Health and Longevity
We perform the health testing required by the Orthopedic Foundation For Animals to achieve CHIC numbers for all of our Poodles in our program. We also do DNA testing when needed. In addition, we care for our Poodles and puppies using holistic methods, never using excess chemicals and practicing a conservative vaccination schedule.
Health Testing
To help ensure the future health of Poodles, good breeders screen prospective Poodle parents with tests available for primary health issues in our breed. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (“OFA”) and the Canine Health Information Center (“CHIC”) work with parent clubs to establish important screening criteria. The following are tests needed to receive a CHIC number for Standard Poodles:
Hip Dysplasia: OFA or PennHIP Evaluation.
Yearly Eye Exam by a boarded ACVO veterinary ophthalmologist.
Health Elective (at least one of the following three tests is required for CHIC number):
OFA Thyroid Evaluation from an OFA approved laboratory.
OFA Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) Evaluation by an OFA approved dermatopathologist.
Heart Evaluation by an ACVIM boarded veterinary cardiologist.
DOG VACCINE PROTOCOL by Dr. Jean Dodds
Dr. Jean Dodds is a veterinarian and researcher who has developed a vaccine protocol that is designed to reduce the risk of adverse reactions to vaccines in dogs. This protocol involves several steps, including:
Testing: Before vaccinating a dog, it is recommended to perform a blood test called a "vaccine titer" to determine if the dog is already immune to the disease being vaccinated against. If the titer is within an acceptable range, it may not be necessary to vaccinate.
Timing: Dr. Dodds recommends spacing out vaccines over a longer period of time and avoiding giving multiple vaccines at the same time as this can increase the risk of adverse reactions.
Dose: Using the minimum effective dose of vaccine is recommended to reduce the risk of adverse reactions.
Supportive care: Administering a homeopathic remedy called Thuja occidentalis after vaccination may help to reduce the risk of adverse reactions.
It is important to note that this protocol is not universally accepted by veterinarians and may not be appropriate for all dogs. It is always best to discuss your dog's vaccination needs with a veterinarian and make a decision based on your dog's individual circumstances.
9 – 10 weeks of age
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV; e.g. Merck Nobivac (Intervet Progard) Puppy DPV
14 – 15 weeks of age
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV
18 weeks of age
Parvovirus only, MLV
Note: New research states that last puppy parvovirus vaccine should be at 18 weeks old.
20 weeks or older, if allowable by law
Rabies – give 3-4 weeks apart from other vaccines
Mercury-free (thimerosol-free, TF)
1 year old
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV
This is an optional booster or titer. If the client intends not to booster after this optional booster
or intends to retest titers in another three years, this optional booster at puberty is wise.
1 year old
Rabies – give 3-4 weeks apart from other vaccines
3-year product if allowable by law; mercury-free (TF)
Perform vaccine antibody titers for distemper and parvovirus every three years thereafter, or more often,
if desired. 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.
What we feed impacts our dogs’ health
We believe in feeding a combination of raw and kibble for maximum health and flexibility. Additionally, there are many cooked, veterinarian-approved foods on the market. The best thing to feed is a veterinarian-approved, raw or fresh-cooked diet as opposed to kibble. There are many services available now if you search online. We also supplement with fish oil, probiotics and other vitamin/mineral supplements as needed. Please contact us to discuss our practices in more detail.