Showing posts with label disease. Show all posts

Dog Meat on Menu in Disfavor  

Posted by — Kim in , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

South Korea's Appetite for Dog Meat is Fading

Young People Just Aren't into Eating Their Pets
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Aug 30, 2014
Preparing a Meal of Dog Meat in South Korea
(NEWSER) – For centuries, people have been eating dog meat – neither legal nor banned – in South Korea. Some 30 years ago, chef Oh Keum-il even traveled around North and South Korea, tasting everything from dog stew to dog taffy, to learn the craft of cooking dog. Today, however, customers aren't quite as interested in eating an animal many keep as pets. Oh, for example, served her last bowl of dog stew, or boshintang, this week, closing up South Korea's longest-running dog meat restaurant as young customers avoid the spot and animal activists protest her controversial meals.

Typical Dish of Dog Meat
Though an expert guesses up to 2.5 million dogs are eaten in South Korea each year, "there is too much generational gap in boshintang," says Oh. That's clear for a 30-year-old Korean woman who says she argues with her grandfather about the meal. "Whenever he saw my dog at home, he would say it's the size of one bowl of hot soup," she says. A butcher adds that "dog is not an industry with a long-term future," noting that about 800 restaurants serve it in Seoul, when 1,500 once did. It's sad to see the end of such a lengthy tradition, says Oh, who now plans to open a barbeque restaurant that serves beef instead.

Source: Newser
© 2014 Newser, LLC



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Recent Scientific Study on Effects of Spaying & Neutering  

Posted by — Kim in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Here's another great article about the spay/neuter controversy...something clearly needs to change! –Kim

Neutering/Spaying Dogs Increases the Incidence of Joint Disorders and Cancer

A Recent UC Davis Study Revealed Some Interesting Results

By Dr. Andrew Jones
August 7, 2014

A recent study on the effects of neutering (including spaying) in Golden Retrievers markedly increased the incidence of two joint disorders and three cancers prompted this study and a comparison of Golden and Labrador Retrievers.

The incidence of joint disorders and cancers is much more marked in golden retrievers than in the Labrador retrievers.

The first part of the study focused on joint disorders, finding that spaying/neutering Labs before the age of 6 months doubles the incidence of joint disorders. But with Goldens, the incidence jumps to 4-5 times as compared to intact dogs. The sex hormones have a role in joint health which has previously been overlooked in veterinary medicine.

The second part of the study compared cancer rates, and they found that the female golden retrievers are the ones at risk: once spayed their risk of cancer rises 3-4 times in comparison to intact females. This same effect was not seen on Labs or in male Goldens. In particular the sex hormones are playing a big role in preventing cancer in the female golden retrievers.

Abstract

Veterinary hospital records were examined over a 13-year period for the effects of neutering during specified age ranges: before 6 months, and during 6-11 months, year 1 or years 2 through 8.

The joint disorders examined were hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tear and elbow dysplasia. The cancers examined were lymphosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumor, and mammary cancer.

The results for the Golden Retriever were similar to the previous study, but there were notable differences between breeds.

In Labrador Retrievers, where about 5% of gonadally intact males and females had one or more joint disorders, neutering at less than 6 months doubled the incidence of one or more joint disorders in both sexes.

In male and female Golden Retrievers, with the same 5% rate of joint disorders in intact dogs, neutering at less than 6 months increased the incidence of a joint disorder to 4-5 times that of intact dogs.

The incidence of one or more cancers in female Labrador Retrievers increased slightly above the 3% level of intact females with neutering.

In contrast, in female Golden Retrievers, with the same 3% rate of one or more cancers in intact females, neutering at all periods through 8 years of age increased the rate of at least one of the cancers by 3-4 times.

In male Golden and Labrador Retrievers neutering had relatively minor effects in increasing the occurrence of cancers. Comparisons of cancers in the two breeds suggest that the occurrence of cancers in female Golden Retrievers is a reflection of particular vulnerability to gonadal hormone removal

Scientific Study Available

The entire study can be seen here: Long-Term Health Effects of Neutering Dogs, or download the PDF format HERE.

So, what do you do?! Great question, and one that I have asked myself if I were to have a Golden Retriever pup.

