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Decreased appetite, upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting make caring for a sick dog stressful for both you and your pet. A bland diet can help relieve some of these symptoms while also giving your dog the nutrition he needs to recover. Some recipes for dogs with mild stomach upset, including gas, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. note - checking with your vet to rule out anything more serious that the occasional off day or food sensitivity is prudent.
chicken and rice for dogs Chicken and rice are prime ingredients in many dog foods, and these mild foods sit well on upset canine stomachs. Plus, this bland meal is easy to prepare. All you need are boneless, skinless chicken breasts and rice. White rice is lower in nutritional value than brown rice, but its blandness makes it more suitable for upset stomachs. Oils, butter, and added seasonings can irritate your dog’s stomach and make the problem worse, so stick with plain boiled chicken and rice. Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly and cut or shred it into small, bite-sized pieces for your dog, since enthusiastic canines might choke on this unexpected treat. ** see my notes on how we prepare chicken for us and the dogs Chicken Breast Shredded chicken is easy on upset stomachs and acts as a huge eating incentive for dogs with decreased appetites. Plain, unseasoned, boiled, shredded chicken is easy to digest and is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, fats, and amino acids, making it a great snack for dogs feeling under the weather. Chicken keeps in the fridge for three-to-four days, or you can freeze it for two-to-six months. or can it for years to come. Sweet Potatoes Dogs love this orange vegetable. Not only is it a great treat, but it also has many health benefits. Sweet potatoes are frequently used in dog food products because they are high in fiber and full of vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. The fiber in sweet potatoes helps regulate dogs with intestinal difficulties like loose stools or constipation. Unseasoned, plain, peeled, cooked, and mashed sweet potatoes make a healthy addition to your pet’s existing diet. Talk to your vet about how much sweet potato to feed your dog. If you plan on continuing to use sweet potatoes as a dietary supplement, scoop them into tablespoon-size balls and freeze them for convenience. Pumpkin Pumpkin and sweet potato have similar digestive health benefits. Like sweet potatoes, pumpkin is also high in fiber, which helps regulate canine digestive systems. Cooked, peeled, unsalted, and unseasoned pumpkin contains vitamin E, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, potassium, copper, and manganese, giving your dog a nutritional boost along with a little digestive help. Adding pumpkin to your dog’s meal usually helps regulate mild constipation. Veterinarians recommend one to four tablespoons of pumpkin, depending on your dog’s size. Canned pumpkin is a convenient alternative to preparing pumpkin yourself, as long as it is unseasoned. Feeding your dog a can of pumpkin pie filling might end up sending you back to the vet, as the spices and sugars could irritate your dog’s stomach and cause further complications. Bone Broth Bone broth is a very mild, liquid meal that sits easily in upset canine stomachs. It is also a nutritious and delicious way to add moisture and flavor to dry food and encourage dogs with reduced appetites to eat. To make a bone broth for dogs, fill a crock-pot with beef marrow bones or bones with plenty of joints, like turkey and chicken legs. Cover the bones with 2-3 inches of water, cover, and cook on low for 20-24 hours. ( pressure cooking speeds this process greatly ) - ( and for your canning folks - making a big batch and putting some up for later use for you or your dog as a nicety to have on the shelf ) Let the broth cool for 2-to-3 hours in the fridge to let the fat form a hardened layer at the top. Scoop it off and store the jelly-like broth in the refrigerator. If you want to use the broth to add moisture to dry food, microwave the broth just long enough for it to go from a semi-solid jelly to a liquid, but not long enough to get hot, as hot broths can burn your dog’s mouth. Freeze the broth in small containers like an ice cube tray for later use. While bone broth is full of healthy bone marrow, cooked small bones themselves most dangerous. Make sure you remove all of the bones from your broth before serving. Save yourself a trip to the emergency room and strain the broth just to make sure no small bones escaped your notice. HOWEVER... pressure cooking bones to the point the crush easily between your fingers makes them a safe and nutritious alternative Baby Food Veterinary emergency hospitals often use certain types of baby food to feed the dogs in their care. Baby food is very easy to swallow and digest and is a great way to give oral medications. Veterinarians recommend feeding Stage II meat-based baby foods like chicken, lamb, and turkey, as long as the baby food does not contain any garlic or onion powder.
