Homemade Dog Food Recipe - Volhard

The Volhards have a homemade balanced recipe.
They are well known for making sure that IF you are going to feed your dog raw that you make sure that your dog gets a BALANCED meal.  Raw does not mean just feeding raw meat... your dog needs so much more than just a slab of meat.
More information at the link below:

http://www.volhard.com/uploads/wendy-volhard%E2%80%99s-natural-diet-recipe.pdf

Skunked! .... stinky!

So what happens when your dog gets skunked?
Skunk spray is an oil which is why it is so potent and hard to get the smell out.
Keep them outside! You do not want your dog tracking the smell through your house.

Check their eyes 1st. If their eyes are all red rinse them with cool water.
To get the smell out here is what you need:
Make sure you are wearing clothes you do not care about before bathing your dog.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Dawn Dish soap
Baking Soda
*Never store this mixture*
Here is the exact mixing directions by the humanesociety.org

• 1 quart of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide (available at your local pharmacy)
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing soap

When mine got skunked i knew about the 3 magic ingredients but didn't know the portions and we did fine just mixing a bunch of the 3 together. Don't worry about getting the measurements correct.

Mix these 3 together and bathe your dog in this without any water 1st.
Then rinse down with water.
I do a 2nd Bath right after this same way.
Then later that day or the next day I use Natures Miracle's Skunk off.
It can be found at almost any pet store and is good to have on hand just in case.

After they have had their bath I crate them for the day or night so that any excess skunk oil wont get on my bed, their dog bed or my carpet. I give them a follow up bath just because.. in the morning or later in the day.

Even though your dog now smells better the day after be aware that anytime your dog gets wet for up to 6months you will still smell the faint smell of skunk.

GOOD LUCK!

Fire safety prep for your dog

Many pets get lost to house fires because they get scared and hide and they are never able to be found in time.
Once your dog has a solid Recall to come to you.
Practice the Recall paired with the sound of your smoke alarm.
Play the smoke alarm sound and call your dog to you.
Change the room every time and practice this until they understand it then practice once every few months to keep it fresh in their minds.
I hope none of you will ever need this. But it sure could save your dogs life if it happened.
Also make sure to have one of these stickers: By your front door so that a fireman knows how many animals you have to help save them.

Over vaccinating our pets

Found a great article this week on a rescues website: http://gsp-rescue.org/vaccine-alert-please-read/   and had to share this great information.

Recent studies in the U.S. and the U.K. have produced significant evidence to support very limited use of vaccines in dogs and cats.  Current recommendations are as follows:

Dog’s and cat’s immune systems are mature by four to six months of age.  The most conservative vaccine schedule would include puppy shots and a final one year booster.

The “puppy shot combo” is good for at least eight years and should not be repeated for the life of the dog (or cat).  I use the four month maturity cut-off for my own dogs with no booster as per Dr. Schultz. (School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison)

Do not re-vaccinate your dog (or cat) with core vaccines.  The bordatella vaccine has shorter (9-12 months) duration.  It is required for boarding although there is little evidence that it will be effective in warding off infection.  Use only the nasal application.   If your dog gets “kennel cough”, it is generally mild and self-limiting and does not respond to medication, much like the common cold.

Rabies vaccines are required every three years although they last more like 7 to 10 years. A current challenge is in progress in hopes of bringing the law into line with current vaccine research.http://www.rabieschallengefund.org/

Other vaccines available but not recommended due to adverse effects and/or lack of effectiveness are:
Lyme vaccine,  Coronavirus,  Giardiasis,  and Rattlesnake envenomation.  (Home School of Veterinary Medicine UC Davis).

There are many harmful effects of over vaccination, including:
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (usually fatal), Brain and nervous system damage, Encephalitis, Vaccine induced cancers,  Anaphylactic shock (massive allergic reaction),  Epilepsy and seizures,  Behavioral problems; anxiety or aggression and Allergies.

These and other adverse effects are being reported from studies compiled by Catherine O’Driscoll canine-health-concern.org.uk

We came across an article about the new drug ProHeart 6 that is being prescribed for heartworm prevention.  A 6 year old healthy dog named Jack died unexpectedly after receiving the drug ProHeart 6.  You can read more about Jack’s story here.

