yellowgirl

I bought some Acidophilus caspules to sprinkle on Madeline's food as she is still on antibiotics after several weeks (staph infection). I read somewhere that you shouldn't give the probiotics at the same time as the antibiotics as they cancel each other out. Is this true? Maddie gets two meals a day and I'm used to giving any medications in the morning. Should I add the probiotic with the evening meal or does it really not make a difference?

Got the bones today! :p I went to the butchers and got fresh lamb necks and asked them to cut them about 2cm thick. Then while I was in Woolies, I saw they had lamb bone offcuts in the pet section fridge, so I grabbed them as well Well, they went down a real treat! It took them a few minutes to get into it (not sure if they've ever had bones before) but 2 hours later they're both still out there chomping away ;) I also picked up some acidophilus capsules at the chemist for Madeline and will sprinkle them on her food. Last night I found some Curash (zinc oxide) powder and rubbed it onto Maddie's skin. It's supposed to be good for soothing irritations and absorbing excess perspiration. Cresties do sweat so I thought maybe some of her skin problems could be related to that. Her skin does look better today, not as inflamed and oily... so fingers crossed that it continues to help.

Just reading about probiotics in another thread... in the Breeder's section so I couldn't post questions. Two products were suggested ... Protexin - http://www.vetstop.com.au/Shop/shopdisplay....asp?Search=Yes and PAW probiotic powder - http://www.paw4pets.com/faq.html#probiotic I can have a look at the PAW powder tomorrow, according to their website a health food shop a few kms away sells it. I'll be picking up some bones tomorrow too .

Is it possible to go back to the kennel where the dog had the negative reaction and replay the situation that he reacted to ... with the same man? Someone with behaviour expertise may be able to pin point the problem if they see it for themselves. He sounds like a lovely and smart dog by the way

7 weeks next week... Joee, has one of the pups gone back? How are things going today?

Hey, thanks Chocolate I don't know if I'm just getting more suspicious these days, but the write-up put me off a bit. They don't name the Doctor who formulated it or the name of the approved facility. Does anyone know if the blend of ingredients mentioned above would actually remove plaque? Oh, another thing ... I think the teeth in the demonstration picture is fake ... the tooth second from the left is a different shape in the 'after' shot ;) ... (just had another look, so is the third tooth). Sorry about my negative nelly attitude here Chocolate :p I do appreciate your help . It's just that $50 plus postage is a lot to invest in something I'm not sure about. What sort of condition were your dog's teeth in and how long before you saw results? Has anyone else tried this product?

I wasn't able to get out today (bummer) , so will definitely be getting bones tomorrow. Madeline's tummy has been much better since we switched to cooked food, although her initial troubles may have had a lot to do with the fact that she was very nervous and insecure when she first came here. She wasn't socialised at all, so I imagine her tummy would have been quite knotted with anxiety. We've had no problems for the past two months ;) so it could be a combination of the cooked food plus gaining some confidence. The only issue was with the chicken necks, she would get constipated, followed shortly by the runs :p That makes sense. Her skin was pretty bad. I've bought some anti-fungal cream as well and have been putting that on every couple of days. She also has a Malaseb wash twice a week. She was on Cephalexin twice a day for 4 weeks and then the vet switched her to Baytril (stronger AB) about 3 weeks ago. I wonder what the usual recovery time-frame is for this type of infection?

Thank you for all that info Nekhbet . I found this company too ... http://www.greenpet.com.au/pet-shop/cart.p...;category_id=69 They have the VAN for $30.90. I couldn't find any info on postage so I've sent them an email, and also asked about some of their ointments. The Missing Link is a powder. I've used it before when I had a Shepherd who was in a very poor state when I got her. I will look into the VAN a bit more though, that looks really good. How much do you use? eg. grams per bodyweight. Madeline weighs 7kg and Sarge weighs 6kg.

Thanks so much for your input Puggy-puggy, Staranais and Nekhbet I appreciate the advice. I'm going to get some lamb bones today and see if I can get some roo bones too. Nekhbet, would the 'Missing Link' be similar to the Booster powder? I can get the Missing Link at a reasonable price and I know they have the Paw paw ointment too. I was thinking it might be worth picking up some glucosamine condroitin powder for Sarge too. ETA - I forgot to ask Puggy-puggy, would yoghurt or yakult do the same job as digestive enzymes?

