Erny

Deleted - post submission went awry

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Absolutely agree with this. Focusing on the unfairness to dogs (which I agree, BSL very much is) only targets to people who care about other people's dogs or their own and whose hearts melt for the sake of dogs. It cuts out the huge sector of the public who aren't into dogs or don't feel their own dogs are a target and so don't care. It also loses the VERY RELEVANT AND IMPORTANT POINT OF LAWS - IE. TO MAKE THE COMMUNITY A SAFER COMMUNITY. Why do we want laws that work? Because WE DON'T WANT PEOPLE BEING HURT BY DOGS. Who the heck could possibly argue with that?

Yes - it is a real shame that they all seem to be turning their backs on this to the point as though it doesn't exist. Is it helpful if we write to our MP's with a two-liner asking why the Government won't acknowledge Calgary Model and don't look at adopting it when current laws and laws they've implemented to follow have only proven failure and increased bite stats? I do find that the longer the letter, the more detail ….. the more the Government have to work with. If the Government's letter is relevant in response at all (usually a standard print off letter), keeping a letter succinct where there is no denying or escaping the question less possible to squirm away from (and makes that "squirming" more evident).

The tablet is not the treat. It's the taking of the tablet that earns the treat/reward that follows. THAT's the difference. Numerous of the stuff I've had to administer to my dog in the past tastes yuck. But he'll take it at my bidding. I didn't teach him to yawn (in fact I wouldn't want him to or he might inhale the tablet). I began mechanically by using my hands to open his mouth, weaned off use of my hands and during the process, added the cue words. I disagree with the above. It's not that she's being dishonest at all. You have taught her that play bow routine responses to other dogs etc. gets her off the lead to do what she wants (whether that be play with other dog or forage). It's as simple as that - nothing hidden on her part. :) Why don't you like her foraging?

In Victoria, when laws and then *tweaked* laws and then more *tweaked* laws came in, many people who believed their dogs and their preferred breed of dogs could not and would not be affected, sat back complacently, not really sitting up straight to listen or to help rally against those laws coming in. This has been happening for more than a decade. Well, that decade has now past and we have people who are NOW sitting up straight to listen (and some to help rally against) the laws that have been DONE - because now, in shock, the realisation has evolved that it does affect them and that THEY are the ones who are crying for help and crying for their dogs - dogs that *back then* they never thought would be touched. Too late to argue against the laws coming in the first place. Now they have to deal with the laws and work their way through the Courts and pray like hell that they will win and stop their dogs from being killed. Too late to be able to stop the dogs from being lawfully pulled from their homes and being forced through the stress and trauma of shelter life, and all for doing nothing wrong, for being good dogs. Whether the thread title topic heading is relevant in some people's minds or not is insignificant. The point is, whether you gasped a breath, realised it wasn't about your dogs (yet) and then got pipped off because you were startled - at least it did get you sitting up straight. The question now is - will you help do something about it even though it is not about YOUR dog or dog breed, *yet*? Will you be like the hundreds/thousands of others who didn't think the laws would touch THEM but are (sadly) proven wrong and then all of a sudden, want help from others? Instead of spending the time talking and writing about the title heading to this thread, what about putting those minutes into some correspondence addressed to the relevant Government department/person and at least putting up your hand in objection. Try watching a completely innocent dog in complete confused turmoil being torn from its family, rendered a *subject* to be kept in a completely foreign pen in a completely foreign environment for weeks, months, years …. and then being killed. Not you so doesn't matter? You want people to help you when it does matter, to you?

