Nature's Sunshine Quality Control

I often get asked, "How long have you been taking Nature's Sunshine Products". I have been with NSP since 1982 and the reason I have stayed with them is their impeccable quality control. This is especially important when it comes to my pets...they can't tell me if a supplement is good or bad, they deserve the best just like me.

This is the hallmark that separates Nature's Sunshine Products from all other herb-based products offered by health food stores or other direct sales companies. No herbal product manufacturer in the country can surpass Nature's Sunshine when it comes to quality.

The Company buys raw materials from the most reputable suppliers in the world and Nature's Sunshine has state-of-the-art quality control equipment and procedures in the industry, which includes safeguards that allow them to scrutinize and analyze from the incoming shipment of raw materials to the end-line product. Because of this, Nature's Sunshine starts out with base ingredients and components of unquestionable quality.

Throughout the entire manufacturing process, NSP monitors the products' level of quality. This takes strict adherence to testing procedures, which requires a battery of costly, highly technical equipment. Nature's Sunshine has paid, and will continue to pay, the "price" for quality control. That's the only way they can be absolutely certain that every product leaving its facility reflects its "100% pure" philosophy. Government regulations do not require Nature's Sunshine to be so strict or to set such uncompromisingly high standards. They choose to manufacture to pharmaceutical standards, which guarantees the potency and purity you expect from a health product.

NSP is so confident that they offer the highest quality products that if, for any reason, a customer is not satisfied with a product, they may return any unused portion to Nature's Sunshine within 90 days of the date purchased for a refund/replacement. Credit will be calculated at 100% of the purchase price (customer is responsible for shipping costs).

Click here to read the NSP Quality Control Full Brochure.
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Marking Behavior in Dogs

There are several ways of “erasing” a dog's marking…

NILIF! First, your dog needs to know who is in charge! Establish a clear hierarchy – it’s important that your “pack” has a clear hierarchy, and that you are leader! Some things you can do to establish yourself as leader include not allowing your dog to sleep on the bed with you, helping him to understand he is not at the same status as you. I would also recommend the “Nothing in Life is Free” Program. Neuter your male dog early - urine marking is often triggered by a change in hormones. So, when your dog reaches sexual maturity he wants to put a message on the bulletin board that he is available! Experts say that the earlier you neuter your dog, the less likely he will need to mark.

Never punish your dog if he marks in your house. Supervise your dog to get him to stop - Catch him “in the act” to curtail the marking behavior. Make sure you remove all urine odors from affected areas. You don’t want to leave him an invitation to put a message on the bulletin board again. I like Healthy Pet Net’s Biodeodorizer spray.

Training Aids!

After making sure there are no health issues involved that would make your dog mark in your house, make good use of training aids. Crating your dog when you are not home will prevent him from urine marking. You may need to restrict the places he can be in your house. For a few weeks you may need to have him on a leash and tethered to you at all times so that you can observe his behavior and correct him when he attempts to mark.

Another good training aid is a belly band. It wraps around the dog’s belly and prevent him from urinating on objects. If he is wearing the belly band and marks, the belly band functions like a diaper and hold the urine. He won’t like being wet and normally will stop marking once he learns that his behavior is making him uncomfortable. You would want to keep the bands changed so that you don’t cause skin irritation.

A shaker can is made by taking an empty soda can and filling it with pennies, taping the opening closed. The can will make noise when you shake it up and down and will interrupt the bad behavior. Watch for signs that he is going to mark and as he is about to lift his leg: shake the can only once to get his attention. The loud noise startles him and interrupts what he is doing. Give him a command not to potty and when he doesn’t, praise him.

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Atlanta Meeting on Vaccine Protocols

Dr. Ron Schultz
Professor and Chair, Department of Pathobiological Sciences
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of Wisconsin-Madison

What Everyone Needs to Know About
Canine Vaccines and Vaccination Programs
Saturday, March 29, 2008 in Alpharetta, GA
Are you vaccinating your animals too much? Not enough?
Wondering what’s the “right” vaccine protocol—and why?
Concerned about adverse reactions?
Confused about titers?