Don’t be afraid to talk to your veterinarian about your questions and concerns of over vaccinating.  It could not only extend the lifespan of your dog, but save it’s life.

We did not write this article. We are sharing it from this website

http://gsp-rescue.org/vaccine-alert-please-read/

Flea and Tick Prevention - Comparisons

Summer is here, which means fun, hiking trips, lakes, camping and much more. With all of the fun stuff comes those annoying little pests... Fleas, Ticks and Mosquitos and even rattlesnakes- Those that carry awful diseases that can harm your pets.

Flea + Tick Preventatives
There are so many different kinds available what to choose????....
To start with here is an overview with a comparison chart
I advise you NOT to use Bio Spot products - there are cases of dogs dying from use of Bio Spot.
Base your decision on you and your dogs lifestyle.
For example my dogs and I go hiking alot in places that their might be ticks so I make sure that the preventative mine are on includes Ticks. If you live in the city and just walk your neighborhood you may not need a preventative against Ticks.

Product	Active Ingredient	Species & Minimum Age	Dosage & Administration	Effects on External Parasites	Comments
For Use on Pets
Advantage II for Cats	Imidacloprid Pyriproxyfen	For cats 8+ weeks	Topical: Once/month	Kills adult fleas, eggs and larvae. Does not kill ticks.	Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, aged, pregnant, or nursing animals.
Advantage II for Dogs	Imidacloprid Pyriproxyfen	For dogs 7+ weeks	Topical: Once/month	Kills lice and adult fleas, eggs and larvae. Does not kill ticks.	Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, aged, pregnant, or nursing animals.
Advantage Multi for Cats	Imidacloprid Moxidectin	For cats 9+ weeks and 2+ lbs	Topical: Once/month	Kills adult fleas and ear mites. Does not kill ticks.	Prevents heartworm; treats and controls roundworms and hookworms. Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, aged, pregnant, or nursing animals.
Advantage Multi for Dogs	Imidacloprid Moxidectin	For dogs 7+ weeks and 3+ lbs Do NOT use on cats.	Topical: Once/month	Kills adult fleas. Does not kill ticks.	Prevents heartworm; treats and controls roundworms, whipworms and hookworms. Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, aged, pregnant, or nursing animals. Do NOT use on cats.
K9 Advantix II for Dogs	Imidacloprid Permethrin Pyriproxyfen	For dogs 7+ weeks Do NOT use on cats.	Topical: Once/month	Kills flea eggs and larvae. Kills and repels fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. Repels biting flies. Kills lice.	Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, aged, pregnant, or nursing dogs. Do NOT use on cats.
Bio Spot Flea and Tick Spray for Cats and Kittens	Pyrethrin Methoprene	For cats 12+ weeks	Topical: Spray once every 2 months	Kills and repels adult fleas and ticks; kills flea eggs.	Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, medicated, aged, pregnant, or nursing cats.
Bio Spot Defense Flea and Tick Spray for Cats and Kittens	Etofenprox Methoprene	For cats 12+ weeks	Topical: Spray once every month; may be reapplied two weeks after initial application.	Kills and repels adult fleas and ticks; kills flea eggs.	Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, medicated, aged, pregnant, or nursing cats.
Bio Spot-Spot On for Cats and Kittens	Etofenprox Methoprene	For cats 12+ weeks	Topical: Once/month	Kills flea eggs and adult fleas and deer ticks; kills and repels mosquitoes.	Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, medicated, aged, pregnant, or nursing cats.
Bio Spot Defense Spot On Flea and Tick Control for Dogs	Etofenprox Methoprene	For dogs 6 months or older	Topical: Once/month	Kills adult fleas and ticks; stops development of flea eggs. Kills and repels mosquitoes.	Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, medicated, aged, pregnant, or nursing dogs. Do NOT use on cats.
Bio Spot Defense Flea and Tick Spray for Dogs and Puppies	Etofenprox Methoprene	For dogs 10+ weeks	Topical: Spray once every month; may be reapplied two weeks after initial application.	Kills and repels adult fleas and ticks; kills flea eggs.	Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, medicated, aged, pregnant, or nursing dogs. Do NOT use on cats.
Capstar	Nitenpyram	For dogs and cats 4+ weeks, and 2+ lbs	Oral: As needed (can be given daily)	Kills adult fleas. Starts to work in 30 minutes; no residual activity.	Safe to use in pregnant or nursing dogs and cats. Can be used with other flea products.
Certifect for Dogs	Fipronil Methoprene Amitraz	For dogs 8+ weeks and over 5 lbs	Topical: Once/month	Kills adult fleas, ticks, and chewing lice.	Approved for use in breeding, pregnant, or nursing animals. Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, medicated or aged animals. Do NOT use on cats.
Comfortis for Dogs	Spinosad	For dogs 14+ weeks	Oral: Once/month	Kills adult fleas.	Caution in breeding females and those with epilepsy.
Fiproguard for Cats	Fipronil	For cats 8+ weeks	Topical: Once/month	Kills adult fleas and ticks and chewing lice.	Approved for use in breeding, pregnant, or nursing animals. Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, medicated or aged animals.
Fiproguard Max for Cats	Fipronil Etofenprox	For cats 12+ weeks	Topical: Once/month	Kills adult fleas and ticks and chewing lice.	Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, medicated or aged animals.
Fiproguard for Dogs	Fipronil	For dogs 8+ weeks	Topical: Once/month	Kills adult fleas, ticks, and chewing lice. Aids in the control of sarcoptic mange.	Approved for use in breeding, pregnant, or nursing animals. Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, medicated or aged animals.