I have 2 Chinese Crested kids, Madeline, 3 and Sarge, 9. I've had Madeline for three and a half months and Sarge for four weeks. Madeline came with a staph infection, clogged skin, a sensitive tummy (and 2kg overweight!) and bad teeth. Sarge came with dry skin and bad teeth. Keep in mind that the two major issues with Cresties are skin and teeth . The hairless rarely have full dentition. Madeline didn't do too well on a raw diet, so after much research, talking to vets and a bit of trial and error, this is what I make for them: ... all human grade ... 1kg turkey mince (cooked) 1kg mixed veggies (mashed up in the blender) 3 eggs (scrambled) 250g sardines 200g salmon 80g grated cheese 1 desertspoon granulated garlic 1/8 cup olive oil ... There is a lot of fish and oil, as Cresties need plenty of omegas for their skin. I'm definitely open to any advice or suggestions about it though, or any thoughts on the recipe itself. I pack it into small bags and freeze it. ... oh, and their poops are just perfect I wouldn't say a joy to pick up, but you get the idea Now, to the teeth (oh boy). They both have the Teenie Greenies, Box 1 biscuits and cut up pigs ears. Madeline has the Science Diet Dental dry and Sarge (because he's a gulper and won't chew the Science Diet) has Advance Dental with the enzymes. I also brush them (well, I certainly try to). I've given them chicken necks and wings but Maddie gets the runs and/or constipated and Sarge won't chew them (just gulps!). I really want them to have some bones so I'm going to get some small lamb necks tomorrow and see how they go with them. The dry food, greenies and box 1 biscuits have certainly made some difference so far. These are Sarge's teeth. Believe it or not, they have actually improved since he's been here! He really should have a proper dental, but the vet wanted to leave it for a couple of months and do the same dental stuff that I do with Madeline first. Because of his age, he didn't want to put him back under anaesthetic so soon ... he had recently been desexed (done by another vet who forgot to do his teeth ) And yes, that little brown thing in the 3rd pic is a tooth! And these are Madeline's teeth. I wish I'd taken a pic three months ago. They have improved a LOT ... Aaaaand skin .... As mentioned, Madeline has been on antibiotics for the staph. It is getting better, thank goodness. This is a 'before' pic of her back, just before she went on the ABs ... Two weeks on antibiotics. You can see the skin is very thick and lots and lots of black dots. Recent pic. Her skin isn't as thick but still has clumped black dots. They are different to blackheads, almost like a coloured pore. They are not as prevelent as a few weeks ago and they are mostly on her back, sides, rump and back legs. Her tummy has soft, beautiful, perfect skin. And these white patches are new, they started about 3 weeks ago . They are on her back and neck too. If anyone is familiar with Crestie skin and able to give me a bit more information about the black dots and the white patches I'd really appreciate it. Sarge has completely different, very soft, smooth skin. I've been to three different vets and none can explain the white discolouration or what the little black dots are or why the dots are now disappearing in some areas. Is there new skin underneath or something?? So, that's the report for food, teeth and skin I have definitely seen improvements in all areas, but I am very open to any other help, suggestions or advice on any of the topics mentioned.

Not neccessarily. I prodded and pressed Chester for 3 days before the damage became apparrent. Initially, the disc was damaged, but it actually rupured a few days later. As you said, the metacam could be masking the pain too. Maybe don't give her any medication Sunday night so you can see how she really is on Monday.

Sorry about your poor girl I'd get her to the vet as soon as you can. I agree with rommimum that there could be a possibility of a ruptured disc. I've been through that with my mini poodle, and I really hope that isn't the problem. Keep her as quiet as possible until you can get to the vet. Yes, you're so right, these things invariably happen on a weekend, and usually after a busy day when all you want to do is curl up and rest I've rarely had a dog get sick or hurt on a weekday Hope she feels better soon. Can you let us know how she goes?

Soooo glad to hear the great news!!! Go Fred!! Had to smile when I read this Fred is a lucky boy to have found you.

