Loraine

Thanks for all of your responses. I do have RR and a special stress mix for him (he is thunder scared too). The lady from McDowell's said it quite unusual - obviously not as unusual as she thinks

Zedley has been treated for itchy, red skin (can scratch until he bleeds As I don't like the use of steriods long term I contacted Robert McDowell and we started to use their products plus an elimination diet. Nothing seemed to happen but we continued. Last October Zedley got a really bad tummy, so the vet gave him a shot of Buscopan and 5 days anitbiotics, and suggested a bland diet for a few days. All other potions were elimated and his tummy cleared up, so did his skin condition. Last week I took in an emergency foster for 6 days (I used to foster until about a year ago and I thought Zed was getting stressed by these new dogs, so I stopped). On Saturday the dog arrived (very quiet gentle girl), Zed became like glue to my legs. He shows no sign of fighting a new dog, likes to play with them, hates them to get too close to me, does not go for their food. Sunday he was pinking up and starting to itch, and got worse by the day. Luckily the girl was rehomed on Thursday night. By Saturday his skin had cleared up So I can ony put his problems down to stress of having foster dogs in the house (he does not have this problem when we have family and friends dogs here). I contacted McDowell to advise the lastest state of Zedley's health, and Kate has advised that whilst it is fairly rare for dogs to stress in such a manner it is possible. I wonder if anyone else has a dog who gets itchy when he/she is stressed?

Well I ordered the shampoo and the food supplement on the adive of the lovely Linda. Very helpful and informative, even though she was setting up for the show. I will report back in a few weeks as to how my boy gets on with the EPO stuff.

I have just finished reading this whole thread. I am going to get some EPO for my Wire Haired boy. He gets red, itchy skin too. We had a break for a while and now I have taken in a foster (after months of not fostering 'coz my lad does get his nose put out ), and here we are again with the red, itchies happening again. I think it is stress, but it can't hurt to try the EPO.

Zedley went through a period of constant itching until he bled After trips to the vet and steroids and other meds I contacted the holistic vets in Sydney. He was on their herbal remedies for many months, and on an elimination diet. He got a really bad tummy upset and had to go onto a bland diet for a while - at this time he had a shot of Buscopan from his vet and has not itched since - we have no idea what had gone on, but I have my fingers crossed that it does not come back.

My dog is a Wire Haired Fox Terrier, has really good skills, except for legging it and not coming back until he is ready (if ever). I don't have an ecollar, but am interested in anything that will train the begger to come when called. I will get onto K9 and see if I can sort my boy out. Thanks for you reply

Bellasperson - are you doing this in a class or do you just have an instruction book? I really would like to get my Wire Haired to gain some recall - he is hopeless at the moment.

My Wire Haired Fox Terrier (ex showie/stud) is 4 years old. We walk on pavements and grass. When he came to me 2 years ago I notice that on both front paws he had a pad that had grown a forward facing sharpish point, rather like hard skin. My vet had no idea what caused this, and she just clipped the points off. No blood, no pain for the dog. I now notice that on both front feet he is growing these points again, but this time they are rear-facing. I have never come across this before. He has been on homeopathic treatment for skin problems, and at one time I noticed that has pads seemed to be very soft (almost squishy feeling). He has stopped the meds due to a tummy bug, and his pads are normal, hard-skin type pads, now with these points growing. Any ideas people????

Roxie it is a sad way for such a beautiful boy to go. I am sure you will hold him in your heart forever.

My beloved, it is three years since you had to make your journey to the Rainbow Bridge. It hardly seems like three minutes at times. You are so much in my heart. Beloved Coco - my ebony boy. The grey was coming in around your loving muzzle, your eyes becoming cloudy, your hearing becoming less BUT the love in your heart continued to grow. You were truly my heart-dog and I miss you more than I can say. I have Zedley to keep me company but in all honesty he pales into comparison with you, my beloved one. How my hear aches, how I want to feel your soft fur in my arms, how I want to feel your pointy nose around my ears. You knew you were loved here in my home, and I believe that you know you are still loved whilst you wait for me at the Rainbow Bridge. You became my world and I believe I was your world - we will meet again my beloved one. Hugs from your Mummy, enjoy your time in the sun my darling boy.

Hortie I do hope young Ebony does not have a serious problem, finger and toes and paws crossed for you both.

My dog is on an elimination diet - there is a dog butcher in South Street who sells all kinds of meat and bones (at the moment my dog is on goat and I get goat shanks for him.

I agree with Stitch, mucous around the poo it not an good sign, usually means a gut problem. Go talk to the vet.

Sorry I didn't mean it was your website, just meant the one you posted, which is great!!!

I got my goat meat from a pet butcher on South Street, but it is the same price as the one on the site from KingsleyChi and that site delivers!

