Our seven-month-old chocolate Lab/ Golden Retriever mix is a chewing machine! The first day we brought her home she seriously chewed through the molding and dry wall. She has progressively gotten better and for the most part, only chews the things we give her, such as toys... which is where our problem lies. We have yet to find a toy she can not destroy within 24 hours. Indestructible they may be, but are they Annabel proof? Not so much. We have tried many of these "indestructible" toys and find we just keep wasting our money. We want to make sure she has things she can play with, but we also want to keep her safe, no choking for this pup! Any one have any similar stories and solutions that have worked? We're quickly drowning in a sea of headless stuffed animals and half eaten ropes!
Suzi, by email
May issue
May issue
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
What's your poison?
Six years ago when we got our latest retriever pup, Diva, we soon found she had the most horrendous puppy 'scurf' - much more than normal. The initial reaction from our vet was that it was just puppy scurf and would clear up but if anything it got worse - trails of 'dandruff' everywhere.
They then decided it was a problem she wouldn't grow out of and suggested the only solution was long term steroids. I didn't want to go down that route and was advised to try a homeopathic vet in London (Ainsworths). I explained the problem on the phone and within 24 hours they had posted me a phial of arsenic tabs. The instructions were to give her one a day for a week, then one every other day for a week, which we did. Within a fortnight the scurf/dandruff had gone never to return. She had no adverse side effects to the treatment whatsoever.
What has happened though is that she has never ever had a flea on her, so I have not needed to pay for expensive flea control. She has had a very occasional tick but only when she's stuck her head down rabbit holes etc - nothing on a par with our previous retriever who had regular flea control but still had big problems. Can it be that arsenic in the system from a young age has kept fleas at bay similarily to garlic in humans keeping mosquitoes away? I'd be interested to know of similar reports - it would certainly revolutionise the cost of flea control.
Lyn Gadd, by email
Nick Thompson, holistic vet, says:
What a fantastic story! There’s a large contingent of ‘scientists’ in the media who are out to disparage homeopathy. Your ‘scurf’ story would suggest otherwise. Thanks for bringing it up.
The fact that Diva is not getting any problems with fleas and ticks is, I’m afraid, nothing to do with this early treatment or arsenic in the system. Homeopathic remedies are prepared in such a way that the toxic effects of the source material are eliminated. This is just as well as veterinary homeopaths commonly use many toxic substances in their remedies, for example: Strychnine, Phosphorus and even Uranium!
What I think is happening here, regarding fleas, is just good fortune. If you’d said you’d changed to a raw food diet and were feeding garlic, ginger and brewer’s yeast, I’d put it down to this, but as you don’t mention it, I presume you’re feeding similar to your previous dog.
You know how midges and mosquitoes attack some people much more than others, because of skin type and pheromones and such like? Well, I think this is similar to what we have here. I think Diva has good skin and is just lucky that insects are not really attracted to her.
Yes, flea products are used a lot with our cats and dogs. Too much, in my opinion. I advise my clients never to use these pesticides on their pets unless absolutely necessary, and then, only if herbal products containing Neem, are not effective. I say that I’d prefer to live with the odd flea than to have to cope with pesticide all over the dog, and, consequently, me! We spend millions on organic food in this country. If you come home, stroke the treated dog, then pick up an organic apple, for a snack, that apple is no longer pesticide free and organic!
Keep up the good work. Avoid pesticides where possible, maintain health to keep the skin vital and use homeopathy as much as possible.
They then decided it was a problem she wouldn't grow out of and suggested the only solution was long term steroids. I didn't want to go down that route and was advised to try a homeopathic vet in London (Ainsworths). I explained the problem on the phone and within 24 hours they had posted me a phial of arsenic tabs. The instructions were to give her one a day for a week, then one every other day for a week, which we did. Within a fortnight the scurf/dandruff had gone never to return. She had no adverse side effects to the treatment whatsoever.
What has happened though is that she has never ever had a flea on her, so I have not needed to pay for expensive flea control. She has had a very occasional tick but only when she's stuck her head down rabbit holes etc - nothing on a par with our previous retriever who had regular flea control but still had big problems. Can it be that arsenic in the system from a young age has kept fleas at bay similarily to garlic in humans keeping mosquitoes away? I'd be interested to know of similar reports - it would certainly revolutionise the cost of flea control.
Lyn Gadd, by email
Nick Thompson, holistic vet, says:
What a fantastic story! There’s a large contingent of ‘scientists’ in the media who are out to disparage homeopathy. Your ‘scurf’ story would suggest otherwise. Thanks for bringing it up.
The fact that Diva is not getting any problems with fleas and ticks is, I’m afraid, nothing to do with this early treatment or arsenic in the system. Homeopathic remedies are prepared in such a way that the toxic effects of the source material are eliminated. This is just as well as veterinary homeopaths commonly use many toxic substances in their remedies, for example: Strychnine, Phosphorus and even Uranium!
What I think is happening here, regarding fleas, is just good fortune. If you’d said you’d changed to a raw food diet and were feeding garlic, ginger and brewer’s yeast, I’d put it down to this, but as you don’t mention it, I presume you’re feeding similar to your previous dog.