Come hear Dr. Schultz, the co-investigator (with Dr. Jean Dodds) for the Rabies Challenge project, speak on the canine immune system, types of vaccines and the immune response, AAHA Guidelines for Core and Optional Vaccines, risk vs. benefit assessment, adverse reactions and antibody tests.

Dr. Schultz, who has more than 35 years’ experience in the field of immunology, is Professor and Chair of the Department of Pathobiological Sciences at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has been a driving force behind many of the recent changes in vaccine recommendations made by the American Animal Hospital Association and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.

Previous workshop attendees report Dr. Schultz’ workshop as a must-see for all dog enthusiasts, including competitors, therapy dog handlers, trainers, shelter workers, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and rescue volunteers.

Saturday, March 29, 2008, 9 am – 4 pm
Hilton Garden Inn, 10975 Georgia Lane, Alpharetta, Georgia 30022
Registration fee: $50 (pre-registration required)
A vegetarian boxed lunch from Whole Foods will be available for an additional $10.

Registration deadline: Friday, March 8, 2008.

Profits from this event will go to Dr. Schultz’ vaccine research at the University of Wisconsin, with a small stipend to the American Bouvier Rescue League, a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

For a registration form and more information, click on the link below, or email Lisa (bouv329@gmail.com). For questions, email or call (770) 521-8690.


Click here for registration.

Who's in Charge Around Here?

When we got KaeJae, I knew within a day that we would have a battle of the wills and that he was going to take a little while learning who wore the crown in our house. I got a good book, "Click to Calm" and set us up in basic training with a trainer that does clicker training. It's made a huge difference with our little darlin' and even though he still tries to convince me he is in charge, most of the time he has figured out that I am the top dog around here.

The ASPCA has a good article entitled "Dethroning the Canine King", written by Jacque Lynn Schultz, CPDT, Companion Animal Programs Advisor. Some excerpts are below:

Pushy canines come in all sizes, from the Lhasa apso who will not let you make the bed to the Rottweiler mix who grabs hold of your arm (with his teeth) when you attempt to leave the park before he is ready. Many of these dogs are bold and overconfident and relish dominating both people and other dogs. Some are reluctant leaders who take charge in a family when no one else assumes the mantle of pack leader. Most are males, although females swell the ranks as well. Whatever the size, sex or situation, these pretenders to the throne need to be put in their place via a benign yet effective leadership program.

No Free Lunch
A pushy dog needs structure. Obedience training can give both parties a common language through which to communicate. Once the dog knows “Sit” and “Stay/Wait” commands, these can be used frequently: during dinner preparation to control counter surfing and begging; before exiting homes, elevators or cars, when the dog wants to claim new territory ahead of his handler; and to accomplish tasks such as grooming and feet wiping, which most bossy dogs disallow.

Leader of the pack
While out walking, take charge by using controlled walking and heeling commands. Give the dog plenty of feedback on his performance, praising the good and warning him before he gets into trouble. Execute about-turns if the dog is forging ahead, and counter the canine body blocks he may use to control your pathway by leaning into him. Insist on a sit at every corner, and change pace whenever you desire, not when the dog does. Read the entire article.

KaeJae also immediately went on the NILIF Program (Nothing In Life is Free). From the HSUS website: "Animals who live in groups, like dogs, establish a social structure within the group called a dominance hierarchy. This dominance hierarchy serves to maintain order, reduce conflict, and promote cooperation among pack members. To ensure that your home is a safe and happy place for pets and people, it's best that the humans in the household assume the highest positions in the dominance hierarchy. Practicing "Nothing In Life Is Free" gently and effectively communicates to your dog that his position in the hierarchy is subordinate to yours."