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We've gotten strange looks from friends for commenting on what nice poop - seriously as breeders / owners we watch these things. - yes the exciting times watching dogs 'dump'.
The causes for acute diarrhea in the absence of other signs are varied and include dietary indiscretion (for example: getting into the garbage), gastrointestinal bacteria including Campylobacter, and GI parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and protozoal infections. In most cases of acute, self-limiting diarrhea, a cause is never identified. Many things can cause diarrhea or, less frequently, constipation. Some things, like eating too much grass, are not serious at all. Others can be a sign of a life-threatening problem, such as an indigestible object (like a rock) lodged in the stomach, or a disease like cancer. If your dog seems otherwise normal, and he is currently on monthly parasite preventative medication, then symptomatic treatment at home is appropriate. Usually most diarrhea will run its course within two to four days, although in some cases, it can last longer. If there are any other signs of illness like vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, or pain, a veterinary trip is in order. The consistency and color of diarrhea reveals a lot about the cause of the problem and what is happening in your dog. Take note of the color, consistency, and anything else that might help when you describe the symptoms to your veterinarian. In most cases, diarrhea will resolve after a few days of home treatment, but it’s a good idea to give your vet a call if it continues for a long period or has any one of several signs that may point to a serious problem. a few things to note Dietary indiscretion: Eating too much, eating garbage, or spoiled food. There’s actually a name for it in veterinary circles—“garbage toxicosis” or “garbage gut.” some dogs may have a food intolerance or allergies to some ingredients. foods may have different bases such as rice, corn even one like bil-jac is more beet based. see my notes on grain free ( not all good ) regional foods and different companies may have different base mixes. I had one dog could not tolerate red dye. a customer has a dog that will lose her hair with chicken. you will learn your dogs needs as they can vary just like people. most get along fine on about any decent food. Poisonous substances or plants Swallowing an indigestible foreign body, like a toy, socks, sticks. one of our customers had to have surgery after shredding and eating a rope bone. we had one swallow a fish hook at the lake since she liked to eat worms (no accounting for some dogs taste). that passed after a few days of feeding her a lot of bread to bulk things up and help it pass. such fun hosing down her stools until we found the hook. it beat the alternative of surgery which could have been a real possibility. Diarrhea that develops suddenly in an otherwise healthy dog is often due to scavenging behavior, Stress or emotional upset can upset a dog just like it an people. a sudden change in diet, or viral, Bacterial infections, such as salmonella or parasitic infections. Change in diet: It may take a few days for a dog’s digestive system to adapt to new proteins. when changing your dogs diet mix the new food with the old in greater purportions over a week at least to have less impact on your dogs system. Illnesses, such as kidney and liver disease, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer Antibiotics and other medications can kill the beneficial bacteria in you or your dogs digestive tract. consider adding a probiotic or live culture yogurt More chronic diarrhea can be caused by dietary allergies or intolerances, stress, some types of parasites (e.g., Giardia, hookworms, roundworms and whipworms), bacterial infections, pancreatic disease, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, some types of cancer, and diseases outside of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., liver failure or heart disease). These type of health issues will need to be discussed with your veterinarian and can require prescription pet medication. if your dog is very young, very old, has a preexisting health condition, call your veterinarian for advice on how to handle the diarrhea. These individuals can become severely debilitated even when suffering from relatively mild diarrhea. Also, call your veterinarian if your dog’s diarrhea is frequent and/or very watery - contains more than just a streak of blood - is dark and tarry or if your dog is vomiting profusely, lethargic, depressed, and/or is in pain. These can be signs of potentially serious health conditions. Home Remedies Make sure the dog has access to plenty of clean water to avoid dehydration. Encourage the dog to drink. If needed, offer dilute chicken, beef broth or Pedialyte in addition to the water. Give the dog a small meal of boiled white meat chicken (no bones or skin) and white rice. This can be the dog's diet until the stool consistency returns to normal. If the diarrhea continues for more than 3 dayss or your dog’s condition worsens at any time, call your vet A great many cases are mild and may be treated without a trip to the office. They may respond to a regimen of very basic treatments such as. Fasting Withholding food for 12 to 24 hours, and providing water in small amounts frequently, can clear the cause of the upset and allow the gastrointestinal tract to settle. It’s usually the first line of attack for the runs. Before you decide on a fast, be sure that your dog is healthy enough to endure it. Puppies, and elderly dogs, for example, need nutrients. Also, a fast may not be appropriate for little dogs, who do not have the physical reserves of their larger cousins. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so make sure to give your dog access to water at all times. Many people also offer unflavored Pedialyte to maintain electrolyte balance. diluted chicken broth may be more palatable - watch of for the salted kind if buying pre -made broth. After a fast, food is usually introduced slowly and many people start with binders, which can normalize stool consistency. Some tried-and-true methods include:
