Health and Nutrition
We at 74 Ranch test our dogs for PRA/PRCD, DM, HC, CEA, NAD, Non HSF4, CDDY/IVVD and MDR1 as well as OFA Hips, Elbows and Patellas and eye CERF exams. Health is very important to us! We also 'run the numbers' on our crosses before doing them. We watch our lines closely to avoid epilepsy to the best o our ability. That said, they are animals and things can and will happen even with the best prevention. We will continue to be educated and test for any
new problems that arise in the breed!
PM us if you'd like info on puppy's parents that you are interested in.
What We Feed
74 Ranch feeds about 25% Darwins Raw and 50% Nutrisource Puppy Chicken kibble and 25% Nutrisource adult kibble to the puppies and our adults get about 50:50 Darwins/adult Nutrisource. Darwins ships to your home - frozen raw - FREE!!!!!!
Supplements we recommend: Salmon Oil, pre/probiotics and Ester-C for puppies to 18 months old. There are times we 'change' up the supplements we give our dogs depending on needs.
Be sureto ask if you would like recommendations.
Treats we recommend: because we don't want our dogs to become overweight we use their kibble as treats most often, as well as dehydrated raw treats such as liver, trachea and lung. Don't feed too much of it and remember a LITTLE bit goes a LONG way! We treat with Vital Essentials, Nature's Logic and any natural treats and bones - bully sticks, cow ears. They all have calories so keep it minimal! We also give frozen food in Kongs and lick mats to keep them busy!
Emergency Care:
We use our local vets when needed but we try natural Young Living Essential Oils or Homeopathic remedies first. We also use Natural Products to prevent allergies or other issues in the future. We are against over vaccinating!!! Read more of the protocol we use on our Mini Aussie/Mini Americans Info page
Be sure to keep your dog's nails trimmed!
Vital Animal
Dr Karen Becker - Mercola
Essential Oils for Animals -Reference
Consider a Rescue dog: see http://www.miniaussierescue.org/
Wyoming Aussie Rescue www.wyaussierescue.com
Homeopathic treatments for dogs
SHOULD I SHAVE MY AUSSIE:
Here's a direct quote from a groomer and we agree wholeheartedly:
"Shaving an Aussie or any double coated dog takes away their ability to cool themselves off. It can also ruin the top coat and make it not grow back or just destroy the silky beautiful coat. I strongly advise against it."
New Vaccination Protocol
(courtesy of Michel Selmer, DVM, Advanced Animal Care Center Huntington Station, NY 631-367-7387)
This is welcome news and should be taken with you to your vet should you need reinforcement against over-vaccination.
I would like to make you aware that all 27 veterinary schools in North America are in the process of changing their protocols for vaccinating dogs and cats.
Some of this information will present an ethical & economic challenge to vets, and there will be skeptics. Some organizations have come up with a political compromise suggesting vaccinations every 3 years to appease those who fear loss of income vs. those concerned about potential side effects.
Politics, traditions, or the doctor’s economic well-being should not be a factor in medical decision.
New principles of immunology
Dogs' and cats' immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a modified live virus vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it produces immunity, which is good for the life of the pet (ie: canine distemper, parvo, feline distemper). If another MLV vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies from the first vaccine neutralize the antigens of the second vaccine and there is little or no effect. The titer is not “boosted” nor are more memory cells induced.
Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they subject the pet to potential risks of allergic reactions and immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia. There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for annual administration of MLV vaccines.
Puppies receive antibodies through their mothers milk. This natural protection can last 8-14 weeks. Puppies & kittens should NOT be vaccinated at less than 8 weeks. Maternal immunity will neutralize the vaccine and little protection (0-38%) will be produced.
Vaccination at 6 weeks will, however, DELAY the timing of the first highly effective vaccine.
Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart SUPPRESS rather than stimulate the immune system.
A series of vaccinations is given starting at 8 weeks and given 3-4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age.
Another vaccination given sometime after 6 months of age (usually at 1 year 4 mo) will provide lifetime immunity.
Or you can follow the Dogs Naturally Magazine's protocol _
WE FEEL LESS IS MORE if you can!
MDR1 Sensitivity
Aussies are known to have dangerous reactions to certain drugs. This is referred to as MDR1 Sensitivity. SICKNESS OR EVEN DEATH can be avoided if you stay away from the following drugs or have your dogs tested before using them! Please print the following list and have your vet add it to your dog's file. Ask your vet for alternative drugs.
COMMON HOUSEHOLD AND HORSE/RANCH DRUGS POISONOUS TO AUSSIES, MINI AUSSIES/AMERICANS:
IVERMECTIN - (antiparasitic agent)
LOPERAMIDE - (Imodium, over the counter human anti-diarrhea agent)
DOXORUBICIN - (anti-cancer agent)
VINCRISTINE - (anti-cancer agent)
VINBLASTINE - (anti-cancer agent)
CYCLOSPORIN - (immunosuppressive agent)
DIGOXIN - (heart medication)
ACEPROMAZINE - (tranquilizer)
BUTAPHONAL - (pain control)
POTENTIALLY PROBLEMATIC DRUGS for more information on MDR1 Sensitivity, click here
Abamectin Acepromazine Actinomycin D Aldosterone
Amitriptyline Butorphanol Cortisol Cyclosporine
Dexamethasone Digoxin Diltiazem Docetaxel
Domperidone Doxorubicin Doxycycline Erythromycin
Etoposide Itraconazole Ivermectin (antiparasitic)
Ketoconazole Levofloxaci Loperamide (Immodium)
Methylprednisolone Milbemycin (Trifexis) Morphine Moxidectin
Ondansetron Paclitaxel Selamectin Sparfloxacin
Tacrolimus Talinolol Terfendadine Tetracycline
Vecuronium Verapamil Vinblastine Vincristine
Grooming
The Miniature Australian Shepherd has an easy to care for coat that is not as problematic as some of the double coated breeds. The thicker, slightly coarse and straight outer coat is simple to brush using a pin brush or stiff bristle brush. Always start by grooming the outer coat in the direction of growth which is slightly back and down. After this is completed, start at the shoulders and push the longer hair forward, exposing the dense, downy undercoat, brush this again the direction of growth, moving down the back and sides. Pay particular attention to the hair round the neck, the furnishings on the legs and the hair on the rump as these can be areas prone to matting and tangling.
Typically, the Miniature Australian Shepherd is an average shedder. However, they will shed their coats heavily in the spring and fall. During these times the inner coat will come out in chunks or clumps and can become very matted. Daily brushing will both help speed up the shedding as well as prevent these mats from forming. If mats do form in the hair that is being shed they may need to be cut out using blunt ended scissors.
The Miniature Australian Shepherd should be only minimally clipped or trimmed for show and, typically, should not require much of clipping or trimming at home. Puppies have shorter coats that will not reach their full adult coat length until about one year of age. The Miniature Australian Shepherd has natural oils in the hair to keep the dog dry and warm even in cold or damp conditions, so it is not advisable to bathe this breed unless absolutely necessary. Dry dog powder is often used between wet baths just to help remove dirt from the hair.
BE SURE TO TRIM NAILS REGULARLY!
