too and it was tricky to even find covers that didn't include the head rest section.

This sounds like a scam artist.. just by what they write, how its written and the 'I am willing to organize transport.'

I would consider canine cough as possibility, the vaccine doesn't cover all strains and when they are under periods of stress they are more susceptible to catching it. It can be bacterial (in which case antibiotics will help) or viral (not much you can do). Linctol is a cough supressent they use for dogs, but if he has a productive cough I'm told expectorants are better but they don't make them for dogs apparently. I ended up using Linctol for my pup because his coughing was ALL night. I'm not sure but a human one may be okay but I'd check with your vet. If he is dull, depressed or coughing gets worse he will need vet visit as pneumonia is always a risk.

Since the person surrendering signs a form that they are the owner I'm not sure how much checking they really do on every single animal. I think there are some tell tale signs such as the person surrendering saying the animal is not microchipped and it is and from what I remember they usually investigate cases like that. We had a couple come in at RSPCA where I remember they did contact breeders on microchips and they were rehomed that way.

I use Advocate monthly atm but only because my dog had been struggling with Demodex mites. He also has skin issues so the last thing he needs are fleas and mites as well. If he didn't have those issues I would have done Sentinel every 60 days which is what I do for my sisters dog. They are both vacc'd yearly but will switch to 3 yearly and KC yearly once he has matured. I will provide pain relief when needed and antibiotics only when needed. It's very much an individual thing, whats in your area, what risks. One thing is I strongly believe in regular worming especially where hydatids are concerned as you won't see the symptoms until its too late. As for flea treatment, I've worked in areas where animals are riddled with fleas and can see the benefit of using flea preventatives year round as once you are infested it is SO costly and hard to get rid of them. Personally, reading on homeopathy I can't see how it works when it is so diluted there is no way the ingredient would be active at such a low concentration.

I feed td to my sisters dog who won't eat bones or let me touch his teeth. It has saved her from doing a dental for about 2 years I'd say at the rate the tarter was building which dramatically slowed down. The recommendation is to do a dental then feed the td or oral care. I've since switched to oral care as no longer get td cheap and haven't noticed a difference.