Over-the-counter medications for humans may also be effective for doggie diarrhea, but should be given with caution and you should talk to your vet before using them. kaopectate is a good one. an old remedy is unflavored 'jello' such as knox gelatin to drink before it 'sets up'. Avoid using human remedies such as loperamide, also called Immodium. This medication has an opioid in it, and it is easy to overdose a dog unintentionally. If your dog continues to do well other than diarrhea, three to four days of at-home treatment is appropriate. Methods that work for one dog may not help another, so you might need to do a little experimentation to find the right formula. It might also be helpful to write down what works and what doesn’t so you’ll know what to do the next time you find yourself mopping up a mess. Once you find a recovery diet that agree with your dog, and doesn’t cause a relapse, you can slowly increase the portions over a period of days, and then start to add small quantities of your dog’s regular food, until things are back to normal. Like people, many dogs suffer from arthritis, especially as they age. This painful condition occurs when cartilage, the cushioning between the bones, begins to thin and wear away and the ends of the bones start to rub against each other. It may be caused by trauma, disease, or wear and tear that comes with use over years.
While there is no cure for arthritis, some treatments can lessen pain and improve mobility No one knows exactly what the mechanism of action is, but the supplement, an amino sugar, appears to improve the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, one of the building blocks of cartilage. This is the tough connective tissue that cushions bones at the joints. The theory is that the supplement somehow stimulates chondrocytes or DNA activity that protects against joint degradation. Cartilage consists of several different cells, one of which is chondrocytes. Chondrocytes are responsible for synthesizing new cartilage. Through normal wear, cartilage is constantly being broken down and replaced. When a dog has hip dysplasia or ages, the chondrocytes do not have the building blocks available to them to build enough new cartilage to keep up with the breakdown of the old cartilage. Glucosamine provides the building blocks to synthesize new cartilage. Glucosamine is the building block necessary for the production of the substances called glycosaminoglycans. The glycosaminoglycans are combined with hyaluronic acid to make the substance proteoglycans. The proteoglycans and collagen are the main structures of cartilage. Chondroitin blocks destructive enzymes that break down cartilage in the joint. Chondroitin also is one of the products necessary for the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans. But it probably plays a more important role by combating and neutralizing destructive enzymes in the joint. There is always a low level of destructive enzymes found in the joint, but when injury or abnormal wear occurs, the destructive enzymes and agents increase accelerating cartilage destruction. When chondroitin is added to the diet it helps to reduce the level of these destructive enzymes.Glucosamine supplements are said to alleviate the symptoms of joint damage by boosting the repair of damaged cartilage, the moist, spongy material that forms a cushion between joints. Cartilage cells are constantly turning over, and when cartilage is damaged, the joint becomes inflamed and releases enzymes that cause more damage. This starts a cycle of joint degeneration. The supplement has been used in veterinary practices in Europe and the U.S. for about 20 years. Pharmaceutical grade glucosamine and chondroitin are used for humans and are found in some veterinary products. It is perfectly safe to use human glucosamine in your pet, however, products made for animals contain ascorbic acid (vitamin c) to help in the uptake, in canines. ( we just add a vitamin c tablet to the daily pill(s) and 'cookie' for being good and 'taking your pill' ) {I give an all in one glucosamine chondroitin msm turmeric and add the 'c' as a separate pill for our older 'kids' and us older featherless bipeds} Turmeric in conjunction with glucosamine can help in reducing joint pain effectively. Whether you use the capsule form or powder in your dogs food adding 1/8 tsp. fresh pepper to one teaspoon of turmeric has a synergistic effect (makes the turmeric more effective). check on line for dosages ( disclaimer being I am not a practicing veterinarian) A short simple site with information - of course they want you to buy their turmeric... nuff said. https://yourolddog.com/benefits-turmeric-dogs/ In 2007, scientists at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, conducted a similar review of 16 clinical trials of treatments for osteoarthritis in dogs. There were 16 studies that looked at drugs, as well as supplements. They reported their results in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association and found that preparations containing glucosamine provided a "moderate level" of comfort and was on a par with some prescription drugs. since it is a sugar-based substance, some veterinarians are wary about its use in dogs with diabetes. Glucosamine and chondroitin are also included in dog foods formulated for senior and performance dogs, many of whom are at risk for joint disease and injury. It may take weeks to see improvement, and veterinarians recommend evaluating the effects of the treatment after your dog has been taking it for about three months. Dog Toothpaste comes in several canine-friendly flavors, like peanut butter and chicken, and both child-sized toothbrushes with soft bristles or finger brushes are appropriate to use when cleaning your dog’s teeth at home. Human toothpaste, however, contains ingredients like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs and should be avoided.