I would definitely wait to have them spayed or neutered, likely 2-3 years of age as opposed to 6 months. Based on this study I would consider the earliest time to neuter/spay to be at 1 year, not 6 months.

Obviously there are many factors, and it is new and confusing, BUT the incidence of joint disorders in large breed dogs is especially alarming (who doesn't know a dog that has had a cruciate injury?), or a Golden that has had cancer.

Obviously some of the conventional ways are not working, and it's time to do some things a little different.

I have more suggestions for alternate ways of treating the top 10 dog and cat diseases here:


Best Wishes,
Andrew Jones, DVM
P.S. My supplements ONLY contain ingredients I have sourced to be safe and effective.

Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM has been a practicing Veterinarian for over 20 years. He is a strong advocate of Natural Pet Health Care, and knows that the most important way to heal our pets and prevent disease is through proper nutrition. He developed Ultimate Canine to give our dogs that extra advantage – something that will provide them with everything they need to develop stronger immune systems to fight disease, heal sore or stiff joints, and help them live longer, happier lives. Dr. Andrew Jones' main focus is on alternative, non-traditional remedies for pets. His interest in alternative pet medicine culminated in the writing of his book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed.



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Rabies Vaccinosis and Your Pet  

Posted by — Kim in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Here's some vital information that I hope will save a life and reduce suffering! –Kim

Vaccines are Not Harmless Preventive Medicine

By Dr. Karen Becker, DVM
I talk a lot about vaccine dangers, and I often mention a condition called vaccinosis.
Since vaccinosis isn't recognized by most traditional veterinarians and isn't something many pet owners have ever heard of before, I thought it would be helpful to do a short video to explain the condition.
 

Vaccinosis Defined

First, let's talk about what vaccinosis isn't.
It isn't an acute, often immediate adverse reaction to a vaccine. Adverse events, or hypersensitivities, whether mild (such as lethargy, flu-like symptoms, etc.), or severe (such as anaphylactic shock), that are clearly linked to a recent vaccination are widely acknowledged by the traditional veterinary community.
Unfortunately, these reactions are considered by traditional vets to be occasional aberrations that result from a basically safe procedure.
Vaccinosis, on the other hand, is a problem only holistic veterinarians seem willing to acknowledge. It is a reaction of a pet's body to vaccines that have been injected without the pet having experienced a notable adverse event or hypersensitivity. These are chronic reactions to not only the altered virus contained in the vaccine, but also to the chemicals, adjuvants, and other components of tissue culture cell lines – as well as possible genetic changes – that can be induced by vaccines.
Dr. Richard Pitcairn, who holds a PhD in immunology, defines it this way: "Vaccinosis is to be understood as the disturbance of the vital force by vaccination that results in mental, emotional, and a physical change that can, in some cases, be a permanent condition."

Dr. Pitcairn: Vaccines Create Chronic Disease

According to Dr. Pitcairn, vaccines intended to protect pets against acute natural diseases actually create chronic conditions with features of the disease the vaccine was supposed to prevent.
This transformation begins in the laboratory, where natural viruses are modified in order to make vaccines.
Whereas the natural virus would trigger a strong immune system response, the modified lab-created virus in the vaccine doesn't elicit much of a reaction by the animal's immune system. Instead, it creates chronic disease.
The delivery of a vaccine is also very different from how a natural disease develops in an animal's body.
Vaccines contain a number of toxic substances, including viruses, mutated bacteria, immune irritants, foreign proteins, and chemical preservatives. All of these toxins are delivered by injection directly into the blood and lymph, bypassing the usual first line of defenses, including the skin, mucous membranes, saliva, and so forth. So not only is the virus in the vaccine unnatural, the way it enters a pet's body is also very unnatural.
When you look at the situation from this perspective, it's easy to see how abnormal immune reactions are triggered by vaccinations.

Your Pet's Individual Risk of Vaccinosis

The strength and balance of every animal's immune system is different, so there's no way to predict – unless your dog or cat has had a reaction in the past – how much danger your pet is in from exposure to the modified virus contained in any given vaccine or the many toxic ingredients it contains.
That's why I strongly encourage pet owners to avoid all unnecessary vaccines and re-vaccinations [i.e., "booster" shots].

Symptoms of Vaccinosis

COMMON VACCINE REACTIONS INCLUDE:
LethargyStiffness
Hair lossLack of appetite
Hair color change at injection siteConjunctivitis
FeverSneezing
SorenessOral ulcers
MORE SERIOUS REACTIONS:
ImmunosuppressionGranulomas and abscesses
Behavioral changesHives
VitiligoFacial swelling
Weight lossAllergic hypersensitivity
Reduced milk production (females)Respiratory disease
LamenessAllergic uveitis
VERY SERIOUS ILLNESS:
Injection-site sarcomas (cancer)Glomerulonephritis
AnaphylaxisMyocarditis
Autoimmune arthritisEncephalitis or polyneuritis
PolyarthritisSeizures
Hypertrophic osteodystrophyAbortion
Autoimmune hemolytic anemiaCongenital abnormalities
Immune-mediated thrombocytopeniaEmbryotic (fetal) death
ThyroiditisInfertility

Dog and Cat Vaccines: The Importance of Exercising Caution

Since the introduction of dog and cat vaccines, the traditional view of their use has been that they are safe and can be given as frequently as once or twice a year. This approach, tragically, has caused a tremendous amount of suffering for millions of pets.
As the truth about the dangers of vaccines slowly emerges, even traditional veterinary organizations and practitioners are acknowledging that vaccines are not the benign, "better-safe-than-sorry" veterinary tools they were thought to be. 
My recommendations for vaccinating your pet can be found in several videos, articles, and interviews here at MercolaHealthyPets. Most importantly, I don't recommend automatic re-vaccinations at prescribed intervals for any pet. 
If you believe your pet could be suffering from the negative effects of over-vaccination, I strongly recommend you work with a homeopathic or holistic vet to create a tailor-made vaccine detox program to assist your dog's or cat's body in recovering from vaccinosis. 
   
Source: Healthy Pets with Dr. Karen Becker
©1997-2014 Dr. Joseph Mercola

 

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Pet Questions?  

Posted by — Kim in , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Valuable Resource...

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Homeopathy Home Study Course & Kit  

Posted by — Kim in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Valuable Resource...
   

18 Remedies that Can Save You Thousands on Vet Bills and Save Your Dog from Toxic and Harmful Medications


You're probably here because you want to help your dog live a long and healthy life. You've come to the right place.

You are about to discover why a simple understanding of homeopathy can give you the ability to respond quickly to many injuries and illnesses and even keep your dog out of the emergency vet clinic.

Dr. Will Falconer is considered one of the top homeopathic vets in North America and his clients pay top dollar just to get a one hour consult. Dogs Naturally has asked Dr. Falconer to summarize much of his work into a easy-to-use course to help dog owners – for a fraction of the cost of a homeopathic vet visit.


Imagine being able to confidently respond to illness or injury, quickly and safely.

It may seem like an impossible challenge to treat your dog at home, but you can do it! I know this because it wasn't long ago that I felt the same way as you.

I was tired of taking my dogs to the vet's office for muscle strains or sudden illnesses like diarrhea and vomiting, and walking out with a huge bill and an expensive bottle of anti-inflammatories or antibiotics that I didn't like giving my dogs. I knew they were harmful to their health and that there had to be a better way; but I just didn't know how to change.

Then one day, my puppy became ill with parvo. He was dying and I was terrified!

The worst part was that I no longer had faith in conventional veterinary care and I didn't know where to turn. Out of desperation, I turned to homeopathy and something amazing happened: within 12 hours of giving my puppy his first remedy, he went from deathly ill to eating and pooping normally. It was that moment that changed everything for me and for my dogs.


I witnessed the amazing results that homeopathy can provide and over the years, I've successfully treated my dogs for muscle strains, sudden fevers, mastitis, hot spots, puncture wounds and more – without the need for a veterinary visit and for just pennies per treatment. And the best part is: I was able to do it all without harmful drugs.

This course and emergency kit was developed so you too can start using the world's fastest growing form of medicine to treat your dog for injury and illness – quickly and safely. And this Home Study Course is taught by the certified homeopathic veterinarian and teacher extraordinaire who treats my own dogs: Dr. Will Falconer.

In his more than 30 years of veterinary practice, Dr. Falconer has been able to prevent over 90% of his patients from ever needing to go to the emergency clinic or take drugs. You can have the same results for less than the cost of one emergency vet visit!

I hope you join us and witness your own miracle in healing.

PS – For a limited time, you'll save 20% off the course, plus you’ll receive over $100 in bonuses.

*** See What's Included:


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Warnings from Vaccine Manufacturers  

Posted by — Kim in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Here's an important article about immunization warnings...hope you find it informative! –Kim

Four Warnings from Vaccine Manufacturers: Who is Ignoring Them?


New clients often enter my exam room for a second opinion on how to manage their pets' chronic diseases. These diseases most often include hypothyroidism, allergies, inflammatory bowel disease or even cancer. As we review the patient's case, one of the most important questions I ask is, "Are your pet's vaccinations up to date?"

"Oh, yes!" is the reply. "My other vet just took care of that."

This answer drives me crazy. Those vaccinations can be causing or aggravating their pets' chronic diseases. And this is clearly written right on the vaccine label! Here are four very clear warnings from the vaccine manufacturers that are often ignored:

1. Vaccinate only healthy animals

Surely everyone would agree patients suffering from chronic diseases like hypothyroidism or allergies are not healthy! Yet, despite these manufacturer warnings, the previous veterinarian administered the vaccine anyway. What is the justification for this? The client is often told that annual revaccination is a requirement. Yet, vaccine inserts say...

2. Revaccination decisions should be made based on veterinarian/client/patient relationship

What does this mean? The client gets to participate in the decision? Yes! In fact, in Wisconsin and many states, there is an informed consent law which requires the veterinarian to explain benefits and risks of every recommended procedure before implementation.

What are the benefits and risks? Is there a benefit to giving a vaccination to a pet who is immune-suppressed during allergy treatment with prednisone? No – the body cannot respond to a vaccination when it's immune-suppressed. In fact, vaccine reactions are often suppressed intentionally, with prednisone treatment! Does the risk of a reaction outweigh the need for the vaccine based on the pet's lifestyle? Commonly, the answer to this is, yes! Contrary to this, my client was told annual revaccination is standard care and problems with vaccines are uncommon. Yet the insert clearly says...

3. Vaccines may produce anaphylaxis and/or inflammatory, immune-mediated hypersensitivity reactions

Tissue-origin vaccines contain extraneous protein that can lead to autoimmune disease. Vaccine may induce the development of injection-site fibrosarcomas (in cats).

What is this all about? Manufacturers know that vaccines might not be safe? Vaccines might actually cause more harm than good? The manufacturer says the vaccine could cause autoimmune disease?
What is an example of an autoimmune disease? In humans, many are familiar with lupus. In pets, many are familiar with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) or immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMTP). These are life-threatening blood disorders. Often the cause is unidentified. Yet these disorders commonly occur within two weeks to three months after a vaccination.

There seems to be an epidemic of autoimmune thyroiditis in dogs. Researchers are now proposing an autoimmune mechanism as a cause for arthritis. Concerned pet guardians can't help but wonder about the vaccine connection to all this!

My practice is inundated with the most chronically and severely ill patients because we offer alternatives for pets when conventional approaches fail. My staff is always so excited when a fresh new puppy or kitten arrives because we love nothing more than to get them off to a great start! We strive to provide a safe balance using Western diagnostics and skills and Eastern thought and natural medicines.

Periodically, a savvy new pet guardian will say, "My regular vet told me those titers are a waste of money. The vaccine is cheaper and then you know your pet is protected." But, my new smart client adds, "I had a friend whose puppy was vaccinated and died from parvo anyway. I'm so confused, I just want to do what's best." What the previous veterinarian didn't explain is that it clearly states in the vaccine manufacturer insert....

4. Maternal antibodies interfere with the development of immunity in a puppy (or kitten)

If maternal antibodies block the effectiveness of the vaccine and you don't know this, than an exposed pup will get very ill, despite being vaccinated. How can you know whether that vaccine has protected your puppy? Draw some blood and check the titer! That's what titers measure best: the development of immunity.

Why do vaccine manufacturers make these statements and place them inside every vaccine package?

They don't want to be held liable for harm that can happen if their products aren't used properly. For this same reason, veterinary advisors who work for these companies will recommend that vaccines not be repeated after a reaction. Yet, my clients tell me their reactive pets are still vaccinated every year, but the vet gives an antihistamine injection prior to giving the offending vaccine. The veterinarian who does this is clearly ignoring the vaccine manufacturer's warning.

Be your pet's advocate. Now you know that it's okay to question the routine administration of vaccinations. All you need to do is ask your vet to let you read the vaccine insert and you can ask him for his reasons for vaccinating your dog against the recommendation of the vaccine manufacturer.

Source: Dogs Naturally Magazine
© 2014 Dogs Naturally Magazine


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Spay & Neuter Controversy  

Posted by — Kim in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Here's a great article and video to help you decide what's best for your pet! –Kim

New Evidence Shows Link Between Spaying, Neutering and Cancer

By Dr. Becker
June 13, 2014
A recent study raises even more questions about traditional spay/neuter practices for U.S. dogs.
  
The study, titled "Evaluation of the risk and age of onset of cancer and behavioral disorders in gonadectomized Vizslas,"1 was conducted by a team of researchers with support from the Vizsla Club of America Welfare Foundation. It was published in the February 1, 2014 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Like previous research on Rottweilers and Golden Retrievers, the results of the Vizsla study are a call to action to take a closer look at current neutering recommendations.
  
Vizsla Study Results
  
The Vizsla study involved 2,505 dogs, and reported these results:
  • Dogs neutered or spayed at any age were at significantly increased risk for developing mast cell cancer, lymphoma, all other cancers, all cancers combined, and fear of storms, compared with intact dogs.
  • Females spayed at 12 months or younger, and both genders neutered or spayed at over 12 months had significantly increased odds of developing hemangiosarcoma, compared with intact dogs.
  • Dogs of both genders neutered or spayed at 6 months or younger had significantly increased odds of developing a behavioral disorder, including separation anxiety, noise phobia, timidity, excitability, submissive urination, aggression, hyperactivity, and/or fear biting. When it came to thunderstorm phobia, all neutered or spayed Vizslas were at greater risk than intact Vizslas, regardless of age at neutering.
  • The younger the age at neutering, the earlier the age at diagnosis with mast cell cancer, cancers other than mast cell, hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, all cancers combined, a behavioral disorder, or fear of storms.
  • Compared to intact dogs, neutered and spayed dogs had a 3.5 times higher risk of developing mast cell cancer, regardless of what age they were neutered.
  • Spayed females had nine times higher incidence of hemangiosarcoma compared to intact females, regardless of when spaying was performed, however, no difference in incidence of this type of cancer was found for neutered vs. intact males.
  • Neutered and spayed dogs had 4.3 times higher incidence of lymphoma (lymphosarcoma), regardless of age at time of neutering.
  • Neutered and spayed dogs had five times higher incidence of other types of cancer, regardless of age of neutering.
  • Spayed females had 6.5 times higher incidence of all cancers combined compared to intact females, and neutered males had 3.6 times higher incidence than intact males.
  
Vizsla Researchers Conclude More Studies are Needed on the Biological Effects of Spaying and Neutering, and Also on Methods of Sterilization that Do Not Involve Removal of the Gonads

The Vizsla researchers concluded that:
"Additional studies are needed on the biological effects of removing gonadal hormones and on methods to render dogs infertile that do not involve gonadectomy. Veterinarians should discuss the benefits and possible adverse effects of gonadectomy with clients, giving consideration to the breed of dog, the owner's circumstances, and the anticipated use of the dog."
(The full Vizsla study can be downloaded here.)

I absolutely agree with the researchers' conclusion that studies are needed on alternative methods of sterilizing dogs that do not involve removing the gonads. As I explained in an earlier video, over the years I've changed my view on spaying and neutering dogs, based not just on research like Vizsla study, but also on the health challenges faced by so many of my canine patients after I spayed or neutered them. These were primarily irreversible metabolic diseases that appeared within a few years of a dog's surgery.
  
