In this blog post from Companion Animal Psychology, Zazie Todd, PhD reviews a paper that examines why dogs play. The paper discusses four theories as to why dogs play and suggests that play is not always a sign of good welfare.
You can read this blog post at http://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2017/11/why-do-dogs-play.html
Veterinarian Dr. Jean Dodds reviews the newly published 2017 Canine Vaccination Guidelines released by the American Animal Hospital Association. Dr. Dodds recommendations somewhat from the AAHA guidelines stating “Overall, I applaud the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) for its transparency, website language, layout and tools that are very pet companion caregiver friendly. I particularly like the Lifestyle-Based Vaccine Calculator that helps pet parents determine if their pets need a lifestyle vaccination.”
Dr. Dodds also notes “The most significant change AAHA has made is on its position on antibody titer testing. Bear in mind that it is not a recommendation or an endorsement of titer testing in lieu of the three-year vaccination series of distemper, parvovirus and adenovirus. If this were the case, titers would be listed on AAHA’s official protocol. However, it is an admission by AAHA that titer tests are alternatives to vaccination. The proof is on the website. In-depth diagnostic web pages are provided to veterinarians. Additionally, the pet caregiver section mentions the titer test alternative on the main vaccination guidelines webpage.” [Emphasis Added]
Green Acres Kennel Shop has accepted titer tests when recommended by your veterinarian as a safer and healthier alternative to revaccination for many years and we also laud their new enlightened position.
You can read Dr. Dodd’s article at – https://drjeandoddspethealthresource.tumblr.com/post/166919932761/aaha-vaccination-guidelines-2017-for-dogs-review#
You can read the entire 2017 Canine Vaccination Guidelines document at – https://www.aaha.org/guidelines/canine_vaccination_guidelines.aspx
A PDF version of a summary of 2017 Canine Vaccination Guidelines document can be downloaded and printed at – https://www.aaha.org/public_documents/guidelines/vaccination_recommendation_for_general_practice_table.pdf
Shared Blog Post – Updated Canine Vaccination Guidelines by Nancy Kay, DVM – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/11/06/shared-blog-post-updated-canine-vaccination-guidelines-by-nancy-kay-dvm/
Vaccinations–Interviews with Dr. Ron Schultz – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2013/07/15/vaccinations-interviews-with-dr-ron-schultz/
How to Report Adverse Reactions to Vaccines, Drugs, Devices, Foods, and Flea and Tick Products – http://bit.ly/ReportAdverseReactions
Complementary Medicine – Tikken – Vaccines, Aggression & Homeopathy — http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2014/10/06/complementary-medicine-tikken-vaccines-aggression-homeopathy/
Shared Blog Post – It’s Time to Put a Stop to the Mindless Over-Vaccination of Pets – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/07/05/shared-blog-post-its-time-to-put-a-stop-to-the-mindless-over-vaccination-of-pets/
Podcast – A Holistic Approach to Vaccines for Dogs – Part 1 w/Dr. Judy Herman – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/07/15/podcast-a-holistic-approach-to-vaccines-for-dogs-part-1-wdr-judy-herman/
Podcast – A Holistic Approach to Vaccines for Dogs – Part 2 w/Dr. Judy Herman – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/07/22/podcast-a-holistic-approach-to-vaccines-for-dogs-part-2-wdr-judy-herman/
Vaccinations- Why they are important, Core Vaccines & Vaccination Schedules w/Dr. Ronald Schultz (June 22nd, 2013) – http://traffic.libsyn.com/woofmeowshow/WoofMeowShow-2013-06-22-Vaccinations-1.mp3
Vaccinations, Titer Testing, Non-Core Vaccines and Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex with Dr. Ron Schultz (June 29th, 2013) – http://traffic.libsyn.com/woofmeowshow/WoofMeowShow-2013-06-29-Vaccinations-2.mp3
Vaccinations– Non-Core Vaccines for Cats and Adverse Reactions to Vaccines with Dr. Ron Schultz (July 6th, 2013) – http://traffic.libsyn.com/woofmeowshow/WoofMeowShow-2013-07-06-Vaccinations-3.mp3
Vaccinations – The Rabies Challenge Fund with Dr. Ron Schultz (July 13th, 2013) – http://traffic.libsyn.com/woofmeowshow/WoofMeowShow-2013-07-13-Vaccinations-Rabies_Challenge_Fund.mp3
Podcast – Holistic and Complementary Wellness for Pets – Our Personal Journey — http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/10/08/podcast-holistic-and-complementary-wellness-for-pets-our-personal-journey/
Veterinarian Nancy Kay discusses the 2017 Canine Vaccination Guidelines released by the American Animal Hospital Association. This is the first update of this document since 2011.