With the humans in charge, things are much better in our house. The cat wears her own separate crown, because she doesn't really care what the humans say, she is the queen of her universe and we just are her servants - but we haven't let KaeJae in on that secret!
Click here for a printable version of hte NILIF Program.

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Brushing Your Pet's Teeth

Written By:
Jan Bellows, DVM
All Pets Dental Clinic
How to get the pet to accept tooth brushing.

Proper technique involves applying the bristles at a 45 degree angle to the gingiva. Use small circular motions around the outside of the teeth, being sure to get the bristles under the gumline. It is not as important to brush the inside of the teeth, as dogs and cats do not have the buildup of tartar on the palatal or lingual sides of their teeth as people do.

The most important area to keep clean is the sulcus under the free gingival margin. It is plaque and tartar underneath the gumline, that is removed by daily home care. Adding products such as Oxyfresh to the drinking water or rubbing the teeth with dentifrice impregnated pads may help in home care, but understand that periodontal disease begins in the gingival sulcus. Home care is most effective when the dentifrice is brushed below the gumline.

Start with a healthy comfortable mouth. Untreated problems can cause pain, and a non-compliant patient. Dental pathology must be cared for first

Read the entire article.
Dental Treats for Dogs!.

Hoodia

Hoodia gordonii is a native cacti of the semi-deserts of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Angola. There are about 20 species in this cacti family with the gordonii being the one that contains a natural appetite suppressant. Other products may contain the name 'hoodia' but may not necessarily provide the results you are looking for unless it is the gordonii species.

The effects of this plant were first observed by a Dutch anthropologist in 1937 while he was studying the San Bushman of the Kalahari Desert. He noted they chewed on the stem of a specific variety of Hoodia to act as an appetite suppressant and thirst quencher before and during nomadic hunts into sparsely vegetated areas.

The San, one of the world's oldest and most primitive tribes, call this plant Xhoba and have known it's properties for thousands of years. Besides alleviating hunger and thirst, Hoodia provides a state of mental alertness without the jittery feelings produced by the Western diet of caffeine.

Hoodia sat on a shelf in a lab for almost thirty years when South African scientists at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) began studying it. Because Bushmen were known to eat Hoodia, it was included in a study of indigenous foods. Animals fed the flesh of the cactus lost weight, but otherwise suffered no ill effects.

Clinical trials on humans in Britain suggested that the active ingredient could reduce the appetite by up to 2,000 calories a day. It works by replicating the effect glucose has on nerve cells thereby fooling the brain into thinking the body is full.

Read the entire article.

Joint Health

Good joint health is crucial to your companion animal’s wellbeing. The ability to walk, run and jump represents a large part of your dog’s unique ability to express emotion. Unfortunately, aching and stiff joints are just as much a part of aging for dogs as it is for humans. In fact, there are an estimated 68 million dogs experiencing hip and joint challenges – that’s nearly 60% of the canine population!

At present, there are several hip and joint formulas marketed for companion animals. Unfortunately, most of these products treat the joint as an isolated goal; it is for this reason that they do not work as well as they could. Life's Abundance Agility supplement is a holistic formula, which means that it takes into account the needs of the whole body, including all the parts that work with the joints. This formula contains optimal levels of the nutrients necessary to help maintain healthy joint cartilage and connective tissue, and to aid in the production of healthy synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints. This supplement features Glucosamine and MSM, and is a natural, holistic, multi-action joint support formula containing scientifically-tested ingredients.

Glucosamine helps maintain and promote joint and connective tissue health. It has been shown to be essential in the healthy development and ongoing maintenance of connective tissue and synovial fluid. Research studies indicate that Glucosamine supports healthy joint flexibility, mobility and lubrication. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a natural source of organic sulfur, an element vital to the maintenance of healthy joints, bones, ligaments and tendons. This essential mineral also increases energy and assists in the healthy maintenance of skin, hair and nails.

