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)

                     "Always Under Vaccinated, Never Under Fed"-Gina Snow
Feeding your Jack Russell:
Why re-invent the wheel?  There are LOTS of great
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 and
answer some common questions!
NEVER feed meat
alone!  This can create a VERY serious condition
involving the
Calcium/Phosphorus ratio!

www.thehonestkitchen.com

www.sojos.com

www.b-naturals.com
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 ONE VACCINE PER VISIT!
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 13 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.theavh.org  or
www.rabieschallengefund.org
for
starters.  PLEASE take the time to
educate yourself for your Dog's SAKE!
Supplemental  Vaccine Information

In addition to the American Animal
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 dog breeds.  If you are interested in helping with
this study, please contact the Cornell Coagulation Section, Dr.
Brooks, at:
mbb9@cornell.edu for more information and testing
instruction for you 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 Health & Fitness
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!
TERRIER TUFF TOYS!
I have found these toys to
be exceptionally difficult
for the Jacks to demolish,
if at all!  Just click on each
to send you to a site that
provides them:
The Kong Company provides toys that
are impossible to ruin, they also
provide HOURS of amusement, even
while you are away!
The
Nylabone Company has one of my
favorites.  Their original
Durable or Big
Chews provide months of chewing
pleasure!
The
Jolly Ball Company has amazingly  
tough balls.  Both the original Jolly and
the new Teaser Ball are made out of
great materials and are hard to wreck!
The
JW Pet Company has the CUZ ball.   
A neat toy that drives my dogs crazy!
Also very long lasting.
www.sojos.com
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!