Rosetta

For dogs that age Skip I would tend to just not treat at all unless you are in a tick area or you actually see fleas on the dogs :)

Anxiety is not "bad behaviour" - its very real to the dog. Many vet behaviourists do not agree with the notion that comforting a distressed dog is reinforcing the anxiety - there seems to be differing opinions on that.

Mine too - I don't apologise for picking up my dog sometimes when walking. Better to be safe than worried about offending some stranger.

I hadn't thought about this before. I haven't had my small dog on the seat but I have had him on my lap. I do tend to carry him a lot at the vets for his safety as I find vet surgeries very dangerous places. Dogs can be in pain and not acting normally. Last time I was at the vet on the way out a woman was outside with a very aggressive Lab on lead - barking and lunging at us. If there is a health issue with contamination I can understand wanting to keep the seats clean. At my vets they do the floor over a few times a day - I suppose they don't want to do the seats as well. :) The real issue here is the lack of consistency - that would annoy me as well. Either it is a rule or it isn't!

What breed of dog is it? You might like to have a read of this - it is important to research as you are doing. http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/airline-killed-my-dog-man-sues-for-25000/story-fnhocxo3-1226783114229

You can try Curash cream or the powder if she licks at the cream. I wonder why the vet gave her ABs?

Was it Advantix?

Yes, well done - we need more "good groomer" stories

I don't know why many vets don't follow the up to date protocols recommended by the AVA regarding yearly vaccinations - that is core vaccines should only be given every three years. Many don't even seem to be aware of them. I also have had an elderly neighbour recently tell me she had just been to the vet with her dogs for their yearly vaccinations. The age of the dogs? 14 and 11 Why would a vet keep giving elderly dogs yearly vaccinations? You could never convince many people that the vet does not know best - especially elderly people who think that "professional" people should never be questioned.

For me it would be about quality of life for the dog every time. If day to day existence is a struggle then PTS is the only option - also how much suffering any treatment would cause balanced against the likely success of the procedure. Sorry, it is tough and only something you can decide in the individual circumstances

There is apparently a good vet at Greenslopes - will try and find out the name :) Its this one: http://ctbmarketing.net/animalwellness/ No personal experience of them so I can't vouch about how good they are but I remember reading good things about their holistic approach. Perhaps it is worth a look?

If the cause is tonsillitis or other infection I would be relying on antibiotics to cure rather than manuka honey. Hopefully this little dog has seen a vet - it would be good to know. Its a bit frustrating when you never know the outcome :)

Small dogs in particular may need feeds twice a day to regulate blood sugar. I tried one of those auto feed things with the voice recorder because I thought it might help with the separation anxiety. All it did was scare him :)

I would not walk them for more than 15 minutes at a time if they are not used to walking at all. I would let them have access to water all the time. I would provide a toileting area inside the pen as many small dogs cannot "hold on" for more than a few hours - especially if they are a bit older. Toilet and play breaks morning and evening after feeding.

Yes my little dog has had tonsillitis and needed antibiotics. The manuka honey may be soothing but is not a cure. Has she seen the vet?

The vet needs to have a look at her. It could be a throat infection, or an irritation from vomiting and the kibble hurts to swallow. Then again she may be just fussy about her kibble :) Hope she feels better after the vet visit.

I'm sorry I am not an experienced groomer but I would not be taking him back until I got an explanation from the groomer. Did you get photos? If so I would take the photos and return and speak to the manager. I hate the whole process of taking my dog to be groomed

The RSPCA does this all the time. Saves an animal in life-threatening condition, gives it extensive treatment and uses the story to fund raise. Its quite common.

I use baby food all the time - just check the ingredients. Try to avoid onion, herbs and spices. The vege mixes are good mixed with something fishy.

They might be better on an aloe vera only shampoo?

I don't think it is SA. She is probably bored and needing something to occupy her or she has reacted to something outside such as someone knocking at the door. It might help if you could confine her away from the front of the house so she can't see out. Baby gates are great for that purpose I find :)

It doesn't sound like typical separation anxiety behaviour. It could perhaps be more boredom related. Besides the Kong do you leave any other enrichment toys or food puzzles for her?

Honestly it almost sounds like you need a restraining order for this guy. What an idiot. It puts your parents in a very awkward position and I don't know what the answer is. Does the guy come over every day? Its almost a matter of locking her away the whole time she is there or find somewhere else for her to go.

Considering the stringent temperament tests the RSPCA put their dogs through I am surprised this one made it through to adoption. Yes it is a potential disaster by the sound of it - what is the wife's attitude? Perhaps a word to her?

That is hilarious - and pretty accurate :laugh: