Index : Proper Nutrition, Flea and Tick Collars, Demodex Mange Treatment, TN Rabies Law
Proper Nutrition:
Nutrition is at the top of the list of factors to consider when looking at how to have a healthy pet. The information below was taken from: http://www.doghealthproblems.org/dogcare/DogFoodArticles/Holistic-Dog-Food-versus-Conventional-Brands.php
Please consider feeding your pet a top quality food. Another good website to go to is the one listed below. It gives the top dog foods as rated by Whole Dog Journal (http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/toptenfoods.html).
Holistic dog food is that which provides an alternative meal for a pet that not only curbs hunger but also addresses the overall health and well being of the animal. Holistic dog foods should contain all natural ingredients that are good enough quality to satisfy humans. They do not contain by products but do contain meat, that is free from hormones, whole grain rice, digestive enzymes, antioxidants, fatty acids and Omega 3 amongst other important vitamins. Canned and commercial brands of dog foods that are popular amongst dog owners often contain meal instead of meat. Meal often contains indigestible parts and these are added to wheat and corn to provide a filling meal that can make a dog sick and cause allergic reactions. These are cheaper options but nutrition wise, holistic dog food is by far the best option.
As the cheaper dog foods are passed through the system so quickly, the dogs are left feeling hungry more than usual. Holistic dog foods often fill the dogs for longer. The most popular brands on the market are never endorsed by veterinarians as they too know the benefits of holistic dog foods over conventional brands. Holistic dog food can seem surprisingly expensive but it is not actually that steep when the larger, better value bags are purchased. Future vets bills are often decreased as dogs fed on holistic food often have less illnesses and allergies.
Benefits of Holistic Dog Food
Holistic dog food products are made from natural human grade ingredients that do not contain any byproducts or fillers. Holistic dog food is easily digested by dogs and causes fewer food allergies. Many dogs’ benefits in both health and vitality after their owners switch to holistic dog food. Veterinary bills are often significantly lowered due to the increase in good health caused by these foods. Holistic dog food has not been affected by any of the dog food recalls that have plagued all of the major brands in recent years. It has many long-term benefits and provides pets with all of the nutrients that they need on a daily basis. Holistic dog food is now in wide supply and products are often displayed in veterinary clinics. It is advisable to feed dogs the best quality foods possible to prolong their life spans and health. Dogs often experience allergies and poor coats that lack shine and luster when they are fed conventional canned dog food but all of these problems dissipate once the dog has been switched to holistic dog food.
Stay away from foods containing dyes, synthetic preservatives like ethoxyquin (http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/red-flag-ingredients/ethoxyquin-dangerous-dog-food-additive/). Cheap pet foods and Science Diet contain ethoxyquin. It is known to cause liver and kidney problems and has been banned from use in human food. Corn and wheat are also found in cheap pet foods. Corn is just a filler and has very low nutritional value. We all believe the old saying "you are what you eat". This is true for your pets as well.
Here is the list of the top 20 Worst Consumer Rated Dog Foods
1. Beneful
2. Blackwood 1000 Chicken Meal and Corn
3. Wegmans Bruiser Kibble
4. Purina Dog Chow
5. Science Diet Adult Dog Food
6. Ol' Roy
7. Purina Be Happy Beef Flavor
8. Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Beef Flavor
9. Purina Vet Diets
10.Kibble' n Bits Original
11.Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy
12.Purina Dog Chow Healthy Morsels
13.Kal Kan
14. Alpo by Purina
15. Gravy Train
16. Iams ProActive Health Adult Minichunks
17. Purina Senior 7+ Healthy Morsels Soft and Crunchy
18. Pro Pac Adult Chunk Premium
19. Science Diet Adult Dog Breed
20. Nature's Recipe Adult Lamb Meal and Rice
Flea and Tick Collars
Adults who play with a cat or dog while it's wearing a flea and tick collar are exposed to up to 500 times the Environmental Protection Agency's safe level of pesticides, according to a first-of-its-kind study by scientists at the Natural Resources Defense Council. For children, the levels can be 1,000 times higher than what's safe. The worst are collars containing chemicals called (get ready for a mouthful) propoxur or tetrachlorvinphos, which kill pests by disrupting their nerve pathways. Four out of five top-selling brands we shopped for contained one of these, so check labels. Luckily there are other effective pest-killing options. "Pills that pets take internally seem to be safer," says Jerome Paulson, M.D., chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics council on environmental health. Two common brands are Capstar and Program, which you can get for between $20 and $60 online or from your vet. (For other--cheaper!--suggestions, go to greenpaws.org.).
