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My 13 year old Dane has become more clingy in the last month, I know she's not as all there in the head as she once was. I certainly don't see it as some indication she's dying and wants me to be close in-case she needs medical treatment - I think you're over analysing it. Old dogs get old, loose their mental ability, loose their health and pass, it's just the sad reality of many of them. Enjoy the time with the dog but remember it's your sisters dog and not yours and I don't think you should be doing anything without your sister knowing.

Interesting...

OMG that made me feel sick, I'm so sorry for your loss.

Lei can't manage up hill, we stopped anything but flat surfaces about a month ago. There's no way she would be able to manage an underwater treadmill. In a younger dog I feel there would be so many more options. It's a hard one because not only does she have this condition but she's also ancient so some of her struggles would be perfectly normal age wise.

Her condition isn't absolutely confirmed, it's only presumed. I'm not putting her through any serious testing for diagnosis at her age. She wouldn't even be able to walk around the block now, she can walk for about 5 minutes then she just drops but it's as if her body give her no choice too. Quality of life for her means walkies, if she was unable to go for a wander then that would be a big concern, even if to just wander up the road and back. She is scuffing both her feet now, it was just one up until about a week ago. Yeah she's pretty old for a Great Dane but is only a small one and has always been incredibly healthy. Always been very active, playful up until about a year ago when she had a health condition unrelated and then started to slowly go down hill.

I think this should have ended on page 1....."See a behaviourist" - there is nothing anyone else can nor should say.

Did Fern have the same issue? I have seen Peter in the past with another dog but as far as my research suggests there isn't anything manipulative you can do with these conditions? She's currently seeing Blair @ Quakers Hill who does Chiro & Laser.

I have a 13 year old Dane with presumed degenerative nerve disease and/or a disc problem that could explode like in Dachies. Has anyone had any experience of these conditions and the treatment that helped? Swimming isn't an option, the dog cannot swim and does not like water, there are also no heated dog pools available. She is getting massage with nerve stimulating oils, laser, acupuncture - electric works better than dry needling. She was manipulated last time she went in as well. She's on anti-inflams and I have tramol if I need it. If she has DND, I have her on anti-oxidants such as high doses of Vit E and Grapeseed oil. She's been on a joint supplement for a long time as well. Her mind is still good, still happy. Within the last 3 months she's gone from walking around the block to only being able to stand for approx. 10 minutes before her body makes her lay down, she doesn't seem in pain, it's as if her body gives her no say in the matter.

I feed BARF however there are Kibbles I would be happy to use if I went down that Route and that would be: Stay Loyal - fairly new Australian kibble http://www.stayloyal.com.au/ Taste of the Wild http://www.naturalpetstore.com.au/p/88/shop-by-brand/taste-of-the-wild/

Sounds pretty normal to me for some of the more sensitive rescues, just have them stay there, the dog will gain its confidence. I don't remove the food after 15 mins for dogs who have emotional issues, they gain their confidence usually - depends on the dogs issues. We've had some dogs that actually will not eat and have wasted to pretty much nothing if you force the issue of being independent in their eating - unless you've had one of those saying the dog won't starve is a whole other story. They've all gone on to being independent eaters.

Thanks to all those who participated and sorry to those we had to turn down, we had a really big response. A lot of the trials are now over with some others coming to an end, we've had some really positive feedback on the custom formulations and will be continuing full 3 month trials with some of the testers.

Why don't you just get a Nutriscan test and then onto an intradermal test instead of wasting time and money? It's pretty pointless doing an 'allergy' diet on kibble that has so many different components to it.

I'm not even sure what to make of it all. I can see she is loved. Can she move on her own?

They're breeding it?

I made my Lab x fat by forgetting he wasn't a Dane and feeding him as such *sigh* took a year to get that weight off him. My dogs get fed a weighed amount for breakfast and dinner, a certain amount for training and a consistent amount for 'other' times so I know what keeps them in lean shape. My dogs don't share peoples food with them - I think that can often be a problem as well as guilty owners using treats to make themselves feel better.

