The definition of 100% Complete is that the food contains all the nutritients essential for life.
The definition of Balanced is that the food contains the minimum quantities necessary of all essential nutrients.
Therefore a pet food can be labelled 100% Complete, but not be able to sustain life without the pet having to eat large quantities of it in order to obtain it's minimum requirements; leading the owner to believe that the pet enjoys the food and the pet towards obesity.
Patrick, J.S. (2006) Deconstructing the Regulatory Façade: Why Confused Consumers Feed their Pets Ring Dings and Krispy Kremes. [Internet] Available from: http://leda.law.harvard.edu/leda/data/784/Patrick06.html#fn77 (accessed 21/12/2011)
A holistic approach to Canine Health, addressing Nutrition, Communication, Behaviour & Natural Remedies as opposed to the "classical view".
Thursday, 22 December 2011
Friday, 9 December 2011
Pack behaviour and dominance
The words 'dominance' and 'alpha' have fallen out of favour with regard to behaviour, due to being misinterpreted by owners to mean that your pet is always trying to 'get one over you'.
Due to the fall from grace of verbage, there is now even more confusion about behaviour.
Dogs still have the minds of wolves, they still see you as their pack or family. They intuatively know that someone must be the pack leader if the pack is to survive, and if your communication tactics do not elicit this then they will feel that they have to take on this role.
The problem with this is that due to the way we keep our pets, we do not allow them to 'grow up' mentally, they are not allowed to learn to hunt or defend and therefore most of them are absolutely terrified of taking up this position, and haven't got a clue how to do it. This is when we tend to see behaviour issues as the dog takes on a role he/she has no idea how to do, gets very stressed performing it, but uses whatever previous knowledge they have at their disposal to attempt to cope.
Remember that out in the wild the pack leadership is always changing, so they need consistancy in communication letting them know that they need not take on such a stressful role, you have it covered.
There are many ways to achieve this, and we can teach you via one to one consultations. If you feel you could do with some pointers, please get in touch. http://caninehealth101.web.officelive.com/
Due to the fall from grace of verbage, there is now even more confusion about behaviour.
Dogs still have the minds of wolves, they still see you as their pack or family. They intuatively know that someone must be the pack leader if the pack is to survive, and if your communication tactics do not elicit this then they will feel that they have to take on this role.
The problem with this is that due to the way we keep our pets, we do not allow them to 'grow up' mentally, they are not allowed to learn to hunt or defend and therefore most of them are absolutely terrified of taking up this position, and haven't got a clue how to do it. This is when we tend to see behaviour issues as the dog takes on a role he/she has no idea how to do, gets very stressed performing it, but uses whatever previous knowledge they have at their disposal to attempt to cope.
Remember that out in the wild the pack leadership is always changing, so they need consistancy in communication letting them know that they need not take on such a stressful role, you have it covered.
There are many ways to achieve this, and we can teach you via one to one consultations. If you feel you could do with some pointers, please get in touch. http://caninehealth101.web.officelive.com/
Sunday, 9 October 2011
Vaccine Labels for Annual Vaccines from Intervet
NOBIVAC® Canine 1-DAPPv (formerly Galaxy™ DA2PPv)
Merck Animal Health
Canine Distemper-Adenovirus Type 2-Parainfluenza-Parvovirus Vaccine
MODIFIED LIVE VIRUS
For veterinary use in dogs only
IN THE ABSENCE OF A VETERINARIAN-CLIENT-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP, U.S. FEDERAL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT THE RELABELING, REPACKAGING, RESALE OR REDISTRIBUTION OF THE INDIVIDUAL CONTENTS OF THIS PACKAGE.
THIMEROSAL FREE
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Nobivac® Canine 1-DAPPv vaccine is a modified live virus vaccine for the vaccination of healthy dogs as an aid in the prevention of disease caused by canine distemper virus, adenovirus type 1 (hepatitis) and adenovirus type 2 (respiratory disease), canine parainfluenza virus, and canine parvovirus. Data indicate the development of corneal opacity is not associated with the use of this product.
PRECAUTIONS:
- Store at 2° - 7°C.
- Do not freeze.
- Do not mix with other vaccines.
- Use new, non-chemically sterilized needles and syringes.
- Burn vaccine container and all unused contents.
WARNINGS:
- Contains gentamicin as a preservative.
- Vaccinate only healthy, non-parasitized dogs.
- Do not vaccinate pregnant bitches.
- The use of a biological product may produce anaphylaxis and/or other inflammatory immune-mediated hypersensitivity reactions. Antidote: Epinephrine, corticosteroids, and antihistamines may all be indicated depending on the nature and severity of the reaction.
- The age at which maternal antibody for canine parvovirus no longer interferes with the development of active immunity varies according to the bitch’s titer and quantity of colostral antibodies absorbed by the puppy.
Source: Merck Animal Health (2011) NOBIVAC® Canine 1-DAPPv (formerly Galaxy™ DA2PPv) (Internet) Available from: http://ispah.naccvp.com/index.php?m=product_view&id=1208228&key=label (accessed 09/10/2011)
_________________________________________________________________________________
NOBIVAC® Canine 1-DAPPv +Cv (formerly Galaxy™ DA2PPv+Cv)
Canine Distemper-Adenovirus Type 2-Coronavirus-Parainfluenza-Parvovirus Vaccine
MODIFIED LIVE AND KILLED VIRUS
THIMEROSAL FREE
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Nobivac® Canine 1-DAPPv+Cv vaccine is a combination vaccine that unites the benefits of Nobivac® Canine 1-DAPPv and Nobivac® Canine 1-Cv in one vaccination.
Nobivac® Canine 1-DAPPv vaccine is a modified live virus vaccine for the vaccination of healthy dogs as an aid in the prevention of disease caused by canine distemper virus, adenovirus type 1 (hepatitis), adenovirus type 2 (respiratory disease), canine parainfluenza virus, and canine parvovirus. Data indicate the development of corneal opacity is not associated with the use of this product.
Nobivac® Canine 1-Cv vaccine (feline enteric coronavirus) is a killed virus vaccine for the vaccination of healthy dogs as an aid in the prevention of disease caused by canine coronavirus infection. The coronavirus has been chemically inactivated and combined with an adjuvant designed to enhance the immune response.
PRECAUTIONS:
- Store at 2° - 7°C.
- Do not freeze.
- Do not mix with other vaccines.
- Use new, non-chemically sterilized needles and syringes.
- Burn vaccine container and all unused contents.
WARNINGS:
- Contains gentamicin as a preservative.
- Vaccinate only healthy, non-parasitized dogs.
- Do not vaccinate pregnant bitches.
- The use of a biological product may produce anaphylaxis and/or other inflammatory immune-mediated hypersensitivity reactions. Antidote: Epinephrine, corticosteroids, and antihistamines may all be indicated depending on the nature and severity of the reaction.
- The age at which maternal antibody for canine parvovirus no longer interferes with the development of active immunity varies according to the bitch’s titer and quantity of colostral antibodies absorbed by the puppy.
Source: Merck Animal Health (2011) NOBIVAC® Canine 1-DAPPv +Cv (formerly Galaxy™ DA2PPv+Cv) (Internet) Available from: http://ispah.naccvp.com/index.php?m=product_view&id=1208229&key=label (accessed 09/10/2011)
______________________________________________________________________________
NOBIVAC® Canine 1-DAPPvL2 (formerly Galaxy™ DA2PPvL)
Merck Animal Health
Canine Distemper-Adenovirus Type 2-Parainfluenza-Parvovirus Vaccine
MODIFIED LIVE VIRUS
Leptospira Canicola-Icterohaemorrhagiae Bacterin
For veterinary use in dogs only
IN THE ABSENCE OF A VETERINARIAN-CLIENT-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP, U.S. FEDERAL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT THE RELABELING, REPACKAGING, RESALE OR REDISTRIBUTION OF THE INDIVIDUAL CONTENTS OF THIS PACKAGE.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Nobivac® Canine 1-DAPPvL2 vaccine is a modified live virus vaccine which is combined with an inactivated Leptospira canicola and Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae bacterin for the vaccination of healthy dogs as an aid in the prevention of disease caused by canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 1 (hepatitis), canine adenovirus type 2 (respiratory disease), canine parainfluenza virus, and canine parvovirus and against Leptospiral disease due to L. canicola or L. icterohaemorrhagiae. Data indicate the development of corneal opacity is not associated with the use of this product.
PRECAUTIONS:
- Store at 2° - 7°C.
- Do not freeze.
- Do not mix with other vaccines.
- Use new, non-chemically sterilized needles and syringes.
- Burn vaccine container and all unused contents.
WARNINGS:
- Contains gentamicin and thimerosal as preservatives.
- Vaccinate only healthy, non-parasitized dogs.
- Do not vaccinate pregnant bitches.
- The use of a biological product may produce anaphylaxis and/or other inflammatory immune-mediated hypersensitivity reactions. Antidote: Epinephrine, corticosteroids, and antihistamines may all be indicated depending on the nature and severity of the reaction.
- The age at which maternal antibody for canine parvovirus no longer interferes with the development of active immunity varies according to the bitch’s titer and quantity of colostral antibodies absorbed by the puppy.
Source: Merck Animal Health (2011) NOBIVAC® Canine 1-DAPPvL2 (formerly Galaxy™ DA2PPvL) (Internet) Available from: http://ispah.naccvp.com/index.php?m=product_view&id=1208230&key=label (accessed 09/10/2011)
______________________________________________________________________________
Canine Distemper-Adenovirus Type 2-Coronavirus-Parainfluenza-Parvovirus Vaccine
MODIFIED LIVE & KILLED VIRUS
Leptospira Canicola-Icterohaemorrhagiae Bacterin
For veterinary use in dogs only
IN THE ABSENCE OF A VETERINARIAN-CLIENT-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP, U.S. FEDERAL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT THE RELABELING, REPACKAGING, RESALE OR REDISTRIBUTION OF THE INDIVIDUAL CONTENTS OF THIS PACKAGE.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Nobivac® Canine 1-DAPPvL2+Cv vaccine is a combination vaccine that unites the benefits of Nobivac® Canine 1-DAPPvL2 and Nobivac® Canine 1-Cv in one vaccination.
Nobivac® Canine 1-DAPPvL2 vaccine is a modified live virus vaccine which is combined with an inactivated Leptospira canicola and Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae bacterin for the vaccination of healthy dogs as an aid in the prevention of disease caused by canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 1 (hepatitis), canine adenovirus type 2 (respiratory disease), canine parainfluenza virus, and canine parvovirus and against Leptospiral disease due to L. canicola or L. icterohaemorrhagiae. Data indicate the development of corneal opacity is not associated with the use of this product.
Nobivac® Canine 1-Cv vaccine (feline enteric coronavirus) is a killed virus vaccine for the vaccination of healthy dogs as an aid in the prevention of disease caused by canine coronavirus infection. The coronavirus has been chemically inactivated and combined with an adjuvant designed to enhance the immune response.PRECAUTIONS:
- Store at 2° - 7°C.
- Do not freeze.
- Do not mix with other vaccines.
- Use new, non-chemically sterilized needles and syringes.
- Burn vaccine container and all unused contents.
WARNINGS:
- Contains gentamicin and thimerosal as preservatives.
- Vaccinate only healthy, non-parasitized dogs.
- Do not vaccinate pregnant bitches.
- The use of a biological product may produce anaphylaxis and/or other inflammatory immune-mediated hypersensitivity reactions. Antidote: Epinephrine, corticosteroids, and antihistamines may all be indicated depending on the nature and severity of the reaction.
- The age at which maternal antibody for canine parvovirus no longer interferes with the development of active immunity varies according to the bitch’s titer and quantity of colostral antibodies absorbed by the puppy
Source: Merck Animal Health (2011) NOBIVAC® Canine 1-DAPPvL2+Cv (formerly Galaxy™ DA2PPvL+Cv) (Internet) Available from: http://ispah.naccvp.com/index.php?m=product_view&id=1208231&key=label (accessed 09/10/2011)
________________________________________________________________________________
NOBIVAC® Puppy-DPv (formerly PROGARD®-PUPPY DPv)Merck Animal HealthCanine Distemper-Parvovirus Vaccine
MODIFIED LIVE VIRUS
For veterinary use in dogs only
IN THE ABSENCE OF A VETERINARIAN-CLIENT-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP, U.S. FEDERAL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT THE RELABELING, REPACKAGING, RESALE OR REDISTRIBUTION OF THE INDIVIDUAL CONTENTS OF THIS PACKAGE.
THIMEROSAL FREE
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Nobivac® Puppy-DPv is a modified live virus vaccine containing attenuated strains of canine distemper virus (CDV) and parvovirus (CPV). This vaccine is for vaccination of healthy dogs as an aid in the prevention of disease caused by canine distemper virus and canine parvovirus.PRECAUTIONS:
- Store at 2° - 7°C (35°-45°F).
- Do not freeze.
- Shake well before use.
- Use contents promptly once reconstituted.
- Use new, non-chemically sterilized needles and syringes.
- Burn vaccine container and all unused contents.
- Contains gentamicin and amphotericin B as preservatives.
- Vaccinate only healthy, non-parasitized dogs.
- Do not vaccinate pregnant bitches.
- The use of a biological product may produce anaphylaxis and/or other inflammatory immune-mediated hypersensitivity reactions. Antidote: Epinephrine, corticosteroids, and antihistamines may all be indicated depending on the nature and severity of the reaction.
Source: Merck Animal Health (2011) NOBIVAC® Puppy-DPv (formerly PROGARD®-PUPPY DPv) (Internet) Available from: http://ispah.naccvp.com/index.php?m=product_view&id=1208246&key=label (accessed 09/10/2011)_________________________________________________________________________________
NOBIVAC® LYME
Merck Animal Health
Borrelia Burgdorferi Bacterin
For veterinary use in dogs only
IN THE ABSENCE OF A VETERINARIAN-CLIENT-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP, U.S. FEDERAL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT THE RELABELING, REPACKAGING, RESALE, OR REDISTRIBUTION OF THE INDIVIDUAL CONTENTS OF THIS PACKAGE.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Nobivac® Lyme bacterin contains two inactivated isolates of Borrelia burgdorferi. This bacterin is for the vaccination of healthy dogs as an aid in the prevention of subclinical arthritis caused by Borrelia burgdorferi.
PRECAUTIONS:
- Store at 2° - 7°C.
- Do not freeze.
- Do not mix with other vaccines.
- Use new, non-chemically sterilized needles and syringes.
WARNINGS:
- Contains gentamicin and amphotericin B as preservatives.
- Transient soft tissue swelling may occur at the injection site.
- The use of this biological product may produce anaphylaxis and/or other inflammatory immune-mediated hypersensitivity reactions. Antidote: Epinephrine, corticosteroids, and antihistamines may all be indicated depending on the nature and severity of the reaction.
Source: Merck Animal Health (2011) NOBIVAC® LYME (Internet) Available from: http://ispah.naccvp.com/index.php?m=product_view&id=1208044&key=label (accessed 09/10/2011)
_________________________________________________________________________________
NOBIVAC® Canine Flu H3N8Merck Animal Health
Canine Influenza Vaccine
H3N8, KILLED VIRUS
For veterinary use in dogs only
IN THE ABSENCE OF A VETERINARIAN-CLIENT-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP, U.S. FEDERAL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT THE RELABELING, REPACKAGING, RESALE OR REDISTRIBUTION OF THE INDIVIDUAL CONTENTS OF THIS PACKAGE.
THIMEROSAL FREE
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Nobivac® Canine Flu H3N8 is recommended for the vaccination of healthy dogs at 6 weeks of age or older as an aid in the control of disease associated with canine influenza virus infection. The type A, subtype H3N8 virus has been chemically inactivated and combined with an adjuvant designed to enhance the immune response. The vaccine has been demonstrated to reduce the incidence and severity of lung lesions, as well as the duration of coughing and viral shedding.
PRECAUTIONS:
- Store at 2° - 7°C.
- Do not freeze.
- Do not mix with other vaccines.
- Vaccinate only healthy, non-parasitized dogs.
- Use new, non-chemically sterilized needles and syringes.
WARNINGS:
- Contains gentamicin and amphotericin B as preservatives.
- Do not vaccinate pregnant bitches.
- The use of a biological product may produce anaphylaxis and/or other inflammatory immune-mediated hypersensitivity reactions. Antidote: Epinephrine, corticosteroids, and antihistamines may all be indicated depending on the nature and severity of the reaction.Source: Merck Animal Health (2011) NOBIVAC® Canine Flu H3N8 (Internet) Available from: http://ispah.naccvp.com/index.php?m=product_view&id=1208226&key=label (accessed 09/10/2011)
Sunday, 2 October 2011
Lung Worm
Lung worm can initially present as a cough, but have far more reaching side effects that it's initial symptoms. Lung worm in dogs is caught by eating slugs or snails, licking the trails of slugs or snails, or eating infected fecal matter.
In cats lung worm can be caught by consuming whole birds or rats which are infected.
Lung worm grows in the intestinal tract and migrates to the lungs, where they are often coughed up and re-ingested. Respiratory tract infections ensue often followed with or accompanied by pneumonia - current recomendations are long term antibiotics. (Merck, 2011)
Opposed to recent veterinary implications lung worm cannot be caught by ingestion of human grade meat obtained from a butcher with no lungs or intestines attached.
Merck (2011) (Internet) Available from: http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/120700.htm (accessed 02/10/2011)
In cats lung worm can be caught by consuming whole birds or rats which are infected.
Lung worm grows in the intestinal tract and migrates to the lungs, where they are often coughed up and re-ingested. Respiratory tract infections ensue often followed with or accompanied by pneumonia - current recomendations are long term antibiotics. (Merck, 2011)
Opposed to recent veterinary implications lung worm cannot be caught by ingestion of human grade meat obtained from a butcher with no lungs or intestines attached.
Merck (2011) (Internet) Available from: http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/120700.htm (accessed 02/10/2011)
Saturday, 10 September 2011
Pack behaviour & teenage males
First let me dispel a myth, your domestic pet, fur-kid, best friend, whatever his breed is mentally a wolf, and 99.8% wolf genetically. Therefore he thinks like a wolf and you and your family are his pack.
The way you and your family communicate with your pet is (generally) in human and the way it is interpretted is in wolf, which causes a problem, as we tend to greet a dog upon being re-united (human social behaviour) which is interpreted as the human being subordinate & a confirmation that the dog is alpha.
This causes all sorts of problems & similar mis-interpretations happen in very many ways throughout the day.
When the male dog reaches a certain age, they feel the need to take over pack leadership as they are either approaching or in their prime for reproduction. This inevitably leads to issues within the pack.
The dog is very intelligent and can prove his superiority over you without you even realising, due to your interpretation in human.
i.e.
1) Dog gives paw - you automatically take it - dog has proved you'll do what he tells you to
2) Dog sneaks his head under your hand - you automatically pet him - he's just proved his superiority again
3) Dog leans on you - you think he's giving you a cuddle - he's proved you are a subordinate
There are hundreds of tricks your dog has to prove his superiority, but here is the problem:
If the dog is superior, he is alpha and therefore superior to all pack members, this is an extreamly stressful position to be in, as the alpha must feed and defend the pack, but how is he to do this when he isn't allowed to hunt, gets locked indoors and really doesn't understand the human world around him?
Teenage boys do this much more than those of other ages, due to their hormones telling them they should. This causes not only problems with their humans, but problems with other pack members, especially elderly ones, who in a natural wolf pack would be killed by a new alpha.
Bearing in mind that stress has been proved to supress the immune system, you can see why it is despirately important that your pet is never put in this position.
Consultations are available in your own home to show you how to be pack leader, reduce your pets stress & consequently your own. http://caninehealth101.web.officelive.com/
The way you and your family communicate with your pet is (generally) in human and the way it is interpretted is in wolf, which causes a problem, as we tend to greet a dog upon being re-united (human social behaviour) which is interpreted as the human being subordinate & a confirmation that the dog is alpha.
This causes all sorts of problems & similar mis-interpretations happen in very many ways throughout the day.
When the male dog reaches a certain age, they feel the need to take over pack leadership as they are either approaching or in their prime for reproduction. This inevitably leads to issues within the pack.
The dog is very intelligent and can prove his superiority over you without you even realising, due to your interpretation in human.
i.e.
1) Dog gives paw - you automatically take it - dog has proved you'll do what he tells you to
2) Dog sneaks his head under your hand - you automatically pet him - he's just proved his superiority again
3) Dog leans on you - you think he's giving you a cuddle - he's proved you are a subordinate
There are hundreds of tricks your dog has to prove his superiority, but here is the problem:
If the dog is superior, he is alpha and therefore superior to all pack members, this is an extreamly stressful position to be in, as the alpha must feed and defend the pack, but how is he to do this when he isn't allowed to hunt, gets locked indoors and really doesn't understand the human world around him?
Teenage boys do this much more than those of other ages, due to their hormones telling them they should. This causes not only problems with their humans, but problems with other pack members, especially elderly ones, who in a natural wolf pack would be killed by a new alpha.
Bearing in mind that stress has been proved to supress the immune system, you can see why it is despirately important that your pet is never put in this position.
Consultations are available in your own home to show you how to be pack leader, reduce your pets stress & consequently your own. http://caninehealth101.web.officelive.com/
Friday, 9 September 2011
Annie the 13 year old raw fed labrador
Meet Annie, the 13 year old black labrador, she is raw fed, take a look at her incredibly shiny coat and her very white teeth. What does that tell you?
Saturday, 3 September 2011
Lets talk Shit!
Not the nicest part of pet ownership, but a necessary evil, it struck me this morning how different it is between commercially fed and raw fed dogs.
That from Commercially fed dogs, is large, generally soft if not runny, stinks, and is dark brown to black in colour.
However that from raw fed animals is small, hard, bearly smells and is cream to white in colour.
This is quite important as the colouration of scat is obviously dependent on food, but also on dead blood cells. Raw fed animals generally only produce something black and possibly runny if fed too much Liver or Heart (both extreamly high in blood). However commercially fed dogs pass scat that colour all the time. Bearing in mind that the contents list assures us that there are not high quantities of blood in the commercial food, then it is more likely the dogs own dead blood being passed.
If this is the case then commercially fed dogs are killing off their own blood cells at a phenominal rate, much much higher than raw fed animals.
With so much energy having to go into new blood production, these dogs are much more likely to have a lowered immune system.
That from Commercially fed dogs, is large, generally soft if not runny, stinks, and is dark brown to black in colour.
However that from raw fed animals is small, hard, bearly smells and is cream to white in colour.
This is quite important as the colouration of scat is obviously dependent on food, but also on dead blood cells. Raw fed animals generally only produce something black and possibly runny if fed too much Liver or Heart (both extreamly high in blood). However commercially fed dogs pass scat that colour all the time. Bearing in mind that the contents list assures us that there are not high quantities of blood in the commercial food, then it is more likely the dogs own dead blood being passed.
If this is the case then commercially fed dogs are killing off their own blood cells at a phenominal rate, much much higher than raw fed animals.
With so much energy having to go into new blood production, these dogs are much more likely to have a lowered immune system.
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
Spaying and neutering re-visited
Recently I have been made aware of people being pushed to spay & neuter their animals on the basis that this reduces the risks of cancer. My previous blog should have laid it out quite clearly, but here are some facts:
Positive for male neutering
http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/longtermhealtheffectsofspayneuterindogs.pdf
Positive for male neutering
- eliminates the small risk (probably < 1%) of dying from testicular cancer
- reduces the risk of non-cancerous prostate disorders
- reduces the risk of perianal fistulas
- may possibly reduce the risk of diabetes (data inconclusive)
- if done before 1 year of age, significantly increases the risk of osteosarcoma (bone cancer); this is a common cancer in medium/large breeds with poor prognosis
- increases the risk of cardiac hemangiosarcoma by a factor or 1.6
- triples the risk of hypothyroidism
- increases the risk of progressive geriatric cognitive impairment
- triples the risk of obesity, a common health problem in dogs with many associated health problems
- quadruples the small risk of (<0.6%) of prostate cancer
- doubles the small risk (<1%) of urinary tract cancer
- increases the risk of orthopedic disorders
- increases the risk of adverse reactions to vaccination
- if done before 2.5 years of age, greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumors, the most common malignant tumors in female dogs
- nearly eliminates the risk of pyometra, which otherwise would affect about 23% of intact female dogs; pyometra kills about 1% of intact female dogs
- reduces the risk of perianal fistulas
- removes the very small risk (< 0.5%) from uterine, cervical and ovarian tumors
- if done before 1 year of age, significantly increases the risk of osteosarcoma (bone cancer); this is a common cancer in the large breeds with a poor prognosis
- increases the risk of splenic hemagiosarcoma by a factor of 2.2 and cardiac heangiosarcoma by a factor of >5; this is a common cancer and major cause of death in some breeds
- triples the risk of hypothyroidism
- increases the risk of obesity by a factor of 1.6-2, a common health problem in dogs with many associated health problems
- causes urinary "spay incontinence" in 4-20% of female dogs
- increases the risk of persistent or recurring urinary tract infections by a factor of 3-4
- increases the risk of recessed vulva, vaginal dermatitis and vaginitis, especially for female dogs spayed before puberty
- doubles the risk(<1%) of urinary tract tumors
- increases the risk of orthopedic disorders
- increases the risk of adverse reactions to vaccination
http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/longtermhealtheffectsofspayneuterindogs.pdf
Saturday, 27 August 2011
Behaviour Issues
If you have behaviour issues with your dog, unless it is due to a medical condition we can guarentee one thing, but you won't like it.
Not that we are assigning blame here, it is not your fault that you communicate in human and your dog interprets in wolf. Human is how you have been taught to communicate, and society tells you that your dog will understand. He/She does, he/she understands very well, but in wolf!
Mentally your dog is a wolf, part of a pack, with a den and anyone leaving the den can have no better or other reason than to hunt or establish and maintain pack territory.
Communication in a way that establishes that you and your pet understand eachother is the key to curbing behaviour and having a wonderful, fullfilling, productive, relaxed, relationship.
The problem is not the dog, it is the owner!
Not that we are assigning blame here, it is not your fault that you communicate in human and your dog interprets in wolf. Human is how you have been taught to communicate, and society tells you that your dog will understand. He/She does, he/she understands very well, but in wolf!
Mentally your dog is a wolf, part of a pack, with a den and anyone leaving the den can have no better or other reason than to hunt or establish and maintain pack territory.
Communication in a way that establishes that you and your pet understand eachother is the key to curbing behaviour and having a wonderful, fullfilling, productive, relaxed, relationship.
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
The state of the garden
Not to worry, it won't be for much longer, as the rubbish you are feeding your dog is shortening it's life by an average 71%, and upping your vets bills.
However, if you love your pet/s and want him/her/them to live longer, happier, healthier lives, switch to a raw natural diet.
Our Canine Consultants are here to teach you how.
Friday, 5 August 2011
Pet Insurance
Many policies state:
".. You must take your pet for regular annual check-ups and keep your pet annually vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus in the case of dogs, against feline infectious enteritis, feline
leukaemia and feline influenza in the case of cats... Homeopathic vaccines are not acceptable."
They further state that they will not pay for:
"Any treatment in connection with pregnancy or giving birth, vaccinations, grooming, killing
and controlling fleas, routine treatment for roundworms and tapeworms and any claims arising as a
result of these procedures."
As many health issues arrise due to vaccine reactions (un-admitted by the pharmaceuticals), this reduces your cover to issues brought about by accident or food reactions (un-admitted by the manufacturers).
Therefore I pose the questions, is your pet insurance really worth it?
".. You must take your pet for regular annual check-ups and keep your pet annually vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus in the case of dogs, against feline infectious enteritis, feline
leukaemia and feline influenza in the case of cats... Homeopathic vaccines are not acceptable."
They further state that they will not pay for:
"Any treatment in connection with pregnancy or giving birth, vaccinations, grooming, killing
and controlling fleas, routine treatment for roundworms and tapeworms and any claims arising as a
result of these procedures."
As many health issues arrise due to vaccine reactions (un-admitted by the pharmaceuticals), this reduces your cover to issues brought about by accident or food reactions (un-admitted by the manufacturers).
Therefore I pose the questions, is your pet insurance really worth it?
Monday, 27 June 2011
Hypervitaminosis: the result of an overdose of certain vitamins
Whilst our last Blog pointed out a couple of issues with lack of vitamins in a pre-packaged canine diet, there are also issues with an overdose of vitamins, as those added have been found to be over 20 times the recommended daily amount i.e. Toxic levels.
Here is our presentation on what happens if a body overdoses on certain vitamins...
http://www.slideshare.net/Tiamaat1/hypervitaminosis-9403125
Here is our presentation on what happens if a body overdoses on certain vitamins...
http://www.slideshare.net/Tiamaat1/hypervitaminosis-9403125
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
Vitamin defficiencies & symptoms
As detailed in our post about the ingredients in pet foods, the following vitamins & minerals are added:
"Vitamin and minerals:
"Vitamin and minerals:
Choline, Chloride,Calcium Panthenate, Thaimin Mononitrate, Riboflavin Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Menadione Dimethylprimidinol Bisulfite, Ascorbic Acid, Iron proteinate, ferrous carbonate and ferrous sulphate, Copper Oxide and copper proteinate, Copper Sulfate
This content has been tested at up to 20 times higher than the recommended daily amount (toxic levels)."
This content has been tested at up to 20 times higher than the recommended daily amount (toxic levels)."
However cerain vitamins and minerals need others in order to be absorbed and utalised.
For example:
In order to convert beta-carotene (a natural anti-cancer) into Vitamin A the body requires adequate amounts of zinc, protein and fats (Mercola, 2011) however there is no zinc added, the protein levels in pet food are particularly low, not all of which is digestible and the fats are not always of the right sort of quality.
A lack of vitamin A causes blindness and also diminishes the ability to fight infections - these symptoms are often noted in conventionally fed pets. It is also noted that a Vitamin A defficiency commonly causes dermatosis in Cocker Spaniels (Watson, 1998)
Whilst vitamins B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin) & B9 (Folic Acid) are included vitamins B3, 5, 6, 7 & 12 are not - these missing vitamins cause the following symptoms:
B3 - defficiency along with a defficiency of trytophan (listed below) cause Pellegra (aggression, dermatitis, insomnia, weakness, mental confussion & diarrhea). In advanced cases dementia & death.
B5 - acne & paresthesia
B6 - microcytic anemia, depression, dermatitis, high blood pressure, water retention & elevated levels of homocysteine
B7 - Impaired growth & neurological disorders
B12 - macrocytic anemia, elevated homocysteine, peripheral neuropathy, memory loss & other cognitive deficits, the autoimmune disease pernicious anemia, mania & psychosis & in rare instances paralysis.
Trytophan is not added, Tryptophan is an essential pre-cursor to Serotonin, used by the Amygdala in the brain to promote calm, a lack of Tryptophan in the body has been connected with animal agression, another symptom often noted in conventionally fed pets.
This is obviously not an exhaustive list and further research would be of extream interest. However, many of the above symptoms are very commonly seen in our beloved pets, now you know why.
refs:
Mercola (2011) Genetically Engineered Rice is a Trojan Horse: Misled by Bill Gates and Monsanto, Mercola (Internet) Available from: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/06/21/genetically-engineered-rice-is-a-trojan-horse--misled-by-bill-gates-and-monsanto.aspx (accessed 21/06/2011)
Watson (1998) Diet & Skin Disease in Dogs & Cats, The Journal of Nutrition (Internet) Available from: http://jn.nutrition.org/content/128/12/2783S.short (accessed 21/06/2011)
Watson (1998) Diet & Skin Disease in Dogs & Cats, The Journal of Nutrition (Internet) Available from: http://jn.nutrition.org/content/128/12/2783S.short (accessed 21/06/2011)
Monday, 13 June 2011
Canine Parvovirus
Canine Parvovirus (CPV) has a number of different strains, and 2 different effects, the most common of which is gastrointestinal, the other is cardiac.
Mortality rates are high, up to 91%, but more likely in animals who already have an impaired immune system i.e. via stress (which reduces the immune response), lack of nutrition or are already fighting off some other form of infection/antigen.
Symptoms of CPV are vomiting and dysentery, consisting mostly of blood.
Traditional Treatment consists of:
An IV drip, antiemetics (i.e. metoclopramide) {which prevent vomiting}, antibiotics to prevent the risk of secondary infection & analgesics (pain killers) due to the intestinal discomfort caused.
A puppy with minimal symptoms can recover in 2 or 3 days if the fluids are begun as soon as symptoms are noticed. If more severe, depending on treatment, puppies can remain ill from 5 days up to 2 weeks. However, even with hospitalization, there is no guarantee that the dog will be cured and survive.
Natural treatment that has worked for me
Force feeding:
fluids, including electrolytes, colloidal silver & homoeopathic china
natural organic live yogurt, containing spirulina powder and honey
minced chicken containing spirulina powder & cod liver oil
A natural anti-virus was created by my homoeopathic vet, taking a sample of virus from an infected dog, killing it in vodka, diluting this with water, succusing, & re-diluting as per the standard for homoeopathy. This was added in drops to the water bowls of the other dogs.
My reasons for choosing the above
The main cause of death in CPV cases is due to dehydration because of the constant vomiting and dysentary, or secondary infection.
Therefore, fluids & electrolytes to treat the dehydration
Colloidal silver & honey are powerful natural antibiotics
Live yogurt coats the gut replacing the good bacteria destroyed by the virus, which also attack the virus
Spirulina is a "super-food" containing more vitamins & minerals than any multivitamin on the market and a high level of easily digestible protein, necessary to re-build the cells lost to the virus.
