Always Under Construction!
Please check back often!
Nutrition, Genetics and Fitness info
added regularly......  Being in the
Animal Medical Field as a Licensed
Technician  for the last 20+ years, this
page holds a special interest to me!
PLEASE!  Try to always remember, when seeking health advice
and using veterinary services, YOU are key to success.  YOU
must play your part in keeping your animal healthy.  Your
veterinary relationship, like ANY relationship, must be backed by
trust, understanding and partnership.  Be knowledgeable about
your choices and be happy with the results.  Don't be afraid to
ask questions and take time to make decisions.  That is your
responsibility!  No one thing works for everyone or everything
and finding the proper balance is crucial to a HAPPY life!  
(check out the
Critter Advocacy for help and info)
BAER= hearing testing for JRT's as the
white coat color can carry genetic deafness

OFA= orthopedic registry for dogs to
screen for genetic structure, heart and
thyroid problems

CERF= vision testing for genetic sight
diseases and blindness
TT= Temperament Testing to help rate the dogs ability to rebound from certain stress

CGC= Canine Good Citizens testing to help demonstrate a dogs good manners

TDI= Therapy Dogs International; registry for Therapy Dogs to help the Handicapped
(check our LINKS page to send you to other individual organization websites)
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS:

I am compiling a full list of products that work well for my Jack
Russells.  Updates will be added as found:

www.halopets.com   (eye, ear, coat and skin products)

www.arknaturals.com  (NEEM flea products, NU-PET tabs)

www.animalessentials.com  (feeding supplements/herbs)

www.thehonestkitchen.com  (GI supplement PERFECT FORM/diets)

www.designinghealth.com  (Missing Link whole food supplement)

www.naturalrearing.com  (Many holistic products/supplements)

"Always Under Vaccinated, Never Under Fed"-Gina Snow
Feeding your Jack Russell:
There are many reasons to start a raw food feeding
program; what Mother Nature intended.  Please check
out our
LINKS page or refer to these credible websites to
get you on your way to the best feeding plan possible for
your K9 Companion.  Nervous?  
Click here to ease your
mind. Why re-invent the wheel?  There are LOTS of great
premixes and remember,  
NEVER  feed meat alone!  This
can create a VERY serious condition involving the
Calcium/Phosphorus ratio!
VACCINATIONS:

Here is a controversial subject.  It is agreed and
recommended by the VACCINE MANUFACTURER
that ONLY Healthy and Parasite Free animals be
vaccinated (that includes worms and fleas).  That
said, millions of unhealthy pets are vaccinated
and they suffer great consequences.  A vaccine
reaction can be as simple as a bump, to a fever, to
a bleeding issue, to cancer.  You, as a pet owner,
need to be well educated if you are concerned
about your pet's health.  

GIVE ONLY THE VACCINES NEEDED AND ONLY
Otherwise, you have many unwanted risks with
unneeded vaccine protection and you would
never know which vaccine gave the reaction if
they are not separated.  It is worth the extra drive,
appointment and money spent.  

Swanback only recommends the bare minimums
(Canine Distemper, Parvo and Rabies) given at the
appropriate age so that the Dam's antibodies do
not interfere with the puppy's immune response.  

After the initial puppy series, ONLY Titer checks
(blood levels) are done to measure proper
antibody levels in the dogs system.  NEVER is
another vaccine given unless the
titer shows the
need (ie. low level of antibody).  Never has
Swanback had to booster an adult animal.  The
titers remain high in even our 14 year old dog.  
Many will argue that the titers are not 100%.  
NOTHING IS.  But, that said, Swanback has never
had a dog sick with Parvo, Distemper, Kennel
Cough, Leptospirosis or any other disease.  We
know it can happen.  Mother Nature is cruel at
times.  Swanback truly believes that a healthy
dog; one that is fed correctly, exercised and
minimal chemical exposure (ie. flea medications,
vaccines, heartworm prevention etc) can fight
infection better if the need arises."I believe that
Mother Nature may take them but I am all done
killing them".
There are many wonderful websites and links on
this subject.  Check out
www.dogs4dogs.com/shots
http://designerbostons.homestead.com/misc.html
www.theavh.org &  www.rabieschallengefund.org
for starters.  PLEASE take the time to educate
yourself for your Dog's SAKE!
Supplemental  Vaccine Information