Fiproguard Max for Dogs	Fipronil Cyphenothrin	For dogs 12+ weeks	Topical: Once/month	Kills adult fleas, ticks, and chewing lice. Aids in the control of sarcoptic mange.	Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, medicated or aged animals.
Frontline Plus for Cats	Fipronil Methoprene	For cats 8+ weeks	Topical: Once/month	Kills adult fleas and ticks. Prevents flea eggs, larvae and pupae from maturing. Treats and controls chewing lice.	Approved for use in breeding, pregnant, or nursing animals. Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, medicated or aged animals.
Frontline Plus for Dogs	Fipronil Methoprene	For dogs 8+ weeks	Topical: Once/month	Kills adult fleas and ticks. Prevents flea eggs, larvae and pupae from maturing. Treats and controls chewing lice. Aids in the control of sarcoptic mange.	Approved for use in breeding, pregnant, or nursing animals. Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, medicated or aged animals.
Frontline Spray for Cats and Dogs	Fipronil	For dogs 8+ weeks and cats 8+ weeks	Topical spray: Once/month	Kills adult fleas, ticks, and chewing lice. Aids in control of sarcoptic mange in dogs.	Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, medicated, aged, pregnant, or nursing animals.
Frontline Top Spot for Cats and Kittens	Fipronil	For cats 8+ weeks	Topical: Once/month	Kills adult fleas, ticks, and chewing lice.	Approved for use in breeding, pregnant, or nursing animals. Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, medicated or aged animals.
Frontline Top Spot for Dogs and Puppies	Fipronil	For dogs 8+ weeks	Topical: Once/month	Kills adult fleas, ticks, and chewing lice. Aids in the control of sarcoptic mange.	Approved for use in breeding, pregnant, or nursing animals. Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, medicated or aged animals.
PetArmor for Cats	Fipronil	For cats 8+ weeks	Topical: Once/month	Kills adult fleas and ticks and chewing lice.	Approved for use in breeding, pregnant, or nursing animals. Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, medicated or aged animals.
PetArmor for Dogs	Fipronil	For dogs 8+ weeks	Topical: Once/month	Kills adult fleas, ticks, and chewing lice. Aids in the control of sarcoptic mange.	Approved for use in breeding, pregnant, or nursing animals. Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, medicated or aged animals.
Preventic Tick Collar for Dogs	Amitraz	For dogs 12+ weeks Do NOT use on cats.	Collar: Once/3 months	Kills ticks.	Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, medicated, aged, pregnant, or nursing dogs. Do NOT use on cats.
Program Injectable for Cats	Lufenuron (IDI)	For cats 6+ weeks	Once/6 months.	Stops the development of flea eggs. Does not kill adult fleas. Does not kill ticks.	Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, medicated, aged, pregnant, or nursing animals.
Program Flavor Tabs for Dogs and Cats	Lufenuron (IDI)	For dogs 4+ weeks and cats 4+ weeks	Once/month	Stops the development of flea eggs. Does not kill adult fleas. Does not kill ticks.	Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, medicated, aged, pregnant, or nursing animals.
Program Suspension for Cats	Lufenuron (IDI)	For cats 6+ weeks	Once/month	Stops the development of flea eggs. Does not kill adult fleas. Does not kill ticks.	Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, medicated, aged, pregnant, or nursing animals.
Revolution	Selamectin	For dogs 6+ weeks and cats 8+ weeks	Topical liquid: Once/month	Kills adult fleas, flea eggs, and American dog tick; treats and controls ear mites, controls sarcoptic mites (dogs).	Prevents heartworms; controls roundworms and hookworms (cats). Appears to be safe to use in pregnant or nursing dogs and cats. Use with caution on sick, medicated or underweight animals.
Scalibor for Dogs	Deltamethrin	For dogs 12+ weeks	Collar	Kills adult fleas and ticks.	Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, aged, pregnant, or nursing animals. Available through veterinarians only.
Sentinel Flavor Tabs for Dogs	Lufenuron (IDI), Milbemycin Oxime	For dogs 4+ weeks, and 2+ lbs	Oral tablet: Once/month	Stops development of flea eggs and larvae. Does not kill ticks or adult fleas.	Prevents heartworms; controls roundworms, whipworms and hookworms. Safe to use in pregnant or nursing dogs.
Trifexis for Dogs	Spinosad Milbemycin Oxime	For dogs 8+ weeks, and 5+ lbs	Oral tablet: Once/month	Kills adult fleas	Prevents heartworms; treats and controls hookworms, roundworms and whipworms. Use with caution in dogs with epilepsy and breeding dogs.
Vectra for Cats and Kittens	Dinotefuran Pyriproxifen	For cats 8+weeks	Topical liquid: Once/month	Kills adult fleas; controls all flea stages	Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, aged, pregnant, or nursing animals. Available through veterinarians only.
Vectra for Dogs and Puppies	Dinotefuran Pyriproxifen	For dogs 8+ weeks	Topical liquid: Once/month	Kills adult fleas; controls all flea stages	Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, aged, pregnant, or nursing animals. Do NOT use on cats. Available through veterinarians only.
Vectra 3D for Dogs	Permethrin Dinotefuran Pyriproxifen	For dogs 7+ weeks Do NOT use on cats	Topical liquid: Once/month	Repels and kills fleas, ticks, mosquitos, lice, sand flies, and mites; controls all flea stages	Consult with veterinarian before using on sick, aged, pregnant, or nursing animals. Do NOT use on cats. Available through veterinarians only.

