“God forbid we use the same words for children AND dogs?!? Idiotic… Personally, I think we should spay/neuter adopted children as well. I’m sick of all these late night “sponsor a child in a poor country” commercials. Why? So they can grow up and add to their problems?”

i saw this answer and it got it under my skin there are circumstances where dogs and people can be compared but i do not see this as one. i think it very cruel to say this about children in situations they cant help. opinions??

My westie has pink skin, and it is breaking out into black scabs, and its mainly around his bum.
My westie has pink skin, and it is breaking out into black scabs, and its mainly around his bum.

Ive been to the vets, please give me a diagnosis. or what it could be/cause.

My dog keeps getting an ear infection whenever he goes outside for a walk on the grass. He was on tablets for the ear infection, and cleared up a few weeks later .. Months after he keeps reappearing, but now in both ears. His also got big red sores on the back of his tail, his chewing his fur off and his skin on his belly is a really pale colour, some bits are going dark/black. I’ve booked a vets appointment, but his really agressive. He can easily get out of two muzzels. The vet (few months ago) suggest putting him to sleep so they can look and clean his ears. I don’t want to just go to the vets and get tablets as his getting even more problems. How do i approach the vet about the problems and they need to be sorted straight away?
I’ve also noticed his not as excited anymore about playing with a toy. His sleeping constantly never seems to want to get up, eat or drink.

my pit bull has these bumps on it and dont have money to take to the vet till i get paid next month:(

I recently adopted a pug and am wondering what the best dry dog food is to feed her. She was previously fed beneful before I got her but I want to get her something that is really good for her. I know to feed her “real” food, such as meat, veggies, etc., but I need to mix it up with a really good dog food that won’t give her gas and will help with her breath, as well has keeping her from getting skin problems and excess shedding. I will be taking her to the vet very soon and will ask him as well but was hoping to get some good advice from other pug lovers in the meantime. I am hoping to get something that I don’t have to order. Maybe something that can be found at petsmart. Thanks everyone!

I have a 1 ear old dog and I don’t really know if he has the mange or a skin problem. He has two scars on top of his head and when it’s almost finish healing he will scratch it and it bleeds etc….
I try to keep it clean as possible with peroxide. How can I get this to heal?

I just gave my 9 week old puppy a bath, it’s about the third time since we’ve gotten him (he has dry skin the vet told us to give him a bath twice a week with the medicated shampoo to help) and each time he goes CRAZY when we let him out of the bath. It’s normal I know, all my dogs do it, I guess it’s their way of ‘air drying.’ Anyway, as he was running he started yelping, holding up his right front paw when he sat down. I gently probed up and down the leg and he didn’t give any reaction but he’s still yelping and holding up the leg. It worries me as he’s an Aussie and I’ve heard of them having leg problems other than the usual hip displaysia. I’d take him to the vet but the offices are closed today (always closed on sunday, incredibly stupid) is this something I should take him to the emergency office for or should I just make him rest until it stops hurting him. Any idea what may have happened? Thanks…
I thought the bathing thing was odd too… I’ve always been told bathe a dog only when necessary and avoid bathing a puppy as long as possible. But he had horribly dry skin, he was chewing and scratching from day one. I was going to try anything to make him more comfortable. Thank you for your suggestions on this matter as well.
And I feed him Iams smart puppy, first ingredient is Chicken then it starts going into the different kinds of meals. No grains, I know grains are bad for dogs. He’s not my first pet, thanks for that suggestion as well. I’ll look into RAW again, I was told it was a little iffy because it’s difficult to give them all the right vitamins they need especially when they’re young.

My Corgi Ozzy has super sensitive skin. He chews his feet and gets hot spots in the summer. Recently we have notice on his back under his fur EXTREMELY dry skin. It is cracked and Flacky and there are a few scabs (I think from itching). He doesn’t look uncomfortable and he doesnt scratch excessivly. Does anyone knows what may be causing this? Has anyone seen this on their Corgi? It is not a parasite because it is localized on his back. Parasites show up on legs and face and he does not have that problem. I just want his skin to be healthy again. Any advice would be great. We are trying to avoid taking him to the vet. They will have to run tests etc. which is expensive and would like to avoid it if possible.

I am babysitting the family dogs and when I am eating, they will sit and stare at me.