Hospital Association brochure, this
informational insert on other recently
implicated risks is offered.  A few
Veterinary Reseachers have noted that
in some genetically predisposed breeds,
some have a higher incidence of
autoimmune disease.  Although poorly
understood at this time, these
individuals may develop an illness after
vaccination.  Breeds that are at
somewhat higher risk are as follows:

Akita
American Cocker Spaniel
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Irish Setter
Great Dane
Dachshunds
Poodles
Scottish Terriers
Shelties
Shih Tzu
Vizsla
Weimaraner
White Coated Dogs
Merle Coated Dogs
Fawn or Blue Dogs

This is directly from the
AAHA;  and the
Jack Russell is a White Coated Dog that
suffers GREATLY from vaccines
(everything from ear infections to
seizures).  Great CAUTION should be
used.  You must let your veterinarian
know BEFORE you vaccinate so proper
choices can be made!
To Neuter or Not to Neuter?  That
is rarely the question.  The real
question is: When?  This is an
important decision, especially if
you are getting your new JRT for
some type of sporting event.  
Check out
Dr.Chris Zink's article on
spay and neuter.  There is much to
learn!  Then you'll know!  
CANINE HEMOPHILIA A STUDY
2005-2007: CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Swanback Jacks is actively helping with
this research, knowing it is important to all
helping with this study, please contact the
Cornell Coagulation Section, Dr. Brooks,
for more Swanback Jacks is
mbb9@cornell.edu information and
testing instruction for you information and
testing instruction for you and your
veterinarian.  The testing and your
veterinarian.  The testing consists of
drawing blood samples.  Swanback's
adults have all tested negative.   The
results are listed on the
Stats page  for
each dog.

BROAD INSTITUTE GENETIC RESEARCH

Broad Institute is looking for DNA samples
from dogs diagnosed with certain
conditions.  If you are interested in
submitting samples and helping with this
research, check their website for details.
www.broad.mit.edu/mammals/dog/sending
_samples.html
Swanback Jacks
Looking for something to
naturally curb your pets
behavior, or perhaps,  
just put them more at
ease with boarding,
grooming or travel?  
Check out natural flower
essences.  
Green Hope Farm and
Bach have some safe
alternatives for emotional
wellbeing!
Great Grain Debate!
Wondering how to check if your diet choice is working?
Check out Pat Hastings book
"Tricks of the Trade"
Check out a neat video on movement
and structure problems!
 GAIT VIDEO
is a jack right for you?  click here to check a site with lots of breed info!
Swanback's Adorable chasing fish!
Do you have an adverse reaction that
you think people should know about?  
Did your pet respond badly to a
product or a  medication?                       
          
Report it with the USDA!
This could help many other pets!
Wondering what the JRT, or
any breed, is predisposed to
for health issues?  Check out
www.upei.ca/cidd/intro.htm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Check out this GREAT site on
breeding better dogs!
www.breedingbetterdogs.com
Terrierific Doggie Gear!
www.flexiusa.com I love to use flexi leashes
for hiking when we cannot be off leash.  Just
remember:  Use
ONLY the all belt leashes for
safety reasons and be respectful of others;
don't let your dog
yo-yo around at the end of
the leash while others are trying to pass you.  
www.lupinepet.com  Great collars and leashes
in fantastic patterns and colors.  Chew proof
guarantee too!  :-)
www.premier.com  This company has some
wonderful harnesses that are easy to fit.  They
also carry busy buddy toys!
www.foggymountain.com  For winter coats that
actually fit and are easy to put on.  
Orbee with Rope by Planet Dog (great water toy!)
Wubba by Kong (Easy to see water toy!)
TERRIER TUFF TOYS!
I have found these toys to be exceptionally sturdy and long lasting for
the Jacks (except the Wubba which I only use while playing in the water).
 Remember:  
Always supervise any dog with their toys!
HARD Nylabones (Dogs love the Wishbone the most!)
Jolly Ball (an Old Time Favorite!)
Teaser Ball (IMPOSSIBLE for my Jacks to Ruin!  They LOVE this ball!)
Cuz Balls (the squeek drives dogs CRAZY!)
...Proof is in the Puddin'
Click on Gem, Adorable or Jocco's name to take you to our OFA pages!
Check the OFA website for all of Swanback Jacks Physical Clearances:
Just about the only kibble I would recommend at this time;  I use this one for training treats!
Copyright © 2010 Swanback Jacks

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