Boronia

a little more info here... 5th whippet in the US to have diet-related DCM.

https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2019/07/dog-neutering-health-risks-for-certain-breeds/594355/?fbclid=IwAR2IrunQFSs5vLLcrueebcLODx8Lk524CxPkeJgzOrz10uJBoB53i7v7ONk Science The Quietly Changing Consensus on Neutering Dogs A growing body of research has documented the health risks of getting certain breeds fixed early—so why aren’t shelters changing their policies? Sarah Zhang 11:53 AM ET Large dogs such as golden retrievers may benefit from delayed spaying and neutering.Victoria Neer / Getty In the 1970s, a time when tens of millions of unwanted dogs were being euthanized in the United States annually, an orthodoxy began to take hold: Spay and neuter early. Spay and neuter everything. It’s what vets were taught. It’s what responsible pet owners were told to do. A growing body of research, however, suggests that spaying and neutering—especially in some large breeds when very young—are linked to certain disorders later in life. “As time has gone on, vets are starting to question the wisdom,” says Missy Simpson, a veterinary epidemiologist with the Morris Animal Foundation, which recently published a study that found higher rates of obesity and orthopedic injury in golden retrievers that had been fixed. Other studies have linked early spaying and neutering to certain cancers, joint disorders, and urinary incontinence—though the risks tend to vary by sex, breed, and living circumstances. As such, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) now says in a guide for veterinarians, “There is no single recommendation that would be appropriate for all dogs.” And yet anyone adopting from a shelter is unlikely to be told of these risks—or even to be given a choice. Today, according to the AVMA, 31 states and the District of Columbia require sterilization or a promise of such before pets can be adopted out of shelters. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) also advocates early spaying or neutering of all companion animals at two months or two pounds in weight. Its information page for pet owners touts the very real benefits of the procedures—behavioral changes, fewer uterine infections, a decreased risk of certain cancers—but with nary a mention of possible downsides. For animal-welfare groups trying to manage unwanted populations, this strategy makes a kind of sense. “We’re trying to look at the big picture,” says Lori Bierbrier, the medical director of the ASPCA. “One of the ways to manage that population is not to have animals going out and having puppies and kittens all the time.” For dogs that already have an owner, she says, whether to spay or neuter is that owner’s individual decision. But that also makes talking about the research reevaluating the risks of spaying and neutering tricky. How do you balance raising concerns about risks for individual dogs with the welfare of dogs as a whole? “Oh my gosh, we got pushback,” says Benjamin Hart, a professor emeritus at the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. In 2013, a team led by Hart and his wife and collaborator, Lynette Hart, published a study that found higher rates of joint disorders in golden retrievers spayed or neutered before one year of age and of certain cancers in female golden retrievers that were spayed early. It immediately caused an uproar. “This is irresponsible,” Hart recalls critics saying. “You’re looking at just one breed. You can’t generalize.” So they started looking at other breeds. The Harts have since published two follow-up papers, on Labrador retrievers and German shepherds, also finding an elevated risk of joint disorders but not of cancers after early spaying and neutering. And they have just finished another study, on 35 different dog breeds as well as mixed breeds. The risks of cancers and joint disorders appear to vary significantly by breed and sex, Hart says, with small dogs generally less affected by early neutering. The takeaway, Hart says, is that when to spay or neuter should be a case-by-case decision, even for dogs adopted out of shelters. Simpson, of the Morris Animal Foundation, says that vets have already, based on recent research, started recommending delaying spaying and neutering for owners of large breeds. Puppies in shelters, though, might not get the same individual attention. The risk of obesity, Simpson adds, is often the major concern for vets making spaying or neutering recommendations. Somewhere between a quarter to a third of pets in the United States are now obese. The link between obesity and spaying or neutering has to do with hormones. Removing a dog’s testicles or ovaries disrupts its hormonal balance, and this makes it both hungrier and slows its metabolism to require fewer calories. Yet animal-welfare groups that promote spaying and neutering are often quick to “debunk” the idea that fixing a dog could make it gain weight. The ASPCA’s website says, “Lack of exercise and overfeeding will cause your pet to pack on the extra pounds—not neutering.” This is technically true, but it elides a very real biological connection that owners might find useful to know. When I brought this up with Bierbrier, she said the ASPCA staff would have to look into updating the website. She added that the ASPCA’s spay-and-neuter clinic does tell owners taking dogs home after the surgeries that their pets will require less food. Elsewhere in the world, spaying and neutering is not necessarily seen as the “responsible” thing to do. It is heavily discouraged in parts of Europe, such as Norway. Those countries also have very few stray dogs and a far less casual relationship with dog ownership. Dogs that have not been fixed are, to put it one way, less convenient pets. Intact male dogs will want to roam in search of a mate; female dogs will go into heat and have bloody discharge. The campaign to spay and neuter dogs has also changed their very relationship to us as pets.