You know how midges and mosquitoes attack some people much more than others, because of skin type and pheromones and such like? Well, I think this is similar to what we have here. I think Diva has good skin and is just lucky that insects are not really attracted to her.
Yes, flea products are used a lot with our cats and dogs. Too much, in my opinion. I advise my clients never to use these pesticides on their pets unless absolutely necessary, and then, only if herbal products containing Neem, are not effective. I say that I’d prefer to live with the odd flea than to have to cope with pesticide all over the dog, and, consequently, me! We spend millions on organic food in this country. If you come home, stroke the treated dog, then pick up an organic apple, for a snack, that apple is no longer pesticide free and organic!
Keep up the good work. Avoid pesticides where possible, maintain health to keep the skin vital and use homeopathy as much as possible.
Thursday, 26 August 2010
Help, my dog has been diagnosed as anorexic
My Standard Poodle has been diagnosed with anorexia. This problem started a few months ago and reached crisis point a few weeks ago. We have been doing quite well with me cooking her food and gradually adding a little dried food. What she eats one day, she might turn up her nose at another day. I think I have more varieties of food in my house than the pet shop does. If she won't eat we do not make a fuss and try again later. There is no plausible reason why this has happened as I have two other dogs and they all get on well together. I was wondering if anyone else has come across this problem with their dog. Her body went into starvation mode and she has hardly been passing any motions but today she has chronic diarrhoea which has set us back. We have done all that we possibly can but any other suggestions would be most gratefully received.
Judith Stephens, Mrs
Judith Stephens, Mrs
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
I'd love to try Flyball...
I love watching Flyball on TV but I can't yet drive and there doesn't seem to be anywhere near here where I can have a go even if I could get a lift. Is this something you can learn at home? Does anyone do a remote training course?
It looks so much fun.
I've got a collie that already loves catching balls, sounds like a perfect thing for us to try, but without a club locally we're a bit stuck.
Where can you buy a box that throws the balls in the air?
Maureen Little, Carlisle
It looks so much fun.
I've got a collie that already loves catching balls, sounds like a perfect thing for us to try, but without a club locally we're a bit stuck.
Where can you buy a box that throws the balls in the air?
Maureen Little, Carlisle
Monday, 23 August 2010
Any tips for splitting nails?
I have three beautiful, happy and healthy Jack Russells. One of my boys, Trevor aged seven, has always loved chasing a ball. My problem is that every now and then he must land awkwardly having jumped to catch his ball, and splits a nail. This isn't just when ball chasing, it can also happen if running on uneven ground, such as rough moorland or around rock pools at the seaside. It is not always the same nail or same foot. Obviously when this happens it's very painful for him and bleeds quite badly for a few seconds. My vet has confirmed that Trevor (and his nails) are in tip top condition, and has come to the conclusion that poor Trev is just unlucky and maybe his stopping/landing techniques are to blame. I wondered if cod liver oil might help, but as my boys are fed a top quality complete food with some BARF, I don't want to over do the vitamin A, or anything else. My other two boys Graham and Wilf never have any such trouble. To put this in perspective, my boys get daily long walks and plenty of exercise in varied locations. This nail problem only occurs maybe about twice a year so I can't say it's frequent. It's just that being so distressing for him (and me!) I wondered if anyone had any ideas. He definitely won't wear those doggy boots!
Many thanks
Sara Marlow, Huddersfield
Richard Allport, alternative vet, says...
It seems unlikely to me that Trevor is just awkward at landing, and even if the nails look fine, I’m pretty sure there must be some weakness in them. Supplements of Zinc and Biotin will help strengthen the nail. Give them a try and see if Trevor can avoid his ‘split ends’!
Many thanks
Sara Marlow, Huddersfield
Richard Allport, alternative vet, says...
It seems unlikely to me that Trevor is just awkward at landing, and even if the nails look fine, I’m pretty sure there must be some weakness in them. Supplements of Zinc and Biotin will help strengthen the nail. Give them a try and see if Trevor can avoid his ‘split ends’!
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
Help! My normally lovely dog is snapping at children
I have two Golden retrievers, a neutered 22-month-old boy, Teddy and nine-month-old Lola. Lola is a total darling and is super friendly to everyone. I would have said the same of Teddy, until two months ago when we had new neighbours move in. They are friends of ours and their children play at our house with our children.
I'm writing this as, for the third time Teddy has growled at or snapped at the children. Each of the three children have now had a bad reaction from him and I'm stunned. Teddy is a very calm dog, typically soft mouthed, well trained and obedient. He isn't a push-over submissive dog but he is not aggressive.
The first reaction happened when Lola was being fussed by the children and the 10 year old girl came over to Teddy to give him a stroke. Teddy growled at her. The second time was when the seven year old boy petted him. Teddy made a snap at him. I thought this may be because Teddy and Lola had been play fighting and the lad moved suddenly towards Teddy, when the 'game' had just finished. The third time was when I had hold of Teddy's collar and the seven year old girl stroked his head as she walked past. Teddy snapped at her hand. My own children are 15, 13 and 10 so the dogs are used to children in the house.