I don't give wormers as a standard regime. In fact, I just don't give them. I have his stools checked for worms now and then - the checks have always come up negative, so why administer chemicals when there's no need? Hair-dna sample did come up as showing a low level worm burden (dogs systems are designed to deal with this) and so I just used natural herbal treatment to deal with parasites. But with other tablets (he's hypothyroid, so has a thyroxine tablet twice a day) I taught Mandela to accept the tablet, just as I might teach a dog any "trick". I say "take a tablet?" and he'll trot over and assume position in the kitchen (i.e. a sit, happily to attention). I have tablet in my hand, stand next to him and say again "take a tablet" and he opens his mouth. I pop the tablet on his tongue. If I mis-aim the tablet (e.g. it sits too far to the front end of his tongue, or to the side), I say "swallow" and he'll swallow and poke his tongue (as though like an air-lick) in response. He then gets a treat from the fridge (a piece of sweet potato). I don't hide anything. He never mistrusts what I'm giving him. He's never learnt to. And even though it might be something that doesn't taste great, it's always been a pre-cursor to something positive, whether that be a yummy treat, his dinner, or a yummy treat followed by a walk or a drive in the car. I have done similar routine when I've had to syringe natural herbal medicines to him. Different command (i.e. "in your corner"). This is also what I do when I have to deal with an ear issue - that's one thing he hates and he doesn't exactly trot eagerly to assume the "position" for that, but he does assume it. And everything of that nature is ALWAYS WITHOUT FAIL followed up by something special nice. But I've never tricked him into anything. He's honest, and I return the honour. BUT - please don't misunderstand. The above is the way I prefer it to be and it is the ideal. Some may be more difficult or have learnt differently and then it can be less stressful for them if they are happy to swallow something that is sugar-coated with something yummy. This can be a problem, though, if your dog at any time isn't hungry or feels unwell enough to want to refuse food.

And I never disguise a food item. It's up to him to reject something that may not agree with him. No trickery here.

C3 = The 3 core diseases. IE Distemper, Parvovirus and Hepatitis. C4 = The same as C3 PLUS one strain of Canine Cough C5 = The same as C3 PLUS two strains OF Canine Cough

My boy went off his food when he was younger. A change of food helped, but he'd go off that too. Some people (Vets inclusive) said "fussy" but I swam against the tide on that notion and trusted my dog. He too was skinny and would appear hungry, but then baulk at food. The reason why (as I discovered) was because he is sensitive to meat proteins and this caused him abdominal pain. So he would be hungry, but he knew what he was in for if he ate. I do not believe that a dog will vomit food because they're fussy and I do not believe a thin dog who is likely to be hungry would refuse food for any length of time without a good reason. Going on what you have written, I tend to believe and trust your dog is rejecting food for an honest and good reason. I spent months …. years, in fact ... of searching, trialling, consulting with Vets. The more natural the food source was, the better he could manage and for longer periods, but even then he would eventually find he couldn't eat it. Seven to ten months at a stretch was the longest period for any one diet/meat protein source. Because he would pair the pain with the food, he would very rarely return to eating it, even after a long break. He will now eat chicken which I give to him sparingly (and only organic chicken), but he won't look at anything beef, lamb or rabbit. And yes …. I tried cooking the meats too. That only served to 'fool' his nose, but his body wouldn't be fooled. Feeling I was at the end of the road and not being sure if I had a dog whose only eventuality would be that he would starve to death, I came across Augustine Approved product (SuperBoost) and its recommended whole raw diet (comprises of meat plus select veggies in select quantities). My boy's been on that for 2 years or so now (the longest running successful period so far). *Touch Wood*. He's come a long way from where he was in terms of health and although things are not 100% perfect in terms of "cure" (not sure if there is one), his system is a lot stronger and more stable than it ever has been. His coat and eyes shine; he's energetic; and does not have the chronic abdominal discomfort or pain as he had before. In fact, although I remain very aware of the symptoms of his sensitivity, they are a lot milder these days and I've seen dogs with no apparent health issues not looking as good as my boy does.

It makes me wonder how abreast of progressive information and learning some Vets keep themselves. I wouldn't be able to feel confident of a Vet who by now is not aware of nor familiar with how to arrange for a titre test to be conducted.