My current approach is far removed from the view I held in my early days as a vet, when I felt it was my duty and obligation to spay and neuter every dog at a young age. Nowadays, I work with each individual pet owner to make decisions that will provide the most health benefits for the dog.
  
Whenever possible, I prefer to leave dogs intact. However, this approach requires a highly responsible pet guardian who is fully committed to and capable of preventing the dog from mating (unless the owner is a responsible breeder and that's the goal).
  
My second choice is to sterilize without desexing. This means performing a procedure that will prevent pregnancy while sparing the testes or ovaries so that they continue to produce hormones essential for the dog's health and well-being. This typically involves a vasectomy for male dogs, and either a tubal ligation or modified spay for females. The modified spay removes the uterus while preserving the hormone-producing ovaries.
  
The cases in which I opt for a full spay or neuter usually involve an older dog who has developed a condition that is best resolved by the surgery, for example, pyometra (a uterine disease in female dogs), or moderate to severe benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate in male dogs) that is impeding urination and/or causing the animal discomfort. Generally speaking, mature intact dogs have had the benefit of a lifetime of sex hormone production, so the endocrine imbalances we see with spayed or neutered puppies don't occur when dogs are desexed in their later years.
  
A Word About the Problem of Homeless Pets and Spaying/Neutering
  
It's important to understand that I'm not advocating the adoption of intact shelter animals to people who may or may not be responsible pet owners. Shelter veterinarians don't have the time or resources available to build a relationship with every adoptive family, so all the animals in their care must be sterilized prior to adoption to prevent more litters of unwanted pets.
  
Would I prefer that shelter vets sterilize rather than de-sex homeless pets, so that those animals, too, retain their sex hormones? Absolutely, I would. But for the time being, the U.S. shelter system isn't up to that particular challenge, nor are DVMs (doctors of veterinary medicine) in this country routinely trained in how to perform anything other than full spays and neuters.
  
So while I totally agree with the need to sterilize shelter pets, I don't necessarily agree with the method of sterilization being used.
   
Source: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2014/06/13/neutering-spaying-cancer-risk.aspx
© Copyright 2014 Dr. Joseph Mercola





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Pet Vaccinations  

Posted by — Kim in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Here's a great article about pet vaccinations...hope this helps! –Kim

7 Things You Don't Know About Vaccinating Pets

July 19, 2012
  1. The only vaccine required by U.S. law is rabies. 15 states currently offer exemptions to animals with serious health problems and more are adding exemptions. Not all states require cats and ferrets to be vaccinated. Note: Because laws change with little fanfare, not all veterinarians know the current regulations. Click here to see a list of U.S. state laws. Double check with your city and county Animal Control.
  2. There is little or no research showing that annual revaccination for core vaccines boosts immunity. Studies do show that core vaccines shouldn't be given any more frequently than every three years – not every three years.
  3. Mature dogs and cats rarely die from vaccine-preventable infectious disease and thus may not need vaccinating.
  4. A simple blood titer test can prove immunity for core vaccines. Though more expensive than vaccinating, titer tests need not be repeated often or perhaps even ever (according to many experts).
  5. When cats, and small to medium-sized breed dogs, receive multiple vaccines in one visit (a common practice) they become "significantly" more likely to have a reaction. Each vaccine can increase risk by as much as 27%. A "7-way" canine vaccine plus Bordetella plus rabies means 9 vaccines at once!
  6. Treatment for vaccine reactions can cost hundreds, even thousands, of dollars over the pet's lifetime and may ultimately prove ineffective. Who pays? You do! Only rarely will vaccine makers pay vet bills.
  7. Groomers, trainers and boarding establishments may have vaccination requirements that have more to do with liability than pet health. Many of these caregivers haven't been made aware of the newest vaccination recommendations. Conversely, some enlightened proprietors accept titer testing in lieu of vaccination. It pays to shop around!

Now, before you vaccinate, please read Ask These Questions BEFORE Vaccinating Your Pet.
  
Source: Truth4Pets
Copyright © 2014 Truth4Pets






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How Healthy is Your Dog?  