Cod liver oil is high in Vitamin D, known to boost the immune system to 3 times it's normal strength.
China is known to combat symptoms similar to malaria, which is how CPV 1st presents.
The homoeopathic vaccine, created specifically from the strain of virus my dogs had been exposed to, was an immediate and permenant way to protect them from that particular strain for life.
Aftershock & Clean Up
CPV is shed in faeces for up to 6 weeks post recovery & can survive on surfaces (even outside) for up to 6 months, therefore destroying it is of vital importance.
Whilst there are many expensive cleaning products & disinfectants on the market that claim to kill parvo, in my experience some of them are not thorough enough & further outbreaks can occure.
Washing all material at 40 degrees or higher, will kill the virus.
Neat bleach is what is necessary on all surfaces to be sure that it is all gone. Do not forget to do the soles of your shoes, as this is a regular vector for infecting others on leaving the property.
N.B. Canine Health 101 do not presume to diagnose or prescribe your animals illness, as by law this must be done by a registered veterinary surgeon.
Mortality rates are high, up to 91%, but more likely in animals who already have an impaired immune system i.e. via stress (which reduces the immune response), lack of nutrition or are already fighting off some other form of infection/antigen.
Symptoms of CPV are vomiting and dysentery, consisting mostly of blood.
Traditional Treatment consists of:
An IV drip, antiemetics (i.e. metoclopramide) {which prevent vomiting}, antibiotics to prevent the risk of secondary infection & analgesics (pain killers) due to the intestinal discomfort caused.
A puppy with minimal symptoms can recover in 2 or 3 days if the fluids are begun as soon as symptoms are noticed. If more severe, depending on treatment, puppies can remain ill from 5 days up to 2 weeks. However, even with hospitalization, there is no guarantee that the dog will be cured and survive.
Natural treatment that has worked for me
Force feeding:
fluids, including electrolytes, colloidal silver & homoeopathic china
natural organic live yogurt, containing spirulina powder and honey
minced chicken containing spirulina powder & cod liver oil
A natural anti-virus was created by my homoeopathic vet, taking a sample of virus from an infected dog, killing it in vodka, diluting this with water, succusing, & re-diluting as per the standard for homoeopathy. This was added in drops to the water bowls of the other dogs.
My reasons for choosing the above
The main cause of death in CPV cases is due to dehydration because of the constant vomiting and dysentary, or secondary infection.
Therefore, fluids & electrolytes to treat the dehydration
Colloidal silver & honey are powerful natural antibiotics
Live yogurt coats the gut replacing the good bacteria destroyed by the virus, which also attack the virus
Spirulina is a "super-food" containing more vitamins & minerals than any multivitamin on the market and a high level of easily digestible protein, necessary to re-build the cells lost to the virus.
Cod liver oil is high in Vitamin D, known to boost the immune system to 3 times it's normal strength.
China is known to combat symptoms similar to malaria, which is how CPV 1st presents.
The homoeopathic vaccine, created specifically from the strain of virus my dogs had been exposed to, was an immediate and permenant way to protect them from that particular strain for life.
Aftershock & Clean Up
CPV is shed in faeces for up to 6 weeks post recovery & can survive on surfaces (even outside) for up to 6 months, therefore destroying it is of vital importance.
Whilst there are many expensive cleaning products & disinfectants on the market that claim to kill parvo, in my experience some of them are not thorough enough & further outbreaks can occure.
Washing all material at 40 degrees or higher, will kill the virus.
Neat bleach is what is necessary on all surfaces to be sure that it is all gone. Do not forget to do the soles of your shoes, as this is a regular vector for infecting others on leaving the property.
N.B. Canine Health 101 do not presume to diagnose or prescribe your animals illness, as by law this must be done by a registered veterinary surgeon.
Friday, 10 June 2011
Digestibility is key
The digestibility of the food you are giving your dog is easy to measure. Simply take the weight of excrement from the weight of food supplied & you can work out what percentage of food was of any use to your pet.
The vast differential between digestibility of commercial pet food and a raw diet is staggering, and something worth noting.
If you make a comparison between these, you can establish just how much of your pet food expenses is wasted on indigestible material.
The vast differential between digestibility of commercial pet food and a raw diet is staggering, and something worth noting.
If you make a comparison between these, you can establish just how much of your pet food expenses is wasted on indigestible material.
Monday, 6 June 2011
Why Should you feed your dog Raw food?
The storage stability of vitamins and minerals are impaired by cooking (Lugwigshafen et al. 1984). Phospholipids found in the cell walls of plant and animal material and essential for the health of each living cell are also broken down by heat. Phospholipids are needed in great quantities by the immune system, especially in the formation of pus in infected wounds (Pond, 2000).
Lugwigshafen, N. A. Bonn, G. B. Elmshorn, D. D. Hess.Oldend, W. K. Cuxhaven, K. K. Grenzach, H. L. 1984 Vitamins in Animal Nutrition, AWT, Bonn p42
Pond, C. M. 2000 The Fats of Life, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge p5-26
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Our Survey Results
Canine Health 101 Survey Results
·
· The results of our international survey show:
73% of regularly vaccinated dogs are stressed
85% of non stressed, non or once vaccinated dogs were raw fed
Veterinary costs and visits are 10 times higher for dogs fed cooked food
Regularly vaccinated dogs required 14 times the number of vet visits per year!
It costs 7 times less, to have a healthier, happier Dog
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Vaccinations
There are many reports on vaccinations around at the moment and many articles have been published in the relevant press. These reports contain frightening information on the contents of vaccines and the side effects of them, which are not always immediate.
Some of the immediate side effects include:-
Some of the immediate side effects include:-
- lethargy
- fever
- stiffness
- sore joints
- abdominal tenderness
- anaphylactic shock (an allergic reaction that causes swelling of critical airways which can result in death within minutes)
- liver and kidney problems and more.
If an animal has a pre-existing health problem, vaccinations can expedite a decline in health of that animal as they are known to depress the immune system. Many animals with chronic problems fail to improve or respond to traditional treatment.
Cancer at the site of the injection can happen as often as 1 in 1000.
Well documented adverse effects include auto-immune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) in dogs (which is deadly). Research has suggested a link between vaccines and immune-mediated polyarthritis in dogs. Hypertrophic osteodystrophy, a painful bone disease, appears to be triggered by the distemper vaccine in some Weimeraners. Some dog breeds, notably Dobermans, Rottweilers, and Akitas, seem especially prone to deleterious reactions.
Also you may have noticed that there is no variation given in the amount of vaccine dependent on size, from puppies to adults and from Chihuahua's to Saint Bernard's, all animals are given the same full vial, that seems wrong somehow to me, surely we are overdosing the small and under-dosing the large.
Humans get their inoculations once only, (with Tetanus as an exception), so why would our pets need them annually?
Pets systems are the same as ours, once they have developed anti-bodies another dose will not be of assistance.
Vaccinations are making animals produce auto-anti-bodies which attack their own DNA.
Cancer at the site of the injection can happen as often as 1 in 1000.
Well documented adverse effects include auto-immune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) in dogs (which is deadly). Research has suggested a link between vaccines and immune-mediated polyarthritis in dogs. Hypertrophic osteodystrophy, a painful bone disease, appears to be triggered by the distemper vaccine in some Weimeraners. Some dog breeds, notably Dobermans, Rottweilers, and Akitas, seem especially prone to deleterious reactions.
Also you may have noticed that there is no variation given in the amount of vaccine dependent on size, from puppies to adults and from Chihuahua's to Saint Bernard's, all animals are given the same full vial, that seems wrong somehow to me, surely we are overdosing the small and under-dosing the large.
Humans get their inoculations once only, (with Tetanus as an exception), so why would our pets need them annually?
Pets systems are the same as ours, once they have developed anti-bodies another dose will not be of assistance.
Vaccinations are making animals produce auto-anti-bodies which attack their own DNA.
