shewhisperer

Dog Park Etiquette Seminar

2010-06-11T21:38:00.000-07:00

Dog Park Etiquette Seminar at Ragle Ranch County Park in Sebastopol, Ca.

June 26, 2010 11am - 1pm

Learn canine body language and energy at this hands-on seminar at Sebastopol Dog Park aka ACC Dog Park at Ragle Rancy.

I will be leading this seminar and it's almost full. If you want to save a place please contact me now.

Hope to see you and yours there.

COULD THIS BE SAFE?

2010-03-25T06:27:00.000-07:00

When you watch this video you must ask yourself if you could do this and be safe?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfZMVzckClE

Aggressive dogs are mostly misunderstood. It is fear mismanaged. Yet when they do become aggressive we must rehabilitate them in a safe and humane manner.

The dog in this video is aggressive and there could be many reasons why and I won't go into this just now. Yet, this is a very common occurrence for many dogs and it's very unfortunate. If you take the time to acquaint your dog with a brush, with a grooming table, with his body, ears, mouth, feet, nails, being touched, then grooming, medicating, or any kind of handling of your dog will be respectfully and willingly permitted and often times enjoyed. My dogs rolls over to get groomed.

Often times people don't take this time and the dog suffers, while injuring yourself or someone else in the process. Now we are dealing with undoing aggressive behavior that with just a little preparation time and leadership skills, we would never be having to deal with.

But when it is a reality and your dog needs behavior modification, please make sure that you call in a professional dog behaviorist who will not only be able to help your dog, but also help you become the leader so you can groom your dog or put medication in her ears or whatever you need to do to keep your dog healthy and vibrant.

How did he not poke an eye out with those scissors so close to that dogs eye? Or was that edited out of the shot? Who knows, but what I do know is that dealing with an aggressive dog needs time, patience and a whole lotta know how.

Seek a highly recommended trainer who specializes in humane ways of modifying aggressive behavior.

TRAVELING WITH YOUR DOG

2010-03-25T04:59:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and we're all getting spring fever, ready to be in the great outdoors. Good preparation is key to a happy and successful adventure with your family dog.

Checklist:

Weather:
If your are camping... is there a water source for your dog? If not, make sure to include Fido in your plans because he is surely going to be on the go much more than he is at home and given the water shortages, there may be limited water in campgrounds and on backpacking trips. Know the signs of heat exhaustion. Ease into activities so your dog can acclimate herself. Bring portable water/feed bowls that can attach to your hip or backpack.

Car safety:
Make sure your dog is used to the car before you go on a long trip. Take lots of shorter trips in the weeks before travel. Make sure you have good training under her belt, so when you stop at a rest stop your dog is safe and won't jump out of the car. If it's hot and you have to leave your dog in the car for short periods, park in the shade even if it means walking a good distance to your destination. If it's 90 degrees outside, it can warm up to 120 in about 5 minutes. Leave all four windows cracked so that there is ventilation and a water bowl in the car.

Air Travel:
Make sure your dog is crate trained, that is comfortable in a crate for weeks before travel to help lessen anxiety. Don't feed your dog before travel. You don't want him to get sick in his crate and you don't want her to have to go potty. You can feed when you arrive and fasting one meal is actually good for your dog. She'll be much more comfortable. Make sure you have all the necessary health documents before you get to the airport. Arrive in time for one last potty break and ask if you can wait till the last possible minute to board your dog. Less time in the crate the better. Only book a non-stop flight. This will prevent the potential loss of your dog in switching flights, and less handling of the crate and less travel time.

Hiking:
Even if you hike regularly chances are the terrain is different than what your dog may be accustomed to. Beware of rocky trails and cuts on the pads of the feet. Make sure you have an extra leash in case you need to hoist him up a steep trail or help across a rushing stream/river. Bring first aid for you dog as well. Bring portable water/food bowls. Camelbak backpack has extra bladders for water that will fit inside with your own water bladder. Make sure dog has his current tags on in case he gets lost. Please make sure your dog has sufficient training under her belt, so she comes when you call and is well socialized with other dogs and won't bother wildlife.
If you plan on having your dog pack his own food and water, be sure to do some trial runs at home for weeks before travel, so he can get used to the extra weight and learn how to balance on hills around trees and single track trails and swimming.