They aren’t hungry because I make sure both of them have a bowl full of food, usually twice per day.

The bigger dog weighs 50 pounds and she will sometimes jump on me and dig into my skin, leaving superficial scratches that hurt like Hell.

I know I contribute to the problem by feeding them small morsels here and there but that doesn’t make what they do any less irritating.

I am going to start completely ignoring them.

I just like to watch my favorite TV shows on the couch while eating and it’s rather annoying to not even be able to do that without the dogs staring or even scratching me.

They are let outside a few times a day and one of those times is for an hour, usually right after they eat.

It’s cold here in Vegas at this time of year, so it’d be cruel for me to keep them outside too long at night when I have dinner.

Besides the original bolded question, does anyone have any tips that I can use that will quickly and effectively get the animals to stop begging?

I love them both and they are very sweet; this is one of the only things they do that bothers me.

I noticed the other day that one side of my cats ‘cheek’, the fur was all puffed out..
I mentioned it to my mum and she said oh its nothing, but it hadn’t gone down for a few days and I had a feeling something was wrong..

Earlier I was tickling him on that fluffed up side of his face, and he started thumping his back leg and itching himself (you know how dogs and cats do when they love being tickled in the right place).

I noticed my finger was all wet and smelt a little off afterwards, so I looked back at that spot and I just found this wierd looking lump, and I can’t tell whether its turned black, or its just where his fur has become all wet on it (he’s a black cat)..

It looks so odd, but he loves being tickled there.

He has a vets check up in a few weeks anyway as hes really old I think hes got an overactive thyroid problem..

Should I be worried about this? He doesn’t seem to be in any pain at all, but I just don’t want it to spread or cause infection..
I am really worried now, but my dad is gonna try and fit him in earlier! I hope! Because hes an old cat and hasn’t been to the vets in years anyway x

What is a good dog food to feed to a dog with skin allergies? Our yorkie has terrible skin allergies and we can’t find a good food to feed him. He’s been to the vet multiple times over the years and gets medication, but that’s not enough. He still chews himself constantly.

This dog was bred horribly. He has many health problems including seizures. He’s almost 10 so at the time we bought him I knew nothing about good or bad breeders. If buying from a breeder make sure it’s a good one, otherwise, adopt.
The seizures are usually just at random times. Some are caused by stress. He usually has 1 a year, but this year he’s had 2 or 3.

…I was petting him just now and noticed that the left side of his face is bigger than the right. I felt around, and followed up his jaw on both sides. The right side is normal - up the bone, I could feel the tendons, etc. The left side, you go up the jaw and BAM - something hard and circular, about the diameter of a baseball. It doesn’t stick out too far, but it is noticible when you hold the skin flat. I’m thinking it’s a swollen gland, or something worse. I’m calling the vet first thing in the morning, so I’m not getting pet care online, don’t worry. I just need some insight. He is a blue heeler/australian shepherd mix, 2 years old. Male, fixed, and has had no medical problems in his life. Has anyone else had this sort of problem with their dog, and have it turn out to be something… not scary?
I’ll check his teeth, thanks.
Someone misunderstood, sorry. I said the Diameter of a baseball… it’s that round, and only is about a quarter inch high. It’s not like there’s an entire baseball on the side of his face.
Our vet of choice is 40 miles away, else I WOULD go tonight.

I live in an apartment w/my girlfriend…and I have a maltipoo 9 months old….he’s a small dog and we keep his hair average lenght…not too long not too short….THIS DOG is so hard to keep clean. I want to know how I can WALK HIM WHEN ITS RAINING, without him getting waist high in MUD AND LEAVES AND DIRT…because than I come in and have to wash and clean his legs and stomach and dry him off 3-4 times a day after walking him. ANYONE HAVE ANY KINDA SUGGESTIONS PLEASE EASY 10 POINTS….

i’m going to shut down some quick pointless answers first
1)don’t walk the dog….yeah got to so next question
2)get him dog shoes….this is great if you know any that go as TALL AS HIS KNEES AND WAIST
3) get him a rain coat…..I’VE SEEN THIS and these cover his “no problem”areas, his head and back are fine, its the mudd on his legs and waist that i’m washing 3-4 times a day
4)don’t get him a bath all the time….well thats dumb too b/c he’s an inside dog and i’d have mudd and tracks everywhere.