Known reactions to certain vaccines:-
Distemper | " Watery fluid dripping from the nose " Conjunctivitis, eye discharge, entropion " Chronic gastritis, hepatitis, pancreatitis, appetite disorders " Recurrent diarrhoea " Sensitivity to food with resultant diarrhoea " Epilepsy, rear leg paralysis, spondylitis " Lip fold dermatitis " Excessive licking of feet, eruptions between the toes, allergies " Kennel cough, chronic bronchitis " Chronic skin eruptions, especially lower half of body " Failure to thrive, abnormally thin |
Rabies | Restless nature, suspicion of others, aggression to animals and people " Changes in behaviour: aloofness, unaffectionate, desire to roam, OR clingy, separation anxiety, 'velcro dog' " Restraining can lead to violent behaviour and self-injury " Self-mutilation, tail chewing " Voice changes, hoarseness, excessive barking " Chronic poor appetite, very finicky " Paralysis of throat or tongue, sloppy eaters, drooling " Dry eye, loss of sight, cataract " Eating wood, stones, earth, stool " Destructive behaviour, shredding bedding " Seizures, epilepsy, twitching " Increased sexual desire, sexual aggression " Irregular pulse, heart failure " Reverse sneezing |
Panleukopenia in cats | Lazy cats, lie around most of the time " Finicky appetites " Chronic fever for weeks, with few symptoms " Possible enlarged cervical lymph nodes " Poor groomers " Chronic dehydration leading to cystitis and calculus formation " Emaciation, hyperthyroidism " Inflammatory bowel disease " Chronic respiratory problems, sinusitis |
Other reactions | Any auto-immune disease such as lupus, red cell aplasia, auto-immune haemolytic anaemia, cardiomyopathies; neoplasias such as fibrosarcomas, mast cell tumours, thyroid tumours, etc.; inflammatory bowel disease, eczematous ears, any dermatological condition, warts, lymphomas, poor hair coats, stomatitis, periodontal disease, thyroid disease, and so on. |
Some ingredients in vaccines include:-
- Ethylene glycol - (antifreeze)
- Phonol or carbolic acid
- Formaldehyde - a known carcinogen
- Aluminium - associated with Alzheimers, seizures and cancer
- Thimerosal - (preservative)
- Neomycin, streptomycin (antibiotic)
Some Quotes:-
According to the Current Veterinary Therapy XI, considered the Bible of Veterinary care:-
"A practice that was started many years ago and that lacks scientific validity or verification is annual revaccinations.
ALMOST WITHOUT EXCEPTION THERE IS NO IMMUNILOGIC REQUIREMENT FOR ANNUAL REVACCINATION.
Immunity to viruses persists for years or for the life of the animal. Successful vaccination to most bacterial pathogens produces an immunologic memory that remains for years, allowing an animal to develop a protective anamnestic (secondary) response when exposed to virulent organisms. Only the immune response to toxins (such as tetanus) requires boosters... and no toxin vaccines are currently used for dogs or cats. The practice of annual vaccination in our opinion should be considered of questionable efficacy."
Dr. Ronald D. Schultz, Ph.D. - "Annual revaccination provides no benefit and may increase the risk for adverse reactions. The percentage of vaccinated animals (those vaccinated only as puppies) protected from clinical disease after challenge with canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus and canine adenovirus in the study was greater than 95%."
"Many people are very concerned about vaccinating their animals and the adverse reactions are often referred to as vaccinosis and miasms which is said to be difficult or impossible to cure. Most wonder why "annual boosters" are given to our animals " Helen L. McKinnon
"Some vaccines cause mild immunosuppression, e.g., modified live parvovirus vaccines may suppress the immune response in puppies to the point that they succumb to distemper when vaccinated with modified live distemper virus." - The Merck Veterinary Manual
"The more common risks associated with vaccines include residual virulence and toxicity, contamination with other pathogens, allergic responses, disease in immunogeficient hosts (modified live vaccines), neurological complications, and harmful effects on the foetus."- The Merck Veterinary Manual
"Vaccines that contain killed gram-negative organisms may also contain endotoxins, which stimulate release of interleukin 1, and can cause stress with pyrexia and leukopenia" - "it may be sufficient to provoke abortion in females." - The Merck Veterinary Manual
The American Veterinary Association advises that re-vaccination should occur every three years rather than annually.
For more information on vaccines and what they do to your animal, please read:-
- "Shock to the System" by Catherine O'Driscoll [ISBN: 0-9523048-4-8] and check out her website
- Publications by Dr R D Schultz DVM PhD listed at the International Veterinary Information Service
- Publications by Dr R D Schultz DVM PhD Listed at the National Library of Medicine
- Vaccination controversy and guidelines - at VetAdviceLine.com
- An Introduction to the vaccine controversy
- Death by lethal vaccine injection
- Details on a holistic vet conference - 1996, in attendance Dr Jean Dodds and Dr Ronald D Schultz
- The Merck Veterinary Manual - this states the known reactions to each vaccine (available via their website)
- Article on reducing vets bills and increasing longevity by Dr Kim Bloomer
Thursday, 5 May 2011
To spay/neuter or not to spay/neuter
Sterilization will naturally serve to prevent any unwanted litters. In bitches, spaying will greatly reduce the risk of breast cancer, pyometra, perianal fistula and cancers of the reproductive organs.5
Spay surgery itself carries a somewhat high rate (around 20%) of complications such as infection, haemorrhage and even death.5
Spay surgery itself carries a somewhat high rate (around 20%) of complications such as infection, haemorrhage and even death.5
Spaying significantly increases the rate of urinary incontinence in bitches….about 20-30% of all spayed bitches will eventually develop this problem. This is believed to be most likely caused by the lack of oestrogen that results from being spayed.1
Sterilization of males may reduce some unwanted sexual behaviours, but there are few other proven benefits to neutering a male dog. Testicular cancer is prevented, but the actual risk of that cancer is extremely low (<1%) among intact dogs. Contrary to popular belief, studies show that the risk of prostate cancer is actually HIGHER in neutered dogs than in their intact counterparts.5
Several studies prove significant health risks associated with sterilization, particularly when done at an early age. The most problematic is a delayed closure of the bony growth plates. This results in an abnormal, “weedy” skeletal development that increases the incidence of orthopaedic problems like hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. Working and performance dogs, if neutered before maturity, risk the inability to perform the jobs they were bred for.10
But by far the most startling news to surface this year is the result of a study that shows that keeping ovaries to the age of six years or later is associated with a greater than 30% increase of lifespan in female Rottweilers.4 Similar studies in humans reinforce this finding.7,11
A 30% longer lifespan means that you could have many additional years with your bitch simply by delaying spay surgery until middle-age or later.
Behavioural studies show that sterilization increases fearfulness, noise phobias and aggression. Other well-documented adverse health effects of de-sexing include increased risk of bone cancer, haemangiosarcoma, hypothyroidism, and cognitive dysfunction in older pets. Sterilization confers an increased susceptibility to infectious disease, and also a higher incidence of adverse reactions to vaccines.10
Sterilization of males may reduce some unwanted sexual behaviours, but there are few other proven benefits to neutering a male dog. Testicular cancer is prevented, but the actual risk of that cancer is extremely low (<1%) among intact dogs. Contrary to popular belief, studies show that the risk of prostate cancer is actually HIGHER in neutered dogs than in their intact counterparts.5
Several studies prove significant health risks associated with sterilization, particularly when done at an early age. The most problematic is a delayed closure of the bony growth plates. This results in an abnormal, “weedy” skeletal development that increases the incidence of orthopaedic problems like hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. Working and performance dogs, if neutered before maturity, risk the inability to perform the jobs they were bred for.10
But by far the most startling news to surface this year is the result of a study that shows that keeping ovaries to the age of six years or later is associated with a greater than 30% increase of lifespan in female Rottweilers.4 Similar studies in humans reinforce this finding.7,11
A 30% longer lifespan means that you could have many additional years with your bitch simply by delaying spay surgery until middle-age or later.
Behavioural studies show that sterilization increases fearfulness, noise phobias and aggression. Other well-documented adverse health effects of de-sexing include increased risk of bone cancer, haemangiosarcoma, hypothyroidism, and cognitive dysfunction in older pets. Sterilization confers an increased susceptibility to infectious disease, and also a higher incidence of adverse reactions to vaccines.10
“potential health problems associated with spaying and neutering have also been identified, including an increased risk of prostatic cancer in males; increased risks of bone cancer and hip dysplasia in large-breed dogs associated with sterilization before maturity; and increased incidences of obesity, diabetes, urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, and hypothyroidism.” Ref: AVMA.org
In a study of well over a million dogs, information on breed, sex, and age was collected and reported to the Veterinary Medical Database between 1964 and 2003. Results—Castrated male dogs were significantly more likely than other dogs to have hip dysplasia (CHD) than other dogs and spayed females were significantly more likely to have cranial cruciate ligament deficiency (CCLD).
Dogs up to 4 years old were significantly more likely to have HD whereas dogs over 4 years old were significantly more likely to have CCLD. In general, large- and giant-breed dogs were more likely than other dogs to have HD, CCLD, or both.
