ellz

I'm thinking of giving Sentinel a whirl. Only problem is that I'll have to have heartworm titre tests done first because my dogs have never been on heartworm meds. I'm having issues holding fleas at bay and I daresay it is because of the weekly baths that my dogs get and the risk of washing the topical treatments off them.

Yep, I've stockpiled my Dawn as well. When Coles had its sell-out I went manic and bought as many as I could afford. I have found though that the better quality green liquids, whilst not as effective, generally do the trick but may require more than one attempt.

Any of the high-quality green dishwashing liquids should do the trick.

I have a set of 7" Doggystylz straight scissors which are nice but are quite heavy. I decided not to get curved shears. I've managed without them for 20 years and done more than ok with my trimming so I can't see a need to change now. My absolute BEST ebay buy recently was a lovely little pair of 5.5" straight scissors which I picked up for the princely sum of $9.99 (including postage) from this seller. I like them so much I'm going to get another pair. The Roseline scissors are highly thought of in the USA and I'm saving my pennies to purchase a pair next year.

One Yank of mine is on raw meaty bones (Michael)...the rest are on a combo of meat/bones and kibble. I only have 3 Yanks and the old Stafford bitch living with me (she's back on raw to lose weight)...the other two are at Mr Ellz' house...the old Stafford is on Barko and the puppy is on meat/bones (and she farts too!). Staffords are truly just a farty breed. The Yanks just don't do it at all.

Ah well, each to their own. Personally, I wouldn't feed Supercoat in a pink fit having had very bad results with it over the years. I've got two breeds on Great Barko now, Staffords and American Cockers and am having no coat issues whatsoever - the Staffords are shiny and the Americans are hairy. And surprisingly, my old Stafford bitch doesn't fart anywhere near as much as she did on other foods and as I said, clean-up is much more pleasant as well. Probably the biggest recommendation for me though was my husband's 9.5 year old male Stafford who just doesn't "do" winter. He normally loses heaps of weight and comes out of the season looking like a skeleton. This year, on Barko, he not only maintained his weight, but had more energy as well and is now looking as good as he did as a 3 year old. In fact, if he had any teeth, I could probably show him!

Firstly I'd check wherever you can buy bulk dog food, see if they can order it in. Apparently they are sending out like 1000 pallets of the stuff each month Australia wide. Pandii, it actually says on the bag that puppies can be fed on it from 8 weeks. They don't have a puppy variety as such though. I've not fed it to puppies myself but Mr Ellz has been feeding his Stafford puppy on it (she's 6 months old) for the past couple of months and she's doing really well on it. Contact phone number is 08 8562 8140.

Have a look for Great Barko. Australian made in South Oz by Laucke Mills. I pay $25.50 for 22kg. Main ingredients are meat and meat by-products (beef, lamb, chicken, pork and fish) without heaps of cereal fillers. I have spoken to the company when I had queries and they answered all of my concerns readily and without bullshite. It is excellent for gaining weight...isn't one which produces voluminous, sloppy, fluffy cr*p and most dogs seem to like it. I've had to put my fatties on a diet and my Stafford bitch looks like a fat, black, shiny seal. HIGHLY recommend it.

Dawn Dishwashing Liquid is excellent for removing grease and oil but of course it wouldn't be suitable for a hydrobath because it foams up too much. Same with Sards Wondersoap which I also recommend for stain removal. Could you give him a pre-bath with the Dawn or Sards and then follow up with a hydrobath wash with your normal whitening shampoo?

If you live in the country, try your local produce store. It is used for horses as well. You'll be able to buy it in bulk which is a huge saving. Some produce stores also have it with garlic if you intend to add it to food, but for adding to water it is best to just use the plain stuff. If you purchase from the supermarket be sure to check the label and make sure it has no colours, preservatives or flavours in it.

Hmmmm....dunno about stunning either but I know that I'll feel good in new threads! I'm thinking probably the blue and purple shirt with the blue tank with black skirt for the Royal and taking the blue pants with me to change into for the Gundog show! Then for the Dogfest Show on the Sunday, possibly the green! Weather permitting of course. If it is peeing down then I'll probably fall back on my old faithful tartan jacket and black skirt which is more wintery.

All going well and weather permitting I'll be wearing some of my goodies at the Hobart Royal and the Gundog Specialty on the 25th of this month. I'll try to get some pix taken if I can possibly do it!

Is the back of his throat red and inflamed looking? Does he hang his head when he's on the lead or pull back at all when you put pressure on his throat?

I'd get his tonsils checked too. They can make a dog feel very poorly and definitely affect the appetite.

About five other people agreed that the Periactin doesn't hurt so I certainly wouldn't have any qualms about trying it. Not that I have that problem....my problem is that everybody is on the portly side and go foraging for more the instant their ration is gone!

Could it be his tonsils? That will stop them eating. On Ozshow somebody mentioned a medicine called Periactin which can get them eating again. I've googled it and it is an anti-histamine. Pharmacist Only so you'd have to ask for it.

I actually clean out between the pads on the feet of my American Cockers with the clippers. I find it attracts less dirt and it is easier to see if there is an errant grass seed trying to poke its ugly head into the bottom of the foot in summer. AND they are less likely to clog up with dirt and mud if they happen to have a dig (and mine LOVE to dig!). Best to clip the inside of the ears to keep the hair really short to allow maximum air passage to avoid problems. I taught myself how to clip and groom 20 years ago, before the internet and with only the barest essentials in grooming equipment. There is only a couple of weeks between a good and bad trim and I've done some absolute shockers. Still do, but now I have more knowledge I can "bury" my mistakes better! It really is worth investing in the tools and learning to do it yourself. Saves a bucketload of money in the long run and there is no greater satisfaction than when a total stranger admires your dogs and asks who grooms them and you can puff yourself up proudly and say "I do!"

$80 doesn't sound at all bad to me either. And personally, I think those who neglect breeds which are high maintenance to the extent where they are in such bad condition NEED to learn a lesson and if it comes from the hip pocket, then so be it!! Many just don't realise and a lesson like that will teach them like no other.

In my house the voice of God (spray bottle) works on ALL creatures. Dogs, cats and kids respond the instant it appears and NOBODY is immune!

Teach your neighbours not to throw stuff over the fence.

Michael is a whinger. Michael is also a spoiled brat. Michael has learned that the voice of God (spray bottle) isn't much fun and has now learned to hold his whinges for those times when he really needs them.

Why do dogs escape? That's easy....because they can!

COOL!! Hey, now THERE is a challenge for you. Instead of shaking hands with Michael....teach him how to shake hands with the pooper scoop! ;)

So THAT'S what I've been doing wrong all these years! If I were any kind of dog person I would have taught them how to clean up their OWN poop!!

My guys get the same every night too. If they don't eat it, they go hungry. Very rarely does one refuse a meal and if they do, I know there is something wrong. The only exception to their "normal" meal is when they're given meaty bones, chicken frames or necks and wings as extras but their base meal remains the same...only the amount differs as a rule. Now if my skinkids were as UNFUSSY as the furkids I'd be a LOT happier!!