I know its not an easy question but possibly somebody has some kinda experience or referral for good clothing or something I could buy….i woudln’t mind buyign clothing that will STILL LET HIM PEE AND POOP which is why i’m walking him

Also is it bad to bathe him that often??? he doesn’t show signs of any skin irritation and I usually just rinse, I don’t use SHAMPOO EVERY BATH. I appreciate the help i’im just tired of taking 30 minutes to walk the dog (15 walking 15 cleaning and drying)

So I was recently looking into getting a pug, and I am aware of the health issues that they have. I was wondering how frequently/when do they occur( it is more likely to occur when they get older?),
Cataracts
Corneal Ulcers
Dry Eye
Eyelids and Eyelashes
Elongated Soft Platte
Pug Dog Encephalitis
Generalized Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Pinched or Undersized Nostrils
and I also was wondering about demodectic skin mites and how often does this happen as well? How are they with exercise? I know they have weight problems. Grooming and shedding, how often should it be done? Is getting a male or female better? I guess I am more looking to pick someones brain about pugs. Any info would be great, I live in CT. Any books or resources would be good too.

Here is what he has. The skin is totally dry. He’s definitely losing hair. Not that there are bald spots, but there is a lot less hair in some place. The hair is really thin and hard. It used to be thick and very soft to the touch. There is a hell of a lot of dandruff. More than anyone can handle. He skins also smells horrible.

I can’t go to the vet currently as it’s really costly. I’ve gone about 6 months ago and had a blood test and everything was fine, thyroid, etc. Mind you he still had this problem. The doctor told me to give him omega 3 for the dry skin but it hasn’t helped (or maybe I hadn’t used enough of it).

I’m hoping someone can tell me what I need to do. He’s had this condition for a year now. It’s getting worse though.
I’ve fed pedigree for about 4 years now. He was always perfectly healthy. I’ve used the highest quality food available before and it didn’t help. He’s back on pedigree now.

Ok well i have a 14 yr old lab mix. She has always had skin problems but in the past year ive noticed her coat has been getting more and more oily. I took her to the vet for her check up about a month ago almost two (she has a heart murmur and has to be seen every 4 months) and he suggested some dog shampoo, i can’t remember the name right off my head, but anyway idk what happened im guessing it was to strong for her skin but her skin got really dry and a couple spots on her her hair feel out! I discontinued using it and got her a Natural shampoo with oatmeal and got her dry skin under control and her hair is starting to grow back but her coat still gets oily, the vet said she has (i have no idea how to say or spell it) something were her skin n coat and producing to much oil and theres not alot we can do for her, he said it doesn’t seem to affect her none but i personally don’t like it it and think she would enjoy being her old self. Is there any shampoos or conditioners for dogs not people please, that you guys might know of that would help. And remember it has to be mild i don’t want her bald and its to cold here for that.

Problem 2:

I am scared of any creepy crawlies or insects.

I am mostly scared of small and big spiders because they have scary faces and they are tingly on the skin because of their legs and claws which give me the creeps.

Now, I can look at them but I panick when they touch me or come near me and even on me and even though people say they won’t touch you, they have touched me alot but I am aware that they are harmless but I just feel this way and their faces are a symbol to me of terror or horror.

I don’t like really any insects near me or on me but spiders scare me the most and when I see one on the wall near my bed I watch it alot praying that it will go away and carry on with it’s own business because it does keep me awake more than when there are no spiders and I woke up one morning with a spider below my chin and I said “whats that thing, so I got up and it started moving so I hopped off my bed in a fright, there have been one big one under the blankets near or on my feet in the past and a big or medium sized jungle looking one in the garden underneath my top and I pushed it away and shaked my jumper to make sure it was gone. Ya spiders really love me because I am a magnet to them.

Where I live there are no posionious snakes, insects, spiders or animals that eat you in my area but all we have to worry about is wasp stings or bites, unless there is a vicious dog about the place somewhere who bites people but its unlikely.

What should I do?

I am 22 and I want to be strong and brave and wise. What must I do to acheive those traits or that attitude???

PLEASE READ ALL OF THIS, AND PLEASE DON’T ATTEMPT TO POST UNNECESARY COMMENTS. THIS QUESTION IS INTENDED ONLY FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE INTENTION IN HELPING ME. Thank you.