I take fosters out every 30 minutes whilst home to toilet train them, it works every time even if some take longer. I have realised in the past that before I used this method I used to somehow expect the dogs to have some kind of understanding of what I wanted. I take them out, on lead if necc, and as soon as they start to go I calmly say "Goooood Tooooilet" and then when they're done they get whatever praise makes them feel special, we may then have a little play in the backyard to show that the backyard is a fun place to be. When we are toilet training we lift up all rugs!When inside the house the dog must only be able to access the room you're in so you can see them and see the toileting signs. I really recommend you stop thinking you know what the dog understands and doesn't because dogs have a good way at showing you they're not toilet trained...your dog is showing you that now. The breed and how smart they are is not relevant. Go back to basics and don't think the dog understands. It's very common for most dogs when toilet training to toilet outside and inside. I would recommend you start a separation training program with her, I have one you can access: http://www.greatdane...on_training.pdf although seeing as you're going to be going outside with the dog every 30 minutes separation isn't going to be a problem to start with. I acknowledge you sound frustrated and annoyed but in all fairness it doesn't sound like you've really broken this training down into baby steps and done anything about the anxiety other than buy some supplements which aren't going to address the problem.

As far as I know Mushers Secret only protects, it does not harden....or that is not the intention of the product, I researched it quite a bit last year. Instead I went with: http://www.whelpingsupplies.com.au/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=354 Tuf-Foot Tuff-Foot tuff foot fuffoot A sporting dog that does not have sound paws, tough soles, and tough pads with complete freedom of action is at a distinct disadvantage. Tuf-Foot is guaranteed to toughen your dog's paws and protect them against bruises, blisters, cuts, soreness, tears, and cracking. Made from a combination of herbs and balsams that aboriginal tribes used on their feet to withstand injury in the harsh outback, Tuf-Foot has been recommended by veterinarians and trainers for more than 70 years. Owners of hunting and mushing dogs praise the product for it's effectiveness on their dog's paws and pads, and even on their own skin Tuf-Foot is equally effective and safe to use on humans! Simply apply to the foot and allow to dry. Use daily for 2 weeks, then 2-3 times per week to maintain condition. Safe to apply to cracked or torn pads.

I complained in my previous neighbourhood and the council started patrolling the park where it occurred.

I don't think the assumption should be made that grainfree will be ok for you allergic dog because it's likely a protein/s that your dog is reacting to. What works well for one doesn't necc work well for someone else, for example my previous Dane did not have any success with Eqyss products yet my other dog does.

I don't have any advice, I'm sorry really sad for this little guy, he's obviously a fighter and I hope your Vet finds a solution.

Posts like this really serve to confuse the poster. It doesn't need to become a debate about raw vs kibble. Here's the facts: The phos:calc ratios are the all important factor and we have known this since clinical trials from the 1970's, it's not new information. It's not at all about the Protein %. There are some very well educated and researched RAW feedings and I think they're pretty awesome in their dedication and many are found in the USA for giant breeders. Here in Australia there isn't that same experience in raw feeding Danes. The people I know (pet people) who have raised their Danes on raw I can confidently say none of them have turned out as I would have liked - now that could have just been confirmation - I don't know, but watching them grow, I didn't believe they grew slowly or evenly. Being involved in rescue we see the 'side effects' of incorrectly fed Danes so yeah we do have a concept about it all. Eagle Pack Holistic and Eukanuba are the most commonly fed kibbles for Great Dane puppies, however any adult formula that has the right phos:calc ratios will do just fine. I have raised one show Dane on ProPlan Adult and she grew lovely.

I am curious to know how breeders got the ratios right prior to the advent of commercial food? Giant breeds like Great Danes have been around for many centuries and commercial dog food for less than two (and that was by no means a balanced product). Please note - I am genuinely curious to hear peoples opinions, I am not trying to suggest one way of feeding is better than another. By watching them carefully, knowing what to look for. Many a breeder had many problems and Danes today are bigger than they were. The original Great Dane is very different to today's.

I've had different numbers and different energy dogs due to being a foster carer and 3 works just fine if everyone is easy and just does their thing and all their energies match. But place 1 non-compatible in there and is just feels all wrong for everyone.

Thanks everyone, I ended up taking more than 5 testers so have enough now :)

Where can I find out more about the new strain you mention?