Posted by — Kim in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Valuable Resource...



Subscribe to Dogs Naturally Magazine

Dogs Naturally Magazine is like no other publication. We're not only the most complete source of natural health care for dogs, but a large community of caring vets, breeders, trainers and dog owners who want to bring out the best in our dogs.

Here's what you'll find in our pages:
    May2013cover
  • The BEST holistic vets around. Our contributing vets don’t just dabble in holistic medicine, they are pioneers and trail blazers who share their vast knowledge and experience with you.
  • Incredible content. You won't find articles about baking brownies for your dogs or knitting them sweaters in our pages. You will find a valuable resource and knowledge base that you will want to keep for years.
  • Ethical advertising. When we say we're all about natural health care, we mean it. We turn down any advertisers who don't meet our stringent criteria and bring you the companies and products you can trust.
  • A community. Dogs Naturally Magazine is more than a few pieces of paper. We are a community and we are a movement toward better health care for dogs and we would love for you to be a part of it.
Subscribe to Dogs Naturally Magazine today and give your dog the gift of good health!

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How to Take Care of an Old Dog  

Posted by — Kim in , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Here's a great video about caring for your older canine... –Kim

How to Take Care of an Old Dog

by Joe the Vet

Source: AOL On Pets
© 2014 AOL Inc.



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Small Dog Vaccination Risks  

Posted by — Kim in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Here's a great article about vaccinations...hope you find it helpful! –Kim

Vaccinating Small Dogs: Risks Vets Aren't Revealing

Written by Jan Rasmusen
September 30, 2009


At last, a smoking gun ... discovered pointing directly at Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Maltese, Yorkies and other small dogs ... in fact, pointed at all dogs receiving multiple vaccines during one clinic visit.

Many scientific studies and taskforce reports have altered my view of vaccination over the years, but none have stunned me as much as "Adverse events diagnosed within three days of vaccine administration in dogs" by Drs. Moore, Guptill, Ward, et al. This two-year study of vaccine reactions (from data gathered at 360 Banfield clinics in 2002 and 2003) concluded: "Young adult small-breed neutered dogs that received multiple vaccines per office visit were at greatest risk of a VAAE [Vaccine Associated Adverse Event] within 72 hours after vaccination." And that's not all the report revealed.

In the study (published in JAVMA, the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association in October, 2005), 1.2 million dogs received almost 3.5 million vaccine doses. Reactions reported within 3 days (as designated by computer codes) included nonspecific vaccine reactions, allergic reactions, urticaria (hives), anaphylaxis (severe, whole-body allergic reaction), cardiac arrest, cardiovascular shock and sudden death. For each 10,000 dogs vaccinating, 38 adverse reactions were reported.

You're probably thinking: just 38 reactions per 10,000 dogs? That's not too bad. But bear in mind that this study did NOT include:
  • Reactions reported more than 72 hours after vaccination (thus eliminating reactions taking longer to develop or be discovered, such as injection site cancers, autoimmune diseases, skin diseases and other major conditions);
  • Reactions that occurred but were never reported by clients;
  • Conditions not recognized by the vet as vaccine reactions;
  • Conditions not selected for this study (seizures weren't on the list, nor were countless other common reactions);
  • Conditions not recorded by the vet. The 2007 World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Vaccine Guidelines reports "gross under-reporting of vaccine-associated adverse events...";
  • Reactions in dogs also getting a heartworm shot, presumably because of the increased risk of reaction (currently, vets are warned not to give Proheart 6 with a vaccination).

The study's researchers (6 of 7 were vets) recommended that veterinarians should communicate the increased risk of multiple vaccines to clients before obtaining their consent to vaccinate. At this writing, a full four years after the study's publication, I suspect few clients have actually been warned about the risk of multiples vaccines at one visit or about special risks to smaller dogs. Were you ever warned?

Factors Increasing the Risk of the Vaccine Adverse Reaction

Body Weight. The reaction rate increased significantly as body weight decreased. That is, small dogs were at greatest risk for a reaction. Risk for dogs weighing 11 pounds or less was four times greater than the risk for dogs weighing 99+ pounds. Medium-sized dogs also had increased risk over larger dogs.

