Rosetta

Yes dogs certainly do get hiccups - nothing to worry about. He may have some inflammation by the sound of it. You could get the vet to have a look and in the meantime try some Curash (baby cream) on the red areas between his pads if he is OK with you touching his paws.

I think it is great that you are concerned about the little guy. As the owner of several Poms yourself it is only natural to discuss health aspects. As long as you keep it non confrontational I don't see how it could be offensive. I would just keep having a chat and casually get to know what treatment the little fellow is having and perhaps you can suggest some good specialist vets or supplements to her. I think people can be a little over sensitive sometimes to well meaning conversations.

I'm sure you are thankful no matter what the reason :) If it continues without the honey then must be the other - glad to hear he is having some happy moods!

Is there no other neighbour who could help out? Usually in those country communities people tend to rally around. Does she have an automatic feeder she could set up for them when she is gone for the day? I worry about the little Tibbie if it is out in the streets with the stray dogs getting around.

Little darling must think she is in heaven :)

Jobo - FYI Qantas does actually have some restrictions on the brachy breeds but it appears only for flights over 5 hours http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/travelling-with-pets/global/en#exceptions

Are Frenchies considered brachy breeds? Just that I thought some airlines have restrictions around carrying certain breeds - I may be wrong.

+ Pugs, Schnauzers - looked purebred also for those who seem to think only crossbreeds come from these places. Its good to see some media are highlighting the connection to pet shops. Shows like The Project can be hugely effective at getting the message out.

I agree with others about the cost. Many vets will do it on the cheap because they won't use IV fluids or give the dog pain relief. That is not acceptable to me and I would rather pay a bit more for a professional service. The operation you are referring to is a bit more complicated than your standard de-sex remember.

That's a really interesting idea - can you use melatonin with dogs? WM - just be careful with the Melatonin. If it is the prescription type for humans you get from your doctor it is not suitable for dogs. The homeopathic one is apparently OK. I tried Melatonin with my little boy for his separation anxiety - it had no effect. Edited to add - you could try Valerian.

And the latest.... http://au.news.yahoo.com/sa/latest/a/-/latest/17551699/dogs-found-in-filthy-cages-as-breeding-property-raided/ Couldn't help but note on one of the reports that quite a few appeared to be "purebreds" e.g. Cavaliers (naturally ) just supports the argument that these places are not only producing "cross-breeds".

$50 a day - for basic care I presume by "basic" they mean a shared kennel and no "extras". Sounds incredibly expensive. I only ever pay around $24.

What a great facility! I also loved the little Finish Lappie - only 3 months old. Do they usually start that young?

You forgot step 4 where the small dog bashing will commence - they are the real menace don't you know :)

Or perhaps a baby gate across the bedroom door - at least that would keep him in the room?

Good boy Pui! Though I suspect he would rather have had a good feed than a medal :D http://au.news.yahoo.com/queensland/a/-/world/17532948/dog-rescues-newborn-baby-from-thai-garbage-heap/

Would a baby's play pen up against the bed be any good?

It will be hard. But take heart in knowing how happy he is going to be and going to make another couple. Oh my - I have a picture in my mind of little Oliver standing waiting at the door with his little bag packed and all ready to go. Brings a tear to my eye but so happy to think he may have a good home to go to.

We don't really know the outcome in that case though? It will be very interesting to know if the problem has alleviated substantially or not - I got the impression that the dog was confined to a crate where it was unable to hurt itself but otherwise was still stressed?

Paddo Pup, believe me I have been there and done that and know exactly how you feel. Most people mean well with their advice to try this and that. The trouble is most of these methods may only work for mild cases. I honestly wish I had tried drug therapy early on combined with some behavioural strategies before the behaviours became too entrenched. It is not helpful for people to discount the use of drugs in these severe cases - I'm sorry but most have no idea of the reality of living day to day with one of these dogs. Behaviourists - in my experience - cannot cure the severe cases. There is a definite place for drug therapy. If people suffer from severe depression and/or anxiety drug therapy is accepted - why not for dogs? My advice would be to perhaps seek out a more experienced vet who is able to work with you around drug options and dosages. This is a heartbreaking problem and I wish you well.

Yes I give Dentastix and Greenies. They don't do a thing to clean teeth IMO but they do freshen the breath and provide a treat after grooming :)

Thank you. I will ask our vet about Clomicalm. I've been hesitanmt to try more drugs as we found with the Reconcile she was subdued but spent a lot of time hiding under the bed and would behave in a submissive manner for no apparent reason (ie on our way to the car when she is usually excited she would behave timidly) Also worth noting we were paying AUD$86 a monthy for Reconcile only to be told the company had sold out for a few months and would have no stock until April. We were then given a prescription for human Prozac and told to give her this instead at a cost of $11 a month, The vet promised us it was exactly the same thing just not flavoured. Hmmmm. She was very antisocial on Reconcile and it didnt stop the peeing or anxiety so we took her of it after 9 months and noticed she seemed happier Many vets are really not too knowledgable about the medications to treat SA - you really have to do your own research. Reconcile was supposed to be the new "wonder" drug for anxiety but Clomicalm has been around for a lot longer. I don't know about the Reconcile/Prozac connection but I was paying well over $100 per month for the Clomicalm. I have to say it was not very effective for my dog but it is for many other dogs apparently. My little poodle was an adopted dog we got at 2 years of age and he toileted inside the house when left alone many times. Eventually he stopped that and now uses a doggy door. We also have tried everything - including all the "natural" remedies - and now just manage around it and I think there is "some" improvement as he gets older so there is hope :) I would discuss with the vet trying Clomicalm in combination with a sedative for specific situational use.

I have a dog with separation anxiety and can sympathise with you. I also will not advise you on strategies as I suspect there would be nothing you have not tried. The only suggestion I would have is to re-consider the medication. There are others besides Reconcile which I have heard can have bad side effects. Have you tried Clomicalm? Even a sedative type medication such as Valium would be useful when you simply must leave her alone. I would not crate this little one without a sedative. Crating can panic dogs with this problem. Good luck - it sure is a difficult problem. :)

Good work WM - sounds like a perfect match :)

This would be a good option EXCEPT the last time I tried that, with an extremely emaciated but very sweet dog they basically, and very bluntly, told me that once I handed the dog over to them it was none of my business. They even refused to let me know the outcome when I rang up a couple of days later wondering what had happened to him and I was very understanding of the possibility that he may have been PTS due to health concerns surrounding his appalling state....they simply refused to tell me anything and told me to mind my own business. I would like to put my name down for him- he really touched me and I really did feel a strong connection to him, however my own fences are in need of repair at the moment- awaiting my landlord (my girl is not a wanderer and has no interest in escape thankfully), I could not afford his adoption fee and I have a feeling that he is too high an energy dog and we wouldn't be able to accomodate his obvious high exercise needs. Doesn't sound like they would be helpful . Could you perhaps check out if any rescue groups would be prepared to take him and put the contact information in a note to the owners? They may be willing to get rid of him if it doesn't cost them money. A long shot I know with rescue groups under such stress but maybe be worth a try?