SarasMum

My staffy x gets a summer itch however this year she is a bit different. Normally its an under belly, feet kind of itch but in the past week she has had like hives or bites all over the top of her head and on her back legs at the rump. I have noticed miniscule little things like lice on my washing basket too and I am wondering what they are and what to do about them. She definately doesnt have fleas, I have capstan'd her. It hasnt been quite so bad the past few days as its been drizzling on and off (more off than on) but its cooled it down a bit. If they are lice type things how would I get rid of them? I live on half an acre and thats huge to try and decontaminate. I dont really have any sand so I dont think they are sandflies. What type of antihistamies can you use to stop itching? and are they human ones or specifically for animals? My last staffy was on cortisone tabs which eventually ended her life early. I really dont want this dog to have to go the same route. I have been washing with an oatmeal shampoo and Aloveen conditioner which funnily enough seems to make her lick herself continuously until its dried off.

I found that my dogs were doing quadruple the amount of poo while on Supercoat than they are on Advance. My staffy x was also always farting and her anal glands playing up. She also has summer grass allergies and I found these have slowed right down since switching over to Advance. My GSD is doing great on Advance. I also feed sardines, raw meaty bones, chicken frames etc.

I fed Supercoat and I was forever picking up poo. Not only that but my staffy x had a dry brittle coat which doesnt help with her grass allergies. My GSDs coat was dull and always looked dirty. I now feed them Advance and they look great. The staffy has a very shiny coat and she hardly itches (it is winter though). They also get carcasses for breakfast. I found that feeding necks was very costly because the shep ate so many lol. My last bag of 20kg Advance cost me $83. I have tried Great Barko as well and the dogs liked the first half of the bag but refused to eat it after that. I tend to rate dry foods on the scrappy bits left on the bottom of the bag when its emptied, with Advance I have none but with Supercoat I reckon I had half a kilo of dust.

Both of mine puke every single time they get in the car. I normally dont feed them breakfast if I am heading out that day but low and behold, they will still chuck up the night before's dinner. Go figure. I now carry towels in the car when they are there. I have a station wagon and they do sit in the back. I have also opened windows but it didnt work. I have had them in there together vomiting, oh that was fun I might just try some ginger tablets and see how they go.

So sorry to hear it didnt work outt. RIP little girl. Fly free away from human harm.

Thanks Lillysmum. They have taken him to the vet just to make sure there was no physical problem with him. They got him some RR and have a radio ready to play so he thinks there is someone home. He has never lived inside and would find the concept very strange so they are trying to stick to his normal routine. He unfortunately has never been a "toy" kind of dog and just used the female as a chew toy. Wherever she went he would follow and annoy her, that was their thing. She has been in contact with the breeder and is not totally closed to the option of another dog. I am taking one of my girls over on the weekend for a visit to see how they get on. I can also bring him here once my girl finishes her season.

Another question. How much Rescue Remedy spray should she give him, thats all she could get. She is worried she will knock him out totally and there wont be anyone home to watch him. She has to work tomorrow and Friday. Edited to add that I have spoken to her about getting him a new friend and told her all of your suggestions. She has taken it onboard and will have a big think about it.

They are still grieving themselves from the loss of their girl. I dont think they are in the right frame of mind to get another pet just yet. Unfortunately the neighbours on both sides have also recently lost their dogs for various reasons so having a neighbours dog left there isnt an option either. They did masses of research before buying these two dogs and got the most suitable breed for their family. I dont think they would just get any breed. I havent broached the subject of getting a new pup with them, I dont think they have the time to look after one. Thanks for your replies.

My friends female Weimeraner died a few weeks back and now her male Wei is having terrible separation anxiety. He has been vomiting, screaming, crying, howling etc when the family are not there and at times when they have been inside the house (definate outside dog, though extremely loved). I am just after some ideas that will help settle him. I have given her my kong and she is using that. I have suggested getting some rescue remedy for him. Any other secrets to keeping him happy?