Wildlife:
If your dog isn't used to wildlife, you can all be in for quite an adventure. Most important is to have a trained dog. LEAVE IT is a good command to know because you can use it when she sees a deer, a cow, even a rattle snake. Know the habits of the wildlife in the area you will be traveling so there won't be any surprises along the way. Know how far you are from the closest emergency vet and bring a first aid kit for your dog as well as yourself.

Hotels:
Many hotels allow dogs and have areas just for you pets. Check online and in books for dog friendly places.

Don't leave your dog in the car overnight, even if you are close by. Bring him into your tent with you at night. Even if your dog is used to the car, staying in a new place can have your dog be on alert and bark at every little sound keeping camping neighbors awake during the night, invite other critters into the site like coyotes and wolves. If your dog is in your tent with you, you will be able to better manage him.

Don't leave his food or water bowl out. This will invite raccoon, bear, deer and other wildlife to your campsite. Don't leave food in your car either, as this can still attract bear.

Bring extra bowls, leashes, food and water as one should always be prepared for anything when traveling.

Happy trails,

jill, the shewhisperer

If you have any further questions, please feel free to twitter at www.twitter.com/shewhispers or comment on this blog.

Managing Fleas and Ticks in a Healthier Way

2010-03-20T23:12:00.000-07:00

Find an article on my website about managing fleas and ticks alternatively.

http://www.shewhisperer.com/resources_flea_and_tick.php

This site always has plenty of great information on ways to keep our pets healthy.

www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com

EPA, finally making stricter rules on flea and tick products

2010-03-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

Please, before you use any flea and tick products do your homework. Many of these products are the cause of the rise in cancer we now see in our dogs, and cats. They critically impair the immune systems of most, leaving our pets compromised. The EPA is now recognizing the negative effects from skin irritations, to seizures and even death. There are many articles on this, w/in this last week. Just google EPA, flea and tick products and tell everyone you know. If you have any stories that you feel will help bring people on board to NOT use these products, please let me know. We need to help our furry friends, so your support is helpful.

When is a good time to trim your dog for summer?

2010-03-20T09:28:00.001-07:00

I'm getting so many queries about the right time to trim your dog. Many folks who live an active lifestyle on trails, in pools, ponds and any kind of travel find it much easier to give their dog a puppy cut. Giving your dog a summer doo helps with brushing out the burrs, preventing mats if they swim a lot, and keeping those muddy paws out of your tent.
I'm not just talking about your typical grooming breeds like Tibetan Terriers, Yorkies, Wheatens, etc, but also Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, little Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and many more. Trimming your dog at the wrong time could expose your dog to very harsh sunburns, or to the lingering cold spring nights.

A great time to trim is usually in mid-April to early May. This is a good time because it's before the ever increasing temps which cause sunburn on their newly exposed hairless back. This will also allow the hair to grow back in time for fall/winter.

Enjoy the warmer weather without compromising her health.

Let me know if you have other concerns or tips you'd like to share or hear more about.

Happy tails

Hard Times Advice from a Veterinarian

2009-02-12T14:02:00.000-08:00

Getting More Bark For Your Buck

Today the human-animal bond is stronger than ever. Seemingly, the more tumultuous the world around us, the tighter we cling to our beloved pets. They soothe us with their predictability and unconditional love, and they consistently give in excess of what they receive. Imagine then, the heartache one feels when it’s necessary to cut back on a pet’s health care because of financial hardship. Last week I worked with Joan and her ten-year-old Labrador, Rudy who still acts like a puppy. They are devoted to one another, and Joan has always done everything possible to care for her best buddy’s health. Rudy had been vomiting and not finishing his meals (keep in mind, most Labs would quit breathing before they quit eating). When I mentioned blood tests and X-rays, Joan began sobbing and expressed profound guilt and worry because she was unable to afford these diagnostics. Like so many others in this diseased economy Joan recently lost her job, depleted her financial reserves, and was in the midst of foreclosure. I gave Joan a big hug, told her how much I appreciated her candor, and reassured her that a diet change and medication to soothe Rudy’s stomach might be the solution. She will call me with an update next week.

If you are feeling a financial pinch (who isn’t these days), here are some things you can do to economize while still caring for your pet’s health.

