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Golden Gate to Health
I think everyone will agree with this sentiment. As our canine pals have a
limited number of years with us, we need to make them productive, healthy,
and happy. Of course, how we do that is where all the diligent work comes
in.
| Canine
vs. People |
Canine
vs. People |
6 mths = 12 years
1 year = 15 years
2 years = 24 years
3 years = 28 years
4 years = 32 years
5 years = 36 years
6 years = 40 years
7 years = 44 years
8 years = 48 years
9 years = 52 years
10 years = 56 years |
11 years
= 60 years
12 years = 64 years
13 years = 68 years
14 years = 72 years
15 years = 76 years
16 years = 80 years
17 years = 84 years
18 years = 88 years
19 years = 92 years
20 years = 96 years
21 years =100 years |
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You will notice
that your dog does his fastest maturing in his first two years, already equal to
that of a 15-year-old teenager after only one year. And, s/he is equal to
essentially an adult after a mere two years. After that, four years in maturity
is gained with each passing year.
Concerned about the effect of chemicals on health, we use no
pesticides, clean surfaces with vinegar and mild soap, and
treat our lawn organically.
Being prepared for
emergencies is critical, so keep the
Animal Poison Control Center
number 888-426-4435 handy, and learn how to create a
poison-safe home, what
to
do If your dog Is poisoned, and the
10
most common poisonous plants.
Also, print our pages on . . .
 What to Put in your Dog's First Aid Kit
How to Perform Dog CPR.
 There are many different kinds of veterinary specialists, and veterinarians
can be certified in conventional (western) medicine or have additional more
holistic (eastern) certifications
in areas such as Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Homeopathy.
In conventional medicine, the diagnostic techniques utilized are blood
tests, x-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, Cat scans, EKGs, etc. Based on the test
results and a physical exam, medications or surgery are typically
prescribed. Less frequently, veterinarians will recommend changes in the
environment, lifestyle or nutrition. When nutritional changes are
recommended, they often involve switching from one commercial food to
another. Although holistic veterinarians do benefit from conventional
test findings to provide baseline data, their interpretation of the results may
be somewhat different. Rather, conventional medicine may view many chronic
diseases as degenerative in nature and view the dog's outcome in a more
pessimistic manner. The key to treatment is probably a marriage of the best from
both worlds of conventional and holistic procedures and remedies. It is
difficult to find talented diagnosticians and surgeons additionally possessing
advanced holistic expertise. But, our simple remedy has been to incorporate the
services of both types of veterinarian. The following listings should help in finding certified specialists in your
own local area.
Making informed choices regarding vaccinations is important. We titer through Cornell University—a high reading indicating adequate antibodies and no need for a booster (which can weaken the immune system). The
Rabies
Challenge Study may
also
show the need for less vaccinations. Learn more about vaccinations, when to spay or neuter, heartworm medication
usage, thyroid testing, and immune system implications.
 Be sure to learn about Going Organic and our
pages on Food Glorious Food, as well as to learn
The Whole Tooth.
Honestly, there is so much to
know when it comes to good care for our animal companions. And, that means
knowing about key disease and behavioral issues.
One great overall publication
that will help to keep you current on all things dog is
The Whole Dog Journal.,
a monthly guide to natural dog care and
training. This guide advocates natural and holistic feed, healthcare methods
and successful nonviolent training . . . and does not accept commercial
advertising. We have subscribed to this newsletter for many years now as it is invaluable.
We have collected many resources on areas related to disease conditions, aging,
and behavioral problems. Be sure to explore the pages and materials below.
 Sharing health experiences with others can prompt brainstorming and ultimately successful outcomes.
Folks may also recognize the situation
should it occur with their own dog. Here are some of these Golden
Tales:
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