Recommendtion for treating demodex mange:
Take one organic lemon and slice it. Place the lemon in 1 pint of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for a few minutes and let cool. Apply to the affected areas with a cotton ball. Use a Q-Tip if applying near the eyes (lemon juice stings the eyes). Saturate the area twice/day for 7-10 days....or longer if needed. Make sure the dog or other dogs don't lick off the juice before it has had a chance to work! Dogs like lemons too!
I was totally skeptical when I read this as a method of treatment but have used it on 9 pups and it works. It is inexpensive and safe....no harsh chemicals to worry about or smelly, toxic dips to deal with. The demodex mites can't deal with the acidic environment produced by lemon juice!
Nexgard,the flea/tick med, also clears up demodex in dogs.
Vaccinations:
For the health of your pet, please do your own research on the three-year vaccination protocol. Vet schools have stopped recommending annual vaccinations for diseases such as parvo/distemper. All states now recognize the 3-yr rabies vaccination.
Dr. Jean Dodds is an expert on pet vaccinations. Here is what she recommends.
Dr. Jean Dodds – Dog Vaccine Protocol
The following vaccine protocol is offered for those dogs where minimal vaccinations are advisable or desirable.
Note: MLV stands for Modified Live Virus
9 – 10 weeks of age
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV
e.g. Merck Nobivac (Intervet Progard) Puppy DPV
14 – 15 weeks of age
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV
18 weeks of age
Parvovirus only, MLV
Note: New research states that last puppy parvovirus vaccine should be at 18 weeks old.
20 weeks or older
Rabies – give 3-4 weeks apart from other vaccines and at 5 months if allowable by law.
Mercury-free (thimerosol-free, TF)
1 year old
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV
This is an optional booster or titer. If the client intends not to booster after this optional booster or intends to retest titers in another three years, this optional booster at puberty is wise.
1 year old
Rabies – give 3-4 weeks apart from other vaccines
3-year product if allowable by law; mercury-free (TF)
Perform vaccine antibody titers for distemper and parvovirus every three years thereafter, or more often, if desired. Vaccinate for rabies virus according to the law, except where circumstances indicate that a written waiver needs to be obtained from the primary care veterinarian. In that case, a rabies antibody titer can also be performed to accompany the waiver request.
Visit The Rabies Challenge Fund for more information.
W. Jean Dodds, DVM
Hemopet / NutriScan
11561 Salinaz Avenue
Garden Grove, CA 92843
Tennessee's state anti-rabies law, Title 68 Chapter 8 Section 103 (i) declares that “Nothing in this section shall be construed to require more frequent rabies vaccinations or a greater number of rabies vaccinations than are required by the rabies compendium,” and defines the “compendium” under Section 102 (3) as “the most recent issue of the national ‘Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control’ published by the Association of State Public Health Veterinarians..”
(b) Dogs and cats may be vaccinated as early as three (3) months of age or at an age as specified by the vaccine's UDSA license, but will be considered as non-compliant with this section if over six (6) months of age.
All states recognize the 3-yr vaccination. After the pet has had one rabies vaccination, ask about getting the 3-yr one. It cost the same at our clinic. TN does not issue a 3-yr tag but all you need for proof is the rabies certificate....so file that in a safe place.