-When talking with your vet, lay your financial cards on the table. Yes, this is difficult (talking “fleas” is one thing- having a candid conversation about your bank account is whole ‘nother ball game), but know that such discussion can open doors to options that make better financial sense. Rarely is there only one way to diagnose or treat a disease. You are entitled to an explanation of the risks and benefits of every single option, regardless of your financial status.

-Request a written cost estimate before services are provided. In no way does this reflect how much you love your pet; you are simply being fiscally responsible.

-Learn about all of your payment options.

-Consider investing in pet health insurance, especially if you are inclined to take the “do-everything-possible” approach.

-Don’t neglect the preventive care that could save you money in the long run. Administering heartworm preventive is less expensive for you (and safer for your dog) than treating heartworm infection.

What should one do if forced to contemplate euthanasia for a pet solely because of financial constraints? Before succumbing to such a drastic decision, I strongly encourage thoroughly investigating every other conceivable option. Consider coming up with a creative payment plan such as bartering services or goods, researching dog, cat, or breed-specific rescue associations, borrowing money from friends or relatives (borrowing from a bank might be a silly suggestion these days), applying for a donation from a pet health assistance organization, or finding a new, financially capable guardian for your pet. Such exploration of options might just save a life and will do wonders for everyone’s peace of mind.

by Nancy Kay, DVM California

HEAT EXHAUSTION ANIMALS

2008-07-01T07:28:00.000-07:00

It's summer and our animals are very susceptible to the heat, even more so than we are, as they will keep going/ out of excitement and or respect, thinking this is what is expected of them.

Don't leave your dog in a car w/out all the windows rolled down and in the shade. If you parked in the shade, this doesn't mean that it will be shady for the duration of time you are gone... THE SUN SHIFTS and you could come back to a boiling hot car and the animals in the care can easily become overheated. Leave a water bowl filled w/ water. Stop frequently, at rest stops while traveling to get fresh air, and to check on your critters, as air conditioners don't get to the back of cars that well. You may even pour water over them at a rest stop to keep them cool for the remainder of your trip. Fill their water bowls w/ ice from a gas station.

Don't exercise your dog when it is over 90 degrees. Don't train your dog when it is over 90 degrees.

If you suspect heat exhaustion, give water immediately and cool them off w/ a hose, wet the pads of their feet, bring them to shade and keep a cool/wet towel over them and if they don't respond, bring them to the nearest veterinarian.

When hiking, always carry extra water for you dog and stop and offer it to them frequently as you would do for yourself. The ground/dirt can also burn their feet. Best to hike in the mornings or evenings.

Stay cool!

HorseTV

2008-04-23T07:31:00.000-07:00

HorseTV has merged w/ NickerNetwork to bring worldwide coverage of everything horse to us online.

Find out more at http://www.horsetv.com

happy trails,

~jill

Articles

2008-04-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

Hey folks,

I am writing for the Green Living Journal, an environmental journal distributed on the east and west coast and expanding each quarter. I am writing a column called ECO-PETS. It is everything regarding our pets in the name of health, vaccinations, food, toxic toys, flea products, etc. So, check in out and pass it along. the rag is very grassroots and you will find it quite informative on topics related ot green living.

Enjoy,

http://www.greenlivingjournal.com

go to the Eco Pets column

related topics so far are:

How to Feed Our Pets Healthy Food
Toxic Toys
Booster Vaccinations.

BOOSTER VACCINATIONS

2008-02-29T08:33:00.000-08:00

BOOSTER VACCINATIONS: Are they more harmful than good?

One of the most practiced actions taken with our pets is often done so without question. Every year, we get a reminder card from our veterinarian that our beloved pets are due for their annual routine vaccinations. But the idea that these yearly booster shots are necessary is one of the biggest hoaxes in the practice of veterinary medicine---and most of us bought it hook, line and sinker.

We must question the myth that vaccinations are necessary and not harmful. There is absolutely NO science indicating that annual booster vaccinations are necessary. The practice of revaccinating or over-vaccinating is more likely to jeopardize our pets’ health than keep them healthy. How many of you are constantly taking your pets to the vet for skin problems, ear infections, yeast infections, autoimmune disease and allergic reactions? There is very likely a correlation between over-vaccination, also called vaccinosis, and these very serious health issues. The cost is devastating, not only to our pocketbooks, but also, most importantly, to our pets.