Perse suggested you pop this into general Discussion please @Troy

Hey @Little Gifts this came through in an email, scroll down on this link as there's more https://www.thevetshed.com.au/?kw=id tag&rf=kw

Let us know the update Pollywaffle

https://whatsnew2day.com/veterinarians-give-an-urgent-warning-after-the-cat-is-nearly-killed-after-licking-a-himalayan-salt-lamp Veterinarians give an urgent warning after the cat is nearly killed after licking a Himalayan salt lamp Domestic cat Ruby suffered from sodium poisoning by licking the light in her house Sodium poisoning in pets can cause convulsions, diarrhea and loss of coordination Pet owners are encouraged to look at their animals because the lights can be tempting By Jackson Barron for Daily Mail Australia Published: 23:32 BST, 2 July 2019 | updated: 23:52 BST, July 2, 2019 A vet has issued a warning to pet owners after a cat was nearly killed by licking a Himalayan salt lamp in New Zealand. Maddie Smith saw her cat, Ruby, behave strangely and assumed it was from the cold weather. After she returned from work that night, Ruby's condition had deteriorated to the point where she could no longer walk, eat or drink, and had trouble seeing and hearing. Mrs. Smith took her to a vet who said she was suffering from brain swelling due to sodium poisoning. A veterinarian has issued a warning to pet owners after a cat was nearly killed after licking a Himalayan salt lamp in New Zealand (stock photo) Sodium poisoning can be life threatening for pets, with symptoms such as seizures, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of coordination. Himalayan salt lamps are a common item in many households, and pet owners are warned to keep an eye on their pets because the lights can be tempting to animals.

Karelian bear dogs are a new, non-lethal tool for wildlife agencies concerned with ursine visitors getting too comfortable around humans. Link to National Geographic article---> These dogs scare bears away—to protect them

Do any of these take your fancy LG? https://www.pawz.com.au/dog-tags.html or these https://www.pet-tags.com.au/dog_tags

There is some info here https://www.petsecure.com.au/pet-care/is-it-ok-to-buy-a-dog-online/ https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2017/05/how-to-buy-a-puppy-without-getting-scammed/ and this ABC link has some helpful facts, especially the 'I used a tool called a reverse-image search, which checks to see if a picture has been posted somewhere else on the internet'. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-21/puppy-scammers/8943034 and, if you are interested in a particular pup perhaps ask here and give the location of the owner and the advertisment to make sure they are legit.

Are you interested in that GSD pup that is advertised or just GSD pups in general? The reason I am asking as the seller has this ad (the one you liked) https://koaas.com/for-sale/animals/quality-german-shepherd-puppies_i2768 and this one (cheap pups aye) https://mybumblebee.com.au/animals/blue-french-bulldogs-ready-to-go-now/ and this one https://mybumblebee.com.au/animals/pure-breed-welsh-corgi-pembroke-puppies-for-sale/ O wait...and there's more; teacup poms this time https://www.sellbourne.com/index.php?page=user&action=pub_profile&id=625 They seem to travel a lot as their location is different in each ad Don't be that sucker born every minute RUN AWAY!

My Westies love the cold, they hate any sort of jacket but do like their night-time blankie this is not my dog but Fergus likes a wee in the snow and...

The results of a Google search may be of interest: Pugs are believed to have originated in the Orient, namely China, where they were documented by Confucius as early as 551 BC. We also know that the common forbearers for the Pug are the Pekingese and the Lion Dog. Pugs (or Lo-Sze which is an early name for pug) were considered prized possessions by Chinese emperors. The French Bulldog is a breed of domestic dog. In the 1800s, they were the result of a cross between English Bulldogs imported from England and local ratters in Paris, France. http://www.frenchbulldogsouioui.com/history-of-the-french-bul.asp and scroll down to the 2nd paragraph in this link http://www.bulldoginformation.com/pug.html

O I am sorry Bec. Daisy was always a fixture on Dogz and I for one shall miss hearing about her. Goodbye sweet Daisy and have such a great time showing with all the other besties over the bridge how it is done xx

Thanks Leac but she is on meds to prevent struvite crystals and must have a low magnesium diet, the Ascophyllum nodosum (which is Simply Seaweed) showed high magnesium. By the way it is much better to buy the Ascophyllum nodosum as kelp powder...same stuff without the advertising blurb and a fraction of the cost https://au.iherb.com/pr/Starwest-Botanicals-Organic-Kelp-Powder-1-lb-453-6-g/22573

there appears there is going to be a re-stock from 22nd June---> Out of Stock—Estimated availability June 22 2019 there is a 'Notify Me' link available https://au.iherb.com/pr/The-Missing-Link-For-Canine-Hips-Joints-Powder-Formula-1-lb-454-g/44736