The core vaccines for a dog remain; 1) Rabies and 2) DAPP: a combination of Canine Distemper Virus, Adenovirus-2, and Parvovirus +/- Parainfluenza Virus.
Non-core vaccinations (those that may be warranted depending on the dog’s lifestyle) now includes: Bordetella bronchiseptica + canine parainfluenza virus (kennel cough), Bordetella bronchiseptica only (kennel cough), Leptospirosis, Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), Canine Influenza Virus– H3N8, Canine Influenza Virus– H3N2, Crotalus atrox (rattlesnake vaccine).
The new guidelines also provide an in-depth discussion of antibody or titer testing versus revaccination. Dr. Kay notes: “Antibody testing is becoming more popular amongst people who prefer to rely on test results rather than automatically give a distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus booster every three years. Vaccine serology is also useful for determining if a puppy who has just completed the vaccination series has mounted an adequate immune system response. Additionally, antibody testing can be helpful in situations in which revaccinating might not be a wise choice such as: A dog with a chronic illness, A dog who is very elderly, A dog who has experienced a prior adverse reaction to a vaccination, A dog with a history of immune-mediated (autoimmune disease), A dog who is receiving drugs that could suppress the immune system’s response to a vaccination.”
Green Acres Kennel Shop accepts titer tests when recommended by your veterinarian as a safer and healthier alternative to revaccination.
You can read Dr. Kay’s article at – http://speakingforspot.com/blog/2017/11/05/updated-canine-vaccination-guidelines/
You can read the entire 2017 Canine Vaccination Guidelines document at – https://www.aaha.org/guidelines/canine_vaccination_guidelines.aspx
A PDF version of a summary of 2017 Canine Vaccination Guidelines document can be downloaded and printed at – https://www.aaha.org/public_documents/guidelines/vaccination_recommendation_for_general_practice_table.pdf
Shared Blog Post – AAHA Vaccination Guidelines 2017 for Dogs – A Review by Dr. Jean Dodds – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/11/06/shared-blog-post-aaha-vaccination-guidelines-2017-for-dogs-a-review-by-dr-jean-dodds/
Vaccinations–Interviews with Dr. Ron Schultz – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2013/07/15/vaccinations-interviews-with-dr-ron-schultz/
How to Report Adverse Reactions to Vaccines, Drugs, Devices, Foods, and Flea and Tick Products – http://bit.ly/ReportAdverseReactions
Complementary Medicine – Tikken – Vaccines, Aggression & Homeopathy — http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2014/10/06/complementary-medicine-tikken-vaccines-aggression-homeopathy/
Shared Blog Post – It’s Time to Put a Stop to the Mindless Over-Vaccination of Pets – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/07/05/shared-blog-post-its-time-to-put-a-stop-to-the-mindless-over-vaccination-of-pets/
Podcast – A Holistic Approach to Vaccines for Dogs – Part 1 w/Dr. Judy Herman – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/07/15/podcast-a-holistic-approach-to-vaccines-for-dogs-part-1-wdr-judy-herman/
Podcast – A Holistic Approach to Vaccines for Dogs – Part 2 w/Dr. Judy Herman – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/07/22/podcast-a-holistic-approach-to-vaccines-for-dogs-part-2-wdr-judy-herman/
Vaccinations- Why they are important, Core Vaccines & Vaccination Schedules w/Dr. Ronald Schultz (June 22nd, 2013) – http://traffic.libsyn.com/woofmeowshow/WoofMeowShow-2013-06-22-Vaccinations-1.mp3
Vaccinations, Titer Testing, Non-Core Vaccines and Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex with Dr. Ron Schultz (June 29th, 2013) – http://traffic.libsyn.com/woofmeowshow/WoofMeowShow-2013-06-29-Vaccinations-2.mp3