Zedley has a chicken wing tip after his morning meds, he does chew them well, but I guess there is always the chance of a bit of sharp bone going all the way thru He has been given Carafate 3 times a day, and Noroclav twice a day (that is teh anitbiotic). Miranda he does get wormed, but only when I've had foster dogs coming in (bad Mummy, but no more fosters for a while anyway) I may need to do him on a more regular basis. Thanks for the heads up. Between his meds and mine this place is like a pharmacy

OK we went to the vet! They did not give a definitive diagnosis, but think it may be related to diet (or at worst IBS) so I am putting him on a bland diet, he has anitbiotics and some pills to help his gut. Those plops of pure red blood were very scary.

My son took me to the eye hospital today, leaving Zedley at home. Well the usually very clean dog left me a package on the green lounge rug Then on the new biege carpet I noticed a small pile of blood, and another in the hallway. I have made an appointment with the vet, and spoken to tjhe McDowell vet in Sydney as Zedley is on herbal treatment, and my vet needs to know what Zed's is eating. His stool is normal, formed well, no slippery stuff around it. He is on an elimination diet of raw goat meat, raw carrots and rice pasta. The carpets, well I can clean them, but I am worried about Zedley. Here are a couple of pics of the blood, seems like a lot to me.

So painful for the little dogs too! My Coco (RIP) got one in his ear and it travelled all the way down to his eardrum ;)

I have always massaged my dogs. I run my hands down the muscle groups and very gently knead the muscles, all of mine have loved it.

Jodie that Ollie dog is a real fighter, bless his heart! Way to go, Ollie

I had a visit with my vet yesterday and she advised that the dark pigmentation is actually dead skin that has not fallen off. This is due to the itchy skin problems my dog has. She said that once we get him sorted out his skin should return to normal pigmentation - Ah the joys of owning itchy dogs

Hi Westiefan, I can't answer your question but my Wire Haired is on an elimination diet and his pink skin has started to colour up with black sprots (change in pigmentation). I discussed this yesterday with a vet from Robert McDowell's place and she advised that it was often caused by a change in diet in younger dogs (my boy is 4).

Show them this Grooming Your Golden Retriever Golden Retriever's do require basic grooming. Goldens are a double coated breed. They shed, but some basic maintenance will significantly reduce the amount of hair you find throughout the house. The Golden Retriever's double coat is designed to protect them during any season. Throughout the winter, the undercoat grows to protect them from the cold. As the weather warms, the undercoat sheds as the Golden no longer needs it. Regular brushing with a quality bristle brush, along with regular use of an undercoat rake will significantly reduce shedding, which will make you and your Golden very happy. Golden Retriever's require regular bathing. Yes, you can bath your Golden as often as you like without worrying about damaging the coat or skin. Use of a good quality shampoo is key to keeping your Golden clean.The Golden's nails should be clipped regularly. Long nails are uncomfortable for the dog and for anyone they might jump on. Long nails can also compromise the shape of your dog's foot, causing it to splay. Check the nails and trim them regularly by carefully snipping the tip with a pair of dog nail clippers. If you are lucky enough to have a dog with clear nails, you will be able to see the quick. Do not cut to close. You should have a styptic powder on hand in the event you do clip the quick. This will stop the bleeding quickly. It is a good practice to trim the nails weekly taking off small amounts each time. NEVER shave your Golden. As mentioned earlier, the Golden's coat is designed to protect them in any type of weather. The only areas of hair that require grooming are on and inside the ears, the tail and the feet. Using an ordinary pair of grooming shears, trim the hair around the pads keeping it's length even with the pads. Most Goldens also tend to grow "slippers". This hair should also be kept trimmed. The look that you want to create is that of a cat's paw. The ears will require some general grooming on the inside and outside. The hair on the inside of the ear should be kept thin with the use of thinning shears and regular grooming shears. Hair covering the outer part of the ear and along the edges should also be kept neat. Most Golden Retriever groomers recommend Millers Forge Gold Line Thinning Shears. They are a little less expensive than the professional shears, and do an incredible job. For the best overall value in professional grooming shears we recommend the the Styling Shears and Thinning Shears made by Micro Surgical. Ear cleaning is a basic requirement in keeping your Golden healthy. Golden Retrievers have a tendency to get ear infections if they are not cleaned regularly. Clean your Golden's ears weekly with a quality ear cleansing solution. The Golden Retriever's tail should be groomed to look like a fan. The best way is to twist the end, put your thumb just below the end of the tail bone and trim the end near your thumb. Then, working from the end, carefully form a fan towards the base of the tail. Absolutely Golden carries a complete line of Golden Retriever Grooming Products. If you are interested in learning how to properly groom your Golden, we have found a website that provides excellent information and instruction. Click the following link for instructions on basic grooming of the feet, nails, ears and tail. Ears - Morningsage Goldens Grooming Feet - http://morningsagegoldens.freeservers.com/Grooming2.html Tail and Shoulders - http://morningsagegoldens.freeservers.com/Grooming3.html

Thanks dogbesotted, I have never heard of that, I do use cider vinegar in his drinking water, will give it a go