Titer Test

Many dog lovers like myself are under the belief that our beloved canines need vaccination once a year. In fact I get a phone call from the vet reminding me of when my dog's vaccination is due. Thinking nothing of it and trusting the vet, we think that by vaccinating our pets is the best course to prevent diseases.

Up until recently, that was what I thought too. All my previous dogs have gotten vaccinations every year. Then I received an article to a site I subscribed to and something was brought to my attention regarding vaccinations for pets. Do our pets really need vaccination every year? After thinking about it, we as humans don't go for yearly jabs because we don't need it. In fact, tetanus shot for us last 10 years before the next booster. So do our dogs need their yearly booster? We could be over vaccinating our pets and be the cause of their diseases. This is what many vets don't tell the owners. Why don't they?Because while they are vets, they are also running a business. I am not discouraging people from visiting their vets nor encouraging owners to NEVER vaccinate their dogs. What I am saying is, before you vaccinate, ask your vet for TITER TEST for your dogs. This test will show whether or not your pet still has the vaccine in their system. If they still do, the likelihood is that your dog will not need his/her yearly booster.

Over vaccination of your dog could cause cancer in your dog and even renal failure.

I have included on the left hand side of my blog the website for this. Go have a read on it. It may prove to be a life saver for your dogs!

Dog Health Problems

I have recently been asked to add a new URL on my blog. Upon reading and checking up on it, I find that it is very useful for those who have questions about their canines. From health of the dog to nutritional values. It is a very informative site. So do please click on the link on the left hand side of my blog.

Healthy Treats

Pet lovers out there who are concern about what goes into their pet treats and food have resorted to home cooked meals and treats for their pets. You can get recipes from the net, order books online and many other various sources. However, while the intention is good, pet owners should also do their research on the ingredients i.e. whether or not the ingredient is harmful to the pets. What you feed your pet is very important and it could mean life and death for your pets.

Below I have pasted an article from the net on the dangers of homemade treats especially fresh fruits. Do have a read at it.

"Of primary concern is the use of fresh fruits in the preparation of doggie treats. Because most fresh fruit seeds contain a chemical known as cyanogenic glycoside, fresh fruits should not be used in the preparation of the family dog's homemade treats. Cyanogenic glycoside results in a dangerous cyanide poisoning in canines, often leading to death. In the most mild of cases, using fresh fruit in homemade doggie treats can, at least, result in significant illness symptoms such as dry heaving and vomiting. When preparing homemade doggie treats, avoid the use of fresh fruits such as apricots, cherries and apples.

Along the same line as fresh fruits lies the danger of grapes and raisins. When preparing homemade doggie treats, dog owners should avoid the use of grapes and raisins as an ingredient. While research has shown the use of raisins, in very low quantities, may not result in a health risk, the use of raisins and grapes, in large quantities, may be toxic to the canine. Specific chemicals in grapes and raisins may attribute to common ailments such as diarrhea, vomiting and, in most cases, lead to kidney failure. As a dog owner preparing homemade doggie treats, avoiding the use of raisins and grapes is highly recommended."

As fresh fruits are not recommended to give to your pets, you could use dried apricots and apple rings. Also instead of raisins, use dried cranberries.