Friday, September 24, 2010

Quick Checklist for Traveling with Your Pet

  1. Make sure your pet is comfortable with travel.
  2. Make sure your pet has identification tags with up-to-date information.
  3. If your pet does not have a microchip, have one implanted before traveling. Microchips secure your chances of getting your pet back if it ever becomes lost.
  4. If you are taking your pet across state or international borders, a health certificate is required.
  5. Make sure your pet's vaccinations are up-to-date.
  6. Make sure your pet is allowed where you are staying.
  7. Have a first aid kit on hand in case any injury occurs. This is especially important if you are going to be in a more remote location.
  8. If  your pet does have any health issues make sure you have enough medication for the duration of your trip.
  9. Bring a kennel with you in case you need a secure area for your pet to stay.
  10. Bring items from home to ease your pet's behavior (bed, toys, etc.).
Click here to learn more about traveling with your pet.


Friday, September 17, 2010

10 Things to Think About Before Breeding

  1. Is your pet parasite free? No fleas, ticks, ear mites, internal parasites and heartwormed tested negative.
  2. How old is your pet? Breeding age is between 2 and 6 years old.
  3. Are you prepared financially to care for all offspring from birth to death if you cannot find appropriate homes? 
  4. Are you prepared for the behavior changes that may happen?
  5. Is your pet a good representation of its breed? No confirmation defects, like height, hair color, etc.
  6. Is your pet certified clear of breed specific genetic problems by a veterinarian? X-ray'd for hip dysplasia, thyroid negative, eyes clear, heart clear, tested for any bleeding disorders.
  7. Is your pet current on all vaccinations?
  8. Are you prepared financially to care for a pregnant animal? Pets cannot always conceive naturally and many times c-sections are needed. 
  9. Do you have the space to provide a birthing area and nursery for the offspring to grow? We do not recommend birthing and raising offspring outside. There are too many risk factors. 
  10. Do you have buyers lined up prior to birth?


    Friday, September 10, 2010

    What's so great about joint supplement?

    Just like people, pets develop joint pain and stiffness as the age. The good news is they do not have to live the rest of their life in discomfort. One medication we recommend for joint support is Chondro-Flex (Dasuquin).

    What causes joint pain and inflammation?
    Cartilage provides a smooth, friction-free surface for opposing ends of joint bones. Cartilage, synovial fluid and underlying bones protect bones from each other and absorb shock as your pet moves, enabling flexible joints. Cartilage continually manufactures and maintains itself with its own specialized cells. Blood does not carry nutrients to cartilage; they enter from surrounding tissue and are carried by the synovial fluid. These nutrients are necessary for healthy cartilage production.

    To view pictures of healthy joints and the process of deteriorating click here.

    Age, injury, and risk factors such as obesity, size, activity and genetics may cause cartilage and tissue breakdown. When cartilage breaks down faster than it can reproduce itself, your pet may experience inflammation and great discomfort. Damaged tissue allows white blood cells to invade and release enzymes and free radicals, further deteriorating the joint. Enzymes also cause the synovial fluid to become watery and lose its lubricating capacity. The synovial fluid is less able to nourish the cartilage. This degeneration process spirals. Decreased activity and muscle atrophy result, making the problem worse.

    What is Chondro-Flex (Dasuqin)?
    Chondro-Flex (Dasuquin) Joint Care formulas were designed to provide maximum joint support for dogs, cats and horses with pain and joint stiffness associated with normal daily exercise and activities. They can effectively support connective tissue maintenance including joints, synovial fluid, tendons, ligaments and cartilage.

    How do I know if my pet needs Chondro-Flex (Dasuqin)?
    Optimal functioning of the joints (hip, shoulder, elbow, hock and stifle) dramatically affects your pet's mobility and activity level. Recent studies show joint pains and stiffness affects more than eight million adult pets in the United States which is often the first sign that owners mistake as part of the natural aging process. Activities such as standing up or walking stairs can become difficult, especially in older and larger pets. Early action is the best action. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian are the best way to monitor your pet's aging process. Have your animal examined if you notice limping, stiffness or a change in gait.

    How does Chondro-Flex (Dasuqin) work?
    Chondro-Flex (Dasuqin) acts as a 1-2-3 punch to help support and maintain healthy cartilage. Chondro-Flex (Dasuqin) is complete with Glucosamine HCI, low-molecular-weight Chondroitin Sulfate and Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). Low molecular weight means the particles are smaller and more easily absorbed by the body. It is one of the most pure forms available.

    Glucosamine HCI is a major building block of cartilage. It also makes up 50% of the natural lubricant found in synovial fluid. By supplementing naturally present Glucosamine, the body is able to facilitate the manufacture and maintenance of cartilage, and helps restore lubricant in the synovial fluid. Synovial fluid then regains the ability to carry nutrients to rebuild cartilage, insulate bones from friction and cushion the joint.

    Chondroitin Sulfate blocks the enzymes that break down cartilage and dilute the synovial fluid. Chondroitin and sulfurs also are key components for lubrication in the joints.

    MSM is a natural anti-inflammatory, noted for its exceptionally non-toxic nature. MSM supplies dietary sulfur necessary for collagen production, which helps form bones, tendons and connective tissue.

    Why do we recommend Chondroflex (Dasuqin)?

    • Safe and effective 
    • Correct balance between all ingredients 
    • Specifically made for animals
    • Tested to ensure the correct ingredients are in the product (Not all supplements are tested)
    • Economical
    • We use it for our own animals

    Friday, September 3, 2010

    Pet Loss...How Do I Know When It Is Time

    Perhaps the kindest thing you can do for a pet that is so sick or so severely injured that he or she will never recover normal health is to have your veterinarian induce its death quietly and humanely through euthanasia. Your decision to have your pet euthanatized is a serious one, seldom easy to make.

    What should I do?
    Your relationship with your pet is special, and you are responsible for its care and welfare. Eventually, many owners are faced with making life or death decisions for their pets. Such a decision may become necessary for the welfare of the animal and for you and your family.

    A decision concerning euthanasia may be one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make regarding your pet. Your decision is a personal one, but it need not be a solitary one. Your veterinarian and your family and friends can assist and support you. Consider not only what is best for your pet, but also what is best for you and your family. Quality of life is important for pets and people alike.

    How will I know when?
    If your pet can no longer do with you and your family the things he or she once enjoyed, if your pet cannot respond to you in the usual ways, or if there is more pain than pleasure in his or her life, you may need to consider euthanasia. Likewise, if your pet is terminally ill or critically injured, or if the financial or emotional cost of treatment is beyond your means, euthanasia may be a valid option.

    Your veterinarian understands attachment to pets, and can examine and evaluate your pet's condition, estimate your pet's chances for recovery, and discuss potential disabilities and long-term problems. He or she can explain the medical options and possible outcomes. Because your veterinarian cannot make the euthanasia decision for  you, it is important that you fully understand your pet's condition. If there is any part of the diagnosis or the implications for your pet's future that you don't understand, ask to have it explained again. Rarely will the situation require an immediate decision. Usually, you will have time to review the facts before making your decision.

    As you make your decision, you may wish to discuss the care of the remains of your pet's body with your family and veterinarian. You have several options, and your veterinarian can provide information about burial, cremation, or other alternatives.

    Reference: www.avma.org