Agility for Dogs and Cats also contains Vitamins C and E, which are robust sources of antioxidants that can support immunity, cardiovascular health, skin health, vision, dental health and may help to improve allergies. In fact, there is evidence to support that Vitamin C may play an important role in the development and maintenance of connective tissue.

Agility for Dogs and Cats also includes high levels of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids derived from fish oil to help improve healthy joint function. These essential fatty acids produce hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins, which help regulate cellular inflammation.
Click here for further information.
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Who makes your pet's food?

From the Animal Protection Institute:

"What most consumers don’t know is that the pet food industry is an extension of the human food and agriculture industries. Pet food provides a convenient way for slaughterhouse offal, grains considered “unfit for human consumption,” and similar waste products to be turned into profit. This waste includes intestines, udders, heads, hooves, and possibly diseased and cancerous animal parts.

The pet food market has been dominated in the last few years by the acquisition of big companies by even bigger companies. With $15 billion a year at stake in the U.S. and rapidly expanding foreign markets, it’s no wonder that some are greedy for a larger piece of the pie.

Nestlé’s bought Purina to form Nestlé Purina Petcare Company (Fancy Feast, Alpo, Friskies, Mighty Dog, Dog Chow, Cat Chow, Puppy Chow, Kitten Chow, Beneful, One, ProPlan, DeliCat, HiPro, Kit’n’Kaboodle, Tender Vittles, Purina Veterinary Diets).

Del Monte gobbled up Heinz (MeowMix, Gravy Train, Kibbles ’n Bits, Wagwells, 9Lives, Cycle, Skippy, Nature’s Recipe, and pet treats Milk Bone, Pup-Peroni, Snausages, Pounce).

MasterFoods owns Mars, Inc., which consumed Royal Canin (Pedigree, Waltham’s, Cesar, Sheba, Temptations, Goodlife Recipe, Sensible Choice, Excel).

Other major pet food makers are not best known for pet care, although many of their household and personal care products do use ingredients derived from animal by-products:

Procter and Gamble (P&G) purchased The Iams Company (Iams, Eukanuba) in 1999. P&G shortly thereafter introduced Iams into grocery stores, where it did very well.

Colgate-Palmolive bought Hill’s Science Diet (founded in 1939) in 1976 (Hill’s Science Diet, Prescription Diets, Nature’s Best).

Private labelers (who make food for “house” brands like Kroger and Wal-Mart) and co-packers (who produce food for other pet food makers) are also major players. Three major companies are Doane Pet Care, Diamond, and Menu Foods; they produce food for dozens of private label and brand names. Interestingly, all 3 of these companies have been involved in pet food recalls that sickened or killed many pets." Click here for additional information on pet food facts.


Click here for pet food comparisons.

Pet food FAQ's.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

We got a dusting of snow yesterday and this morning it's a frigid 19 degrees! Brrr! KaeJae doesn't handle the cold well, so he stays in a fleece coat. The cat seems to not mind at all.

Coats and boots can help dogs stay warm in the cold weather. Particularly, short-haired or elderly dogs will benefit from wearing a coat or sweater. High collared coats or sweaters help keep dogs warmer.

Trimming the fur between the toe pads will reduce the amount of snow that collects between toes. To help protect dry, sensitive paws, try coating them with a bit of cooking spray (watch out, they can slip on the floor) or with a product like Bag Balm before walks in very cold weather.

Puppies don't tolerate the cold as well as adults and may be a little more difficult to housebreak during the winter. You may want to consider papertraining your puppy if s/he appears to be sensitive to the weather.

Keep a container of warm water and dry towels/cloths by the door for use after your dog returns from being outside. Rinse the paws and wipe dry to prevent the de-icing salt from irritating the foot pads which can also cause vomiting and diarrhea when licked. Many of the de-icing products are toxic. Read the labels and store these products in tight containers away from your pets.