Proper Nutrition:
Nutrition is at the top of the list of factors to consider when looking at how to have a healthy pet. The information below was taken from: http://www.doghealthproblems.org/dogcare/DogFoodArticles/Holistic-Dog-Food-versus-Conventional-Brands.php
Please consider feeding your pet a top quality food. Another good website to go to is the one listed below. It gives the top dog foods as rated by Whole Dog Journal (http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/toptenfoods.html).
Holistic dog food is that which provides an alternative meal for a pet that not only curbs hunger but also addresses the overall health and well being of the animal. Holistic dog foods should contain all natural ingredients that are good enough quality to satisfy humans. They do not contain by products but do contain meat, that is free from hormones, whole grain rice, digestive enzymes, antioxidants, fatty acids and Omega 3 amongst other important vitamins. Canned and commercial brands of dog foods that are popular amongst dog owners often contain meal instead of meat. Meal often contains indigestible parts and these are added to wheat and corn to provide a filling meal that can make a dog sick and cause allergic reactions. These are cheaper options but nutrition wise, holistic dog food is by far the best option.
As the cheaper dog foods are passed through the system so quickly, the dogs are left feeling hungry more than usual. Holistic dog foods often fill the dogs for longer. The most popular brands on the market are never endorsed by veterinarians as they too know the benefits of holistic dog foods over conventional brands. Holistic dog food can seem surprisingly expensive but it is not actually that steep when the larger, better value bags are purchased. Future vets bills are often decreased as dogs fed on holistic food often have less illnesses and allergies.
Benefits of Holistic Dog Food
Holistic dog food products are made from natural human grade ingredients that do not contain any byproducts or fillers. Holistic dog food is easily digested by dogs and causes fewer food allergies. Many dogs’ benefits in both health and vitality after their owners switch to holistic dog food. Veterinary bills are often significantly lowered due to the increase in good health caused by these foods. Holistic dog food has not been affected by any of the dog food recalls that have plagued all of the major brands in recent years. It has many long-term benefits and provides pets with all of the nutrients that they need on a daily basis. Holistic dog food is now in wide supply and products are often displayed in veterinary clinics. It is advisable to feed dogs the best quality foods possible to prolong their life spans and health. Dogs often experience allergies and poor coats that lack shine and luster when they are fed conventional canned dog food but all of these problems dissipate once the dog has been switched to holistic dog food.
Stay away from foods containing dyes, synthetic preservatives like ethoxyquin (http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/red-flag-ingredients/ethoxyquin-dangerous-dog-food-additive/). Cheap pet foods and Science Diet contain ethoxyquin. It is known to cause liver and kidney problems and has been banned from use in human food. Corn and wheat are also found in cheap pet foods. Corn is just a filler and has very low nutritional value. We all believe the old saying "you are what you eat". This is true for your pets as well.
Here is the list of the top 20 Worst Consumer Rated Dog Foods
1. Beneful
2. Blackwood 1000 Chicken Meal and Corn
3. Wegmans Bruiser Kibble
4. Purina Dog Chow
5. Science Diet Adult Dog Food
6. Ol' Roy
7. Purina Be Happy Beef Flavor
8. Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Beef Flavor
9. Purina Vet Diets
10.Kibble' n Bits Original
11.Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy
12.Purina Dog Chow Healthy Morsels
13.Kal Kan
14. Alpo by Purina
15. Gravy Train
16. Iams ProActive Health Adult Minichunks
17. Purina Senior 7+ Healthy Morsels Soft and Crunchy
18. Pro Pac Adult Chunk Premium
19. Science Diet Adult Dog Breed
20. Nature's Recipe Adult Lamb Meal and Rice
Flea and Tick Collars
Adults who play with a cat or dog while it's wearing a flea and tick collar are exposed to up to 500 times the Environmental Protection Agency's safe level of pesticides, according to a first-of-its-kind study by scientists at the Natural Resources Defense Council. For children, the levels can be 1,000 times higher than what's safe. The worst are collars containing chemicals called (get ready for a mouthful) propoxur or tetrachlorvinphos, which kill pests by disrupting their nerve pathways. Four out of five top-selling brands we shopped for contained one of these, so check labels. Luckily there are other effective pest-killing options. "Pills that pets take internally seem to be safer," says Jerome Paulson, M.D., chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics council on environmental health. Two common brands are Capstar and Program, which you can get for between $20 and $60 online or from your vet. (For other--cheaper!--suggestions, go to greenpaws.org.).
