Dante

My vet said it lasts forever! Mind you I wouldn't take that literally - but I think it would be ok.

Possibly pain after the C-section. The vet gave me Meloxicam after my bitch was uncomfortable after this surgery - she also wouldn't settle properly.

If you normally go to Applecross - book in and see Steve. He is excellent. Sounds suspiciously like luxating patella.

I was considering laying artificial turf in my backyard a few years ago. So glad I didn't. I got a landscaper in and asked him to recommend a lawn that was hardy enough to withstand the dogs (mind you I only have chihuahua's). He recommended Sir Walter Buffalo and I have been very happy with it. It self repairs very quickly (as they occasionally dig at it), is great in summer as it keeps the backyard cooler and after being weed and pood on constantly it does not develop brown patches.

I have used polar fleece - it washes and dries very quickly. But if it is a bit too warm for that, a towel works quite well. I will usually place some newspaper underneath whatever it is I am using. I found the polar fleece is the best though, and very cheap as well.

Thanks - i'm going to try the Wahl Trimmer Skruffy has recommended. Would love the Arcos one - but I don't think my Chi's have enough fluff to justify the purchase - lol

I am after a cordless trimmer to trim my dogs feet. Does anyone have a good one that they can recommend? Something that is quiet would be good. It is for long coat chihuahuas.

Mine grab my hand and drag it back to their chest! lol

I recently enquired with my vet about a teeth cleaning for one of my Chi girls - her teeth had quite a lot of tartar build up. The vet recommend a product called PlaqueOff as stated that I should use this instead. I have started to use it and can see a reduction in plaque. It takes a couple of months to see the full effect but I was glad to be given something that would avoid an anaesthetic. I would never had tried this unless the vet had recommended it. Costs a lot less than a dental as well!

Before - towel or other bedding and newspaper for the rest of the box During - newspaper base with towel / blankets that can be replaced when dirty After - I have a cardboard box with a blanket. I also have a board which i wrap the blanket around as both of the litters i have had the bitch always tries to bury the pups.

As a general rule, Chi's aren't really suitable in homes with children under the age of 12. This is for the safety of the dog and the kids. But of course there are always exceptions to the rule and some kids can be good with them, provided there is adequate supervision and understanding that they can be hurt easily if the are dropped, fallen on top of etc.

My dogs go nuts for duck poo - like BC Crazy said they love to roll in it too! This is why walk to the river are followed by baths at home! :laugh:

I don't see a problem with selling them. Personally, if I have won something that I don't want or need, I have a friend who regularly collects items for a local dog shelter so I donate them.

Also once you decide it is nail trimming time, make sure you trim all the nails required no matter how much squirming there is on her part. The big mistake I make with my first Chi was to stop as he was kicking up a fuss. Once he figured out that if he made a fuss - and then I stopped - he would squirm, growl and then nip to try and stop the nail trimming. This took a long time and a lot of patience to retrain him (we even had to use a small soft muzzle!). When my dog starts to squirm a give a low gruff no, and then continue. If he is good then I give him lots of praise and move on to the next nail. We can now trim his nails without much fuss but he still doesn't like it when you touch his paws (even though i do it all the time lol).

Well I don't use crates in the manner they describe (i.e. 18 hours a day)... my dogs love their crates as they usually end up at show! I have had 4 Chi's try to cram inside a PP20 (and they fit too! lol) they love it that much! I note that is article does not state a lot of hard facts or research / statistics though - I wonder if the book will be more of the same dribble! The only sad thing is some people will swallow it hole