Prevalence of HD and CCLD increased significantly over the 4 decades for which data were examined. There was no data reflecting the decade-by-decade increase but one might suspect that the significantly increased rate of spay and castration procedures may be a factor in the overall forty-year increase. ref: June 15, 2008 Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Dogs up to 4 years old were significantly more likely to have HD whereas dogs over 4 years old were significantly more likely to have CCLD. In general, large- and giant-breed dogs were more likely than other dogs to have HD, CCLD, or both.
Prevalence of HD and CCLD increased significantly over the 4 decades for which data were examined. There was no data reflecting the decade-by-decade increase but one might suspect that the significantly increased rate of spay and castration procedures may be a factor in the overall forty-year increase. ref: June 15, 2008 Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
“increased rate of cystitis and decreasing age at gonadectomy was associated with increased rate of urinary incontinence. Among male and female dogs with early-age gonadectomy, hip dysplasia, noise phobias, and sexual behaviours were increased, whereas obesity, separation anxiety, escaping behaviours, inappropriate elimination when frightened…”
REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING
1 Bovsun, Mara; "Puddle Jumping; Canine Urinary Incontinence"; AKC Gazette April 2009
barkingbulletin.com/newsletter/2009/q4/Puddle-Jumping--Canine-Urinary-Incontinence/
2 Fry, Mike, "Reflections from the No Kill Conference in Washington DC":
animalarkshelter.org/animal/ArkArticles.nsf/AllArticles/3A078C33CD079D17862575AD00471A9B
3 James, Susan Donaldson (ABC News) "300,000 Imported Puppies Prompt Rabies Concerns"
October 24, 2007 petpac.net/news/headlines/importedpuppies/
4 Nolen, R. Scott "Rottweiler Study Links Ovaries With Exceptional Longevity"
JAVMA March 2010 avma.org/onlnews/javma/mar10/100301g.asp
5 Sanborn, Laura J., MS
"Long-Term Health Risks and Benefits Associated with Spay/Neuter in Dogs"; May 14,2007
naiaonline.org/pdfs/longtermhealtheffectsofspayneuterindogs.pdf
6 Thoms, Joy "The Importance of Spay-Neuter Contracts" The Orient Express, Nov, 2009
7 Waters, David J., DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVS "A Healthier Respect for Ovaries"
gpmcf.org/respectovaries.html
8 Winograd, Nathan J. "Debunking Pet Overpopulation" June 29, 2009
nathanwinograd.com/?p=1390
9 Winograd, Nathan, “Redemption: The Myth of Pet Overpopulation and the No Kill Revolution in America” Almaden Books, 2nd edition, Feb 25, 2009.
10 Zink, Christine, DVM, PhD, DACVP
"Early Spay-Neuter Considerations for the Canine Athlete"; 2005http://www.thedogplace.org/Veterinary/0603-SpayNeuter_Zink.asp
11 “Retaining ovaries may be a key to prolonged life in women and dogs”; DVM Newsmagazine; Dec 5, 2009. veterinarynews.dvm360.com/dvm/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/646838
1 Bovsun, Mara; "Puddle Jumping; Canine Urinary Incontinence"; AKC Gazette April 2009
barkingbulletin.com/newsletter/2009/q4/Puddle-Jumping--Canine-Urinary-Incontinence/
2 Fry, Mike, "Reflections from the No Kill Conference in Washington DC":
animalarkshelter.org/animal/ArkArticles.nsf/AllArticles/3A078C33CD079D17862575AD00471A9B
3 James, Susan Donaldson (ABC News) "300,000 Imported Puppies Prompt Rabies Concerns"
October 24, 2007 petpac.net/news/headlines/importedpuppies/
4 Nolen, R. Scott "Rottweiler Study Links Ovaries With Exceptional Longevity"
JAVMA March 2010 avma.org/onlnews/javma/mar10/100301g.asp
5 Sanborn, Laura J., MS
"Long-Term Health Risks and Benefits Associated with Spay/Neuter in Dogs"; May 14,2007
naiaonline.org/pdfs/longtermhealtheffectsofspayneuterindogs.pdf
6 Thoms, Joy "The Importance of Spay-Neuter Contracts" The Orient Express, Nov, 2009
7 Waters, David J., DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVS "A Healthier Respect for Ovaries"
gpmcf.org/respectovaries.html
8 Winograd, Nathan J. "Debunking Pet Overpopulation" June 29, 2009
nathanwinograd.com/?p=1390
9 Winograd, Nathan, “Redemption: The Myth of Pet Overpopulation and the No Kill Revolution in America” Almaden Books, 2nd edition, Feb 25, 2009.
10 Zink, Christine, DVM, PhD, DACVP
"Early Spay-Neuter Considerations for the Canine Athlete"; 2005http://www.thedogplace.org/Veterinary/0603-SpayNeuter_Zink.asp
11 “Retaining ovaries may be a key to prolonged life in women and dogs”; DVM Newsmagazine; Dec 5, 2009. veterinarynews.dvm360.com/dvm/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/646838
Thursday, 28 April 2011
E Numbers in pet food
The law now states that these have to be listed individually, so please feel free to check the bags/tins for yourself.
Antioxidants
BHT aka E321 - banned for use in food in Japan, Romania, Sweden, and Australia. The US has barred it from being ...used in infant foods. So bad McDonalds have voluntarily eliminated it from their products.
Propyl Gallate aka E310 - Banned from children's foods in the US because it is thought to cause the blood disorder methemoglobinemia
Indigo Carmine aka E132 - Can cause skin sensitivity, a rash similar to nettle rash, itching, nausea, high blood pressure and breathing problems. One of the colours that the Hyperactive Children's Support Group recommends be eliminated from the diet of children. Banned in Norway.
Tartrazine aka E102 - A trial on 76 children diagnosed as hyperactive, showed that tartrazine provoked abnormal behaviour patterns in 79% of them
Sunset Yellow aka E110 - has been found to damage kidneys and adrenals when fed to laboratory rats. It has also been found to be carcinogenic when fed to animals
Quinoline Yellow aka E104 - One of the colours that the Hyperactive Children's Support Group recommends be eliminated from the diet of children. Banned in Australia, Japan, Norway and the United States.
Carbon Black aka E153 - Banned as a food additive in the United States of America. Suspected as a carcinogenic agent.
Antioxidants
BHA aka E320 - has been found to be tumour-producing when fed to rats. In human studies it has been linked with urticaria, angioedema and asthma
BHT aka E321 - banned for use in food in Japan, Romania, Sweden, and Australia. The US has barred it from being ...used in infant foods. So bad McDonalds have voluntarily eliminated it from their products.
Propyl Gallate aka E310 - Banned from children's foods in the US because it is thought to cause the blood disorder methemoglobinemia
Colourants
Iron Oxide aka E172 - Banned in Germany
Iron Oxide aka E172 - Banned in Germany
Indigo Carmine aka E132 - Can cause skin sensitivity, a rash similar to nettle rash, itching, nausea, high blood pressure and breathing problems. One of the colours that the Hyperactive Children's Support Group recommends be eliminated from the diet of children. Banned in Norway.
Tartrazine aka E102 - A trial on 76 children diagnosed as hyperactive, showed that tartrazine provoked abnormal behaviour patterns in 79% of them
Sunset Yellow aka E110 - has been found to damage kidneys and adrenals when fed to laboratory rats. It has also been found to be carcinogenic when fed to animals
Quinoline Yellow aka E104 - One of the colours that the Hyperactive Children's Support Group recommends be eliminated from the diet of children. Banned in Australia, Japan, Norway and the United States.
Titanium Dioxide aka E171 - is found in most pet foods, it is a known carcinogen & it also the basis of the lovely white paint on your windows, ceilings & doors - Banned in Germany
Carbon Black aka E153 - Banned as a food additive in the United States of America. Suspected as a carcinogenic agent.
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Pet Food Ingredients
Do you know what's in the "complete diet" you are feeding your pet carnivore?
Quote: “Most intra-species recycling of processed animal protein is banned”
Adherence to the Animal by-products code of practice is however strictly voluntary.
This code of practice, (which applies to 95% of the UK pet food market) allows the following to be used in commercial pet food:-
Meat & Animal carcases:parts of animal carcases which are not intended for human consumption, including dead zoo animals, pets, road-kill, abattoir leftovers which have been “denatured” i.e. sprayed with crude carbolic acid, cresylic disinfectant or citronella (a known carcinogen).
Non-ruminant blood, hides, skins, hooves, horns, pig bristles, feathers, wool, hair and fur Poultry: necks, heads, feet, undeveloped eggs, and intestines.