Your veterinarian’s insistence that your canine companion needs a dental cleaning addresses far more than the issue of a dog’s stinky breath. Poor dental hygiene can result in a host of medical problems. Some of the more common issues are gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth loss, infection, and difficulty eating. Plaque builds up on canine teeth, just like it does on human teeth. Over time, a buildup of plaque can lead to inflammation of the gums, called gingivitis. Dogs with gingivitis may have red, inflamed gums that bleed easily, and you may also notice bad breath. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis can cause destruction to the connective tissues surrounding the tooth and can also damage the bone. Most concerning, however, is the detrimental effects periodontitis can have on your dog’s heart, kidneys, and liver. Dogs can also benefit from dental cleanings at the vet’s office. These in-depth procedures take place under anesthesia and remove plaque below the gum line, where toothbrushes can’t reach. Dental cleanings are especially important for dog breeds with genetic predispositions for dental disease, like many small breeds, or dogs fed wet food. Zoonotic diseases can be spread between animals and people. You can’t catch a cold from your dog, any more than your dog can pick up a human strain of a cold virus from you. However, dog colds and influenza are highly contagious between dogs, which means we have to be careful not to help transmit the germs.
Colds spread through saliva and aerosol droplets. If you’ve been in contact with a sick dog, you could bring those germs home to your own pups on your hands or clothing. Letting your dog drink out of an infected dog’s water bowl or play with infected toys also increases the risk of contagion. While colds are rarely life-threatening, they can pose risks for very young and very old dogs as they can in humans, as well as canines with suppressed immune systems. The National Cancer Institute’s Center for Cancer Research reports around six million dogs in the U.S. are diagnosed with spontaneous cancer every year. While better understanding of canine nutrition and advanced veterinary technology is prolonging the average dog’s lifespan, the risk of developing cancer increases as dogs age. Recent reports indicate about half of dogs over 10 years old are diagnosed with some type of cancer.1 We must take it upon ourselves as concerned pet parents to know the warning signs of canine cancer.
Dogs get cancer at around the same rate humans do, but the disease tends to progress faster for our canine friends. The key to fighting it has always been early detection. Without the ability to voice their feelings, dogs often go undiagnosed. Sometimes their disease shows no symptoms until it’s too late for medical intervention to help. In many cases, however, an observant owner can save their dog’s life. Regardless of your dog’s age, breed, or perceived health, it’s important to know about these common signs of cancer. #1 – Unidentifiable Lumps One of the easiest cancer symptoms to recognize is the presence of a tumor growing beneath the skin. Sometimes lumps are benign cysts, but an unusual growth always warrants a trip to the veterinarian. The lump needs to be removed and tested for the presence of cancer. Just as there are several different kinds of cancer, there are several kinds of cancerous tumors. Mast cell tumors grow quickly and tend to itch and look inflamed. Snub-nosed dog breeds like Boxers and French Bulldogs develop this type of tumor more than other breeds. Other types of tumors include histiocytoma tumors that are typically small and hairless, and tumors related to lymphoma are characterized by lymph node swelling under the jaw and behind the knees. Veterinarians encourage dog owners to inspect their pets’ skin at least once a month. Tumors can be large, but a small lump the size of a breath mint can be equally as dangerous. #2 – Sudden Weight Loss As long as the dog isn’t on a strict diet, their weight should remain relatively steady. Noticing weight loss is easiest in small dogs that are picked up often and dogs with short hair. A good way to quickly judge a dog’s weight is to look at them from above to see if their waistline looks more defined than it used to be. You can also palpate their sides regularly to feel how close their ribs are to their skin. It’s harder to judge weight loss in big dogs with lots of fur. A 70-pound rough Collie with progressing cancer could be losing weight, but their fur and the lack of a convenient scale could mean the symptom goes unnoticed. For these dogs, it’s important to either bring them to the vet regularly for check ups or devise a method of checking their weight at home. #3 – Lack of Appetite Sometimes dogs push away their dinner when they have an upset stomach, and they’re usually back to eating within a day. Dogs that don’t act hungry for more than two days at a time, however, could be dealing