For all vaccines and for the rabies vaccine given alone, the reaction rate for dogs weighing 22.2 to 99 lbs. was approximately half the rate of dogs weighing less than 22.0 lbs. Little dogs had 32+ reactions per 10,000; medium-sized dogs, 15+; large dogs, none.

Neutering/Spaying. Neutered dogs had a 27% to 38% greater risk versus sexually intact dogs.

Age. Dogs 1.5 to 2.5 years of age had a 35% to 64% greater risk of reactions (with rates increasing up to two years and declining thereafter) than puppies 2 to 9 months old. The risk was least for dogs six years of age and older.

Number of vaccines per office visit. The risk significantly increased as the number of vaccines given at each visit increased. In little dogs (under 10 lbs.) each dose increased risks by 27%; in dogs weighing more, each dose increased risk by 12%.

Taking all dogs into consideration, each additional vaccine given at each office visit increased the rate of vaccine reaction by 24.2%. All three dogs in the study with recorded deaths had each received four or more vaccines at their last office visit.

Three or more vaccines given at once increase the risk of a vaccine reaction 50% over the risk of a single shot. Giving five simultaneous vaccines doubles the risk!

Breed. Among breeds with 5,000 or more dogs vaccinated during the study period, the most vaccine reactions per 10,000 dogs were found, in order: in Dachshunds, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Miniature Pinschers and Chihuahuas. Next came Maltese, Miniature Schnausers, Jack Russells, Toy Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers. Mid-size dogs (like Lhasa Apsos, Bichons and Beagles) followed. At the bottom of the list was Chow Chows, German Shepherds and Rottweilers.

Purebred Status. The vaccination reaction rate for mixed-breed dogs was in the bottom fifth of all rates. The researchers state: "safety trials that use such dogs may underestimate the reaction rates that would occur in purebred dogs."

Why Does a Dog's Weight Have Such a Big Impact?

The researchers report: "Vaccines, in contrast to virtually all veterinary pharmaceuticals, are prescribed on a one-dose-fits-all basis, rather than by body weight."

I have always been shocked that a Chihuahua puppy and an adult Great Dane are given the same dose shot: 1 ml. They get the same volume of virus or bacteria plus the same volume of adjuvants (boosting agents like aluminum), preservatives (like mercury), antibiotics, stabilizers and foreign tissue cultures (like fetal calf serum). All these ingredients are known to cause vaccine reactions. (Learn more about vaccine ingredients at the CDC.)

The study's researchers go on to say that during a vaccine's pre-licensing trial, manufacturers investigate the safety of excessive doses of vaccines "but only in a limited number of dogs. The results of this study suggest that trials in dogs that weigh [22 lbs.] underestimate the expected VAAE rate in smaller dogs."

The risk of a vaccine reaction in this study population was inversely related to a dog's weight. This weight/response relationship was also suggested by a study in which toy breeds had significantly more reactions than other dogs, although body weight was not evaluated.

How Do You Avoid Reactions to Vaccines?

The study detailed here reports the problems, but not the remedy. They only recommend that veterinarians advise clients of the risks.

Regrettably, I have been unable to find you a link to the study on-line. Your vet may have on-line access if he/she subscribes to JAVMA (J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2005 Oct 1;227(7):1102-8). You can read a short summary or have your non-subscribing vet request the article for a small fee at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16220670 or http://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/abs/10.2460/javma.2005.227.1102?journalCode=javma.

Note: A smaller study for cats entitled "Adverse events after vaccine administration in cats" turned up similar results to the dog study.

If your vet gives multiple shots in a visit, you should insist that he/she read this study. If your vet has already read it, he/she should explain to you why you weren't informed of the risks to your dog of multiple shots, especially if your dog was small or medium sized.

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Related articles:
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Jan Rasmusen, national award-winning author of Scared Poopless: The Straight Scoop on Dog Care and consumer advocate for dog lovers. She organized The Safer Pet Vaccination Benefit Seminar featuring world-renowned experts Jean Dodds, DVM and Ron Schultz, PhD, and has her articles republished in DogsNaturallyMagazine and on Web sites throughout the world.

Source: Dogs 4 Dogs



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