One fun and one serious video for you…
How To Thank Your Dog
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I have often wondered how to thank my dogs for all they give to me — and you probably have the same thought. How can we really show or tell our dogs how much we care for them? I think the answer is simple — it’s by how we care for them every day.
Lately I’ve been trying to find clear ways to explain my dog health beliefs and practices. And I have come up with some “rules”, which clients and students are finding very helpful. I believe these rules can help you have a happier, healthier dog, who is more resistant to disease, and can live a fuller life. Follow the rules, and increase the quality of life for you and your dog. Don’t follow them, and take your chances…
1. Feed your dog fo
od that is fit for human consumption. (Note: This excludes virtually every commercial dog food! Yes, you should be feeding your dog “people food”, or as I call, it real whole food, in a considered and thoughtful way!)
2. Use a variety of foods. Face it, nobody should eat chicken for 30 days straight!
3. Give core supplements, which include a vitamin and mineral supplement, probiotic, and salmon oil on a regular basis. Start joint support supplements in any active or large breed dog by the age of 12 months.
4. Evaluate your dog’s body condition weekly. Adjust what you are feeding accordingly.
5. Keep you dog mentally and physically active. Do whatever training you enjoy to engage their mind, and some fun exercise for their body. (Stupid pet tricks count!) Expose them to new environments, people, and suitable dogs.
6. Stop giving unnecessary and potentially harmful vaccinations! Utilize titer testing if in doubt. Most dogs will not need a distemper vaccination after their first adult vaccine, typically given around 15 months of age. Allow me to reiterate — do not give your dog yearly vaccinations!
7. Use harsh chemicals such as flea and tick products only when absolutely necessary. Use heartworm preventative seasonally.
8. Bathe and groom frequently, and use those sessions to observe every inch of your dog’s body for abnormalities. Most dogs would benefit from monthly bathing, nail trims, etc.
9. Should a serious health condition arise, get at least two opinions. The second opinion should be that of a boarded specialist. You may also choose to consult an alternative medicine practitioner. Beyond the true emergency situation, there is always time to think and ask questions of many experts.
10. Take a few minutes each day to share with your dog. Make it a part of your schedule — play games in the yard, sit and watch a movie, go for a walk, whatever fits the day. Find the joy in each other. Even just five minutes of playing with your dog can put a smile on both of your faces.
Today, I am thankful for all the people and dogs who are part of my life, and all that they teach me.
Categories: Foods, Uncategorized, Vaccines, Wholistic Care
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Feeding Fido: The Truth About Your Dog’s Dinner
For real health, dogs need real, whole foods – not processed grains, by products and chemically degraded meats. You know you want something better for your dog, but you’re probably unsure about what to do. It’s easier than you think to feed your dog a natural diet! Join us to learn about raw diets and natural ways to improve your dog’s health.
This will be a hands-on workshop, where you can see, touch, and compare a variety of food options. We’ll be analyzing what’s in popular dog foods — please bring your dog’s food label to see its nutritional ranking!
Date: Saturday, October 15th 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Cost: FREE!
Note: We are requesting a donation of $10 per person, to benefit Steve Caporrizo’s Pet Connection. Attendance will be limited to thirty people. Pre-registration is required.
Where: Good Dog Training Center, 30 Kraft Avenue, Albany, NY, 12205
Call 518-446-1988 for more information.
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Titer Testing Online Webcast for Owners
I just learned of this online presentation by Dr. Ron Schultz, who will explain the nuts and bolts of vaccines, and how measuring antibody levels can help you avoid needless and possibly harmful vaccinations. It’s free, just follow the directions below to register, and log in on September 8.
“Leading vac
cine researcher Dr. Ronald Schultz doesn’t want to see any more shelter pets die just because they’ve been exposed to a deadly infectious disease. That’s why he offered a shelter a chance to make a different choice during their next outbreak, allowing them to save the lives of 17 dogs.