Brief exposure to sub-zero temperatures can lead to frostbite of the feet, nose or ears. Frost-bitten skin will appear red, gray or whitish and may peel off. You can prevent frostbite by removing ice and snow from your pet's paws and fur right away. If you suspect frostbite, move your pet to a warm place and thaw out the frostbitten areas slowly by applying warm, moist towels. Continue until the affected areas become flushed.

You may want to consider if it is safe to let your dog off leash in wide open spaces in the winter when there is snow or ice. They often lose their scent in the snowy cold weather and can become lost. More dogs are reported lost during the winter than any other season, so you may want to keep your dog on a leash when outside of a fenced yard and make sure your dog is wearing proper identification on his/her collar.

Keep a winter survival kit in your car that includes a blanket, towels, fresh water, and a first aid kit. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold.

ASPCA Cold Weather Tips
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Salmon Poisoning Disease

Written by Sarah Hoggan, Washington State University

Fishing can be wonderful recreation, but sharing the catch with your dog can be an act of kindness that kills.

Salmon Poisoning Disease is a potentially fatal condition seen in dogs that eat certain types of raw fish. Salmon (salmonid fish) and other anadromous fish (fish that swim upstream to breed) can be infected with a parasite called Nanophyetus salmincola. Overall, the parasite is relatively harmless. The danger occurs when the parasite itself is infected with a rickettsial organism called Neorickettsia helminthoeca. It’s this microorganism that causes salmon poisoning.

“Salmon poisoning occurs most commonly west of the Cascade mountain range,” says Dr. Bill Foreyt, a veterinary parasitologist at Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He adds, “Canids (dogs) are the only species susceptible to salmon poisoning. That’s why cats, raccoons and bears eat raw fish regularly with out consequence.”

Common symptoms of salmon poisoning include:

vomiting
lack of appetite
fever
diarrhea
weakness
swollen lymph nodes
dehydration

Read the entire article.
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Paws & Effect, The Healing Power of Dogs

I know that at the times in my life when I was not feeling well, or down in the dumps, Bandit gave me so much comfort. My husband snapped this picture some years back one day when I was under the weather when he "caught" Bandit curled up with me, helping me to feel better. I can remember times when Bandit was the reason I got out of bed some days. He was truly my guardian angel.

A new book has come out about the healing power of dogs and it was written up in the NY Times. Below is an excerpt:

"The role dogs play in medicine is celebrated in a new book, “Paws & Effect: The Healing Power of Dogs’’ (Alyson Books, 2007), which chronicles the numerous ways dogs contribute to our health. Author Sharon Sakson is a journalist and television producer, dog breeder and American Kennel Club dog-show judge. She admits to being biased about her subject matter, and she tends to write about the mundane details of dogs and their owners. Much of the evidence surrounding dogs and health is anecdotal, although Ms. Sakson includes many references to published research. The stories of service dogs are particularly impressive, as is the nascent research into dogs’ ability to detect cancer.

Ms. Sakson said she first began thinking about the link between dogs and health while reporting an earlier book on men and dogs. A few men she interviewed who had AIDS credited their dogs with playing a role in their improved health.

While Ms. Sakson says more studies are needed to show exactly what role dogs play in health, any dog owner already knows the benefits of their relationship with their pet. “I went into it because I loved my dogs — they can do so much for our society,'’ said Ms. Sakson. “There’s no question they give us emotional support.'’


Read the entire article.

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Xylitol

Xylitol is a natural compound that looks and tastes ike sugar. Our bodies already digest the xylitol found in fruits, vegetables and other organic substances. Our bodies actually produce about 15 grams of xylitol each day as part of normal metabolism. Nature’s Sweet Life xylitol is derived from non-genetically modified corn, making it completely natural. Xylitol has a safe track record; it has been used for over 40 years around the world and is approved in the U.S. for use in unlimited quantities in food.

