I started a new group called Health and Medical Issues

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

This group is a place to discuss any and all medical and health issues. It is different than the group for Special Needs doodles in that this is for any long or short term health and medical issues. We can discuss anything that comes up. Sometimes we just need a more in depth discussion than is on the regular forum.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Glad to see this discussion start. We all need motherly advice.
Thanks for thinking of it.

[Jackie]

This is a great idea. I know I've written on here about medical issues. It'll be great to have others to ask for advise. Sign me up.

[Julie]

Hello You Wonderful and Experienced Doodle-Owners,

We are hoping you would be able to give us your expertise about a new puppy, especially re: the prevalence and likelihood of catching a disease after 2 immunizations.

* We will be getting our labradoodle pup between Christmas and New Year. On Dec. 26th he will be eight weeks.

* I have heard conflicting opinions about puppy kindergarten. Both the breeder (in Alberta) and staff at "Zen Dog Training" in Vancouver believe that it is better to enroll our puppy in his first session of classes during the first week of January because of the crucial training/learning period from 7-11 weeks. He will have had 2 immunization shots by 9 weeks, correct? (He will be a few days past 9 weeks on January 5th when classes begin.) Others say he should not attend a puppy socialization class until he has had all 3 shots (at 16 weeks, I believe). The breeder advises me to ask a local vet because he will know what contagious diseases are common in the Richmond/Vancouver area of British Columbia, where we live, especially how much Parvo Virus is around- and could give me an informed opinion. We are in an urban/suburban area.

So the upshot of my question is: Puppy socialization at 91/2 weeks during an optimal learning stage or wait till after 16 weeks, erring on the side of caution but perhaps not maximizing the learning? Please advise. We look forward to having your advice.

Regards and wishes for a big doodle snuggle this Christmas!
Julie

[Gerri Wetherhold]

I am concerned with my 4 year old female Labradoodle. We have had her and her sister for about 2 months now and Shirley needed to be groomed as her hair was long and very curly and was difficult getting a brush through it. I took her to the groomer on Monday and still today she seems very touchy and sad because of the experience. I would like to ask if any one else can give me any info as to whether their pups have had similar symptoms or experiences especially with the expression of the anal glands? I think this has made her rear touchy and she is biting at it. If so, how long till she gets back to her normal happy self. Also, is the gland expression usually part of the grooming ritual? I have had miniature poodles in the past, and I can remember them itching and biting for a bit after grommiing, but they were a lot smaller dogs compared to my 80 lb. Shirley. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Gerri

[Janie]

It could be razor burn.

[GBK]

Could be razor burn like Janie said. Mine are a little itchy after a clip, I use baby powder on their rears or faces if I see them itchy. I also heard that Noxema was a great thing to use to calm the redness and itching.