twodoggies2001

I am by no means an expert, but, if I was in your position, I would pick up a healthier pup as your brain is telling you. This puppy is going to miss out on a lot of milestones a normal healthy pup would encounter in the growing up phase. Of course, you are attached to this puppy already, who wouldn't be but think about what's in store for you as an owner and the puppy for rehabilitation ahead.

If a very overweight dog is reported to the RSPCA, would they take any action against the owner?

Thank you Kazm. I know many will disagree but my boys are healthy and shiny coats and I know that's best for them.

It's not a ____ing contest at all. It's just that feeding raw and natural instead of commercial dog food (in my opinion) is by far a better way to go. And as you said, you do feed your dog some raw so that's a small step inn the right direction. At least in raw feeding, synthetic additives are not added and I ask the question. Would you as an owner of a precious dog or cat want to eat basically the same commercially produced food day in and day out? I think not.

Not my boys. From the day they came home as baby puppies, over to a raw natural diet. As for vaccinations, puppy shots and the booster. From then on, titre test every 2 years. One of my previous boys had a titre at 10 and believe it or not, still had immunity.

I have stayed with each and every one that had to go because of illness. I felt that I owed them that last moment and cuddled them to the end. I know it's not for everyone and there were times my hubby couldn't stay and I don't judge him for that. With each and every goodbye it doesn't get any easier.

Spot on. My boys are raw fed with very occasional suitable left overs and both of them are thriving. Dogs are 'built' to eat raw and that's what they get. I don't consider in this case that I'm lazy. Just doing for them what I consider is best for them, and I reckon it's working.

There are times I feed my boys frozen,straight out of the freezer, for example, frozen chicken or duck feet, fresh sardines or pieces of salmon heads. This doesn't seem to worry either of them and they're mini schnauzers.

I had a standard years ago, (now have minis) and my standard boy had numerous lumps over the years which we had removed if they were in a spot that they interfered with his daily life. They were fatty lumps and the vet implied they were nothing to be concerned with.

I'm not a breeder, BUT, if I had any concern, I would contact and liase with a vet.

I agree. Te owners really are to blame as Sarge has killed 3 times and that's a no no. His owners have proven that they cannot keep the dog under control and he reaally is too much of a risk. I say, euthanize him and there will be one less risk.

Thanks for the replies and I must now add that he seems a lot better now. The hot spot after having cream applied seems to be 'drying' up and therefore healing and he is not as averse to touching in the area. Whereas before, he wouldn't even lie down but just sit on his haunches, he will now lie down and relax. I'm hoping as each day goes by, Elliot will improve otherwise it's back to the vet.

My mini schnauzer has started to for the want of a better term started star gazing and at the same time, smacking his lips. I had him to the vet on Saturday and was diagnosed with a hot spot on his neck that is being treated and the vet indicated it was very painful. Is the star gazing and lip smacking connected?

Maybe you've got hay fever?

When I was a child my birthday present was a choice of a bicycle or a puppy. I chose puppy. Pekinese I called Cheeky.

Asking for a friend. He has a bitch from a breeder on breeding terms for 2 litters who has whelped one litter around 2 yrs ago and now is using her again this season. She is being artificially inseminated and he is taking the bitch to have tests etc. done. Is this up to the owner or the breeder.

Could it be that she is 'protecting' the new puppy. How is she with the puppy without other dogs around?

Probably veering away from the subject, but years ago when our family had a standard schnauzer, and he was walked at the park, on lead, whenever a jogger went past, he would lunge. This was before he was allowed by us to run around at the park free. When his recall was finally satisfactory, and we walked around on the walking path he wouldn't bat an eyelid when joggers passed him. In his case, I am sure it was leash aggression. He never hurt a fly.

Oh how lucky are you. And you can write out your own script.

Yes Happy birthday Amber. I had a mini schnauzer who developed a liver shunt at 6mths old, had surgery even though I was warned that it may be unsuccessful and with very careful observance of diet, he went on to live until he was 14.5 years old. RIP Benson.

Donski, I know you asked for the best commercially made soft food, but won't you consider feeding, instead of you cooking up a home made feed, totally raw? I find that the best. If you put down commerially produced and raw in two bowls next to each other, they would discard the produced and go for the fresh.

Yes thank you Rebanne

How do I access results for the dog judging at this year's show. Thanks

I don't mind if my bin is out on rubbish collection day and someone chooses to put their poo bag in there. That's OK but I do object to someone walking up my drive to get to my rubbish bin and deposit their poo bag instead of taking it home to their own bin. To me that is trespassing.