Truth4Dogs

The cost of vet care for 2009 is estimated at $12.2 billion, up $1.1 billion from last year. With the economy still ailing, jobs still disappearing and the stock market way down from previous highs, many of us are postponing or foregoing dog care because we can’t afford treatment. It’s time — past time! — to cut out those unnecessary products and services too many pet parents think are essential — but may actually be harmful. Here are some cost-saving ideas that will also make your dog healthier:

1. STOP VACCINATING UNNECESSARILY! No more vaccinating against diseases your dog is unlikely to catch and against diseases to which your dog is already immune. Not only is unnecessary vaccination a huge waste of time and money, the resulting adverse health consequences can ruin doggy health and cost you a fortune in vet bills down the line. Watch our video Vaccinating Dogs for suggestions, and read or reread “Rethinking Vaccination” in our book, Scared Poopless. Also, read our blog article on titer testing. (Click here.) This simple blood test is especially important to prevent over-vaccinating puppies.

2. FEED QUALITY FOOD. Read more »

46% of all dogs who die of disease now die of cancer. That’s an astonishing figure, isn’t it? Forty-six percent!

Imagine half of your own friends dying of cancer. Read more »

Too often, veterinary practice lags years (even decades) behind veterinary science and even American Veterinary Medical Association recommendations. If you’re reading a lot about dog care, you, not your vet, may have more current knowledge about vaccination, nutrition and other aspects of care. But how do you get your vet to listen to your ideas? Standing up to authority can be scary.

Maybe you want to stop vaccinating your adult dog with unnecessary puppy shots, but realize your vet isn’t really “up to date on his shots.” Or maybe your vet won’t listen to your views on natural foods or safer flea and heartworm remedies. Read more »