Vaccinations– Non-Core Vaccines for Cats and Adverse Reactions to Vaccines with Dr. Ron Schultz (July 6th, 2013) – http://traffic.libsyn.com/woofmeowshow/WoofMeowShow-2013-07-06-Vaccinations-3.mp3
Vaccinations – The Rabies Challenge Fund with Dr. Ron Schultz (July 13th, 2013) – http://traffic.libsyn.com/woofmeowshow/WoofMeowShow-2013-07-13-Vaccinations-Rabies_Challenge_Fund.mp3
Podcast – Holistic and Complementary Wellness for Pets – Our Personal Journey — http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/10/08/podcast-holistic-and-complementary-wellness-for-pets-our-personal-journey/
An article discussing bloat or gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) by veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker. A new study indicates that the vast majority of dogs who 
undergo surgery for GDV survive. The study also indicates that the dogs most likely to develop GDV are purebred and weigh over 88 pounds. The Great Dane, Akita, Dogue de Bordeaux, Irish Setter and Weimaraner are the breeds that have the greatest risk of developing GDV. The article also indicates “Dogs fed primarily dry diets are at significantly increased risk for GDV” – https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2017/11/01/gastric-dilatation-volvulus-surgery.aspx
Another brilliant post from Nancy Tanner, this one addressing dogs and what some call unconditional love. – https://nancytanner.com/2017/10/31/sharing-this-planet-for-a-moment-in-time/
Gail Fisher’s Dog Tracks: Stop the pudgy pet trend with portion control – A great article from my friend Gail Fisher of Gail Fisher’s All Dogs Gym on the importance of measuring what we feed our dogs and not allowing them to get overweight. – http://www.unionleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20171015/NEWS01/171019603
Pet Nutrition – What Should I Feed My Pet? – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/06/04/pet-nutrition-what-should-i-feed-my-pet/
What do you feed your dog? – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/05/31/pet-nutrition-what-do-you-feed-your-dog/
Pet Nutrition: Some Myths and Facts – Part 1 – My story with Gus – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/04/03/pet-nutrition-some-myths-and-facts-part-1-my-story-with-gus/
Video – The Science and Dogma of Pet Nutrition with Dr. Richard Patton – A video of animal nutritionist, Dr. Richard Patton’s presentation, The Science and Dogma of Pet Nutrition, presented for Green Acres Kennel Shop in Bangor, ME on April 28th, 2016. – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/09/10/pet-nutrition-the-science-and-dogma-of-pet-nutrition-with-dr-richard-patton/
Shared Blog Post – Pet Obesity, Is there a Genetic Connection? – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/09/27/shared-blog-post-pet-obesity-is-there-a-genetic-connection/
What do you feed your pets? – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/04/22/podcast-encore-what-do-you-feed-your-pets/
Podcast – Pet Nutrition with Dr. Richard Patton – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/04/03/podcast-pet-nutrition-with-dr-richard-patton/
Podcast – Pet Fooled – A Look Inside A Questionable Industry with Kohl Harrington – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/05/06/podcast-pet-fooled-a-look-inside-a-questionable-industry-with-kohl-harrington/
Podcast – Pet Nutrition with Kymythy Schultze Author of Natural Nutrition for Cats: The Path to Purrfect Health – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/07/31/podcast-pet-nutrition-with-kymythy-schultze-author-of-natural-nutrition-for-cats-the-path-to-purrfect-health/
Pet Obesity with Dr. Chris Barry – Kindred Spirits Veterinary Clinic – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/08/24/podcast-pet-obesity-with-dr-chris-barry-kindred-spirits-veterinary-clinic/
Veterinarian Dr. Nancy Kay discusses the growth in the Fear-Free certification of veterinary practices.