Let’s go back in history a bit to get a better picture of this very serious revaccination program, which is unquestionably making our pets, very sick. Do you remember that years ago it was common for pets to live long and healthy lives? Today, pets are getting cancer, having immune-deficiency problems, and in general not living the long lives that they used to. In the 1950s, an epidemic of animal diseases prompted pharmaceutical companies to develop vaccines to protect our animals from potentially deadly diseases, and we eagerly sought protection for our pets. The greed of the pharmaceutical companies and veterinarians exploited this to promote a merit-less yearly booster-vaccination protocol.

A direct quote from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA):

“The one-year revaccination recommendation found on many vaccine labels is often based on historical precedent and was allowed by USDA regulation since it was based on the best scientific knowledge available at that time, which did not necessarily include product specific data. Even in those cases where scientific data were submitted to qualify a revaccination label claim, the data generally targeted a minimum duration of immunity and did not necessarily resolve the question regarding average or maximum duration of immunity.”

We didn’t know any better, and our pets got sicker and sicker. A growing population of concerned pet owners and holistic veterinarians began to question this yearly revaccination protocol and found that there is no clear evidence to prove its efficacy. We, humans, do not get revaccinated every year for polio, chicken pox, and the like, yet we do the equivalent of that to our pets.

In the last 5 years, ALL 27 veterinary schools have come on board, admitting that yearly vaccinations are not required, and are more likely to be causing health problems.

There has been much controversy around this issue, because yearly vaccinations bring your vet a dependable income. Vaccines cost veterinarians approximately 80 cents per vaccine; we are charged approximately $15- $25. Then, while we’re in the vet’s office once a year, we are being sold on other new-fangled products. Today, the AVMA and veterinary schools are saying that a 3-year booster-vaccination program is more acceptable. But this statement, too, has no science behind it.

In Current Veterinary Therapy, Dr. Ronald D. Schultz, Ph.D., D.V.M. Chair of the Department of Pathobiological Sciences at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, writes, “A practice that was started many years ago and that lacks scientific validity or verification is annual revaccinations. Almost without exception there is no immunologic 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 requires boosters (eg: tetanus in humans), and no toxin vaccines are currently used for dogs or cats. Furthermore, revaccination with most viral vaccines fails to stimulate an anamnestic (secondary) response as a result of interference by existing antibody (similar to maternal antibody interference). The practice of annual vaccination in our opinion should be considered of questionable efficacy unless it is used as a mechanism to provide an annual physical examination or is required by law (i.e.: rabies vaccinations in some states).”

The driving forces behind this vaccination protocol are politics and corporate profit, NOT the health of our pets. I have asked my clients to randomly call 10 local veterinarians and ask what types of disease are most common today. The answer will undoubtedly be cancer—and the most common surgery besides spay and neuter is tumor removal. Studies have shown that cancer developed at the site of vaccination is very common, especially in cats.

It is up to us to pose the question of booster vaccinations to our veterinarians and find out what their protocol is given each animal’s situation. The vaccination schedule you and your vet choose for your pet should be individualized based on many factors (e.g., indoor only, indoor and outdoor, geographical location, age and health).

Puppies and kittens do require certain vaccinations and this too has changed over the years, so be certain to check with your veterinarian about which vaccines are appropriate and necessary for your pet. Below you will find an updated guide to recommended vaccinations for our pups and kitties.

There are simple tests that you can have your veterinarian perform to check the antibodies for certain diseases. These are called titers. A simple blood titer will tell you whether your pet has enough antibodies to be protected.

I realize that the idea of not vaccinating your pets can be daunting, as we have been brainwashed to vaccinate regularly, but I know from personal experience with my beloved four-leggeds that it’s the right choice.

I have two dogs, two cats, and two horses. I have not vaccinated any of them for anything. I have had my two geldings since they were weanlings; they are now 10 and 3 years old. One of my cats was found at 2 days old in a box in front of a grocery store. I saved the litter and gave away all but two; they are now 10 yrs old, living a wonderful life as indoor/outdoor cats, on a raw diet and thriving. My two dogs are both rescues, one found on the streets of downtown Los Angeles, CA, at around 6 months of age. Going strong at 15, she enjoys a wonderful life on hikes, at the dog park, and working with me on private behavior calls. (She is also on a raw diet.) The other wonder dog is Rascal, an almost 6-yr-old Border Collie/Australian Shepherd mix who was rescued from an abusive home. He was vaccinated when I got him, at 10 months of age, and on a raw diet, as well. I have not vaccinated him since. Last January I lost a German Shepherd who lived to be 13 yrs old, never vaccinated.

