Dog Vaccines Common sense should always prevail

Have you noticed that there is now a seasonal flu shot for dogs? Does your pooch really need it? Think about how the flu is spread; through contact in crowded places where a sick individual comes into contact with others. This is the problem with people because we spend too much time in crowds. That is not the case with your pet, unless you keep him in a kennel. And if your dog spends a lot of time in a kennel, maybe you should rethink having a pet. Dogs only go where we allow them to go, so you can keep their exposure to a minimum, and that is why the typical pet is not at risk for seasonal flu.Keep you dog in good health with a natural diet, preferably raw. This will keep their immune systems in top form. 

 Using prevention techniques is much better then flu vaccines and there are no side effects.For the other vaccines, some are good and some should be selected based upon your pet and the potential exposure to various environmental conditions that may put them at risk. If your companion is primarily an at home pet, the risk of getting any of the maladies is relatively small, but if you take your pet on hikes, or mountain biking in the woods, the potential exposure will increase. Also consider that often the initial puppy inoculation cycle may last a long time and not need additional booster shots. Some data suggests that the core vaccinations, except rabies, probably last 7 years. 

There is ample evidence that vaccines and naturally occurring exposure will stimulate the body’s immune system to form antibodies and also create a memory if the same virus is encountered again. Memory cells may persist for 20 years and are not increased by annual inoculations. There is a simple test that can determine if your pet has sufficient immunological protection from previous (puppy) shots. Ask your vet to do a Vaccine Titer Test This is a measure of how much antibody to a certain antigen is circulating in the blood at the moment of the test. It is reliable and can determine if a vaccine is warranted. Some vets can give you results in 15 minutes with TiterChekTM test kit, and the tests are no more expensive then the vaccines they will replace. This can be done at your annual checkup, and will help you from over-vaccination, which of course is much better for you pet, and he will thank you with additional years of enjoyment.Although there are dozens of vaccines it is not necessary to test for all. Good immunity for parvovirus and canine distemper virus are the 2 major tests that you should do. But, again consult with your vet to explain your life style and get recommendations, so you can make the best decision for your furry friend. 

 Many issues that could arise such as with corona virus is more determined by the condition of the canine gut (hence good nutrition) then what is in the blood. Lyme’s is another test that only needs to be run if you live in high risk areas. Please check the chart in Part 1 to determine your pet’s potential risk factors for each of the vaccines presented. Remember in most states rabies vaccines are required by law. There are 1 yr and 3 yr vaccines. They are the same dosage and product, so please ask for the 3 yr if you choose to vaccinate against rabies. You also might consider finding a holistic veterinarian that can provide you with a homeopathic rabies vaccine detox called Lyssin. This can also be obtained online for self administering, but be sure to follow the guidelines exactly. You can also request a Titers for rabies, and perhaps avoid the shot altogether.Many States and Counties offer free rabies shots. Check with your local government office to see if they have this program. 

But be careful of over vaccinating, and at some point have a Titers test run rather then take the free vaccine.Do not vaccinate your dog again if he has had a life threatening vaccine reaction.As a society we have been over vaccinating ourselves and especially our pets. At least with humans we stop after puberty, but not so with our faithful companions. It is time to take matters into our own hands and do the necessary research to determine if these vaccines are even necessary. Which ever decision you choose, you will bear the fruits or the consequences, which have a direct bearing on your pets health and life.

Dry Or Wet, Dog Food? - How to choose

Dry or wet dog food, which is better? Everybody has a preference when it comes to dog foods and what you should feed your dog. Some people say wet is better, some people say dry is better and still other people say you should feed some of both. If it is a good quality food and your dog is getting all of his essential vitamins, minerals and daily nutrition, feed whatever you want. You are the one that needs to decide, dry or wet dog food?

I have found through personal experience and talking with Veterinarians and friends that Royal Canin brand dog food is a good quality food that can be found in both dry or wet/ canned food varieties. Royal Can in has a food specifically designed for almost every age, size, activity level and breed of dog, so it is easy to find a food that is geared towards your specific dog. It is available at feed stores, Pet Smart, Pet co, online and many other stores that sell good quality food. They even make a food to help with weight reduction if your little buddy gets too heavy. Royal Canin food is also available on the Veterinary level which means they make food specifically designed to be fed for treatment and prevention of certain canine ailments. 

This particular line is only available through your Veterinarian.To purchase any of these foods, please click on their picture below.   I used to feed my dog a mix of wet and dry food when he was younger because I had trouble getting him to eat his dry food without it. I switched back and forth with foods trying to find something he would eat and I finally found one he would eat without anything added to it. I started feeding my dog Royal Canin dry food, he likes it and it is specifically designed for his body type and breed.Certain breeds, sizes and ages of dogs do better eating wet/ canned food versus dry food. Small breed dogs and puppies do better with wet food because it is easier to digest. It is also helpful to feed puppies and small breed dogs wet/ canned food because it can be hard to find kibble in a size small enough for them to chew. Senior dogs tend to have a tougher time digesting their food and sometimes due to dental disease have difficulty trying to chew hard food so canned/ wet food is a good choice. 

Dogs that are prone to kidney and urinary tract issues sometimes warrant  the use of wet/ canned food over dry because of the water content found in wet/ canned food.Some dogs will not eat strictly dry food and need to have canned food added to their food. Royal Canin makes wet/ canned food as well to go along with their dry food diets. They are just as good as the dry food and they may help with the picky eater that you may have.I feed my dog strictly Royal Canin dry food now, just because it is easier for me. I work a lot of long hours and my dog goes with me to my job. We also do a lot of outdoor activities on the weekends and It is a lot easier to travel with a container of dry food in my bag than having to tote around a can or worse yet an open can of dog food when we are out and about.Some people argue that dry food is better because it helps with plaque on the teeth. 

How many dogs do you know that chew their food? My dog inhales his food, he may chew a few pieces, but not much. Some people say that wet food is better because it is more palatable and more resembles what they would have eaten in the wild. They eat bones in the wild as well, but canned food doesn’t come with bones? I think that you, your vet and your dog should make the decision whether dry or canned/ wet food is better for your dog. Weather you feed dry or wet dog food, make sure your dog is getting the right amount of food. Feeding too much or too little can lead to major health problems down the road.