Good luck on Sunday! I'm no help in the crate training department, I've never done it and for my own situation I've never found it necessary. Puppies need consistancy, routines and schedules and I've always found toilet training relatively simple. I'm sure you'll find lots of helpful threads here To be completely honest, I'm seeing the other side of the coin now that I'm now the proud owner of 2 Chinese Crested dogs who are notorious relapsers It won't convince me to crate, I just have to be a lot more vigilant . I do know of several people who do crate and when done properly, it works well for them and their dogs. Personal choice I think All the best with whatever you decide. I sure hope you come home with a gorgeous bundle of fluff on Sunday!

Is this the post that bothered you Akay? I didn't see any personal attack in it, I think the red face was to emphasise the fact that a sudden diet change can sometimes cause big problems. Which indeed in your case it did . I think that by deleting your posts, you have removed vital information that could be of benifit to another member. We are all here to learn and sometimes we can learn by mistakes that others have made. Sharing your story (and the responses to it) could make a big difference to someone who may be about to do what you did, and perhaps save someone else a visit to the vet. Just a thought I hope your boy is feeling a bit better today.

I've just seen this thread. How is Fred doing? When do you get the results? Fred is a real darling, and what an adoring owner you are! I loved the 'Day in the life' pics. It's obvious how much you love your boy

Poor guy. I'm sure he'll be okay. Bones are great but they really can cause some problems sometimes. My dogs don't have bones for that reason. I use Dental dry food, Greenies and Box1 Biscuits for their teeth. Hope your boy is back home with you soon!

If your dog does something wrong, it's your fault. Feel free to hit yourself over the head with a rolled up newspaper. Desex your dog. Don't feed your dog foods that contain artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Never ever buy a pup from a pet shop or byb.

Anything exciting happen when he went outside??

Raw egg white certain does have the affect of inhibiting Biotin uptake however nature is a pretty canny creature and egg yolk contains a excess of biotin and these two facts counteract each other. Raw egg white is no more a natural food for a dog than cooked egg white - in the wild the dog would eat the whole egg (including some of the shell). Plus... you'd have to feed a whole pile of egg white (on it's own) to affect most dogs. Just another little fact the dog food industry has taken what they want out of and ignored the whole fact Thanks for that info Sandra. I'll stick with adding scrambled eggs though because I use beautiful free range eggs and on the day I make up the dog food I have scrambled eggs for lunch! (obviously the eggs are cooked separately before being added to the dogs' food! )

Eggs should be cooked. Raw egg white contains a chemical that inhibits the dog's natural vitamin B production. I think it's one of those 'old wives tales' that raw eggs are good for dogs ... I thought so too for many years I too add sardines to my dogs' homemade food. Also turkey mince, mushed veggies, salmon, olive oil, cheese, garlic and good ol' scrambled eggs I don't think milk is bad for dogs (unless of course they have an intolerance) I just think it's a bit unnecessary. But if your dog is okay with it and it makes you happy, then why not?

Nekhbet, that is exactly how a 5 year old dog's teeth should look! There is so much rubbish on the shelves these days that people seem to think that tummy troubles, gas, dry skin, bad breath, gum infections and plaque covered teeth are normal for dogs! Jen21, I agree with you. Why shouldn't dogs have yummy food? I want my dogs to be happy and healthy and know that meal times are something to look forward to. I don't mind putting in the effort to make healthy and tasty food for them, and oh boy, they sure do appreciate it! IggiePiggie, forget about the tv commercials and pet food marketing. Check the label of the bag. Meat should be the first ingredient, with a minimum of fillers and cereals. And no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Ethoxyquin and BHA are preservatives. Some companies use the word 'antioxidants' but it's usually another word for preservatives. Eagle Pack was mentioned before, that is one of the better dry food companies (IMO). A little trick that I used with my mini poodle was to use the large dog size dry, that way he had to actually chew it rather than just swallowing it. Really helps the teeth. He couldn't tolerate bones, so I also gave him Greenies. His teeth were gorgeous. He also had a homemade mince and veg mix for meals, not just boring old dry food . I now have two Chinese Cresteds. My rescue girl, Madeline, had really bad plaque and tarter. Using the method mentioned above, they have improved remarkably. My new boy, 9 year old Sarge, will probably have to have a proper vet dental done, I don't think Greenies are any match for his terrible choppers. I'm mentioning the teeth a bit because if they have plaque and tarter, they are not eating properly. Dogs' teeth should look like the teeth of Nekbet's dog. And attached to those teeth should be a happy, healthy dog