Recommendtion for treating demodex mange:
Take one organic lemon and slice it. Place the lemon in 1 pint of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for a few minutes and let cool. Apply to the affected areas with a cotton ball. Use a Q-Tip if applying near the eyes (lemon juice stings the eyes). Saturate the area twice/day for 7-10 days....or longer if needed. Make sure the dog or other dogs don't lick off the juice before it has had a chance to work! Dogs like lemons too!
I was totally skeptical when I read this as a method of treatment but have used it on 9 pups and it works. It is inexpensive and safe....no harsh chemicals to worry about or smelly, toxic dips to deal with. The demodex mites can't deal with the acidic environment produced by lemon juice!
Nexgard,the flea/tick med, also clears up demodex in dogs.
Vaccinations:
For the health of your pet, please do your own research on the three-year vaccination protocol. Vet schools have stopped recommending annual vaccinations for diseases such as parvo/distemper. All states now recognize the 3-yr rabies vaccination.
Dr. Jean Dodds is an expert on pet vaccinations. Here is what she recommends.
Dr. Jean Dodds – Dog Vaccine Protocol
The following vaccine protocol is offered for those dogs where minimal vaccinations are advisable or desirable.
Note: MLV stands for Modified Live Virus
9 – 10 weeks of age
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV
e.g. Merck Nobivac (Intervet Progard) Puppy DPV
14 – 15 weeks of age
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV
18 weeks of age
Parvovirus only, MLV
Note: New research states that last puppy parvovirus vaccine should be at 18 weeks old.
20 weeks or older
Rabies – give 3-4 weeks apart from other vaccines and at 5 months if allowable by law.
Mercury-free (thimerosol-free, TF)
1 year old
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV
This is an optional booster or titer. If the client intends not to booster after this optional booster or intends to retest titers in another three years, this optional booster at puberty is wise.
1 year old
Rabies – give 3-4 weeks apart from other vaccines
3-year product if allowable by law; mercury-free (TF)
Perform vaccine antibody titers for distemper and parvovirus every three years thereafter, or more often, if desired. Vaccinate for rabies virus according to the law, except where circumstances indicate that a written waiver needs to be obtained from the primary care veterinarian. In that case, a rabies antibody titer can also be performed to accompany the waiver request.
Visit The Rabies Challenge Fund for more information.
W. Jean Dodds, DVM
Hemopet / NutriScan
11561 Salinaz Avenue
Garden Grove, CA 92843
Tennessee's state anti-rabies law, Title 68 Chapter 8 Section 103 (i) declares that “Nothing in this section shall be construed to require more frequent rabies vaccinations or a greater number of rabies vaccinations than are required by the rabies compendium,” and defines the “compendium” under Section 102 (3) as “the most recent issue of the national ‘Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control’ published by the Association of State Public Health Veterinarians..”
(b) Dogs and cats may be vaccinated as early as three (3) months of age or at an age as specified by the vaccine's UDSA license, but will be considered as non-compliant with this section if over six (6) months of age.
All states recognize the 3-yr vaccination. After the pet has had one rabies vaccination, ask about getting the 3-yr one. It cost the same at our clinic. TN does not issue a 3-yr tag but all you need for proof is the rabies certificate....so file that in a safe place.