Details

Written by: DJ Geribo

Category: Petpourri

When we got our first dog, we were clueless about so many things and the ways to properly care for her. Fortunately over the years we've learned a lot about what and what not to do. And we are still learning. But one of the things we've learned and that we are adamant about in caring for our dogs, is not to over-immunize. Now, I'm sure your vet will tell you otherwise, but even our vet is saying they probably don't need it yearly (she recommends every 2-3 years). But we have found another system that works even better for us. We are having titers done for our dogs. There are pros and cons for having titers done as well, as I'm sure you'll find if you search the internet, but this is what works for us and I feel much better about caring for my pets this way.

Although titers are more expensive, it is well worth it to me to have a titer done (a blood test checks to see if your dog still has the immunities against the disease they are vaccinated for) instead of just giving my dogs a vaccination year after year after year, when they might not need it. Like we would do for ourselves, we are more interested in taking care of our pets in a more natural way, and that means not giving them vaccinations without question.

The important issue is to always give your pets the best care you can provide to keep them in the best health for many years to come.

Details

Written by: DJ Geribo

Category: Petpourri

I just read an article in Natural News (www.naturalnews.com) that I was quite surprised to learn about. It talked about the dangers of cat bites. Although not as common as dog bites (4.7 million dog bites occur in the U.S. each year), cat bites can be far more dangerous to humans.

The tiny little cat fangs are capable of injecting bacteria deep into joints and tissue. Dogs' teeth are blunter so they don't penetrate as deeply. Also, bacteria from a cat bite can include a common animal bacteria that is difficult to treat in humans with the patient ending up in the hospital. In a Mayo Clinic study, 8 of 193 patients needed more than one surgery. Of course, a patient with an immune deficiency disorder is even more at risk from a cat bite.

So, use caution when petting your cat!

Details

Written by: DJ Geribo

Category: Petpourri

Everyone loves a hero. Here at Help Shelter Pets we are particularly fond of people who put extra effort into saving those animals we call our pets.

For the past couple of weeks we have watched the Olympics and have enjoyed witnessing and applauding all of the USA Olympians. But one in particular, Silver medalist Gus Kenworthy, has stolen our hearts. As no doubt everyone has heard by now, he is in the process of adopting a litter of puppies and their mother that were abandoned and plans to bring them back to America with him where they will all be adopted.

Pups that stole Gus's heart are the lucky ones. Many more, who were displaced when construction began and the residents had to move out of the area, were left behind. Many of the people had to move to apartments that did not allow pets. These homeless pets, who were roaming the streets wondering what happened to their owners and their homes, have been rounded up and killed as the Olympics began in early February.

Many thanks should also be given to billionaire Oleg V. Deripaska who gave $15,000 to start a shelter and $50,000 for one year of operation expenses. Hopefully many more of the animals will be picked up and given new homes before long.

(Thank you publicphoto.org for the use of the image)