RECOMMENDED VACCINES and schedule for puppies and kittens can be found on these two websites: Dr. Jean Dodds, DVM has been instrumental in getting to the truth about vaccinations

http://www.oes.org/page2/7607~New_Vaccine_Protocols.html
http://www.weim.net/emberweims/Vaccine.html

PET VACCINATION INFORMATION

THE NATURE OF ANIMAL HEALING: The Definitive Holistic Medicine Guide to Caring for Your Dog and Cat
By Martin Goldstein, D.V.M.

SHIRLEY'S WELLNESS CAFÉ: http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/
This site has a wealth of information about everything pet-related— vaccines, quotes from vets, updates, current vaccine legislation, books and articles, too.

DR. FALCONER'S DISCUSSION OF VACCINES:
http://www.thedapperdog.com/vacc1.html
An article discussing the efficacy and safety of vaccines as well as titer testing.

ALTERNATIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE: a wonderful site about alternatives for our pets. This is an article by Dr. Susan Wynn, DVM
http://www.altvetmed.org/articles/vaccinations.html

DR. PITCAIRN'S DISCUSSION OF VACCINES AND VACCINOSIS:
http://www.cyberpet.com/dogs/articles/health/vaccin.htm

Jill Breitner, Shewhisperer, has a degree in Animal Science and has worked as a behavioral specialist/dog whisperer for 30 years. Learn more about Jill at: www.shewhisperer.com

FDA FINALLY ADMITS DEATHS 4100

2007-05-02T22:53:00.000-07:00

Finally the FDA is admitting that there have been 4150 reported deaths of cats and dogs. They are continuing their investigation in China, but apparently China sells to food companies and they dont' know what the companies who buy their product use it for. If the FDA has admitted these numbers of deaths, then you can bet there are many many more deaths, that haven't been reported.
If you look deeper into this, you will realize that this tainted chemical is in human food as well. What about our pasta, chips, crackers, anything with wheat gluten, corn gluten, soy gluten, rice gluten. I am only buying gluten free products. With all the we import from China, not supporting our own farmers, for the sake of saving a dime, and putting the money into the corproate powers that be, starving our own farmers, and then killing our pets and making us sick.

It's more disgusting that I'd ever imagined, but don't be fooled.

Read OMNIVORES DILEMMA, it's not just our pets that are sick and dying.

Remember, only shop the outside isles at the market and make sure it's organic, free range, and pasture fed, or you're eating non-foods.

Spend your money on good wholesome food, and not doctor bills. You're worth it.

ta ta for now,

~jill

Melamine: Fake Protein in our Pet Food for Years

2007-04-29T21:35:00.000-07:00

Read this, you won't believe it, or maybe you will!

http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/04/30/business/30food.php

~jill

latest update FDA and Melamine

2007-04-25T21:08:00.000-07:00

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1155AP_Food_Contamination_QA.html

this is the latest update and a FAQ about the FDA and Melamine. read and pass it on.

I went on the Wilbur-Ellis site and found that they supply almost everything to pet food companies and human food companies. Items such as, oils for cooking, corn, vegetable, hay and pelleted food for all livestock, including our horses, all kinds of meat meals, everything, check it out, go to

http://webprod.wecon.com/WECOWeb/WECO/corp_overview.htm

this is the company website w/ all of their infomation and products, they supply, including fertilizers, chemical pesticides, etc.

have a look and pass it on.. we need to educate ourselves and demand that congress makes them do their job right.