with something more serious. A tumor pressing against the intestines is a common reason why dogs stop eating. Food going through a cramped intestine is uncomfortable, and the dog quickly decides not eating is the way to make themselves feel better.5 If it’s cancer, regaining appetite is essential for recovery. Cancer will drain the body’s energy and make it harder for the immune system to fight back. Nutrients derived from food will be essential to keep up the dog’s strength. #4 – Stiffness or Lameness It’s normal for senior dogs to slow down, and trouble standing up, walking, or climbing stairs could be due to osteoarthritis. There’s also a chance painful movements are caused by bone cancer called osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma is a tumor that develops on the bone. It can affect any bone in the body but is most often found near the shoulders and knees. In the beginning stages, the tumor may not be noticeable by looking at the dog. It will, however, affect how they move. Canine Cancer explains, “Osteosarcoma develops deep within the bone and becomes progressively more painful as it grows outward and the bone is destroyed from the inside out. Lameness may occur suddenly or start intermittently and progress over several weeks. Obvious swelling becomes evident as the tumor grows and normal bone is replaced by tumorous bone.” #5 – Lethargy It’s normal for a dog to spend a few hours a day snoozing. Most dogs sleep between 12 and 14 hours a day.3 That number will ultimately depend on your dog’s age, breed, and personality, but too much sleep or a sudden decrease in activity could be a sign of cancer. The main difference between normal exhaustion and lethargy has to do with the dog’s enthusiasm level. A dog that’s simply tired will drag themselves off the couch with a wagging tail for the chance at food or to play their favorite game. A lethargic dog, however, will lose all interest in their favorite things. Their reactions to things that would normally excite them are either delayed, strained, or they don’t react at all. #6 – Open Sores That Don’t Heal A sore on the dog’s skin that lasts for months without healing needs to be seen by a veterinarian. The wound can be crusty and bleed randomly when irritated. Antibiotics and topical creams won’t help it go away, and it can be located in any area of the dog’s body including toes, scrotum, and nose. Scottish Terriers, Boxers, Poodles, Dalmatians, Beagles, and Whippets are considered high risk for this type of cancer, and dogs with white fur and light-colored skin are also more at risk.8 “A squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that originates in the squamous epithelium. It may appear to be a white skin mass, or a raised bump on the skin. Often the raised mass will necrotize in the center and ulcerate, with occasional bleeding.” #7 – Changes in Bathroom Habits Going to the bathroom more than normal, less than normal, and not at all are all signs of trouble. In most cases, urination problems relate to conditions affecting the kidneys, bladder, or urethra. Cancer in the rectum, anus, colon, and intestines often causes constipation, diarrhea, and other changes in the dog’s stool. It’s possible for a dog to be defecating normally but stop urinating, and vice versa.5 If you notice your dog seems strained or in pain while doing their business, there could be a tumor causing problems somewhere in the digestive tract. It’s also important to inspect a dog’s feces on a regular basis. Stool that is black, tarry, or has blood in it could be a symptom of cancer. #8 – Breathing Difficulties There are several different types of cancer that affect the respiratory system. Lung cancer most often develops in dogs 10 years and older, but all dogs are susceptible to having malignant tumors in their lungs and other parts of the respiratory tract. Symptoms usually present as labored breathing and shortness of breath.7 The dog might also develop a persistent cough, and their normal breathing can sound wheezy. You might notice your usually athletic dog gets winded after only a few minutes of jogging. Dogs that exhibit abnormal panting might also have cancer affecting their respiratory system. PetMD advises, “Owners should get a feel for what is normal for their dogs before any health problems develop. How does your dog breathe when he is at rest? While going for a walk? After vigorous play? With this knowledge in hand, you will be able to pick up subtle changes in your dog’s respiratory rate and effort before a crisis develops.” #9 – Unusual Smell Gas and bad breath are usually harmless, but exceedingly bad smells coming from the dog’s mouth or anus could mean something more. Tumors in the anus, mouth, or throat open a window for bacterial growth and can produce smells. Some dog owners assume their pets are especially gassy, but there’s the possibility the bad smells originate from a tumor in the rectum. Oral cancer is difficult to treat and progresses