Young animals firstly, do not have a fully developed immune system. Secondly, the first time a vaccine is given to young animals, the body will not fully "recognize" it. In other words, it simply takes a few injections of the same thing to make the body produce full and lasting antibodies against the organisms injected. Once the series is complete, and if your pet is exposed to parvo or distemper and so on, its body will "know" what the invader is, and have a full arsenal of antibodies to defend it against infection. After that, the yearly boosters simply keep the body "reminded" to make the needed protection.

When you vaccinate your own pet there are several risks. One, all vaccines sold over the counter are NOT what any veterinarian uses, rather, they are off-brand and inferior products, or they are name brand products which have been illegally traded in the marketplace, and thusly, who cares whether or not they are kept cold, are good quality etc. Most are inferior products and do not protect your pets.

Two, if your pet does have a bad or severe reaction you will have to seek emergency care rather to turn back to a reliable veterinarian for help. Three, over 45% of the patients we see which have distemper, parvo and respiratory diseases have been vaccinated by their owners (as opposed to less than 0.1% of ill animals vaccinated a reputable clinics). Forth, your are failing to have your pet properly examined AND establish a relationship with a regular veterinarian, a relationship which could prove very important if your pet ever does become ill. Pets do need regular veterinary care. (Handout)

While it is ever so tempting to give tidbits and treats to your best friends, a few simple facts should make you think twice.

1. The majority of pets treated for vomiting and diarrhea diseases by veterinarians had their problems initiated by eating people foods.
2. Serious illnesses such as pancreatitis and hemorrhagic gastroenteritis are most always started by eating table foods.
3. Table foods speed dental deterioration!
4. Table foods (even "just a little...") greatly contribute to obesity.

Treat your best friends with your time and attention. They'll be able to thank you longer for it and you'll spend less time at the vets.

This is probably the hottest question you can ask, and sometimes the answer you get depends on what food someone is selling. Assuming that your pet does not have a medical condition that would require a special diet, the following general recommendations apply.

1. If your budget allows, feed the higher quality foods such as  Iams, Science Diet, Pro Plan or Nature's Recipe. These diets are carefully formulated and consistently made and tested so that you can be assured your pet is getting a complete and balanced diet.

2. If you can't really afford premium diets, at least go with good name brand foods; Purina One, Regular Purina, Pedigree, Alpo and so forth.

3. ALWAYS avoid generic, store brands and chain store brands. Most lack trace nutrients, have not been adequately tested, and are advised because the store makes more money on the bag.
Certain Pet Mega Stores push their own brands heavily but we  personally would not feed those to our own pets.  Stick with the above mentioned brands.

4. If you want to feed soft or canned foods, realize that your pet's teeth will go bad faster, and that you are paying mostly for water and a fatty product. We advise dry foods only.

5. Don't be fooled by label analysis or other claims. Look for an AAFCO seal of approval which generally means the food has been well tested.

6. Don't get caught up in sales claims of how chicken is better than beef, or all white meat vs dark meat in our competition... what the food does inside your pet is all that matters.

7. Once you choose a food, stick with it. Changing is more likely to upset your pet's digestive system and make them picky.

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©2007 James W. Day D.V.M., P.C.