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Hello everyone! Welcome to this issue of Mighty Mutts! We made it to March! Spring is just around the corner! I can already feel the stronger sun’s rays coming through my windows. Now we just have to get rid of the -15 C temps.
We’ve got a great issue for you this week. The Ontario Veterinarian Medical Association has a great article on the importance of vaccinating your dog. Our recipe of the week is a simple 3 ingredient healthy concoction that your dog is sure to love. With spring in the air, there are some tips on how to make sure your dog is ready and stays healthy and comfortable all season long.
-Enjoy!
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Pablo’s Ponderings
Me after getting a roast beef dinner
Good morning my furry friends! Hope you are well and enjoying the sunshiny days! I’ve been enjoying more time outside even though it’s still been cold. The sun is so nice to see and mom says she can’t wait to sit out on the patio again. I love being outside with my hoomans, don’t you?
I got a real treat the other day – home made roast beef! Mom made roast beef with potatoes, carrots and gravy.. and she gave me some with my dinner. It was sooo good! I don’t get it very often so I was a happy puppy I can tell you 😊 Do your hoomans give you their food sometimes? I am spoiled I know.. I get chicken, beef, pork chops.. hmmm I’m hungry now, gotta go have a snack. See you next week, and don’t forget to reply to this email and send me some pics!
--Pablo
How Often (If Ever) Should I Vaccinate My Dog?
I was perusing fb the other day and I came across a question, ‘How often should I vaccinate my dog?’ And as usual, the keyboard warriors did not disappoint – they were ready with their superior knowledge and opnions.
Most of the responses were made by anti-vaxxers.. things like:
“Vaccines are poison”
“NEVER”
“You don’t need to vaccinate your dog!”
“Down with VETS” – ok, no one actually said this but you get the idea.
Now, let me be clear: I’m not an anti-vaxxer. I got the COVID shot.. I got the booster. My kids were vaccinated so they could attend school. Vaccines save lives and I trust my doctor, science and the medical community. I’m not a doctor. And I’m not a vet. So when my vet says get my dog vaccinated I listen.
I don’t know about other provinces, or other parts of the world, but here in Ontario, vaccinations for your pet are mandatory, particularly the rabies vaccine. Why? Because rabies is a condition that can spread to humans, and it can be fatal for both animals and humans.
So, as a non-vet, non-doctor, just another dog owner, I implore you.. get your dog vaccinated 😊
But don’t take my word for it – contact your vet for specific advice, always.
Pets and vaccinations: what you need to know
October 30, 2023
Just like us, animals require vaccinations to protect them from contracting potentially serious illnesses that can pose a risk to their overall health and quality of life. Vaccinations also cost considerably less than the treatments available for the diseases pets are normally vaccinated against.
To help pet owners better understand pet vaccinations, how they work and why they’re important, Dr. Karla Scott, practice owner of Oro Medone Veterinary Services, shares answers to some common questions that she receives from clients.
How do vaccinations work and are they really necessary?
To understand how vaccines work, it helps to first look at how the body fights illness. When germs such as bacteria or viruses invade the body, they divide and multiply. This invasion, called an infection, is what causes illness and triggers the immune system to fight back using the body’s white blood cells.
After fighting off the infection, the immune system remembers how it protected the body against that specific illness, so that it can quickly spring into action if it encounters the same germ again. Vaccines help protect the body by equipping the immune system with the tools to fight off a specific infection before it’s contracted, which can help prevent life-threatening diseases.
What vaccinations should my pet have, and how often do they need to be vaccinated?
In veterinary medicine, we classify vaccines into two categories: core and non-core. Core vaccines are strongly recommended for each animal of a specific species, while non-core vaccinations are recommended based on an animal’s lifestyle and potential risks. Sometimes vaccines are recommended for an animal due to an increased risk of a disease in the area where they live. Aside from the rabies vaccination, which is required by law in Ontario for all cats, dogs and ferrets three months of age and over, your veterinarian will let you know what vaccinations are important to protect your pet. Most vaccinations are typically administered every year at your pet’s annual check up, however, some vaccines require a booster to maintain your pet’s immunity.
Are vaccinations effective and safe for my pet?
Yes. Vaccines greatly reduce your pet’s risk of infection by working with the body to safely develop immunity to disease. Sometimes after receiving a vaccination, the body can develop minor symptoms such as a fever. Minor symptoms are completely normal and can be expected as the body builds immunity. Other more serious reactions can occur, but they are rare. If you have questions or concerns about your pet receiving a vaccination, it’s important that you discuss them with your veterinarian.
My pet never goes outside. Do they really need to be vaccinated?