I'm really perplexed as to why this is happening and I'm really disappointed too. Teddy barks at the door bell when the children arrive but scrambles to greet them when they get in. I can tell the children to ignore Teddy and I can keep him away from them but I'd really like to know why he is reactig like this. He's not protective over Lola - is he protective over me? I have been standing by his side each time this has happened and he is a mummy's boy.
Any ideas?
Thanks
Sam Young
Karen Wild, Canine Behaviour Counsellor, says...
It certainly sounds as if Teddy is not comfortable with the children approaching and petting him. The safest option is for you to immediately seek professional help and at present your suggestion is correct, do not allow the children to approach or pet Teddy for now. Ask your vet for referral to a behaviour professional such as an APBC member www.apbc.org.uk who will be able to help you teach Teddy to learn some safer habits. A growl is a clear warning that a dog is not happy with a situation and the more 'history' a dog has of the same reactions the more likely they are to repeat the same behaviour, escalating it each time (hence the snapping behaviour you witnessed on the third occasion). I can understand your feelings as it can come as a real shock to see your beloved dog behaving in this way. Try to think of it in terms of Teddy communicating his unease in the only way he knows how. If these warnings go unheeded, he has no option but to take it a stage further each time. This does not mean he should be branded as a 'nasty' dog - it sounds like he sees some things as a threat and would rather keep his distance. Owners often tell me their dog is not 'aggressive' but truly, most dogs that bite are often out of their comfort zone but are lovely pets the rest of the time. His reaction in this case could be for many reasons so do take that first step - contact an accredited behaviourist who will help you - and Teddy - to regain that level of confidence again.
I'm writing this as, for the third time Teddy has growled at or snapped at the children. Each of the three children have now had a bad reaction from him and I'm stunned. Teddy is a very calm dog, typically soft mouthed, well trained and obedient. He isn't a push-over submissive dog but he is not aggressive.
The first reaction happened when Lola was being fussed by the children and the 10 year old girl came over to Teddy to give him a stroke. Teddy growled at her. The second time was when the seven year old boy petted him. Teddy made a snap at him. I thought this may be because Teddy and Lola had been play fighting and the lad moved suddenly towards Teddy, when the 'game' had just finished. The third time was when I had hold of Teddy's collar and the seven year old girl stroked his head as she walked past. Teddy snapped at her hand. My own children are 15, 13 and 10 so the dogs are used to children in the house.
I'm really perplexed as to why this is happening and I'm really disappointed too. Teddy barks at the door bell when the children arrive but scrambles to greet them when they get in. I can tell the children to ignore Teddy and I can keep him away from them but I'd really like to know why he is reactig like this. He's not protective over Lola - is he protective over me? I have been standing by his side each time this has happened and he is a mummy's boy.
Any ideas?
Thanks
Sam Young
Karen Wild, Canine Behaviour Counsellor, says...
It certainly sounds as if Teddy is not comfortable with the children approaching and petting him. The safest option is for you to immediately seek professional help and at present your suggestion is correct, do not allow the children to approach or pet Teddy for now. Ask your vet for referral to a behaviour professional such as an APBC member www.apbc.org.uk who will be able to help you teach Teddy to learn some safer habits. A growl is a clear warning that a dog is not happy with a situation and the more 'history' a dog has of the same reactions the more likely they are to repeat the same behaviour, escalating it each time (hence the snapping behaviour you witnessed on the third occasion). I can understand your feelings as it can come as a real shock to see your beloved dog behaving in this way. Try to think of it in terms of Teddy communicating his unease in the only way he knows how. If these warnings go unheeded, he has no option but to take it a stage further each time. This does not mean he should be branded as a 'nasty' dog - it sounds like he sees some things as a threat and would rather keep his distance. Owners often tell me their dog is not 'aggressive' but truly, most dogs that bite are often out of their comfort zone but are lovely pets the rest of the time. His reaction in this case could be for many reasons so do take that first step - contact an accredited behaviourist who will help you - and Teddy - to regain that level of confidence again.
Monday, 16 August 2010
Scared kittens, fascinated pup. How to make it work?
Tibbs the little tabby one spits at Jake so until now he has given her a wide berth, but has now started going down in typical Collie style and bouncing round her barking, I think this is his way of trying to get her to run away so he can chase her.
Chloe on the other hand is very timid, and whenever they are together Jake mouths her making her look like a wet dish rag instead of the gorgeous fluffy white kitten she normally is, you can see that she
doesn't like it but she just lays there till either, I find them, or she can escape.
He has recently started to try to pick her up by the scruff of her neck or her tail, and once when I caught him he had her by the throat. I know he likes her, but I also know she is frightened of him, hence the baby gate to allow them to be able to escape from him.
He knows he is doing wrong because when I chastise him he looks like butter wouldn't melt in his mouth and then walks away making sure he stands on her or her tail, almost as a retaliation.
I think he is a bit jealous because I pick the kittens up - usually to save them from him, but he gets most of the attention, we walk a lot and we are going to training classes and we are learning new tricks each week. He has Kongs, and lots of toys. Is there anything I can do to integrate these three?
Thank you.
Janet, Preston
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