FMI – http://speakingforspot.com/blog/2017/08/13/fear-free-approach-is-thriving/
Is Your Dog Your Best Friend or a Family Member? If Yes, Then Please Join Me and Take the Pledge – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/10/01/is-your-dog-your-best-friend-or-a-family-member/
The PPG and AAHA – Making A Kinder World for Dogs – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/04/11/the-ppg-and-aaha-making-a-kinder-world-for-dogs/
No Pain, No Force, & No Fear – AVSAB Adopts Position Statement on Positive Veterinary Care – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/12/30/no-pain-no-force-no-fear-avsab-adopts-position-statement-on-positive-veterinary-care/
Selecting A Pet Care Provider – Yes! A Trend Towards Kinder and Gentler Professional Pet Care – Green Acres Kennel Shop’s “Pet Friendly” Philosophy – Part 1 – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2015/04/02/yes-a-trend-towards-kinder-and-gentler-professional-pet-care-green-acres-kennel-shops-pet-friendly-philosophy-part-1/
Selecting A Pet Care Provider – Yes! A Trend Towards Kinder and Gentler Professional Pet Care – The PPG – Part 2 – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2015/05/02/selecting-a-pet-care-provider-yes-a-trend-towards-kinder-and-gentler-professional-pet-care-the-ppg-part-2/
Selecting A Pet Care Provider – Yes! A Trend Towards Kinder and Gentler Professional Pet Care – A Veterinary Perspective – Part 3 – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2015/06/30/selecting-a-pet-care-provider-yes-a-trend-towards-kinder-and-gentler-professional-pet-care-a-veterinary-perspective-part-3/
Yes! A Trend Towards Kinder and Gentler Professional Pet Care – Green Acres Kennel Shop’s “Pet Friendly” Philosophy – http://traffic.libsyn.com/woofmeowshow/WoofMeowShow-2015-04-11-Kinder_Gentler_Pet_Care_Part-1_GAKS_Pet_Friendly.mp3
Yes! A Trend Towards Kinder and Gentler Professional Pet Care – The Pet Professional Guild and Force-Free Pet Care with Niki Tudge – http://traffic.libsyn.com/woofmeowshow/WoofMeowShow-2015-05-02-Kinder_Gentler_Pet_Care_Part-2_Niki_Tudge_PPG.mp3
Yes! A Trend Towards Kinder and Gentler Professional Pet Care – Fear-Free Veterinary Visits with Dr. Dave Cloutier from Veazie Veterinary Clinic – http://traffic.libsyn.com/woofmeowshow/WoofMeowShow-2015-06-27-Yes_A_Trend_Towards_Kinder_and_Gentler_Professional_Pet_CareFear-Free_Veterinary_Visits_with_Dr_Dave_Cloutier.mp3
Pet Behavior, Vets & The AAHA Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines – Dr. Dave Cloutier – Veazie Veterinary Clinic – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/07/02/podcast-encore-pet-behavior-vets-the-aaha-canine-and-feline-behavior-management-guidelines-dr-dave-cloutier-veazie-veterinary-clinic/
Signs of anxiety and fear in dogs from Dr. Marty Becker – http://www.dvm360.com/sites/default/files/images/pdfs-for-alfresco-articles/Signs_of_anxiety_fear.pdf
An excellent article by veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker address pet obesity and pet nutrition. Key points addressed are:
To read the entire article go to https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2017/10/12/national-pet-obesity-awareness-day.aspx
Pet Nutrition – What Should I Feed My Pet? – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/06/04/pet-nutrition-what-should-i-feed-my-pet/
What do you feed your dog? – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/05/31/pet-nutrition-what-do-you-feed-your-dog/
Pet Nutrition: Some Myths and Facts – Part 1 – My story with Gus – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/04/03/pet-nutrition-some-myths-and-facts-part-1-my-story-with-gus/
Pet Nutrition – Should I Feed My Pet A Raw Diet? – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/09/11/pet-nutrition-should-i-feed-my-pet-a-raw-diet/
Video – The Science and Dogma of Pet Nutrition with Dr. Richard Patton – A video of animal nutritionist, Dr. Richard Patton’s presentation, The Science and Dogma of Pet Nutrition, presented for Green Acres Kennel Shop in Bangor, ME on April 28th, 2016. – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/09/10/pet-nutrition-the-science-and-dogma-of-pet-nutrition-with-dr-richard-patton/
Book Review – Ruined by Excess, Perfected by Lack – The paradox of pet nutrition by Richard Patton – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/03/16/book-review-ruined-by-excess-perfected-by-lack-the-paradox-of-pet-nutrition-by-richard-patton/