~more later,

~jill

http://www.shewhisperer.com

GREAT WEB LINKS FOR A HEALTHY PET

2007-04-25T15:55:00.000-07:00

WEBSITE LINKS

www.itchmo.com A site for all information about the updated pet food recall.

www.howl911.com The inside loop for information about all pet related subjects to include veterinary articles, events, and political issues relating to the whole pet industry.

www.avma.com The American Veterinary Medical Association. For all things veterinary, including the truth about vaccinations, being historical not scientific. go to vaccinations and read on about no need for yearly vaccinations!

http://tedeboy.tripod.com/drmichaelwfox/index.html Dr. Michael W. Fox’s very insightful article about the “LARGEST PET FOOD RECALL EVER.”

http://www.feedmypet.com/dog-food-comparison.html About pet food labeling.

http://www.puppenschnoodles.com/nutrition.html Compares food ingredients and links to Raw food.

http://www.wellpet.org/vaccines/dodds-schedule.htm Dr. Jean Dodds is a holistic veterinarian in Santa Monica California, who gives her recommended vaccination schedule.

http://www.howl911.com/ehodgkins.htm Supplemental Testimony for the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Hearings, April 12, 2007.

http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/petfood.htm#recall A wonderful site about taking care of our pets naturally and holistically, and the truth about the pet food recall.

http://www.api4animals.org/articles?p=361&more=1 Animal Protection Institute, provides a closer look at the safety or lack of safety regulations in pet foods.

http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/avictim.htm Site discusses toxic chemicals in flea and tick products.

www.whole-dog-journal.com A monthly magazine about dog’s health and well-being.

Melamine in Food Chain and Pet Food!

2007-04-24T21:23:00.000-07:00

It's not only pet food now, being poisoned. They have found Melamine in hogs, that's right, so don't eat pork. A chicken farm in MO is now under investigation for melamine in their chickens, so don't eat chicken or eggs, until we are notified otherwise.
I had a feeling, when the FDA was witholding the name of the companies who had the tainted food, that it must be in the human food chain, and sure enough, it is now in pork, and possible chickens. Beware, I feel there is more to come, that is being hidden.
I say we call for the resignation of the heads of the FDA who are responsible for letting this kind of insanity slip through the cracks into the human food chain. I is scary enough that our pets have had do endure pain and suffering, now it's humans.
Keep safe and healthy,

Go to http://www.itchmo.com for a daily update on all recalled food. They have the most updated information on all tainted food including human food now.
~jill

Healthy Pets

2007-04-09T21:49:00.000-07:00

Healthy Pets Naturally and Holistically

I remember when I grew up, all of our family and friends pets lived to be 18+ years old and this was common. Not today, not with all the chemicals and carcinogens in our pet foods, toxins from flea and tick products, over vaccinating our pets, and more. The life expectancy has decreased over the last 30 years and we need to understand why. There is a tightly knit relationship between the veterinarians, pharmaceutical companies, agribusiness, and pet food industries that is beginning to be exposed and our pets are dieing. This has been going on for far too long and it’s time we educate ourselves, fight back, and keep our pets healthy.

Here are some very informative web sites written and hosted by Veterinarians, who understand the anatomy and physiology of our pets, and the increasing illness in our beloved pets b/c of the greed and politics of The Pet Food Industry, Veterinarians, Agribusiness, pharmaceutical companies and more.

You will find the truth behind the history of Pet Food, Vaccinations, and the toxic chemicals we are putting on our animals to rid them of fleas, ticks, etc. and will understand the reason for allergies, skin problems, arthritis, degenerative diseases, and more, that our pets didn’t have 30 years ago.

It is up to us to educate ourselves, if we want to have healthy pets. It’s about MONEY and politics, not the health of the animals.

Please read on, it may not be pretty but necessary to know.

http://www.howl911.com/: this is a very informative site and if you go to the right side of the home page, please view an article written by Dr. Michael Fox DVM entitled LARGEST PET FOOD RECALL EVER

http://leda.law.harvard.edu/leda/data/784/Patrick06.html this is also a very informative article that describes the history of pet food, the role of the veterinarians, and the FDA, AAFCO and agribusiness

http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/animals.htm this site has it all, from home made diets, to the truth about vaccine and vaccinosis, raw diets, and much more.

http://www.itsfortheanimals.com/DODDS-CHG-VACC-PROTOCOLS.HTM Dr. Jean Dodds is a veterinarian in Santa Monica, CA.

The AVMA, American Veterinary Medical Association has finally admitted that vaccinations need not be done every year. All 27 schools are on board that yearly vaccinations are not necessary. There is no scientific evidence to support yearly vaccinations. It was historical in nature in the 50’s when an outbreak of distemper occurred and it was thought that yearly vaccinations might be beneficial.

