Today, I have decided to write on the topic of the big C word – Cancer. For years, we have been hearing in the news that we have to “fight cancer” or “say no to cancer.”
The statistics show clearly that cancer “fights back” at an ever increasing rate and intensity. It appears that no matter how many times we say “ No” to cancer; cancer’s reply is often “Screw you!”
I sense that this year will be the year of change.
First, I am happy to inform you that I have no more fear of loosing my veterinary license. This concern is very common among holistic practitioners, simply because the licensing bodies often recognize conventional medicine only.
I love the newly found freedom because it gives me an opportunity to share anything important with you, no matter what the opinion of the less open minded conventional circles is.
This year, I will be paying more attention to the intuitive part of healing, where the answers come with ease and clarity. I would like to teach you how to tap into your intuition, inner knowledge and healing energy that resides in all of us.
Here are my plans:
My original plan was to write about vaccines for adult dogs but because this is the last day of 2009, I felt like writing about something more fun. In the previous two blogs, I wrote about avoiding puppy mills and catteries and how to make sure that we do not over-vaccinate our animal friends. Your dogs happiness = health = big savings on vet bills
The holiday season made me think even more about how important social life is for people but also our dogs. Perhaps, you just went through the Christmas all relieved that the relatives are gone. But honestly, how would you feel if friends and family never stopped by? I am sure you would miss them.
Despite most dogs thriving on social interaction, many new puppy owners are being told by their health care providers that their puppy should not see any other dogs for the first 3 – 4 months of their life. I find such an approach unnecessary and often the reason for poor social skills and behavioral problems.
Socialization is a way of learning the ropes of pack hierarchy, recognizing a friendly dog or the one that is better to avoid.
1. As soon as you get your dog, try to connect with either the littermate owners or connect with a network of likeminded people through puppy classes, interest groups and so on.
2. If possible make more than one friend and if you trust your friends, allow sleepovers and walks without your presence. There may be time when you may need dog sitting and having a few friends who are willing to help can be very handy.
3. Exchange of dog sitting services will give you the peace of mind when you are on holidays.
4. Young dogs are always tolerated by the adults and it is the best opportunity to learn canine language. If an exchange of opinions happens, between and adult and a young dog, it is usually harmless but a very useful lesson.
5. Try not to leave your dog alone for extended periods of time. Even dogs can get bored and depressed. If you work full time and can’t come and see your dog over the lunch break, try to create connections with other dog people who are on a different schedule and can take your dog out for some fun. I recommend going on a few dogs walks with your friend to ensure that your dog is familiar with his new buddies.
6. Interaction with children is wonderful if your puppy is not scared or doesn’t have a tendency to bite. I love watching children and dogs play because they are so alike in many ways.
7. Take your dog along whenever you can. Some shops and even restaurants in more progressive countries allow dogs. Many hotels also allow dogs and majority of my friends and families welcome dogs. We have a rule in our house, if you want us to come for a visit, our dog comes along.
8. When it comes to flying join and visit www.flyindogclub.com to learn how we can make safe flying with dogs come true
9. As it is a good time for new year resolutions, one of them may be to spending more quality with your dog. It may be playing, combing, giving a massage, playing hide and seek, teaching the names of toys or once in a while, a luxurious snooze on the bed together 
Next: How to play safe and prevent injuries
Previous blog posts on How to Save on Vet Bills
In the previous blog, you learned about the importance of choosing a healthy puppy and avoiding puppy mills.
Now that you have chosen well, you may be wondering what is the best way to keep your best friend healthy. One may think that vaccines or “the shots” as many call them, would be the next step. However, it is not that simple.
1. Vaccines contain dangerous carcinogens and disease causing chemicals such as mercury and formaldehyde. (more…)
I never realized, how many people talk about their vet bills on Twitter.
While I sometimes joke that vets are still cheaper than most kitchen or bathroom reno’s or lawyer visits, vet bills can get out of control and seem never ending..
If you have ever complained about the cost of vet care, keep on reading, it may save you thousands of dollars.
In next few weeks and months, I would like to share with you a simple to follow plan of keeping your animal friends healthy and happy.