Book Review – Natural Nutrition for Cats: The Path to Purrfect Health by Kymythy Schultze – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/07/31/book-review-natural-nutrition-for-cats-the-path-to-purrfect-health-by-kymythy-schultze/
What do you feed your pets? – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/04/22/podcast-encore-what-do-you-feed-your-pets/
Podcast – Pet Nutrition with Dr. Richard Patton – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/04/03/podcast-pet-nutrition-with-dr-richard-patton/
Podcast – Pet Fooled – A Look Inside A Questionable Industry with Kohl Harrington – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/05/06/podcast-pet-fooled-a-look-inside-a-questionable-industry-with-kohl-harrington/
Podcast – Pet Nutrition with Kymythy Schultze Author of Natural Nutrition for Cats: The Path to Purrfect Health – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/07/31/podcast-pet-nutrition-with-kymythy-schultze-author-of-natural-nutrition-for-cats-the-path-to-purrfect-health/
Podcast – Raw Diets and the Carnivore Meat Company-Vital Essentials-Dee Ferranti and Jodi Langellotti – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/04/17/podcast-raw-diets-and-the-carnivore-meat-company-vital-essentials-dee-ferranti-and-jodi-langellotti/
Podcast – Holistic and Complementary Wellness for Pets – Nutrition and Raw Food for Pets with Bette Schubert from Bravo Pet Foods – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/10/02/podcast-holistic-and-complementary-wellness-for-pets-nutrition-and-raw-food-for-pets-with-bette-schubert-from-bravo-pet-foods/
Podcast – The Rationale for Feeding Pets Raw Foods with Bette Schubert from Bravo Pet Foods – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/08/03/podcast-the-rationale-for-feeding-pets-raw-foods-with-bette-schubert-from-bravo-pet-foods/
Podcast – Bravo’s Raw Pets Food, Treats, Chewables and Bones with Bette Shubert – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2013/08/10/podcast-bravos-raw-pets-food-treats-chewables-and-bones-with-bette-shubert/
Podcast – Feeding Your Pet A Raw Diet with Gary Bursell of Steve’s Real Food for Pets – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2013/03/16/podcast-feeding-your-pet-a-raw-diet-with-gary-bursell-of-steves-real-food-for-pets/
Podcast – Feeding Your Pet A Raw Diet with Nicole Lindsley of Steve’s Real Food for Pets – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2013/03/23/podcast-feeding-your-pet-a-raw-diet-with-nicole-lindsley-of-steves-real-food-for-pets/
Podcast – Pet Obesity with Dr. Chris Barry – Kindred Spirits Veterinary Clinic – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/08/24/podcast-pet-obesity-with-dr-chris-barry-kindred-spirits-veterinary-clinic/
Beginnings – Getting Your Dog and Cat Started on a Raw Diet by Melinda Miller and Honoring Your Cat’s Natural Diet by Terri Grow < Click here for a free download >
Feline Nutrition: Nutrition for the Optimum Health and Longevity of your Cat – Lynn Curtis
Natural Nutrition for Cats: The Path to Purr-fect Health – Kymythy Schultze
Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats – The Ultimate Diet – Kymythy Schultze
Ruined by Excess, Perfected by Lack – Dr. Richard Patton
See Spot Live Longer – Steve Brown and Beth Taylor
The Truth About Pet Foods – Dr. Randy Wysong
Unlocking the Canine Ancestral Diet – Steve Brown
This article in Science Daily discusses new research which examines the role of the hormones oxytocin and vasopressin in canine aggression. < Click to Read >
In this article from the August 25th, 2017 issue of Psychology Today, Dr. Marc Bekoff discusses the film Dogs, Cats and Scapegoats: Messes We Make With Companions, a must read for anyone that lives, works with, or includes animals in their lives. – Read the article at https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/animal-emotions/201708/dogs-cats-and-scapegoats-messes-we-make-companions
Podcast – The Woof Meow Show: The documentary film Dogs, Cats and Scapegoats with Producer and Director, Hugh Dorigo – < http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/09/23/podcast-the-woof-meow-show-the-documentary-film-dogs-cats-and-scapegoats-with-producer-and-director-hugh-dorigo/ >
Dogs, Cats and Scapegoats Movie on Vimeo – – https://vimeo.com/230807934
Dogs, Cats and Scapegoats on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/DogsCatsScapegoats/