With carcinogens in our pet foods, over vaccinating our pets, putting toxic chemicals on our pets for fleas/ticks, etc, is it any wonder we are seeing so many more illnesses in our pets? Cancer, tumors, skin allergies, degenerative disease, arthritis, autoimmune deficiencies, etc., are killing our pets and now we are fighting back.

yours healthfully,

~jill
www.shewhisperer.com

PET FOOD RECALL

2007-04-09T08:33:00.000-07:00

The commercial pet food industry lacks the standards in ingredient quality and accountablility, and has been called to question many times. Let's talk about Ethoxoquin, a preservative used to preserve meat. Ethoxoquin is a known carcinogen and is not approved by the FDA, yet is approved for pet food. Many years ago, the pet food companies were called into question regarding the use of ethoxoquin and they removed this carcinogens and began to preserve the meat in dry foods w/ tocopherals, and vitamin E. What really occured was that instead of the pet food companies putting the ethoxoquin in the food, they had the meat companies put it in the food before it got to pet food company. Ethoxoquin is still in many pet foods on the market today. The recall today has many facets to consider. If the FDA doesn't approve buying wheat gluten from another country, and or buying meat from other countries, then buying from Canada, who doesn't have those restrictions, is a loop hole that make it easier to buy cheap ingredients from other countryies by buying from Canada, then we can say, we didn't import it. Since the bottom line on making and selling pet food, is for financial gain, and who knows, could they be testing genetically engineered foods on our pets, w/out our knowledge????? Read this very informative opinion article by Dr. Michael Fox DVM. http://tedeboy.tripod.com/drmichaelwfox/id74.html
Maybe the safest thing we can do for our beloved pets is to make our own food for them. The pet food industry and the veterinarin industry would have us believe that we are unable to adequately feed our pets with the proper ingredients, but we must consider that this is highly motivated by their greed to sell us their product. I have been feeding my cats and dogs home prepared foods for the past 10 years and I just lost a 13 1/2 year old German Shepherd, and still have a 13 1/2 year old dog and all my other animals are in their prime living healthy vibrant lives. There are many books and sites out there, where you can learn to make your own pet foods and it's a far superior diet than anything you can buy in a can or a bag. And, believe it or not, it is not more expensive to feed this way. I feed a raw diet and it costs as much as the best commercial diet on the market and they love it.
Please visit my website for further links on feeding our pets a healthier diet.
Good luck and thanks for loving your pets so much.

~jill

School

2007-02-19T12:32:00.000-08:00

School is about to start, less than a month from now. It begins March 19th and I still have room for another student. If you are a dog savvy person and want to be a professional dog trainer/whisperer, please contact me. We work out of the Southern Oregon Humane Society, using their dogs for our training practice and education. It is truly a hands-on program where everyone benefits. The dogs in the shelter get regular training, thereby making them more placable, making room for more dogs to come in, get training, and placed in their new homes. If you want to find out more about the school, please go to my website: http://www.shewhisperer.com

Look forward to hearing from you,
~jill
the shewhisperer

Dog Trainers-Certified or Not

2007-02-01T07:47:00.000-08:00

THE TRUTH ABOUT LICENSED AND CERTIFIED DOG TRAINERS

There are only two types of licensed dog trainers. They
are: Guide dog trainers, who train Seeing Eye dogs and Sentry dog trainers who train Police dogs. Only these two types of dog trainers are licensed by the state. ALL other trainers are not licensed. A certified dog trainer is a bit ambiguous at this time. By this, I mean that there are many trainers who just decided to become a dog trainer, who have little or a lot of experience, and who went to a school and got certified. Since there are no requirements to become a pet dog trainer, the field is wide open to anyone who feels they have some knowledge of dog training to call themselves a trainer.