Okay, first off, my name is Sarah, I am 14, and I have a puppy. She is a female Border Collie/ Chow-Chow puppy, who is approximately 10 months old. She weighs about 55 pounds. We got her in August of 2009. Ever since we got her, she has had a strange breathing problem. She breathes normally 99% of the time. Every few days or so, there will be an inconsistent time where she begins to inhale rapidly and deeply, like she can’t catch her breath. These spasms only last for a few seconds, then she goes back to breathing normally. They are quiet spasms, with no snorting or coughing. Just odd gasping. We first noticed this problem a few weeks after we adopted her from the pound, and never thought much about it. She has been perfectly fine and healthy up until about a month ago, when she started having problems with her ears.

There was a thick, dark, waxy build-up, and she would shake them, scratch at them, and whine constantly, especially when she hit the wrong spot while scratching. She had completely lost her appetite. She needed alot of encouragement just to get up and walk. I was becoming quite concerned. After a few days had gone by, we decided to take her to the vet. At first, we thought it was just ear mites, but the vet checked her ears, and said it was not. It was an ear infection– a dog’s form of swimmer’s ear. So we got her some medicine, and ear wash, and used them as directed for 10 days.

A few days into her ear treatment, we noticed this thick, scabby, full-bodied rash that spread from the base of her rump, all the way to the top of her head. She also had been having some slight hair loss, paritcularly on her backside. So we finally decided to take her BACK to the vet, and there, she was diagnosed with a simple skin infection. So we got the medicated shampoo, and the antibiotics issued from the vet, and headed home again. The following night, she decided she was hungry. Our luck, she decided to eat the christmas lights. Luckily, they werent plugged in, but she had ingested a bit of glass, and wiring. We took her to the vet, and they told us to feed her soft food for a few days, accompanied by metamucil to help the foreign bodies pass. A few days later, they did. It was a pretty good scare, but all of the material had passed.

So, after a few baths, and 3 weeks of antibiotics, the rash on her back has finally cleared up. The only problem is, she still won’t eat, and her ears are still bothering her, just like they were before. The only difference is, there is no thick, dark build-up. Just scratching, shaking of the head, and pain. I am becoming even more concerned because of the breathing problem. It is becoming more consistent.

I would be more concerned about “bloat”, but this has been going on for quite some time, and “bloat” develops over the course of a few days. I’m not sure whether or not to take her back to the vet, or to just wait to see what happens. I am very scared for her, because she is still acting sickly. Please help):

HI, Here for the past 1yr+ my dog, part pug, has gotten sickly skinny. So has no fat or muscle on he bones. She literally looks like skin and bones. She’s very full of life, but she’s very old, about 12 or 13. So she acts her age in respect to that. We have 4 other inside dogs and we feed her all the same amount of food. We give her extra vitamins for her age. We’ve had her tested for worms on a regular schedule several times since she’s had this.Her doctor said some of her organs are failing, due to her old age. I was wondering if anyone has had a similar problem or knows what the problem could be?

In November we found this RARE dog i don’t know the name of. It looks like a Shiba inu aka a wolf/fox-like dog that is absolutely beautiful! She has a lot of problems because she was abused. Nothing mentally though. Her skin is really dry though and her fur was missing in a few places at first but now it’s growing back. We don’t know how long she was out there but the pound she was sent to wanted to put her to sleep! So we took her into our care. We know she isn’t a puppy. At least over 5 years old. She was scared if us at first but she got used to it. How can I help her maintain this lifestyle? She hasn’t lived this way it seems. She isn’t even house broken and she’s afraid to step outside. I want her to be content. Besides the fact we are taking her to the vet, how else can we help? And also, Is it safe to send a rare dog to the pound when they could just want her for that reason? I don’t want her to be abused again. Thank you for your time!
We also don’t know if we can keep her with the 3 other dogs we have. It would unfortunately be too much. We also can’t find anyone we can trust.
Another thing, We haven’t checked to see if she was chipped because we don’t want to figure out who she belonged to. It would just be animal abuse. Not to mention her condition couldn’t have just taken weeks. It almost seems as if she has never been to the vet for a while.
For those who find this confusing, the question is What can i do to help her more and since we can’t keep her for long?

