80% of dogs over the age of 3 on a commercial cooked diet had teeth like this:
80% of dogs over the age of 3 on a raw diet had teeth like this:
A holistic approach to Canine Health, addressing Nutrition, Communication, Behaviour & Natural Remedies as opposed to the "classical view".
Saturday, 24 March 2012
Teeth as an indicator of health
In a preliminary study the following was shown:
80% of dogs over the age of 3 on a commercial cooked diet had teeth like this:
80% of dogs over the age of 3 on a commercial cooked diet had teeth like this:
Monday, 16 January 2012
Debunking the "Little Red Riding Hood" Myth
The Story
When I first told my mother I fed raw to my dogs, as internally they were wolves, her instant reaction was to tell me to keep my pets away from small children and babies as they might be tempted to eat them. A number of other people have expressed the same worry.
This worry has been extrapolated from the story of Little Red Riding Hood, as there is not 1 documented wolf attack on record that was un-provoked.
The story of Little Red Riding Hood is not about weir-wolves or even about the dangers of wolves, it is in fact about the dangers of Rabies.
Think of it this way, a little girl gets taught to use a safe path to go visit her grandmother, on the way sees a rabid dog, but remains safe, gets to granny's who's been bitten by the rabid dog & tries to bite her (looking for all the world like granny gone mad).
That is much more logical and likely than the fairytale and a good lesson for children, unfortunately its lesson has been twisted over the years.
The Science Bit
It has been shown that animals fed a raw diet are gentler than those on a cooked one, due to the higher accessability of nutrients needed to control the Amygdala (the area of the brain responsible for aggression).
When I first told my mother I fed raw to my dogs, as internally they were wolves, her instant reaction was to tell me to keep my pets away from small children and babies as they might be tempted to eat them. A number of other people have expressed the same worry.
This worry has been extrapolated from the story of Little Red Riding Hood, as there is not 1 documented wolf attack on record that was un-provoked.
The story of Little Red Riding Hood is not about weir-wolves or even about the dangers of wolves, it is in fact about the dangers of Rabies.
Think of it this way, a little girl gets taught to use a safe path to go visit her grandmother, on the way sees a rabid dog, but remains safe, gets to granny's who's been bitten by the rabid dog & tries to bite her (looking for all the world like granny gone mad).
That is much more logical and likely than the fairytale and a good lesson for children, unfortunately its lesson has been twisted over the years.
The Science Bit
It has been shown that animals fed a raw diet are gentler than those on a cooked one, due to the higher accessability of nutrients needed to control the Amygdala (the area of the brain responsible for aggression).
Saturday, 14 January 2012
Starch, malabsorption & bloat
Ever wondered why dogs get bloat? It's the Starch in their diet!
Most pet foods are grain based, even gluten free ones are either based on rice or potato.
These are very high in starch content. Amylase is what is needed to digest starch. Dogs do not produce amylase in their saliva, and only produce a very small amount from their pancreas.
The starch lines the stomach wall, having a negative effect on the pH of the hydrochloric acid in the stomach reducing the dogs ability to digest food. The only way starch can be broken down other than the very small amounts of amylase produced by the pancreas is via microbial fermentation in the gut.
This fermentation process produces large quantities of gases, which promote bloat & further reduces the ability of the dog to digest other food ingested.
Therefore the answer is simple, if you don't want to risk bloat, don't feed starch.
Most pet foods are grain based, even gluten free ones are either based on rice or potato.
These are very high in starch content. Amylase is what is needed to digest starch. Dogs do not produce amylase in their saliva, and only produce a very small amount from their pancreas.
The starch lines the stomach wall, having a negative effect on the pH of the hydrochloric acid in the stomach reducing the dogs ability to digest food. The only way starch can be broken down other than the very small amounts of amylase produced by the pancreas is via microbial fermentation in the gut.
This fermentation process produces large quantities of gases, which promote bloat & further reduces the ability of the dog to digest other food ingested.
Therefore the answer is simple, if you don't want to risk bloat, don't feed starch.
Thursday, 22 December 2011
Pet food definitions: 100% Complete & Balanced
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)
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)
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)
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