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"Blessed are those who can give
without remembering,
and take without forgetting"
Elizabeth Bibesco

Health Choices
Vaccinations : Bloat : Nutrition
There is a wealth of information available for pet owners. We all
have choices with our own health as well as our pets.
Fortunately, there is an abundance of information emerging on
health, longevity, nutrition, vaccinations and alternative
medicine. Spellbound Collies choses to raise their collies (and
any future pups) integrating many alternative methodologies into
their health regime. Some of these include introducing a raw diet
to the dog, other beneficial nutritional supplements, the use of
homeopathy and other alternative medicines if and when possible.
We also chose to vaccinate carefully. We have reviewed Dr. Jean
Dodds revised vaccinations schedules and have followed the
changes being taught to students at Veterinary Schools these
days. Things have drastically changed and most likely will
continue to change through the upcoming years.
As a point of reference we will provide health information and
alternatives to those interested. We are NOT advocating any of
these approaches; though for us we chose to use many of them. We
understand each pet owner MUST do the things they feel most
comfortable with - what we ask and hope for is that you review
some of these articles and links and do whatever additional
research you care too and make educated decisions for yourself.
The health and well-being of all of our dogs is of optimal
importance to us. We are delighted when pet owners who purchase
our dogs or puppies embellish raising them integrating these
alternative techniques.
Please check back regularly for updates and more and more
information as we compile it.
There are two primary areas I initially want to address in this
section. They are what I consider to be the most important
aspects of animal health and longevity; Vaccinations and Nutrition .
There are numerous schools of thought on both of these topics. I
have done extensive research in both areas and I believe there is
enough data to substantiate that we greatly over-vaccinate our
dogs which, potentially can cause health problems. I have begun
to compile for those interested information on the emerging new
vaccination protocols by top veterinarians and veterinarian
schools. Please review this and make the decisions that seem best
for you and your pet. Minimally be aware that the vaccination
protocols are changing. All vets have not yet incorporated these
into their practices. But, dont be afraid to ask questions
and make educated decisions. The health of your pet is in your
hands.
On the topic of nutrition - I am still uncertain of the pros and
cons of a natural (raw) diet. I have read much data on both
sides. One alarming article I just read today was on raw chicken
bones fed to a bitch who developed bloat due to large bone
fragments not digested. Collies are prone to bloat, so this,
along with many other debates has me torn. On several occasions I
began feeding a raw diet - adding small quantities of raw meat,
tripe and raw pureed vegetables. Each time I stop because I am
unsure of the facts; hearing varying sides.. For now, I opt to
home cook meals and provide a wide assortment of supplements. A
part of me strongly advocates a raw diet; I have seen many dogs
whose health has greatly improved when they were taken off of
grains and cooked foods and put on a natural, raw diet. I,
however, have not yet integrated this into my regime. I will be
providing much information in upcoming weeks on nutrition, but
today I will begin with the topic of Vaccinations.. since most
folks believe they are doing the very best they can for their pet
by vaccinating yearly. And most people feel they are providing
the best possible love and care for their
pets by jamming them with 5 or 6 combo shots at the same time. At
one time the medical field believed it was the right thing to do.
That approach is changing. So, before automatically vaccinating -
please carefully read the vaccination section and if still unsure
do your own research. There is a wealth of information out there.
We will be updating this section regularly. Also, contact
veterinarian hospitals - many are coming up with their own
revised protocols.
Our goal is to have educated pet owners. Plus, we are always here
to help you. We can not make your decisions for you - but we will
honestly answer your questions to the best of our abilities or
direct you to the person(s) who have the answers you seek.
Vaccinations : Bloat : Nutrition
"Remember, as each man and woman is a
microcosm reflecting the larger natural world,
so healing of the self is also a healing of the world. As
above, so below"
Brian Froud

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