OUR BEST FRIENDS DESERVE THE BEST
At Highlander German Shepherds, we believe in promoting optimal health which begins with a well balanced diet. It is imperative that the diet be the most balanced holistic food.
In this regard we also feel supermarket type commercial foods are inadequate for healthy dogs, just read a few labels - you will be amazed at all of the fillers, sugar/sweeteners, beet pulp, grain by-products, vegetable fragments (we look for whole grains and vegetables), "animal fat or animal protein" not identified by species (a euphemism for a low-quality, low-priced mix of fats of uncertain orgin. "Meat by-products" can be practically anything including claws, feathers, or pieces of shoe leather for that matter.) When reading a label that uses meat by-products or poultry by-products as their source of protein it is just about impossible to ascertain the quality of protein used by that food manufacturer. "Whole meats" are expensive, and because they are expensive many dog food makers utilize protein by-products to cut costs! Also pay attention to other artificial garbage including artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. A healthy product full of top-quality ingredients should not need non-nutritive additives to make it look or taste better! There are plenty of good natural preservatives such as rosemary, vitamins A and C can be used instead.
PLEASE DO NOT alter your puppy's diet as changing environment from our home to yours is a stressful experience and maintaining a consistent diet is imperative. We will provide a feeding schedule to you.
Please provide plenty of fresh clean water for your pet at all times. In addition to proper diet and fresh water, for optimum health, your pet needs regular exercise, fresh air, lots of love and attention and regular veterinary care. Try to schedule a veterinary checkup at least once a year.
All of our dogs receive NuVet Plus and NuJoint Plus made by NuVet Labs daily. NuVet Canine health supplements are a precise combination of human-grade, natural vitamins, minerals, herbs, antioxidants, bioflavonoids, fatty acids, and amino acids proven to provide immune system support. NuVet Plus contains natural ingredients with no artificial colors or flavors. This naturally healthy supplement is synergisitically formulated to maximize the longevity and quality of your dog's life. We give NuJoint Plus to maintain healthy hips and joints. It is common for German Shepherds to experience "growing pains" -- we do not experience such problems with our dogs. We believe our holistic care that includes a healthy diet and NuVet Canine Health Supplements contribute significantly to the over all health and well being of our German Shepherds. To order Nuvet Products Please click on this link or call 800-474-7044 using the discount code 863464 www.nuvet.com/863464
We feel so strongly that NuVet Plus and NuJoint Plus are the best supplements available, we offer our breeder discount code to everyone so you do not have to pay full price.
It has been proven that nutrition plays a vital role in the longevity and quality of dog's lives. For this reason Highlander German Shepherds not only offers our NuVet Breeder Discount Code but we also will provide Timberwolf dog food to anyone in our local area for our price (no mark up at all) Our mission is is not to make money from selling vitamins or dog food, we simply want to enable as many dogs as we can to have long and healthy lives. We do these things because we love dogs. Please see the GSD Info page on our website for more information on Timberwolf Dog Food.
IMPORTANT
Many of the world's foremost holistic veterinarians, including Dr. Jean Dodds, Dr. Christina Chambreau, Dr. Russell Swift, Dr. Charles Loops, and Dr. Richard Pitcairn, agree that poor quality commercial pet food and excessive vaccination are behind many chronic diseases being delt with today in veterinary medicine. Many veterinarians still recommend annual vaccinations, this does not mean that it is safe to do so. Almost without exception, there is no immunological requirement for annual revaccination. Instead of administering vaccines year after year to our adult dogs - a simple blood test is performed by our veterinarian to see if they have adequate antibodies/immunity called a titer prior to giving them random shots "just because."
Dr. W Jean Dodds research on vaccinations is very informative. CANINE VACCINATION PROTOCOL 2007 - MINIMAL VACCINE USE HEMOPET
We believe in minimal vaccinations and utilize the following vaccination schedule:
Age of Pups Vaccine Type
6 weeks - Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV (e.g. Intervet Progard Puppy DPV)
8 1/2 - 9 weeks - Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV (e.g. Intervet Progard Puppy DPV)
15 -18 weeks - Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus (e.g. Intervet Progard 5)
20 weeks - Rabies (Give the rabies vaccine alone -- not on the same day as any other vaccines, preferably 2-3 weeks after the above vaccine)
1 year - Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV
1 year - Rabies, killed 3 year vaccine (give 3-4 weeks apart from distemper/parvovirus booster)
Perform vaccine antibody titers for distemper and parvovirus every year thereafter. Vaccinate for rabies virus according to the law, except where circumstances indicate that a written waiver needs to be obtained from the primary care veterinarian. In that case, a rabies antibody titer can also be performed to accompany the waiver request.
Because we take our dogs to many places where they can be exposed to other dogs, we do give Intervet's Progard KC (canine parainfluenza-Bordetella Bronchiseptica Vaccine ... kennel cough vaccine) yearly. We also give the Intervet Pro-Lyme vaccine (Borrelia Burgdorferi Bacteria from the deer tick causes Lyme's Disease) as the area that we live in is so heavily populated with deer. We do NOT use Fort Dodge vaccines - ever!
We advise that when you take your puppy to the veterinarian you bring a copy of this with you. Also BEFORE he/she administers any vaccines ask what company is the manufacturer of the vaccine. Intervet and Phizer are safe, I would not use any vaccines that are manufactured by any other company.
Vaccines that we do not advise giving to your dog:
The Giardia Vaccine -- this vaccine has not been proven to be effective in the prevention of Giardia! Many dogs that have received the Giardia Vaccine will still get Giardia when exposed to it. Giardia can be treated with antibiotics - why use an ineffective vaccine.
The Coronavirus Vaccine re: the disease is not significant and only in certain parts of the United States.
Adenovirus Type One (NOT to be confused with Adenovirus Type TWO)-- studies found that the Adenovirus Type One vaccine can cause visual impairment in dogs.
Canine Hip Dysplasia -
Although genetics play a big role in the development of canine hip dysplasia (CHD), not everything about the disease is hereditary. Even dogs that are not genetically predisposed to develop CHD can contract the disease if they are pushed too hard early in life by hyper-nutrition and excessive exercise. Over exercise (jogging/running with a puppy, pulling weights, running with owner on a bike etc.) will cause problems, over feeding a young puppy and allowing it to get fat can cause hip problems as well as allowing it to jump from SUV's or trucks etc. By preventing the above (rapid weight gain/growth, traumatic exercise/jumping) and feeding a controlled balanced diet increases the opportunity for muscle, connective tissue, and the hip joint bones to develop congruently. Hip dyspalsia has four major causes: genetics, poor nutrition ie: grocery store dog food, over feeding, and over exercise at a young age (under 2 years of age).
Please note all of our dogs are xray'd and free of hip dysplasia, have had a complete blood count, chemistry, pancreatic and liver function testing before breeding is considered.
SOCIALIZATION especially early socialization is essential to raise a happy and well rounded German Shepherd.
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