Our 12 year old cocker spaniel has recently stopped eating, and needs to kind of be convinced that what she’s looking at is food. She’ll eat it eventually, but it takes her a while to “get it” I guess. She has NEVER had this problem before. Believe me, she used to practically inhale all food in sight.

Her behavior has changed as well. She gets very excited at very unusual times, and will suddenly run around the house or away from her food bowl, or will just sit in one spot outside in the middle of the snow, staring off into space.

Yesterday my mother discovered a red rash under her chin down her neck. It looks like it could have been from her new-ish collar rubbing against her skin from last week’s bath. There’s a small possibility she got in a fight with a stray cat in our neighborhood, but it doesn’t look like scratches. It’s just a solid red.
My mother tried to treat this yesterday by rubbing neosporn (sp?) on it, and obviously we’ve left her collar off.

Now last night she threw up a few times in my room. This happens occasionally, and normally I wouldn’t think any more of it, but her strange behavior has still continued, and I can’t help but wonder if any of these things are related.

I hate asking my parents, because they always blow things out of proportion, and my mom acts like she knows how to treat animals, then either boasts about being right, or talks about how that was our last hope and how she only has so much time left. I’d rather just not confide in her unless I think we should go to the vet. These things are all probably just coincidence, and I don’t want to freak out anybody else.

I have a 2 year old female westie. She is overall healthy and up to date on her vaccinations, etc. No health problems besides normal allergies. For the past few weeks, she has been acting a little different. My husband says he doesn’t notice anything different about her, so I’ve waited before I take her to the vet. She’s been sleeping a little more than usual but still plays like normal when she’s awake. I’ve noticed she dreams quite a bit as well. Like, she’ll move her legs and breath heavy and bat her eyes, etc. while she’s sleeping. She also is shivering quite a bit. I know it’s cold outside, but she’ll shiver and I’ll feel her skin and she’s warm. Even her ears and nose will be warm. She also has been licking her female private parts quite a bit. I looked at that area the other day and it seems to be a little redder than normal. So I wonder could it be some kind of infection possibly? Should I take her by the vet in the morning you think? I just hated to take her and the veterinarian think I’m crazy for bringing her for such small symptoms. Thanks in advance for any answers.
I’m not relying on answers here. I’m simply asking suggestions, as it’s not a life or death situation right this second. I plan on taking her at 9am but until then, I’m just curious. I’m not that irresponsible.
She has been fixed since she was about 7 months. Thanks for the answers everyone. I don’t feel so stupid calling/stopping by the vet in the morning now.

Last year in the same spot, my female American Pit Bull Terrier (who is spayed) started loosing hair on her body but just in one spot. She had dry skin and we used oatmeal shampoo(my mom is a Petco Groomer) and it helped but now it’s not helping and she is getting a bald patch again and it’s in the same exact spot. She doesn’t have a skin infection or mange. She is perfectly healthy but she just has that one bald patch and we have a hunch but I’m not sure if it’s the cause. Whenever we but our dogs beds for their kennels(because they would get in fights and kill each other in we let them run around) they just sit there and chew them up instead of just laying on it so we don’t bother trying to get them beds anymore because it really is too time consuming to try and train them not to chew them and my dad works 7 days a week and my mom spends her time cleaning our messy house so we don’t really have the time to train them not to chew on their beds. Anyways, my dog just had dry skin now but my mom thinks that this time it is because she is just laying on newspaper and no bed. I am pretty sure this isn’t the reason because they all have had to be in a kennel for 2 years because of our cats and their dad and the fighting problem. They are all separated and have the same type of kennel. None of the other [males] have this problem. What could be causing the hair loss? I have no idea what it could be! I have ruled out everything and can’t think of a thing. She doesn’t itch at it either! Any answers are appreciated!
She isn’t allergic to flea bites. She doesn’t even have fleas! She doesn’t have fleas, mange, allergies, or anything else I can think of! I don’t know what it is!
She eats Nutro(Natural Choice) and has no allergies at all. Nutro has no fillers and they LOVE it. When we switched them, the picked the nutro out of their bowl and spit out their old puppy food.