Xylitol has a very limited effect on blood sugar levels, making it the perfect sweetener for those concerned with blood sugar balance. Its low glycemic index of 7 makes it a terrific solution for carb-counters as well as those trying to lose weight. In comparison, table sugar has a glycemic index of 87. Xylitol also provides tremendous oral health benefits. Bacteria in the mouth break down regular sugar for food, resulting in the production of tooth-destroying acid. But bacteria can’t break down xylitol. Regular xylitol consumption has shown a reduction in plaque buildup, gum disease and cavities.

Xylitol is heat stable and can replace sugar in most recipes. Use only 50-75% of what the recipe calls for. Xylitol does not feed yeast so you can't use it in breads as the sweetener that feeds the yeast.

Nature’s Sweet Life xylitol is gluten-free and does not contain any corn residue. Because corn is a renewable resource, Nature’s Sweet Life xylitol is also considered an environmentally friendly product.

I am absolutely hooked on the mouthwash. I never was a person who enjoyed using them because of the chemicals and alcohol that always irritated my mouth. NSP's Peppermint Mouth Wash is a real winner!

Please note that Xylitol is NOT recommended for pets. Click here for details on Xylitol and dogs.


Click here for a list of Xylitol products.

Probiotics

There is a lot of talk these days with the new "yogurts" in the stores and advertisements on tv on how probiotics are beneficial to your health. A probiotic is a microorganism that contributes to the health and balance of the intestinal tract. They are friendly bacteria that aid in digestion and absorption of nutrients. They are sometimes known as "friendly or beneficial bacteria." When antiobiotics are ingested, they kill the bad and good [beneficial/friendly] bacteria as well. Replacing the probiotics in your intestinal system helps to maintain a healthy intestinal tract which was designed to help fight illness such as flu and also diseases.

The most frequently used probiotic genera are Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. The potential mechanisms of their action include competitive bacterial interactions, production of antimicrobial metabolites, mucosal conditioning, and immune modulation. The emerging use of probiotics in several gastrointestinal disorders (eg, inflammatory bowel disease) has led to increased interest in their use in patients with IBS.

Pets and humans with large amounts of beneficial bacteria are better equipped to battle with unhealthy organisms. Therefore, if we and our pets are to maintain a healthy body, we need large quantities of friendly bacteria. Supplementing a well-balanced diet with a high quality probiotic will help you and your pet maintain good health.

Probiotics are best assimilated if taken on an empty stomach. I find that I get the most benefit by taking them first thing when I wake up in the morning. When you have less stomach acid, more of the probiotics will make it past the stomach into the intestines to repopulate the gut.

Probiotics Info Website.

Types of Probiotics:

L. Acidophilus, Milk-Free is a strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus, a symbiotic homo-fermentative, lactic acid-producing bacteria. Acidophilus helps regulate the intestinal tract. Since many people are vegetarian or cannot tolerate dairy products, Nature's Sunshine replaced the milk in these capsules with a soy protein and other natural, dairy-free nutrients. Each capsule is also enterically coated to ensure its release in the intestine, where the bacteria normally flourish.

Bifidophilus Flora Force now contains two additional strains, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, to add to the beneficial effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum. To ensure product potency, short- and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), were blended into this formula. Over 200 clinical and animal studies support the use of short-chain FOS for health benefits. These include enhanced mineral absorption, improved bone health and immune function, and relief of minor symptoms associated with occasional sour stomach and gas. The beneficial microorganisms help to maintain the natural, delicate balance of flora that inhabit the human intestinal tract. The microorganisms in this blend also help to decompose fecal matter, improving nutrient absorption and producing certain vitamins as metabolic byproducts.

Probiotic Eleven contains 11 strains of important, gut-beneficial organisms for promotion of gut health and immune functions. This product is recommended to populate the intestinal tract with a variety of beneficial microorganisms that may be removed in colon cleansing or after times of intestinal stress. Probiotic Eleven is formulated with a blend of short -and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), which are non-digestible foodstuffs (fiber and other oligosaccharides) that serve as food for the probiotics in the colon. Over 200 clinical studies report health benefits of short-chain FOS, such as improved mineral absorption and bone health, improved immunity and relief of occasional bloating, gas, sour stomach and constipation.