quickly. Tumors are most often found on the roof of the mouth and around the upper teeth.4 You might also notice your dog eating their food without chewing or only chewing on one side of their mouth to avoid a tender area. #10- Behavioral Changes A dog’s behavior is a clear indication of how they’re feeling. If your gentle, happy dog is suddenly acting aggressively, it could be because they’re in pain. When dogs don’t feel well, they tend to withdraw. Being jostled and touched in sore areas can cause them more pain, and they lash out to keep people away. A dog that used to love being picked up or having their stomach rubbed might start avoiding human contact. It’s easy to take their behavior personally, but it’s their way of telling you something isn’t right. Internal tumors can go unnoticed for months, and the longer they’re left to grow, the more damage they cause. A slight change in a dog’s behavior is often the only external indication that cancer is wreaking havoc on the dog’s health. Sources 1. AVMA 2. Canine Cancer 3. The National Sleep Foundation 4. My Pet’s Dentist: Oral Tumors in Cats and Dogs 5. Pet Health Network: 10 Signs of Cancer in Dogs 6. PetMD: 8 Types of Tumors and How to Treat Them 7. PetMD: Breathing Difficulties in Dogs 8. PetMD: Skin Cancer in Dogs 9. The National Cancer Institute’s Center for Cancer Research Written by Amber King Golden Retrievers are very popular dogs that can trace their lineage back to nineteenth century Scotland. They were bred as hunting dogs, used to locate and retrieve game from land and water. Initial efforts to breed the Golden Retriever were conducted by Sir Dudley Majoribanks, Lord of Tweedmouth, who spent twenty years secretly developing the breed. He began with a yellow dog from Brighton and an English retriever with a liver-colored curly coat called a Tweedwater Spaniel, now extinct. He later introduced Labrador Retrievers, Newfoundlands, Red Setters and Bloodhounds into the mix. The breed was accepted by the Kennel Club of England in 1903 as the “Golden Flat Coat” and they were first shown in an English dog show in 1908. Golden Retrievers were introduced to the United States in the late 1890’s and the name Golden Retriever was given to them in 1920. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1925.  '1' Blaming your farts on me..... not funny... not funny at all !!!
'2' Yelling at me for barking. I'M A FRIGGIN' DOG!!! '3' Taking me for a walk, then not letting me check stuff out. Exactly whose walk is this anyway? '4' Any trick that involves balancing food on my nose. Stop it! '5' Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons. Now you know why we chew your stuff up when you're not home! '6' The sleight of hand, fake fetch throw. You fooled a dog! Whoooo Hoooooooo, what a proud moment for the top of the food chain. '7' Taking me to the vet for 'the big snip', then acting surprised when I freak out every time we go back! '8' Getting upset when I sniff the crotches of your guests. Sorry, but I haven't quite mastered that handshake thing yet. '9' Dog sweaters. Hello??? Haven't you noticed the fur? '10' How you act disgusted when I lick myself. Look, we both know the truth.. You're just jealous. Now lay off me on some of these things. We both know who's boss here! You don't see me picking up your poop do you? It is unwise to pay too much, but it's worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money - that's all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot - it can't be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run, and if you do that you will have enough to pay for something better. Today I adopted a human. It broke my heart to see him so lonely and confused. And suddenly I got his teary eyes to meet mine. I don't like the smell of sad. I wanted to jump on him so bad. He spoke to me with cuteness and I knew it, I had to rescue him!, that human needed me. So I bark with all my strength, I followed him blocks and blocks. I want my boy to have a dog or maybe, two or three. He'll learn from them much easier than he would from me. A dog will show him how to love and bear no grudge or hate. I'm not so good at that myself, but dogs will do it straight. I want my boy to have a dog to be his pal and friend; So he may learn that friendship is faithful to the end. There never yet has been a dog who learned to double cross nor catered to you when you won then dropped you when you lost. Marty Hale The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue. There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face... A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. The average dog is a nicer person than the average person. Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog. If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise. My dog is worried about the economy because "Pal" is up to $3.00 a can. that's almost $21.00 in dog money. If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you that is the principal difference between a dog and a man. Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give him only two of them. "He left no relatives," they said, "He didn't have a friend Who knew about his sorry plight -- Was with him at the end!" . . . And so they raked the stove fires out, And closed the old shack door, For grouchy, crusty old Tom Dare Would open it no more. Then each went to his own home-fires, Forgot the lonely shack, And not a soul was near to see An old form stumble back And crouch, sad-eyed, beside the door, His bony length stretched flat -- He waited for his master's voice, His friendly little pat. Days had been lean for Old Tom Dare, Not food enough for two -- But Old Tom whispered to his dog, "I'll share along with you, Since Jennie went away from us There's been no one to care -- No one but you to give a thought For lonely old Tom Dare." And so the two of them had shared, If it be feast, or fast, That morning Rover had a bone -- It was their very last, And there was nothing left for Tom -- It didn't matter so, Because he lay upon his bed, And knew that he must Go. The careless villagers passed by, As they were pleasure-bound, But none of them took time to see The faithful, hungry hound. Too tired and true to leave his post, He stayed there to the End . . . And folks had said of Old Tom Dare, "He didn't have a friend!" The days have passed, but no one stops Of all that come and go, Old Rover lies beside the door, Half-hidden in the snow . . . I know that Old Tom had a friend, A loyal friend, because Today I found Old Rover dead, The bone between his paws. -Marty Hale Vaccinations.
A large debate exist in the dog world as well as with children on what is needed and when as well as potential problems. I'll add some of the research for your consideration and for you to pursue to make your own decisions. our basic protocol is we consider parvo a very serious disease so all pups will start with that only about 6 weeks old. at 8 to 9 weeks as mothers passed on immunity may be fading and pups are going to new homes where exposure is not necessarily as protected as here they will get the basic pup series starter. your vet will understand the 'alphabet soup' of DH2PPV which is distemper hepatitis adenovirus's para influenza and parvovirus. we do not give leptospirosis vaccine to young pups as one it may interfere with the uptake of distemper which is more serious and lepto can cause a reaction in younger or smaller pups. take the vaccine protocol up with your vet and if you feel the need add it after 12 weeks of age. While rabies vaccination is required legally yearly since people can acquire rabies the other vaccines are for your dogs health. Many people go with a 3 year protocol on core vaccines. This is something you need to decide for yourself and your dog. I seems researchers change things at times - like one year coffee is bad for you the next good - same with chocolate... etc.... {{A stray comment and some opinion thrown in --- Years ago veterinarians did an antibody ( titer) test to see what level of protection a dog had and administer vaccinations as available / needed. It is next to impossible to find a vet that will run these test nowadays and admittedly blood test are expensive compared to just going with a standardized protocol of vaccinations }} How does vaccination work? The immune system is the body’s defense mechanism against infectious disease.The body recognizes invading viruses and bacteria as ‘foreign’ and its reaction to these ‘foreign invaders’ is called an immune response. The body produces antibodies which destroy or remove the foreign substances. The essence of vaccination is that it makes use of the body’s natural systems for fighting disease. This is done by presenting a substance (the vaccine) to the body which mimics a disease, but does not actually cause the disease. In dogs the vaccine can be introduced by injection or by intranasal delivery (to protect against agents that contribute to upper respiratory tract disease). The body prep ares its immune response, which then is activated if that disease is detected at some time in the future. The immune system of the body has memory, especially for diseases prevented by CORE vaccines. This memory can prevent those CORE diseases in an animal protected by previous vaccination. Vaccination is the most important way to prevent certain diseases. The immune system is continuously active in defense against disease and vaccination simply amplifies or augments this system of defense. Puppies can receive their first vaccination from approximately 8 -9 weeks of age The reason that vaccination cannot be started any earlier relates to the fact that newborn puppies obtain protection from infection through the ‘first milk’ or colostrum. The colostrum is enriched with protective antibodies from the bitch (maternally-derived antibody or MDA) that is crucial for providing protection, but also prevents the pup from mounting its own protective immune response until