Our Lenards doesnt sell whole carcasses. They do have the ground mince though. We can get 5 for $2.50 from the butcher. I have spoken to her and given her some alternatives to kibble and she is feeling better already knowing that there is something she can do to help avoid it in her boy. I will also give the suggestions people have posted. I sent her the link that was posted above too. Thanks for all the replies.

Most of these things above describe her so it sounds like it was pretty much going to happen sooner or later. I am confused that it says that moistening food doesnt seem to contribute. Interesting that there are so many different opinions on it. Thank you for your help.

Yeah I sort of knew that but she is so distressed about her death that I didnt want her to think that she was to blame or had contributed to her death kwim? I will send that link to her so she can have a look though. Thanks.

My friends Weimeraner died on Saturday from bloat and now she is extremely worried about feeding her other Wei kibble. She has always fed them cheapish kibble soaked in water as per her breeders instructions (dog was nearly 11). She has also since found out from the breeder that it seems to be in the dogs lines, quite a few of the dogs have died over the past 11 years of the same thing. She is looking at alternatives for her 8 year old boy Wei. He is currently fed minced meat (roo/beef/chicken) in the morning and soaked kibble at night with added leftovers, vegies, sardines. She is going to now feed him a chicken carcass or necks in the morning but wants something to compensate for the removal of kibble. She will still add the other stuff that he has always been fed. I suggested some chicken mince from Lenards and to add some yoghurt, occasional raw eggs but does anyone have any other suggestions? She doesnt have the time or money to lean to a totally barf diet so something thats adequate nutritionally and is a big enough meal for a large dog is what she needs. She is so very worried that her remaining beloved Wei will succumb to the same fate.

I just found out that my good friends Weimeraner died this morning. She was almost 11. They found her near death early this morning and took her to the vet but bloat got her and she stopped breathing just as the vet pulled in to the carpark. She leaves behind her best friend Rex and a family who loved her immensely. The kids are absolutely devastated. RIP sweet Ruby Gemma and Tori will be watching out for you.

Yeah, sorry. I often don't count and scoop out the entire supply Sometimes I leave a tin or two so it doesn't look so bad I'll try and leave a few more next time Why thank you :D The verdict is in. Mackeral is yummy, well its bleuch actually but they liked it lol.

I usually give mine the Coles brand of Sardines in Oil but they had none today, obviously because of people like "Tim Fairchild" who buy 20 at a time I bought some mackeral for them today and hoping they like that. I also give them cheapo tuna in oil.

Both my dogs are the same. I have no trouble leaving the kids balls outside, they are never touched by the dogs. Bikes, shoes, outdoor furniture..... thats another story ;)

My staffy x loves to jump too and I found that nothing I did would stop her. I ingorned her, I turned my back to which she would promptly scrape her claws right down my back, every time . In the end I got a water spray bottle, she doesnt like water sprayed on her so she got a few quick sprays in the face if she jumped. Now all she has to do is see the water bottle and she is bum down. Not only that but I say 'settle' and she drops her bum to one side and looks relaxed lol.

Oh god I am a blubbering mess. That poor, poor family. Sleep well little Angel xxx

Rest in Peace Page. There will be many a fluffy waiting to help you cross over.

I hope she fights the good fight Ambervale. Pete/Jet will be by her side regardless and that is at least a small comfort to all. I just cant find words to describe the heartache I feel, I really cant imagine what her family is going through. Poodle kisses forever little Page.

Thinking of Page and her family, sending strength to help you through this most difficult of times.

Wow, the time is getting near, I cant wait to see pics of her Cath. The countdown has begun lol.

Neotopic Lotion is what my vet gave me yesterday. Obviously my girl has hot spots from what I read on this thread. The vet didnt actually tell me what it was. She is on abs and Neotopic Lotion with both sides of her face shaved to reduce irritation.

I found my dogs coats were a bit dull and my Staffy x refused to eat it after a week. They are back on Supercoat now and other than doing loads of poo their coats are great and they have stopped farting!