Okay here is the deal . Since moving into My apartment we have had one problem after another . I am interested in finding out what They have a responsibility to fix. My apartment Complex is Mostly Illegal Immigrants including the maintenance Man and Manager (The manager just changed) before we had no problems with the manager .
Upon coming out the front door it is a enclosed space to the left is a gate to the right is a sidewalk leading to the Parking lot .

1: After problems started occurring with the maintenance man He nailed our gate shut because we went back there to BBQ and play with the neighbors dogs . Is this a safety hazard nailing our gate shut ? It would only leave one exit and if the fire blocked that exit we would be screwed .

2: Also There is a half cement half dirt ditch behind the building on its property I never knew what it was for bit now I have discovered the pump sewage into it and it drains into a pipe that leads off the property. if this any kind of violation or safety hazard?

3: Most of our windows do not open

4: the front windows have bars on them , Our Apartment is the only one I didn’t know why at first the windows where open when we rented it it was being “Aired out” But actually our windows are installed crooked and don’t close .

5: The foundation under our apartment is damaged and it leans drastically towards one corner. Is the landlord suppose to inform you of something like that when renting?

6: They will rarely open our Laundry facility’s which is something that the owner knew I was looking for in the Apartment complex i moved to. can anything be done about that?

7: The stairs here Are metal and some of them are bent and it throws Your balance off . is this a hazard?

8: When taking a shower the water temperature drastically between hot and cold . the change occurs fast I have been practically burned a couple times with red skin that hurts to the touch. Is this a hazard?

9: sometimes water appears in the floor we where told that’s why the last people moved outt is the landlord required to inform us of this?

10: we have cracked pieces of tile some large chunks missing from corners are they responsible for fixing this?

11: The still haven’tt come and put on the last piece of trim or covered several wall sockets . The plugs and wires just hang out the wall .

First I apologize for the repost for anyone that already answered-but when my question posted half of it was cut off.

I have seriously been thinking about adding another dog to our household.

I have picked a breed that I could not only show in breed ring, but in obedience and herding events.

Since I would only get a dog from a reputable breeder, and want a show quality dog, I went ahead and contacted the breeder referral person for the breed club.

Here is the response I got

———————-
Thank you for your inquiry

Please be aware that there are few ********** breeders in California anymore as your state is considered a hostile environment for responsible breeders. You see, several counties have passed mandatory spay/neuter laws and, your state representatives almost passed this type of law California-wide last year. If responsible breeders are forced to spay/neuter their puppies at 4 months or pay huge ?breeding fees? they either stop breeding or move elsewhere.In addition, some breeders from other states will not sell to California residents anymore because residents allowed their representatives to pass these animal rights oriented laws
———————-

I have a really thick skin but this letter made me take a step back. It also made me think no wonder people go to backyard breeders sometimes.

I will continue undaunted but I was surprised. When I purchased my Rough Collie, the breed referral contact was kind and supportive.

Do you consider this a rude response?

Have you ever gotten a rude response to a breeder referral inquiry?

****REPUTABLE BREEDERS- do you have a problem selling a dog to someone in California?

Would you say to heck with it and find another Breed/ Club that has a better attitude?

FYI-As for the “Huge Fees” she refers to, in Los Angeles City one must spay/neuter by the age of 4 months if they do not have an exemption (show dog, working dog etc), and if they have an intact dog must pay a $120 a year license fee. If you are going to breed addtionally there is a $150 breeding permit fee. I do not agree with the policy but its not a huge amount by any means.
ADD: Animal Artwork- so no matter where in California a person lives your group will not sell anywhere in the state?
(The statewide MSN dis not pass)

I am in California, but there are no MSN laws in my County.
ADD#2- For the record I did put in my inquiry that I was an experienced show home with multiple titled dogs.

ADD#3- Jenni-Exactly I did not elect the bozos that voted yes! My representative voted no on the statewide MSN!
By the way this Breed Referral was from the National Club, not an individual!
LAST ADD: Apparently I did not make things CLEAR ENOUGH

I do not live where there is MSN.

I live in the state of California which VOTED DOWN statewide MSN a year ago. There is NO Statewide MSN law.

I donated funds to PET PAC to fight statewide MSN, which was voted down.

I can not be responsible for what one City has done. I do not live in Los Angeles.

The County I reside in has no interest at this time or in the past to impose MSN.