such time as the MDA has gone (maternal antibodies gradually disappear until they are all gone by around 14-16 weeks of age). The presence of inhibitory MDA, which may vary in amount between individual puppies Until your puppy is fully vaccinated , you should ideally not take it anywhere where it might come into contact with dogs or ground that may be infected. your puppy may not be fully protected until receiving the third vaccination at about 16 weeks old. This is because in around 10% of puppies, the antibody received in the colostrum from the mother (MDA) can still block responses to vaccination Core Vaccines Core Vaccines are those that are recommended for all dogs, barring special circumstances. These core vaccines include: distemper, parvovirus, canine adenovirus I/II, and rabies. The following descriptions are taken from the University of Tennessee Breeders’ Symposium abstract by Dr. Margret Casal of the University of Pennsylvania. Canine Distemper Vaccine: Currently, distemper vaccines are modified-live vaccines, which are very effective. It was previously thought that combining distemper and Parvo in the same vaccine would lead to a decrease or a delay in seroconversion to the distemper component. However, (Dr. Casal’s) studies and those from Cornell have been unable to substantiate such claims. If a patient is immune deficient or pregnant, MLV vaccines should not be used, because they may cause disease in the patient or the fetuses, respectively. There is a recombinant Distemper vaccine currently available that could be used for those dogs in which MLV vaccines are not an option. Canine Parvovirus (CPV) Vaccine: In a recent study 60 mixed-breed pups were vaccinated with these newer versions of the CPV vaccines at 6, 9, and 12 weeks. The results showed that all pups had seroconverted by 15 weeks of age, suggesting a faster response and higher serum neutralization titers. Alternatively, if there are immune deficient animals present, they may contract the disease from the vaccine virus Parvovirus outbreaks are not prevented with more frequent vaccination. The only way to prevent outbreaks is with proper hygiene, even if this means foot baths and limited contact. CPV is spread by contact with contaminated shoes, clothes, soil, toys and other dogs, while CDV is passed on almost entirely by direct contact with infected dogs. Canine Adenovirus Vaccine: Canine Adenovirus (CAV) type 1 causes infectious canine hepatitis and CAV-2 is part of the kennel cough complex. Non-Core (Optional) Vaccines Bordetella bronchiseptica Vaccine: This is probably not a very effective vaccine, and there are not enough studies to document either short- or long-term efficacy. However, there are some kennels that require Bordetella vaccinations before the dog can be boarded. The intranasal vaccine seems to provide marginally better protection than the injectable form. Leptospira Vaccines: Because all Leptospira vaccines are bacterins, their use may result in allergic reactions. The later the vaccine is administered during the puppy series, the less likely the allergic reaction. Current AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) guidelines recommend delaying this vaccine, especially in small breeds, until the CORE vaccines are completed. Most current Leptospira vaccines contain four different serovars: grippotyphosa, canicola, icterohemorrhagica, and pomona. The vaccine is now purified, which may reduce allergic reactions and although titers drop significantly after 6 months, challenge with pathogenic forms of L. icterohemorrhagica and canicola one year after vaccination did not cause disease. Generally, this vaccine is recommended to be given in spring time, especially for dogs that come in contact with wildlife or city rodents. Lyme Disease (Borreliosis) Vaccines: Lyme Disease in dogs can be prevented by the use of tick prevention and vaccines. The Lyme vaccines have been criticized by some veterinarians as being ineffective. While it is true that some vaccinated dogs do contract the disease, it appears that vaccinated animals are less likely to contract the disease than unvaccinated animals. Vaccination is generally limited to dogs traveling to or living in high prevalence areas. Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) Vaccine: In May, 2009, the USDA granted a conditional license for the first vaccine against Canine Flu. This vaccine is expected to reduce incidence, severity and duration of the disease but does not necessarily prevent infection altogether. (Conditional license means it has been proven safe with good signs of efficacy, but additional studies are needed to gather more information. Canine Parainfluenza Vaccine: This old tried and true vaccine comes in a parenteral and intranasal MLV form. It is an effective vaccine in the prevention of this component of the kennel cough complex. |
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July 2023
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