The schools that offer certification programs to become a dog trainer have no requirements or licensing to become a certified training school. The schools and trainers that tout the title behind their name, i.e. CCPDT, IACP, are schools that have come up in the last 14 years. They are not licensed or registered with the state, they are indeed a group of dog trainers who gathered together to form their organization and developed a test for trainers to take and then offer these titles next to their name. The testing requirements are a set of standards that these trainers came up with based on their ideas and education. While this is a good attempt to regulate the field of dog trainers, it is not the end all in qualified dog trainers. I am in favor of these organizations in their attempt to try to have some standards in dog training etiquette, yet, I must remind you that these are memebership (dues paying member organizations) and don’t endorse or follow up on any of their members. Given the fact that these membership organizations came to be in the last 14 years, one might ask about all the trainers who have been training longer than this. There are many trainers with tantamount experience who are very qualified trainers, yet will not and do not need to go to these organizations to become certified, as many of them could write the test. These organizations clearly state that although they may have a referral list of certified dog trainers, that they do not endorse these trainers, only refer them. This should tell you something.

Please keep an open mind and ask the trainer if you can come and observe and also ask around in your community and your veterinarians if they have any recommendations for you. When looking at schools to become a dog trainer, the same applies. The years of experience may far outweigh any title behind a name and the education you get from these trainers can be far superior.

Listen to your gut, and ask yourself, do you want to be a stamped out trainer that works for Petco or Petsmart, teaching obedience only, or do you want a more in depth study and understanding of dogs and their behavior. If so, then seek out what you are looking for and ask a lot of questions, to the trainer, not the secretary, who is answering the phone.

Is your vet a good doctor?

2007-02-01T07:43:00.000-08:00

HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR VETERINARIAN IS A GOOD DOCTOR

Many of us are guilty of putting doctors on a pedestal, making them into somewhat of a godlike figure. We often do this with our veterinarian, as well.

Veterinarians have an even more difficult job diagnosing illness, because the animals can’t speak for themselves. I don’t say this as if you don’t know this, rather to help you realize the importance of really explaining all the details, even the ones you think are small, or might be silly. These minute details can often be the crux of what the veterinarian might need, in order to make a proper diagnosis.

The problem with finding a good veterinarian has many facets. It is a rare doctor who really listens to their clients…(owners know their animal best.) Unfortunately, in vet school, they are not required to take courses in communication and listening skills. In their 4 yrs of vet school, they learn the general information that they will need to treat patients. There are those individuals who go to school to further their education and specialize in a specific field, i.e. horses, dogs, cats, birds, eyes, orthopedics, surgery, etc. The general small or large animal veterinarian is educated yet limited to a general practice, thus, making listening to their patients owner, more crucial in helping to treat the animal.

In this light, here are several things you can do to find out if your veterinarian is a good doctor.

• Ask about their education and if they did any kind of special training, i.e. internships or residencies.

• Ask people in your community who they would recommend and beware of recommendations due to bedside manner only, or the fact that they may be inexpensive. While bedside manner is very important, if that is their only claim to fame, then this would not be sufficient to the practice of good doctoring.

• Your veterinarian should be able to admit he doesn’t know something and refer you for a 2nd opinion or a specialist. They should be able to admit that they are wrong and learn from their experience.

• You, the owner, know your animal best and are keenly aware of any changes in behavior, weight, eating habits, all the little nuances of your animal. Therefore, it is imperative that your veterinarian is able to listen to everything you have to say when you bring your pet for an examination. No matter what you are bringing your animal in for, there should ALWAYS be a thorough physical examination and history that is being written down in your records, so that your veterinarian may refer to it, at a later date, if needed for further diagnosis. If you are getting the feeling that your veterinarian is ignoring you or intimating that you might be too anxious an owner, this is a clue you might heed in finding another veterinarian. Always listen to your gut. If you have the slightest feeling that you are not being heard, go to another vet. Veterinarians ALWAYS need to listen to you,

• Veterinarians who have a sole practice, that is, only one veterinarian in the office, could lead to problems if this vet is not tightly knit w/ his community/colleagues of veterinarians to be able to consult with them, especially if they are fresh out of school. It may be best to seek out a hospital where there are several vets so that they can consult with each other. Please be very aware of hospitals that are owned by a corporation, (a chain of veterinarian hospitals), as there is little accountability and competence, in my opinion.

• The Internet has a plethora of information at our fingertips, and it is becoming more common that pet owners are finding their diagnosis online and then bringing their findings to their veterinarians, which has been a godsend to many animals. If your veterinarian is not OK with your findings and takes it personally, this is a sign that you are in the wrong hands. Your veterinarian should be willing to discuss and learn from you.

Maintaining the health of your pet is a team effort and you need a doctor who is willing to do whatever it takes to maintain this delicate healthy balance.