We have dedicated this page to some of the information that we have found helpful in our research for the best health of our dogs and puppies. As we acquire new information we will continue to change this page. Please feel free to contact us anytime about any information presented on this page and we will be happy to explain or answer any questions we may. Thank you for taking the time to research to achieve the best health for your dog and/or puppy as well!
Vaccines
Puppy Vaccines- Updated article 3/22/2016
Vaccinosis- Dr. Richard Pitcairn, who holds a PhD in immunology, defines it this way:"Vaccinosis is to be understood as the disturbance of the vital force by vaccination that results in mental, emotional, and a physical change that can, in some cases, be a permanent condition."
False Information for Vaccinations
Harmful Vaccine Ingredients- Do we really even know what is being injected in a vaccination? This article describes vaccine ingredients that may do more harm than good.
Immunity Without Vaccination???- This article explains the potential for lifelong immunity to serious canine diseases without a vaccination.
Three Critical Problems with the Kennel Cough Vaccine
Revaccination in Dogs- Added 3/26/2015 Are annual "booster" vaccines necessary?
Leptospirosis- Added 6/12/2015 Is it really safe?
Vaccine Alternatives
Titers: An Important Tool to Prevent Over Vaccination in Dogs
The Simple Guide to Titer Testing Dogs- In house titer testing your local vet may offer.
Hemopet- An affordable, simple way to check immunity levels.
Our Recommended Vaccine Protocols at Bear Foot Kennel
Good News About the Latest Canine Vaccination Guidelines
Taking the Risk Out of Puppy Shots
Spay/Neuter
With the inclusion of this information on the topic of spaying and neutering, please do not mistake this as encouragement for irresponsible pet reproduction. We strongly encourage responsible breeding if an owner chooses to do so but want to encourage those who do not intend to breed to do their research. We would like to encourage pet owners to explore all of their options prior to making a decision that could permanently alter their pets health and thus quality of life.
3 Reasons to Reconsider Spay/Neuter
The Truth About Spaying and Neutering- Video Form Dr. Karen Becker explains her professional journey on the topic including large research projects as well as personal experiences in her own practice.
Why I've Had a Change of Heart About Neutering Pets
This Common Procedure Can Boost Cancer and Joint Problems As Much As Five-Fold
Golden Retriever Early Spay and Neuter Effects
Could Neutering Be the Cause of Your Dog's Health and/or Behavior Problems?
U.S. Veterinarians Offering Alternative Spay/Neuter Procedures
Hip Dysplasia
Tail Docking
At Bear Foot Kennel, we are proud to offer our Aussie puppies will full, beautiful tails. Through much research and thought we have found keeping our puppies tails to be in their best interest. Each reason for docking has a counter reason for not doing so. We feel a dog is given each part of their body to serve a purpose. A working dog will learn to protect his tail while also using it to his benefit. Tail Docking is illegal in many countries and show dogs travel to the U.S. to compete with their full tails. These dogs are not denied because they have a tail. A companion dog is happy to express his feelings with his tail to his family and four legged friends.
The links below will show a bit of information we found helpful in our decision. We are happy to share our knowledge and answer any questions regarding tails on Australian Shepherds.
The Barbaric Procedure Your Dog Should Never Have to Endure
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Docking_(dog)
http://allaboutaussies.wordpress.com/2008/08/15/why-are-aussie%e2%80%99s-tails-docked/
The Procedure:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyxfYK9dV5E
Heartworm Preventative
Protecting Your Dog From Heartworm- Added 3/26/2015 How safe are Heartworm Preventative drugs for our dogs?
Unknown Facts About Heartworm in Dogs- Added 5/26/2015
Natural Heartworm Prevention- Added 6/7/2015
Natural Flea and Tick Prevention
https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2016/07/16/flea-and-tick-control.aspx - Added 4/14/2020
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/why-flea-and-tick-products-are-a-bad-idea-and-4-natural-repellent-recipes/ - Added 4/14/2020
https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2017/05/14/fleas-ticks-seasonal-allergies.aspx - Added 4/14/2020
Raw/Natural Diets for Dogs
Brief Explanation and Tips for Raw Diets
https://leerburg.com/feedingarawdiet.htm Raw Feeding Q & A
Some of our Favorite Books on Raw Feeding and Natural Nutrition:
Raw & Natural Nutrition for Dogs: The Definitive Guide to Homemade Meals By Lew Olson
Dr. Becker's Real Food for Healthy Dogs and Cats: Simple Homemade Food By Beth Taylor and Karen Shaw Becker DVM
Give Your Dog a Bone By Dr. Ian Billinghurst
Grow Your Pups with Bones By Dr. Ian Billinghurst
The Accessible Pet, Equine, and Livestock Herbal By Katherine A Drovdahl MH
Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats By Kymythy R Schultze C.N. C.N.C.
Some of Our Favorite Companies:
Fir Meadow- Herbal Nutrition, Supplements, and much more!
My Pet Carnivore- High Quality Raw Meat and Meat Mixes
Vitacost- Vitamins, Supplements, Health Foods and more at Affordable Prices
The Vitamin Shoppe- Online and local vitamin and supplement company