How did they do it? With the use of a simple in-house antibody titer test that revealed which pets had an immunity to the disease. Please join Maddie’s Fund and Maddie’s® Institute for a free webcast with Ronald Schultz, MS, PhD, ACVM, on “Saving Lives With Antibody Titer Tests” on Thursday, September 8, 2011, at 9 PM Eastern/8 PM Central/7 PM Mountain/6 PM Pacific.
The session will include an opportunity to ask a limited number of questions.
Register here.
Many thanks to Susan Thixton for sharing this info.
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Your Dog’s Vaccinations — Part II
If you read the previous post, you probably know a lot more about vaccines than your did before. And you probably are still in a quandary about what your dog should have, and when! So, I am going to share my own recommended vaccine protocol, as well my personal “rules” for giving vaccines.
Recommended Vaccination Protocol
Age Vaccine Type
- 10 weeks Parvovirus (MLV)
- 14 weeks DAP (recombinant) or DP (MLV)
- 18 weeks (optional) DAP (recombinant) or DP (MLV)
- 24 weeks or older Rabies Vaccine, Thimersol free
- 1 year post last vaccination Distemper/Parvovirus titer
- 1 year post initial Rabies vaccination Rabies Vaccine 3 year, Thimersol free.
Perform vaccine antibody titers for distemper and parvovirus every three years thereafter, or more often, if desired. Yearly vaccinations are no longer advised by veterinary colleges, experts, or associations. 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.
This is especially recommended for animals previously experiencing adverse vaccine reactions or breeds at higher risk for such reactions (e.g., Weimaraner, Akita, American Eskimo, Great Dane).
As common sense and good medical practice would dictate, do NOT vaccinate females in heat, during pregnancy, or nursing. Do not vaccinate during times of stress such as surgery, travel, illness or infection.
Note: The above vaccine protocol is suggested for those dogs where minimal vaccinations are advisable or desirable. This schedule is one I recommend and does not imply that alternate protocols recommended by other veterinarians would be less satisfactory. All protocols may need to be modified for an individual patient and/or situation.
Best Practices for Vaccination of Dogs
- In accordance with vaccine manufacturer’s recommendations (i.e. the label), vaccinate only healthy dogs. If there is a health condition present, it should be treated, and the vaccine administered at a later date, when the dog has completely recovered.
- If blood testing, such as 4Dx (Heartworm, Lyme, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma) or a Complete Blood Count/Chemistry (organ function) is being run, wait for results before vaccinating the dog. This will avoid vaccinating a dog with a newly discovered infection or other health condition.
- Do not administer more than one vaccine at a time to any dog less than 15 kg (33 pounds) in accordance with a 3.0 – 4.46 odds ratio of an adverse reaction. (Research report published 2005 in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association).
- Do not administer multiple vaccines to breeds identified in the above study to be at higher risk for adverse reactions, which include: Dachshund, Pug, Chihuahua, Yorkie, Min Pin, Schnauzer, Jack Russell Terrier, Toy Poodle, Boxer, English Bulldog. It is also prudent to divide vaccines in breeds historically known to have sensitivity to them, such as the Weimaraner, Akita, American Eskimo, Great Dane, or whenever feasible.
- When spreading out vaccines, use at least a 4-week interval.
- A puppy’s initial vaccinination is ideally administered no earlier than 8 weeks of age.
- Do not vaccinate female dogs in heat. Hormonal changes can alter a normal response to vaccines. (per Dr. Jean Dodds)
- Do not vaccinate dogs with a previous history of adverse reactions.
- Utilize titer testing to verify response to previous vaccinations.
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Your Dog’s Vaccinations
I firmly believe owners deserve to be well informed about every medical treatment their pet receives. And vaccines are one of the most common, as well as one of the most potent, medical treatments veterinarians administer. They are also a common cause of adverse reactions, some which can be very serious. I’d like to share some insights and personal experiences with you.
Late afternoons are always busy at a veterinary hospital, as people schedule their routine appointments after work, or come home to find a pet with a problem. Just when the end of the day is in sight, a call comes in. Rocky the Pug, who was vaccinated at 4:30 today, is on his way back, with a badly swollen face and rapid breathing. A vaccine reaction.