Click here for information on Bifodophilus.

Click here for information on Probiotic 11.

Click here for information on Acidophilus.

Health Analyzer Quiz

Like the musicians who make up an orchestra, the body systems—digestive, intestinal, circulatory, nervous, immune, respiratory, urinary, glandular and structural—must all work in harmony. When a concern in one body system arises, other systems are affected. Total health requires that all body systems be balanced. The Lifestyle Analysis will help you target your body systems most in need of nutritional supplementation.

Click here to take the quiz.

Rabies Vaccine Research

Below is some fantastic news that I am excited to report!

"The Rabies Challenge Fund Charitable Trust will determine the duration of immunity conveyed by rabies vaccines. The goal is to extend the required interval for rabies boosters to 5 and then to 7 years. This project depends primarily upon grassroots gifts for funding the costs of conducting the requisite vaccine trials. Our contributions to date have come mostly from kennel clubs and private individuals. The Challenge fund is a federally registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization [Fed. EIN # 84-6390682].

We have raised the required funds needed to begin the study. The research has begun under the direction of Dr. Ronald Schultz and The University of Wisconsin Foundation. To assure continuation for the subsequent years, we need to begin raising money for year two now.

The Rabies Challenge Fund needs to raise a total of $1.25 million to complete the 5 and 7 year challenge studies. With your help for year two, we are another year closer to making this goal a reality!

This vaccine research project to address the duration of immunity actually conveyed by rabies vaccine will be performed by Dr. Ronald Schultz, Chairman of Pathobiology at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine.The second phase of the project will finance a study of the adjuvants used in veterinary vaccines, and establish a federal adverse reaction reporting system for rabies and other vaccines.

The University of Wisconsin will donate all of the necessary overhead costs for these studies which normally amount to 48% of the direct research costs. Furthermore, Dr. Schultz, the Principal Investigator, has volunteered his time in conducting the research. My staff at Hemopet are donating their efforts as well. The only monies used from the pre-grant funds were IRS fees associated with applying for non-profit status. All other monies donated to The Rabies Challenge Fund Charitable Trust will go directly to funding these studies."

Press Release:

One of the most important vaccine research studies in veterinary medicine is underway at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in Madison. Dr. Ronald Schultz, a leading authority on veterinary vaccines and Chair of the Department of Pathobiological Sciences, has begun concurrent 5 and 7 year challenge studies to determine the long-term duration of immunity of the canine rabies vaccine, with the goal of extending the state-mandated interval for boosters. These will be the first long-term challenge studies on the canine rabies vaccine to be published in the United States.

Dr. Schultz comments that: "We are all very excited to start this study that will hopefully demonstrate that rabies vaccines can provide a minimum of 7 years of immunity."

This research is being financed by The Rabies Challenge Fund, a charitable trust founded by pet vaccine disclosure advocate Kris L. Christine of Maine, who serves as Co-Trustee with worldrenowned veterinary research scientist and practicing Clinician, Dr. W. Jean Dodds of Hemopet in California. The Rabies Challenge Fund recently met its goal of $177,000 to fund the studies’ first year budget with contributions from dog owners, canine groups, trainers, veterinarians, and small
businesses. Annual budget goals of $150,000 for the studies must be met in the future.

Dr. Jean Dodds, DVM states: "This is the first time in my 43 years of Involvement in veterinary issues that what started as a grass-roots effort to change an outmoded regulation affecting animals will be addressed scientifically by an acknowledged expert to benefit all canines in the future."

Click here for thethe entire article.