For more information on the mode of action and safety of ingredients in flea and tick control products see Ingredients in Tick & Flea Control Products in Cats and Dogs.
This table was pulled from http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2094&aid=2627

Building a 1st Aid Kit for your Dog

Humans have 1st Aid Kits at home and sometimes in the car. Have you thought about one for your 4-legged friend?
It is always a good idea to keep one on hand at home and one in the car for when you take day trips with your pup.
What does a doggie 1st aid kit need to have in it?
You can build your own doggie 1st aid kit or most pet stores sell them too.
I have provided a list of things to include in your doggie 1st aid kit, and explained their uses for the things that aren't obvious.


Here is a list of things that your doggie 1st aid kit should have:....
- Gauze Pads at least 10 4X4
- Gauze Tape
- Hydrogen Peroxide (Check the expiration date) 5ml or 5cc's per 10lbs of dog weight
        -Will induce immediate vomiting if you need your dog to throw up something they swallowed.
- Syringe that will hold 30ml of liquid (use for peroxide)
- Hydrocortisone ointment
- Triple Antibiotic Ointment
- Scissors

- Eyewash
- Tweezers
- Pediolyte or other balanced electrolyte fluid
- Large towl
- Gloves
- 1 inch white tape
- Vet rap (self clinging bandage)
- liquid bandage
- Ace elastic bandage
- emergency ice pack
- Benadryl 25mg - for allergies
- Buffered Asprin
- Muzzle
- Thermometer (both oral and rectal thermometers can be used rectally) keep some sort of lube handy for your pup when you use the thermometer.
- Paperwork: 

Health record, medications, local and national poison control numbers, regular vet clinic hours and telephone numbers as well as a list of the 24hr vets and their hours in your area. Make sure to add too this list when you travel with your pet.