Vaccines have long been used in humans and animals, and have saved countless lives. From smallpox to tetanus to rabies, vaccines have protected our pets, our food animals, and us. When new diseases or strains have emerged, vaccines have been updated to keep pace with new threats. Today’s vaccines are extremely potent, and can produce high levels of immunity with just a single dose.
Vaccines stimulate the immune system to develop antibodies and cellular immunity to the disease in question. A vaccine exposes the body to an antigen — a key part of the disease causing virus, or the actual virus that has been killed or modified. The body reacts to the vaccine by producing antibodies, specific white blood cells that attack virus and bacteria infected cells, and memory cells.
The most crucial part of the immune system that enables vaccines to work is the memory cell. These cells have the “imprint” of the disease-causing organism, for example, parvovirus. Should your dog be exposed to parvovirus after being vaccinated, these memory cells reproduce very rapidly, stimulating rapid antibody production and activation of white blood cells. The end result is that your dog does not get the disease. Many memory cells survive three years or more.
It is obvious that vaccination can be very beneficial. However, some individuals may be sensitive and react to the antigen or other compounds in the fluid of the vaccine. Common reactions include hives, facial swelling, fever, respiratory distress, vomiting, diarrhea, or pain at the injection site. Reactions can occur almost immediately, or within days of vaccination. In severe cases, cardiovascular collapse and death can occur. Fortunately these cases are rare.
Rocky, the dog seen at our hospital, arrived an hour after receiving a vaccination. The antihistamine Benedryl® his quick thinking owner had given was starting to help. Antihistamines block the release of the biochemical histamine from the stimulated white blood cells. Histamines cause for airway constriction, itching, and hive formation. He was treated with corticosteroids to suppress inflammation and block excessive immune system response, as well as further antihistamines. Within the hour, his facial swelling and breathing were improving.
Fortunately for Rocky, our knowledge of vaccines and immunology has greatly progressed in recent years. The days of the yearly “booster shot” are long behind us. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), and most veterinary colleges agree that after a puppy series, most vaccines do not need to be given any more frequently than every three years. Some studies have suggested that immunity from commonly used vaccinations lasts seven years or more. There is no benefit to giving an additional vaccination to the dog that already has sufficient immunity. Even more importantly, some experts consider repeated vaccinations as a cause of autoimmune diseases, including immediate reactions like Rocky’s, destruction of red blood cells or platelets, and hypothyroidism. All of these problems can have serious effect on our dogs’ lives.
Many veterinarians have changed their vaccination protocols, following the recommendations of the AVMA and AAHA. These organizations suggest determining which vaccines are essential or “core”, taking into account geographic differences, exposure, previous vaccinations, and effectiveness of the vaccine. Diseases such as parvovirus, rabies or distemper are considered essential. These vaccines are given in a puppy series, then on a three-year interval as the dog reaches adulthood. Vaccines such as Bordetella (kennel cough) or Lyme are often considered “non-core” and are given on a case-by-case basis. For animals with no exposure, there is no benefit in receiving the vaccine.
Several major vaccine manufacturers have responded to the call for longer intervals between vaccinations by proving their products have a three-year duration of action. Currently there are vaccines for distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus proven to last at least three years. (Some authorities have reported that most current vaccines produce immunity lasting longer than three years.) Rabies vaccine has long been documented to last at least three years.
Given that both of the largest veterinary associations, veterinary colleges, and even vaccine manufacturers are recommending extended vaccination protocols, it is bewildering and dismaying to hear of dogs receiving yearly vaccinations. While some veterinarians are extremely progressive and incorporated extended vaccination protocols years ago, others still recommend yearly vaccinations or non-essential vaccines. Keep in mind as your dog’s owner, you may accept or decline any recommendation. It is your right and responsibility to decide what is in your dog’s best interest. The only vaccination you are obligated to keep current is rabies. Each state has their own laws pertaining to rabies vaccination of animals, so be sure to check your state’s requirements.