Yes. Although it’s less likely, indoor-only pets can still encounter other disease-carrying animals such as mice and bats. In my career, I’ve personally experienced two separate instances where unvaccinated, indoor-only pets were exposed to bats that tested positive for the rabies infection. To prevent the spread of dangerous illnesses among animals, it’s important that both indoor and outdoor pets receive their species’ core vaccines.
Why does my veterinarian need to perform an exam before vaccinating my pet?
It’s important to administer vaccines only to healthy animals. A physical exam helps to detect changes in your pet’s health that can affect the vaccine’s ability to develop immunity. It can also help detect certain types of illnesses that may prevent your pet’s body from developing the proper response to the vaccine or make them feel worse temporarily. For these reasons, your veterinarian will examine your pet and ensure they’re healthy before vaccinating them.
Why is the rabies vaccine required by law?
Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to people. According to the World Health Organization, up to 99 per cent of all human rabies cases are linked to dog bites.
To ensure your pet’s vaccines are up to date, and for information about which vaccines are best for your pet, book an appointment with your veterinarian.
Is Your Dog Ready for Spring?
You may be thinking, “What is my dog, a lawn mower”? Ha ha, of course not (although they do love to eat grass!) I’m sure you’d agree that it’s important for your dog to stay healthy all year long. But spring brings with it some unique challenges that make it necessary to ensure your dog stays out of harms way. Here are some things you can do to keep your dog safe during the spring season:
· A weigh-in at the vet is always a good idea. Humans gain weight over the winter months, and the same is true for dogs. Don’t panic if your dog is a few pounds heavier. The nicer weather means more walks, and more time outside. They’ll soon shed the extra weight. Of course, your vet will have suggestions as well.
· Heartworm: These come from infected mosquitoes and can affect the heart, lungs and arteries. Luckily, it’s easily prevented with a preventative medication year-round.
· Fleas & Ticks: These become a threat when the outdoor temperature rises. Not only are they irritating and difficult to get rid of, some ticks carry dangerous diseases, like Lyme Disease. Ask your vet about preventative prescriptions or other treatment options.
· Spring Grooming: Your dog will naturally shed their coat once the warm weather hits, but it’s a good idea to take them to the groomers for a trim. Keep a brush handy and brush every day. Resist the urge to take too much fur off, it could actually make them hotter and they will lose their protective barrier from skin cancer, bug bites and sunburn.
· With gardening season comes hazards as well. Make sure any bulbs you plant are dog-friendly and be sure to get rid of those pesky prickly nettles in the yard.
· Keep up with recall training: Whether you love to go for walks in the woods, or down your city sidewalks, make sure your dog is up-to-date on their training. A walk in the woods may be peaceful, but distractions like rabbits and other critters can send your dog off on a wild goose chase. And you’re sure to encounter other dogs on your walk in the park, or city sidewalk.
Spring is a season of renewal, warmer temperatures and life! It’s time to get outside and see the world with fresh eyes! With your dog, leash and poop bags in hand, go and explore!
3-Ingredient Dog Treats
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
1 large ripe banana (or 2 medium bananas), smashed
Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Blitz the oats in a blender until you have a fine flour, or, alternatively, use oat flour instead. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, smash the peanut butter and ripe banana. And the oat flour and smash with a fork until the dough is thick and well combined. If it’s crumbly, add 2-4 Tablespoons more peanut butter and recombine. You want the dough to be firm, sticky, and pliable
Roll dough into a thin slab, about ~1/4 inch thick, and cut into shapes with a cookie cookie. Alternatively, you can roll them into ~1 Tablespoon balls and flatten with your hands for a simple circular cookie.
Bake for ~15 minutes until lightly brown underneath. Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before sampling or sharing with your pup!
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks!
Transform Your Dog Using the Same Secrets Used to Train Service Dogs!
(you’ll also learn all about potty training and fixing 11 common dog behavioral problems)
A small sample of what you’ll get in this free workshop
• The secret methods that service dog trainers use to housebreak dogs
So that your dog never has accidents inside your house ever again.
• How service dogs are trained to never bark out of excitement
Contrary to what many people believe, you CAN’T stop a dog from letting you know that someone has come to your front door – they are simply hard wired for it. Instead, find out the “QUIET WAY” that you can teach your dog so that it still gets to alert you to strangers – without barking even once.
• Why service dogs behave so well when walking on the leash without pulling
So that you can leash train your dog just like a service dog.
• How service dogs are trained to ALWAYS come when called
So that your dog too will come back to you the moment you say its name in the dog park or anywhere else (no matter what it might have been doing at that time).
Grab your seat here!
That’s it for this issue. See you next week! Feel free to share this with other dog owners!
--Maryanne and the Mighty Mutts team
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