Thanks Teddy, I will have a look in the reject shops, in the mean-time I have fastened the top using two pieces of pine cover-strips held together with some little G clamps, it's ugly but seems to be working ok

tried the electric brush but, believe me, it wasn't successful, the dogs thought it was a growly monster in their mouths and had mini tanties

https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2019/05/10/trial-begins-dog-cancer-vaccine-made-asu-scientists/1158730001/?fbclid=IwAR3roAVrp72DnYBsdRiRNEEnXd86hOzcWq8aiC7ue17M6BoGMyBDh0dHQ1Y Trial begins on a vaccine made by ASU scientists that could prevent cancer in dogs Grace Palmieri, Arizona RepublicPublished 7:00 a.m. MT May 10, 2019 Stephen Johnston, an ASU scientist and professor, has worked for 12 years on a vaccine to prevent canine cancer. Trilly is the the first dog to receive the vaccine in a trial that launched early May. (Photo: Arizona State University) A study has launched to test whether a vaccine developed by Arizona State University scientists could actually prevent cancer in dogs. The study began in early May, more than a decade after Stephen Johnston, an ASU scientist and professor in the School of Life Sciences, began work on the vaccine. “About 12 years ago, I decided I wanted to invent something important in cancer,” Johnston said. “That’s when we came up with this idea of a vaccine to prevent cancer because that would be the ultimate invention.” The initial plan was to try to vaccinate humans, but it was challenging to get people on board with the idea and to secure enough funding. Then someone suggested Johnston test the vaccine on dogs. “I thought, ‘Wow I should’ve thought of that earlier,'" he said. The study, which will include more than 800 dogs, is the largest clinical trial that’s been conducted for canine cancer, according to an ASU press release. It was made possible by a $6 million grant from the Open Philanthropy Project. How the study works Before participating in the trial, each dog is tested to ensure they are healthy and cancer-free. More than 800 dogs, ages of 6 to 10, are randomly assigned to a control group or a placebo group. Half of the dogs will receive the vaccine, while the other half gets the mock version. Neither the doctor administering the vaccine nor the dog’s owner will know which version the dog receives. Each dog receives four shots over the first four weeks. After that, they will have a checkup every six months to monitor their progress. Scientists will study whether dogs who received the vaccine have fewer tumors than those who got the placebo. Hundreds of dogs with cancer were screened ahead of the study. Researchers used those screenings to target the vaccine toward eight major cancers found in dogs. The anticancer vaccine, developed by Johnston and his team at ASU, targets a group of proteins found on the surface of cancer cells. By injecting these proteins with a substance that produces an immune response into healthy patients, they are “boosting the immune response before they would get the tumor,” Johnston said. Researchers are testing the dogs at three remote participating sites: the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University and the University of California-Davis. Two or three dogs will be vaccinated each day through the first part of the trial. The study could last up to five years, but it could also end much sooner if results are promising. “If it looks like the vaccine is working quite well, then we won’t continue the study,” Johnston said. ‘Accessible to anyone in the world’ Johnston said his team's work contrasts that of other cancer researchers whose vaccines might only be economically viable for wealthier countries.He wanted this vaccine to be different. “If it works, it will be inexpensive and accessible to anyone in the world,” Johnston said. “And that was important to us.” Last week, the trial’s first dog was vaccinated. Trilly, a black-and-tan 9-year-old Gordon setter, received her vaccine shot at the University of Wisconsin veterinary school. Johnston was there to witness it. Now, it’s only a matter of time before we know if it works.

I am sorry Sandgrubber. The words will come, just start writing about when Jarrah first arrived at your place and the rest will follow, though it's hard to see what you have written through your tears. B

You may not have the room but what I use is an outdoor table at the end of our veranda. It's sturdy and non-wobbly and you have room at one side of it to put all your grooming boxes (I keep all my stuff in those make-up cases you can buy for next-to-nothing at the charity shops) The tables are always for sale on scumtree My table is the same as this one and the cases are like these

A few years back I was looking for another older Westie and saw a 7 year-old registered bitch advertised on DOL for $250, the owner was a member of Dogs Qld, the Westie wasn't spayed and there was very little checking of my circumstances, I bought her so a BYB wouldn't, so don't beat yourself up with the ethics of SOME registered breeders, most are pretty good, your friend, unfortunately, didn't buy from one of them (and nor did I) My subsequent bestie-buying has been from good breeders who do check Please do think seriously in surrendering the pups to Yellowgirl's rescue, I think you and your friend will sleep better at night and it'll be a weight off your mind not having to listen to the lies and tall stories from unscrupulous buyers

I am sorry you and your best mate are going through this. As dog owners we luckily have the choice (and moral obligation) to say goodbye to our bestie when the time comes rather than have our dog linger on, comatose on drugs and unaware of anything other than their pain (remember they are stoic and are not letting on how much in pain they are). I feel that palliative care is for humans as their loved-ones don't have this choice, you do and though it's tough, saying goodbye now is the best for your dog. All of us DOLers have needed to say goodbye and we do it because it is the final gift of love we can give them. B xx

That is why the other posters have advised you to go to your vet so don't delay as it may prove fatal. Go to your vet and find out for sure

she is lovely John, congratulations