So which vaccinations should your dog receive, and when should they be given? In my practice I start with a basic vaccination schedule and modify it individually for each animal. Changes may be made as circumstances change, including vaccine reactions such as Rocky experienced. Dogs with vaccine reactions generally never receive vaccination for that disease again, and are carefully monitored with any other vaccines. Depending on the case, blood testing (titers) may be used to measure the level of antibodies against disease. While these titer tests are not a perfect measure of immunity, they are safe way to determine antibody levels.
Early in my veterinary career, I was confronted with cases of parvovirus daily. Sadly, many of these did not survive. Currently, I may see one case a year. I believe the reason for this is the effectiveness of our parvovirus vaccines. When I began practicing, it was common procedure to give multiple vaccinations at one time, or to vaccinate twice yearly in show and competition dogs. Vaccine reactions were extremely rare. Now, we see many reactions, even to single vaccines. I believe the explanation for these events is the advanced technology and high potency of our vaccines, coupled with what we now know to be too frequent administration. The days of a simple, harmless, “shot” are long gone. We need to view vaccines as the powerful chemical and biological agents they are, and use them with care.
Want to learn more? Check out some info from the Rabies Challenge Fund.
Categories: Uncategorized, Vaccines, Wholistic Care
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New Telephone Consultations!
I’m excited to announce that I have joined with Dr. Debbie Saunders of Wizard of Paws Rehabilitation for Animals to provide phone consultations for owners who need advice but live to far away to come to the office. Our goal is to give you information and understanding of your dog’s health conditions, and help you do your best for your best friend. In many cases we can provide an alternative medical or natural perspective, as well as the benefit of over 20 years of experience in show, breeding, and competition dogs. Click here to learn more, and feel free to ask questions via the contact form.
Categories: Wholistic Care
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Veterinarian’s Holiday!
Ever wonder where a veterinarian might go on vacation? Maybe you heard about the scuba diving vet that removed the frisbee ring from the shark? Well, I have something a bit more relaxing on my calender — the Canine Club Getaway in Lake George! I’m excited to be the resident veterinarian for some of the days, which means I am “on call” for any minor emergencies that occur. (Thankfully in the past getaways there has been nothing more serious than a bump or scrape). So you will likely find Prank and I lounging a bit, exploring the resort, and having some fun! I’ll also be giving an evening talk on a wholistic approach to managing arthritis, and Prank will demonstrate his therapy ball skills and other physical therapy techniques.
While we are there, I hope to catch up on some reading. A couple books have been given to me, and I am eager to get into them. The first is The New Holistic Way for Dogs and Cats.The author, Dr. Paul McCutcheon, has an interesting way of looking at the big picture when it comes to pets’ health.
The second book on my list is Ever By My Side, by Dr. Nick Trout. Dr. Trout is a British veterinarian, who is currently a staff surgeon at Boston’s Angell Memorial Veterinary Hospital. He recounts some of the memorable things that happened as he grew up that led him to where he is today. One chapter and I’m a fan.
There are a few slots left at the Canine Club Getaway, contact them here if you want to join us. And please share any other vacation ideas or experiences you may have in the comments!
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Natural Diet Class
Announcing the Natural Diet Class! For those who missed our previous Natural Diet Seminars, or who are looking for a review, please join us for a 3 week class in May.
We’ve divided up the information into bite sized pieces (pun intended!) and have an easy to follow plan to get your dog on a more natural feeding plan.
This is the first step toward a healthier dog — dump the dog food and feed your dog what he really needs!
Click here for a PDF of the course announcement, and registration form.
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Truth About Pet Food
Many of you may be familiar with the website Truth About Pet Food run by my friend Susan Thixton. I’m very happy to share with you that her first book was just published. From ingredients to manufacturing, recalls to personal experiences, this book is brings the plain truth to light. Susan has worked tirelessly to get accurate information to pet owners via her website and newsletter. Now, she provides in-depth information in a easily read format. I particularly appreciate the interviews and personal statements from people inside the pet food industry. These personal experiences and recollections complement the well researched and documented topics of each chapter.
I urge you to visit Susan’s website, and pick up this book — it’s available on Amazon, or through your favorite bookstore.
Categories: Foods, Wholistic Care
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