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VACCINE ALERT – PLEASE READ! Mar 6, 2013 • 6:50 am Recent studies in the U.S. and the U.K. have produced significant evidence to support very limited use of vaccines in dogs and cats. Current recommendations are as follows: Dog’s and cat’s immune systems are mature by four to six months of age. The most conservative vaccine schedule would include puppy shots and a final one year booster. The “puppy shot combo” is good for at least eight years and should not be repeated for the life of the dog (or cat). I use the four month maturity cut-off for my own dogs with no booster as per Dr. Schultz. (School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison) Do not re-vaccinate your dog (or cat) with core vaccines. The bordatella vaccine has shorter (9-12 months) duration. It is required for boarding although there is little evidence that it will be effective in warding off infection. Use only the nasal application. If your dog gets “kennel cough”, it is generally mild and self-limiting and does not respond to medication, much like the common cold. Rabies vaccines are required every three years although they last more like 7 to 10 years. A current challenge is in progress in hopes of bringing the law into line with current vaccine research. http://www.rabieschallengefund.org/ Other vaccines available but not recommended due to adverse effects and/or lack of effectiveness are: Lyme vaccine, Coronavirus, Giardiasis, and Rattlesnake envenomation. (Home School of Veterinary Medicine UC Davis). There are many harmful effects of over vaccination, including: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (usually fatal), Brain and nervous system damage, Encephalitis, Vaccine induced cancers, Anaphylactic shock (massive allergic reaction), Epilepsy and seizures, Behavioral problems; anxiety or aggression and Allergies. These and other adverse effects are being reported from studies compiled by Catherine O’Driscoll canine-health-concern.org.uk We came across an article about the new drug ProHeart 6 that is being prescribed for heartworm prevention. A 6 year old healthy dog named Jack died unexpectedly after receiving the drug ProHeart 6.
Fastrack® Canine Microbial Supplement The nutrient needs and digestive action of dogs change with their life cycles and activities. Provide your dog Fastrack Canine Microbial Supplement that contains lactic acid-producing bacteria, live yeast, dried chicory root, and enzymes on a daily basis. Fastrack Canine Microbial Supplement is intended to be used in combination with Fastrack Canine Gel, Adult Dog Supplement, Senior Dog Supplement and Canine Treats as part of a program to complement your dog’s current nutrition program. Directions For Use: Fastrack Canine Microbial Supplement should be sprinkled over wet or dry food daily. • Puppies and dogs under 20 lb. – Provide 1g (1/8 to 1/4 tsp.) per animal daily Minimum Guaranteed Analysis per 1g: 400 million colony forming units (Enterococcus faecium and Lactobacillus acidophilus); 400 million total live yeast cells (Saccharomyces cerevisiae); protease from Bacillus subtilis not less than 1,874 proteolytic casein units and amylase not less than 1,125 bacterial amylase units. Ingredients: Dried chicory root, lactose, whey, active dry yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Aspergillus oryzae and dried Bacillus subtilis.
Critical periods in your puppy’s psychological growth: 0 to 7 Weeks Neonatal, Transition, Awareness, and Canine Socialisation. Puppy is with mother and littermates. During this period, puppy learns about social interaction, play, and inhibiting aggression from mother and littermates. Puppies must stay with their mother and littermates during this critical period. Puppies learn the most important lesson in their lives--they learn to accept discipline. 7 to 14 Weeks Human Socialisation Period. The puppy now has the brain waves of an adult dog, but his attention span is short. This period is when the most rapid learning occurs. Learning at this age is permanent so this is a perfect time to start training. Also, this is the ideal time to introduce the puppy to things that will play an important part in his life. Introduce the puppy to different people, places, animals, and sounds in a positive, non-threatening way. 8 to 10 / 11 Weeks Fear Imprint Period. Avoid frightening the puppy during this period. Any traumatic, frightening or painful experience will have a more lasting effect on the puppy than if it occurred at any other time in its life. 13 to 16 Weeks Seniority Classification Period or The Age of Cutting. Puppy cuts teeth and apron strings! Puppy begins testing who is going to be pack leader. You must discourage any and all biting because such biting is a sign of dominance! It is important that you are a strong and consistent leader. Formal training must begin. Such training will help you establish your leadership. 4 to 8 Months Play Instinct Period. Flight Instinct Period. Puppy may wander and ignore you. It is very important that you keep the puppy on a leash at this time! The way that you handle the puppy at this time determines if the puppy will come to you when called. At about 4-1/2 months, the puppy loses his milk teeth and gets his adult teeth. That's when puppy begins serious chewing! A dog's teeth don't set in his jaw until between 6 and 10 months. During this time, the puppy has a physical need to exercise his mouth by chewing. PTO 6 to 14 Months Second Fear Imprint Period or Fear of New Situations Period. Dog again shows fear of new situations and even familiar situations. Dog may be reluctant to approach someone or something new. It is important that you are patient and act very matter of fact in these situations. Never force the dog to face the situation. DO NOT pet the frightened puppy or talk in soothing tones. The puppy will interpret such responses as praise for being frightened. Training will help improve the dog's confidence. 1 to 4 Years Maturity Period. You may encounter increased aggression and renewed testing for dominance, but because you have spent a lot of time with your dog, this will not present a problem at all - in fact you will probably hardly notice this, it is just something to keep in mind. Continue to train your dog during this period. Your dog may have another fear period between 12 - 16 months of age. Regardless of your reason for acquiring a puppy, you'll have to win it over. You, not your dog, will have to be the leader of the pack if your pup is to develop into a well-mannered family member instead of a burden. Dominance and alpha behavior are important concepts that every dog owner should comprehend. Dogs are animals, not human beings. They are pack animals by nature. Every pack has a leader, known as the alpha animal, which dominates and leads the other members of the pack. The alpha is the boss who makes decisions for the entire pack. Usually the pack will have an alpha male and an alpha female. All the other members of the pack form a hierarchy of dominance and submission where everyone has a place. In your home, you and your family become your dog's pack, as do any other dogs you may have. It is your responsibility to establish yourself in the alpha position. If you fail to do this, your dog will do it as a natural behaviour. Many people assume that they are automatically in charge just because humans are superior to animals. But are you really the pack leader? Does your dog know it? Being the pack leader does not mean you have to be big and aggressive. Nor does it mean that there has to be a battle of wills after which you are the victor. Anyone can be the pack leader. It is an attitude an air of authority. It is the basis for mutual respect, and provides the building blocks of communication between the two of you. Read and follow my Need for Leadership/ Leadership Checklist www.doglistener.co.uk