I'd do as Tdierikx suggested and check the brand of the vaccination and report the reactions to the manufacturer. I also would not re-vaccinate any of the dogs, but would err on the side of titre testing. Their reactions are their bodies telling you that they are sensitive to the chemicals used and their bodies are trying to isolate and expel it. I know you said cost is not a factor, but if you consider that vaccinations last AT LEAST 3 years (usually longer), a titre once every 3 years would work out cheaper than a vaccination once a year. My boy had 2 puppy vaccines (C3 only) and none since. He's 5.5 years of age. Last titre about 9 months ago still evidenced immunity. When his titres don't reveal this, it won't be a matter of me thinking he has no immunity as I do believe in cell memory. What the titres he's had have given me is confirmation that sero-conversion to the original puppy vaccine DID occur and that his body answered by producing the relevant anti-bodies (that's what shows up in the titre, the anti-body production). In other words, the confidence that his puppy vaccination regime was successful. Edited to add : With my boy's checkered health history, I'm not convinced that a contributing factor or trigger could not be that the chemicals from his puppy vaccination regime are locked up in his system. But that's something I may never know and likely as not, never be able to prove.

To be honest, I can't recall. I know I got it on-line. It was actually a collection of them. Titled as "dental scalers" when I googled for them, I found out when they arrived that they are actually instruments used in art design and are called "Wax Carvers". I was a bit disappointed with the quality as I expected dental instruments to be a bit more 'precision refined' so to speak and I was concerned that I'd been duped, but people on the forum here indicated that Wax Carvers were ok to use. I did get a dental 'pick' (I'm sorry - I'm not up with the proper names of these things) - I'm pretty sure it was from one of the DOLers here. I find the pick handy for tight spaces, but last night i found the more broad ends of one of the other instruments better. I was more confident handling the broader/blunter instruments too as they are less open to accidental error by me. Got to be very watchful that your dog doesn't suddenly jump around and cop it in the eye. So take your time. Do read up about scaling. There's a tonne of bacteria in tartar build up and hygiene for dog (and owner) is something to be mindful of. Also, scrape down and away from the gum. I was surprised last night - I went into it with a bit more strength behind the scaler and a bit closer to the gum line than I'd previously been game to do. Pieces of the tartar broke off and I was buoyed by the sudden appearance of white tooth underneath. That lent me the confidence I needed to proceed. Before that, I was scared I was actually damaging the surface enamel, but until last night, didn't realise how far away from the enamel I really was. Edited to add : I think my previously failed attempts at the use of the scaler were not a complete waste of time. Sure - I'd used the instruments a lot more gently to the point of being inadequate for the job, but these numerous attempts also served as a good intro to the use of the scalers on Mandela's teeth, which gave him the chance to learn to settle, lay in a position that helped me, and let me play around in his mouth with them. That was also a contributing factor to the success I had last night. If you need, I'll look through my PayPal and Ebay history to track down the seller, JulesP.

Hi Steve. I'd be very interested. I have to be reasonably cautious about what I use/feed as he has proven to be very sensitive to protein. What I initially thought were gum ulcers have been diagnosed (via Melbourne Zoo Dental specialist) to be the gum's reaction to protein. I did try that stuff that a number of us bought in ….. what was the name of it? Ummm, something to do with seaweed or something or other. I didn't see any great difference from its use and I admit that I wasn't comfortable with it working on the basis of altering the acidity of the dog's natural saliva. Especially not for Mandela, who is so super sensitive to so much, and especially back then when I really was having so much trouble with his digestive system. I've used a scaler, but I don't seem to get very far. It doesn't 'crack' off and I can spend an absolute age, with the teeth not looking all that much better/whiter. My boy is really very good - he's well used to being poked and probed by me :D . I admit that I should be paying his teeth more attention more frequently, but it does seem to be a constant thing that doesn't achieve much, in my instance. He won't chew on bones anymore, or if he does, it is very rarely and not for long. I'm only thinking that the reason for this is that perhaps his gums are tender due to the sensitivity reaction to protein. was it wakame? No - it was the Proden. BUT, update on the teeth cleaning. I went back to it late last night with the scaler and success!! I think it was with a renewed determination and a dose of confidence that did the trick. Was too scared of doing the wrong thing previously but now found the knack and realise what I was doing wrong before. Mandela was great and laid with his head in my lap letting me work away. Where his upper molars were brown ….. now back to white! Gave them a brush over and then a wipe over with Calendula Tea after the clean. I'm thrilled and relieved, as I knew a dental was very much on the cards in the not too distant future.