Taking your dog to a Dog Park is not socialising. It is throwing your dog in at the deep end and hoping he can swim. What you are doing with Madelaine sounds more like socialising. Controlled environment and happy experiences. I am very sorry about the loss of Chester, and glad that you found a little girl who needs you. Thank you for your kind words Aussienot. this is the best lesson we can all learn (my bolding in above). i am glad you feel liberated. trust your instincts and know that what works for some dogs may not work for yours. as i said before i will never take my dog to a dog park as the risks outweigh the rewards IMO. Thanks Jaxx'sBuddy. A park full of dogs is just not for Madeline. Corvus, I understand why you take your dog to a dog park. For the same reason everyone else who uses them does.. to let your dog play with doggy friends and to run and have fun. The same reasons I used to take Chester. He just loved it!! I did worry about some of the other dogs sometimes (and their clueless owners). I always left if certain dogs arrived, it wasn't worth the risk. I trusted Chester, but I didn't always trust all the other dogs.

I'm just seeing this thread now ... DW what a terrible time for you! I am so very sorry that Diesel is so sick ;) Your Diesel boy is soooo lucky to have a mama like you! He is obviously very much loved. I wish you all the best for his treatment and will be checking back to see how he is going. I have all my fingers and toes crossed for you and Diesel! I know you will miss him so very much while he is in treatment, try not to stress and worry too much (easier said than done though!), he will be back home in your loving arms in no time. Sending lots of love and healing vibes to your darling Diesel. And calming hugs for you too. Jo xxx

I'm so glad to find this thread! I can understand both sides of the equation. I used to take my mini poodle, Chester, to our dog park 3 times a week. He absolutely loved it ... and I loved watching him play. He was never involved in a fight and every single time was a great time for him, he loved to run and play with his friends. There were, however, numerous times when other dogs would get into arguments, and my biggest gripe was the line of owners leaning against the fence chit-chatting with each other and paying absolutely no attention to their dogs. I do think that Chester was a little safer because I paid constant attention to him. But ... and it's a big but ... just this past February, I was not able to protect him when a couple of larger dogs ran into him and bowled him over. He yelped, but a few minutes later he was back to playing and running around. A couple of days later, the damaged disc ruptured, his vertabrae collapsed and his back legs were paralyzed. He had to be put to sleep. Just two days before Chester died, I took in a 3 year old Chinese Crested rescue girl. The short story is that due to her previous treatment she came to me terrified of the outside world. In the 3 months that I've had her she has improved remarkably. I was told by lots of people that I 'must' get back to the dog park, not only for myself, but that it would be good for Madeline and her confidence (the socialising theory). I have taken her a few times when there were none, or only one or two dogs there. The last couple of times she just trotted around sniffing, having no interest in the other dogs whatsoever. I'm thinking there is absolutely no benifit to her being here. She is nervous before we go in, it takes her 5 minutes to settle down enough to walk around, she's not really interested in running around there anyway ... and I am so protective of her that I can't relax. If more than two dogs show up, I'm out of there. I feel so terribly guilty for having put my girl in this unnecessary situation. Luckily, it hasn't set her confidence training back, but how stupid was I to think that taking her to a dog park would be good for her? For some reason I thought that she was 'supposed' to enjoy being with a pack of running, playing dogs. Chester liked it, but that was him. Madeline isn't interested and I don't think it's in her best interests to pursue it. We go for walks every day, she has learned lots of different tricks, she just graduated to class 3 in obedience training, we go to the Petstock store 2-3 times a week for non-invasive socialising and confidence building .... She has come SO far in the short time she's been here, what the heck was I thinking?!? Different things work for different dogs. My job is to make sure that my girl is happy, secure, confident and safe. So for us, no dog park ... it's not even an option anymore! I actually feel liberated!! Thank you!