Catering Waste:
Examples:
Cooked meat and cooked fish items such as cooked cocktail sausages and frankfurters (ready to eat).
Dips with cooked meat or fish.
Ham including Parma and Serrano, salami, pate etc.
Cooked prawns, dressed crabs and lobsters, seafood sticks, cooked mussels (ready to eat).
All ready meals e.g. – roast dinners, tuna (raw) in sauce with noodles, toad in the hole, carbonara tortellini, ravioli, lasagne, micro-waveable packs of chicken or fish and vegetables. Pies and pasties including ocean pie and shepherds pie.
Raw items which are eaten without further cooking e.g. smoked salmon, sushi, Bresaolo and beef jerkin.”
Shells, hatchery by-products: eggshells, infertile and un-hatched eggs, culled chicks that have been cooked, dried and ground, with or without removal of part of the fat and cracked egg by-products
The above will be labelled meat and animal derivatives, or animal by-products on your pet food. The code states that these animals must have passed a post-mortem inspection and be free of disease communicable to man or animals.
Whilst some of the above sounds like a great meal, these foodstuffs take time to reach the processing plants, where they are then further cooked at between 220 and 270 degrees F for between 20 and 60 minutes often still in their original packaging.
Industrial Waste
Basically the pet food you are buying be it wet or dry is made up of Industrial Waste, this includes:-
The rancid oil from the food industry
Burnt chocolate unfit for human consumption (Chocolate is poisonous to dogs) Feathers which increase the protein levels but are indigestible
Anti-toxidants have to be added to the mix because of the fact that this food is rancid extra vitamins and minerals are added, but before cooking at between 220 and 270 degrees F for between 20 and 60 minutes, which of course breaks down most of the vitamins and minerals that were still present Large skips are filled with meat left over from the docks or our supermarkets, this goes into our pets food still in it's polystyrene containers, along with the fag butts and coffee cups of the people filling the containers.
Quote: “Vegetable waste, bakery and biscuit waste etc that comes from premises that handle meat may now be fed to livestock.”
Other ingredients:
There are of course other ingredients than meat and meat derivatives in commercially available pet food. These are mostly grains:-
Manufactured pet food for our carnivorous pets is generally produced by obtaining protein and grain, adding vitamins, minerals, oils, colouring and preservatives, cooking it at high temperatures, and packaging it.
In the UK pet food regulation is much better than in the United States and Canada, in that most euthanized animals are not allowed to be put in the food.
In the UK pet food regulation is much better than in the United States and Canada, in that most euthanized animals are not allowed to be put in the food.
Quote: “Most intra-species recycling of processed animal protein is banned”
Adherence to the Animal by-products code of practice is however strictly voluntary.
This code of practice, (which applies to 95% of the UK pet food market) allows the following to be used in commercial pet food:-
Meat & Animal carcases:parts of animal carcases which are not intended for human consumption, including dead zoo animals, pets, road-kill, abattoir leftovers which have been “denatured” i.e. sprayed with crude carbolic acid, cresylic disinfectant or citronella (a known carcinogen).
Non-ruminant blood, hides, skins, hooves, horns, pig bristles, feathers, wool, hair and fur Poultry: necks, heads, feet, undeveloped eggs, and intestines.
Catering Waste:
All waste food from restaurants, catering facilities and kitchens, including used cooking oils. i.e. garbage from hospitals, restaurants and food outlets, including supermarket products no longer fit for the shelves.
Quote: “Foodstuffs of animal origin or foodstuffs containing products of animal origin, other than catering waste, which are no longer intended for human consumption for commercial reasons or due to problems of manufacturing or packaging defects or other defects which do not present any risk to humans or animals.
Quote: “Foodstuffs of animal origin or foodstuffs containing products of animal origin, other than catering waste, which are no longer intended for human consumption for commercial reasons or due to problems of manufacturing or packaging defects or other defects which do not present any risk to humans or animals.
Examples:
Cooked meat and cooked fish items such as cooked cocktail sausages and frankfurters (ready to eat).
Dips with cooked meat or fish.
Ham including Parma and Serrano, salami, pate etc.
Cooked prawns, dressed crabs and lobsters, seafood sticks, cooked mussels (ready to eat).
All ready meals e.g. – roast dinners, tuna (raw) in sauce with noodles, toad in the hole, carbonara tortellini, ravioli, lasagne, micro-waveable packs of chicken or fish and vegetables. Pies and pasties including ocean pie and shepherds pie.
Raw items which are eaten without further cooking e.g. smoked salmon, sushi, Bresaolo and beef jerkin.”
Shells, hatchery by-products: eggshells, infertile and un-hatched eggs, culled chicks that have been cooked, dried and ground, with or without removal of part of the fat and cracked egg by-products
The above will be labelled meat and animal derivatives, or animal by-products on your pet food. The code states that these animals must have passed a post-mortem inspection and be free of disease communicable to man or animals.
Whilst some of the above sounds like a great meal, these foodstuffs take time to reach the processing plants, where they are then further cooked at between 220 and 270 degrees F for between 20 and 60 minutes often still in their original packaging.
Industrial Waste
Basically the pet food you are buying be it wet or dry is made up of Industrial Waste, this includes:-
The rancid oil from the food industry
Burnt chocolate unfit for human consumption (Chocolate is poisonous to dogs) Feathers which increase the protein levels but are indigestible
Anti-toxidants have to be added to the mix because of the fact that this food is rancid extra vitamins and minerals are added, but before cooking at between 220 and 270 degrees F for between 20 and 60 minutes, which of course breaks down most of the vitamins and minerals that were still present Large skips are filled with meat left over from the docks or our supermarkets, this goes into our pets food still in it's polystyrene containers, along with the fag butts and coffee cups of the people filling the containers.
Quote: “Vegetable waste, bakery and biscuit waste etc that comes from premises that handle meat may now be fed to livestock.”
Other ingredients:
There are of course other ingredients than meat and meat derivatives in commercially available pet food. These are mostly grains:-
Corn :
Corn Flour Corn BranCorn Gluten meal
Wheat :
Wheat Flour – including sweepingsWheat germ meal – Wheat middlings and shorts – including sweepings
Beet Pulp – added for fibre, primarily sugar.
Soybean meal Powdered cellulose – a bulking agent
Sugar foods by-products – the inedible by-products of the sugar and sweet industry
Shells – ground almond and peanut shells for fibre, but also include, but are not restricted to :-
Preservatives: BHA and BHT, both suspected to be carcinogens, research shows that they also can initiate birth defects and damage to liver and kidneys.
Ethoxyquin, also used as a preservative has been associated with:- immune deficiency syndrome, leukaemia, blindness, skin, stomach, spleen, and liver cancer.
Vitamin and minerals:
Preservatives: BHA and BHT, both suspected to be carcinogens, research shows that they also can initiate birth defects and damage to liver and kidneys.
Ethoxyquin, also used as a preservative has been associated with:- immune deficiency syndrome, leukaemia, blindness, skin, stomach, spleen, and liver cancer.
Vitamin and minerals:
Choline, Chloride,Calcium Panthenate, Thaimin Mononitrate, Riboflavin Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Menadione Dimethylprimidinol Bisulfite, Ascorbic Acid, Iron proteinate, ferrous carbonate and ferrous sulphate, Copper Oxide and copper proteinate, Copper Sulfate
This content has been tested at up to 20 times higher than the recommended daily amount (toxic levels).
Food colouring:
This content has been tested at up to 20 times higher than the recommended daily amount (toxic levels).
Food colouring:
Food colouring is added to this mix in order for it to look good to the consumer (i.e. the pet owner), these and the way that the labels show meat as the upper most ingredient on the list (but is usually only between 4% & 30% of the content), convince us that this is a healthy meal of our beloved carnivorous pet. Visible vegetables – manufacturers have caught on to some of this and a few have added visible amounts of carrot and peas to dog food. Unfortunately carrots are indigestible by dogs and peas contain far too much sugar for them. N.B. There is no governing body for the regulation of the contents of pet food, it is all done by the individual manufacturer.
The Pet Food industry unlike the human food industry are not obliged to list all the ingredients, nor are they obliged to list the contents in any sort of order, therefore they list the tiny "meat and animal derivative" content at the top to make you think that it is the most used ingredient.2005)
The Pet Food industry unlike the human food industry are not obliged to list all the ingredients, nor are they obliged to list the contents in any sort of order, therefore they list the tiny "meat and animal derivative" content at the top to make you think that it is the most used ingredient.2005)
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