Same here.

Hi Steve. I'd be very interested. I have to be reasonably cautious about what I use/feed as he has proven to be very sensitive to protein. What I initially thought were gum ulcers have been diagnosed (via Melbourne Zoo Dental specialist) to be the gum's reaction to protein. I did try that stuff that a number of us bought in ….. what was the name of it? Ummm, something to do with seaweed or something or other. I didn't see any great difference from its use and I admit that I wasn't comfortable with it working on the basis of altering the acidity of the dog's natural saliva. Especially not for Mandela, who is so super sensitive to so much, and especially back then when I really was having so much trouble with his digestive system. I've used a scaler, but I don't seem to get very far. It doesn't 'crack' off and I can spend an absolute age, with the teeth not looking all that much better/whiter. My boy is really very good - he's well used to being poked and probed by me :D . I admit that I should be paying his teeth more attention more frequently, but it does seem to be a constant thing that doesn't achieve much, in my instance. He won't chew on bones anymore, or if he does, it is very rarely and not for long. I'm only thinking that the reason for this is that perhaps his gums are tender due to the sensitivity reaction to protein.

I've read of this as well. I don't like the affects of GA and avoid it wherever possible. If ever GA is required for something else, I usually ask for a scale and polish at the same time, to take advantage. But I do get very hesitant about GA just for teeth clean. GA upsets my boy's system and we work so hard to right it.

What a great job you're doing! :) I've learnt a lot in regards to the very high and effective benefits natural supplementation etc. can provide. As an aside, my elderly Mum had a lesion on her leg near her ankle. Took her to Dr and was informed it was a type of skin cancer and that it would HAVE to be cut out as to leave it, it would only turn nasty, ulcerate etc. But even Dr was worried about the surgery site and how hard it would be for Mum's skin to heal following surgery. I used a natural remedy preferring it as a first stop. It took 2 months (but then, it would have taken Mum far longer than that to heal from surgery if we'd gone that route) and skin cancer lesion gone. No surgery required :D . The wonders of natural stuff. I admit we can't afford to shut our minds to conventional medicine - it has a lot to offer, has helped many and is really necessary in cases - but I really think there is benefit to opening our minds to the benefits and application of natural remedies.

Why does your pug need coat conditioner? Just curious, 'cause if the coat is dry or dull, this could indicate a dietary deficiency of sorts and might be best and in the long-term easiest to remedy from the inside out instead of the other way around. There is nothing wrong with his coat. I would just like to try the calendula :) Aaah … ok :) . Just misunderstood, sorry. I think Calendula is good as a bath time wash instead of shampoo

Why does your pug need coat conditioner? Just curious, 'cause if the coat is dry or dull, this could indicate a dietary deficiency of sorts and might be best and in the long-term easiest to remedy from the inside out instead of the other way around.

korbin13 Use on mozzie bites is good too.

If it were me, I'd be going for a hair-DNA sample to direct me onto an appropriate mix of natural supplements that may well prove to support the relevant organs (including immune system) that is currently in distress.

Bathe the site of the irritation with Calendula Tea. If the cause is no longer present, this should help it to heal and resolve. Very lucky she survived the snake bite and that the puppies weren't affected by venom.