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| 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
| 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. |
| 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
and structure problems! GAIT VIDEO
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!
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!