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Look up your community for toxic chemical on EPA website.
We are all concerned about chemicals in our food, water and air.
Here is a handy tool to know about.
TRI for Communities | Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Program | US EPA.
Chart of genetic tests available for dogs & labs that do the tests.
Here is a link to the OFA website where they keep a list of all the labs that do genetic testing for Dog diseases. The costs for these tests are much lower than ever before. Breeders and owners of purebred dogs will find this very helpful to plan their dogs future.
I have tested my dog for a Collie genetic disease (MDR1) for which he is a carrier and affected. But knowing he has one copy of the MDR1 gene means I can adjust the dose of certain drugs to prevent overdose and avoid other medication completely. In my case knowing avoided allot of possible harm. Since he is a carrier is out as a breeding dog and has been neutered. 70% of Collies have the defective gene causing MDR1 (Multidrug sensitivity) so the only way to reduce how many Collie’s get this genetic disease is to not bred all dog with a copy of the gene. Can’t see this disease on the outside of the dog. The only way is through a DNA test or when in a crisis of drug overdose which can be lethal. I would rather know.
Map of ticks and diseases — dogs and ticks
Link to cool interactive map of numbers of tick infections in dogs.
Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs – how to figure out if your dog ingested enough to be a problem.
Great article on how much of a dose it takes to be toxic to a dog, depending on their size. If you happen to own a Collie, Sheltie, Aussie, Border Collie, the dose may be 1/3 the dose calculated in this article.
This sensitivity of the heart to some chemicals is because the members of the “Herding Breeds” may inherit a Multi-Drug Sensitivity gene called MDR1. Washington State University, Veterinary Pathology laboratory has an inexpensive DNA test that can be done by owners to determine if your dog has any copies of the MDR1 gene. This information is important for planning on dosage of several drugs i.e.; heartworm preventatives, some antibiotics and chemicals that affect the heart, chemotherapy plus some anesthestics and tranquilzers. Simply knowing if your dog has the gene, allows your Vet to adjust the dose of the candidate drugs or choose another option when available. Follow the link below for more info:
Why Microchip your Pet or Horse?
I have been blessed with the addition of a puppy, Leo. I had a microchip put in under his skin at the same time he was neutered as part of the first year of puppy care. I chose the company Petlink for their one time fee, $42.00, for life-time coverage. The identity library of information is available online, 24 hours a day, seven days a week worldwide for the life of the animal. This is also a worldwide company, which is handy for anyone who travels outside the US with their pets or any animals.
The competitor company uses a microchip placed in the same manner but has a yearly fee to keep the data in an available library for retrieval. Est. $35.00. Most Veterinarians carry the yearly fee company because the company gives them the startup supplies for free. Petlink, has a start-up cost for equipment to the Veterinarian, & costs are made back as microchips are registered. The Petlink site has lists by State, of Veterinarians who carry the Petlink microchips.
www.petlink.net/us/owner/vetList.spring
Check out this link to find out how many lost pets are never returned home and the importance of microchips.
Why use a microchip for your pet or horse?
I have been blessed with a puppy “Leo” and as part of his basic puppy care I had a microchip put under his skin when he was being neutered. Painless, universal, worldwide identification, available 24 hours, seven days a week. I choose The Petlink company because a one time fee $42.00, pays for the identification library service for the life of your animal. The other microchip companies typically charge a yearly fee ($35.00) to keep the information on your pet. Many Veterinarians carry the yearly fee Company because this company gives the supplies to the Vet Office for free. The Petlink has a charge to the Vet. for the reader and implants which are refunded to the Vet as they implant the microchips. The website for Petlink has a list of Vet.s by Country and State that have their microchips available. http://www.petlink.net/us/owner/vetList.spring
The link below has a photo of the chips and info on the millions of lost pets who never make it home.
Dr Smith Holistic Petcare 