Colloidal Silver

I caught a cold in December and it just seemed to hang on forever in my chest...I started a regimen of Silver Shield and was amazed at how much better I started to feel! Research indicates that colloidal silver is an effective immune system enhancer, deactivating the enzymes responsible for the metabolism and multiplication of unwanted invaders. Colloidal silver has become a popular alternative to other natural products on the market.

People have long known that silver can be used as a purifying and preserving age In ancient Greece and Rome, people used silver containers to keep liquids fresh. Early American pioneers put silver dollars in bottles of milk to prevent spoilage. Laboratory workers placed silver dimes in petri dishes to sterilize them.

Today, more than half of the world's airlines use silver water filters because they protect against waterborne diseases like dysentery. NASA uses a silver water-purification system in its space shuttles. Silver is sometimes used in place of chlorine to purify swimming pool water. How does silver work? It disables the enzyme that one-celled bacteria, viruses, and fungi need for oxygen metabolism. In the presence of silver, these pathogenic microbes suffocate.

Since the turn of the century, people have been using silver in colloidal form as an antibiotic treatment. In fact, until 1938, colloidal silver was considered a mainstream antibiotic treatment. But production was costly with early technology, and so the use of colloidal silver died out.

Nature's Sunshine Colloidal Silver Shield is the only one on the market that has an EPA designation as non-toxic (EPA# K043106). It also has a US patent (7,135,195) for its safe technology.

Click here for further information on Colloidal Silver.

Vaccine Adverse Effects

Adverse events diagnosed within three days of vaccine administration in dogs

Although vaccines are designed to be immunogens and must have potency, safety, and efficacy before licensing, no vaccine is completely free of adverse reactions or totally effective. While pre-marketing safety trials by manufacturers help ensure that vaccine-associated adverse events (VAAEs) occur infrequently, their potential has generated public and professional concern regarding overvaccination of humans and animals.

A published retrospective cohort study of over 1.25 million dogs vaccinated at 360 veterinary hospitals permitted accurate estimation of the incidence rate of practitioner-diagnosed acute VAAEs occurring within 3 d of vaccine administration. Specific clinical signs and treatments were reviewed in a random sample of 400 affected dogs. The association between potential risk factors and a VAAE was estimated by use of multivariate logistic regression.

There were 4,678 adverse events (38.2/10,000 dogs vaccinated) associated with administration of 3,439,576 doses of vaccine to 1,226,159 dogs. The VAAE rate decreased significantly as body weight increased. Risk was 27-38% greater for neutered versus sexually intact dogs and 35-64% greater for dogs approximately 1-3 yr old versus 2-9 mo old. The risk of a VAAE significantly increased as the number of vaccine doses administered per office visit increased; each additional vaccine significantly increased risk of an adverse event by 27% in dogs = or < 10 kg (22 lb) and 12% in dogs > 10 kg.

The risk of a VAAE in this study population was inversely related to a dog's weight. This weight -response relationship had been suggested previously in a study where toy breed dogs had significantly more suspected vaccine reactions than other dogs. [Vaccines, in contrast to nearly all veterinary pharmaceuticals, are prescribed on a 1-dose-fits-all basis, rather than by body weight.] A genetic predisposition to VAAEs has been documented for some dog breeds, and the relatively low VAAE rate observed in mixed-breed dogs suggests that laboratory safety trials using mixed breeds may underestimate the VAAE rates that would occur in purebreds. This is important because purebred dogs comprise at least two thirds of the US dog population. Further, the risk of allergic reaction has been reported to increase after the 3rd or 4th vaccination.

In the present study, VAAE risk increased for dogs up to 2 yr of age and then declined thereafter. The decline after 2 yr of age may have been attributable to allergen desensitization, initiation of an alternative vaccination protocol in predisposed dogs, or owner refusal to revaccinate dogs that previously had a VAAE. Neutering appeared to increase the risk of a VAAE more than sex. Females are believed to mount stronger immune responses after vaccination or infection than males because of a dimorphic enhancing effect of estrogens and a protective effect of androgens.

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