Canine Melanoma Vaccine

Cancer in dogs is unfortunately very common. Melanoma, a cancer of the cells that produce melanin pigment, is the most common malignant oral cancer of dogs. In addition to the mouth, melanoma can be seen in the eye, paw pads and nail beds and skin. Melanoma is highly malignant and can spread (metastasize) to the kidney, liver, lymph nodes and lungs very quickly.

Merial, a world-leading animal health company, has gained full-licensure from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for ONCEPT™ Canine Melanoma Vaccine, DNA. ONCEPT is a breakthrough vaccine indicated for aiding in extending survival of dogs with stage II or stage III oral canine melanoma, a common yet deadly form of cancer in dogs.

Canine Melanoma Vaccine Gets Full Approval
Duluth, Georgia

The first and only USDA-approved therapeutic vaccine for treatment of cancer in dogs has been announced.

Merial has received full license approval from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for it's ONCEPT™ Canine Melanoma Vaccine. ONCEPT™ is descibed by Merial as a "breakthrough vaccine indicated in aiding in extending survival of dogs with stage II or stage III oral canine melanoma".

Oral canine melanoma is a common yet deadly form of cancer. Dogs with stage II or stage III malignant melanoma typically survive for less than 5 or 6 months after diagnosis when treated with surgery along. When also treated with ONCEPT™, dogs survived for so long that 50% of dogs in the study were either still alive when the study was concluded, or died of other causes. Oral melanoma, which can be seen in any breed, is the most common malignant tumor of the dog's mouth, and can also be seen in the nail and footpad. This type of cancer is extremely aggressive and frequently spreads throughout the body. To date, the most common form of treatment has been radiation and surgery.

"Canine melanoma spreads readily, and, unfortunately, existing treatments have not succeeded in controlling the disease," said Dr. Bob Menardi, a veterinarian and spokesperson for Merial. "ONCEPT™ is a new adjunct treatment option for dogs that have been diagnosed with this often fatal disease."

The USDA issued a conditional U.S. Veterinary Biological Product License for ONCEPT™ in 2007. During the period of conditional licensure, ONCEPT™ was available to veterinary oncologists as Merial conducted additional research to further support the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. The results of that research led to the full licensure of ONCEPT™. The vaccine will be administered via a Canine Transdermal Device, which delivers the vaccine without the use of a needle.

"The Canine Transdermal Device makes administration of the vaccine easy and quick for oncologists and their patients, leaving one less worry for dog owners dealing with their pet's cancer treatment" said Dr. Richard Stout, executive vice president and chief medical officer of Bioject. "We are proud to work with Merial in bringing this breakthrough product to market."

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"Go Green" with your Labrador Retriever

Gary Cassera, owner of Balanced Dogs, stops by The 10! Show studio to show us how we can "go green" with our pets. From "green" dog food to "green" leashes, he has some great suggestions for all pet owners!

Gary talks about some interesting products, none that I have tried yet. I'm not sure about the dog wash and his washing his dogs twice a day but all dogs are different and what may work for one, won't work for others. For our Labrador Retrievers, I wouldn't recommend it (washing twice a day, not the wash).

If anyone else has tried any of the products that Gary has recommended, please let us know how your Labrador Retriever liked or disliked them. Thanks!



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Teach your Labrador Retriever the trick "Sad"

In the video below you can learn to teach your Labrador Retriever the trick "Sad".

In the beginning of this video you will see a three year old Australian Shepherd named Magic, who has already master the trick. Then, it's on to Charlie, a five year old yellow Labrador Retriever.

I got a big laugh out of the first two training options with Charlie. As with many Labrador Retrievers, everything seems to be a game or playtime.

Charlie had to learn the trick a different way than Magic but with persistence, Charlie was able to master the trick.


See what method works with your Labrador Retriever. Practice, patience and consistency are key as with all training.

Good luck and happy training!



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How to Train your Labrador Retriever to Poop and Pee on Command

Make taking your Labrador Retriever to relieve themselves outside easier, by training them to poop and pee on command.

Follow these easy steps and before you know it, your Labrador Retrievers will take care of their eliminating business on command.

Step #1:

Take your Labrador Retriever outside on a leash to a spot that you want them to relieve themselves. Even if you have a fenced yard, make sure you still use a leash. Choose a word or words that you will use for the command. We use "Do your biz", but feel free to use any command you would like. Very important: Make sure you use the same command each time.

Step #2:

Carefully observe your Labrador Retriever while you are outside with them. When you notice them sniffing the ground in a specific spot, start saying the command phrase that you choose to use. My chocolate Labrador Retriever sniffs and then circles multiple times when she is ready to go. As you're observing your Labrador Retriever and you notice one of the signs (sniffing, circling), start saying your command. In my case, "Do your biz" over and over again until your Labrador Retriever starts to relieve themselves.

Step #3:

As your Labrador Retriever starts to poop or pee, stop saying the command and let them finish. You DON'T want to praise them at this point, as they may stop what they are doing. Remain quiet until your Labrador Retriever has finished!

Step #4:

As soon as your Labrador Retriever has finished, this is the time to lay on the praise and/or give your Labrador a treat!!! Make sure you offer this praise as soon as your Labrador Retriever has finished, otherwise your Lab might confuse the praise for a different behavior.

Step #5:

Continue the above training process until your Labrador Retriever has master the command of relieving themselves.

Some tips to remember:

Use the same command each time your Labrador Retriever goes outside to go to the bathroom.

Offer no praise until the deed is done.

Patience and persistence are the key!!!

Believe me, this training will pay off on those rainy or freezing cold nights. Good luck!

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Free Joint Oats 4 Dogs Sample

From Grizzly Pet Products comes a free sample of Joint Oats 4 Dogs, A product that supports your dog's joints.

Information from jointoats4dogs.com:

Joint Oats 4 Dogs is the only joint product made with Oatinol™, which is a proprietary blend of natural, beneficial oat extracts for your working, senior, sports or show dog.

Joint Oats 4 Dogs combines Oatinol™ with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Curcumin, Glutamine, and MSM, and helps your dog get the maximum benefit from the active ingredients.

Joint Oats 4 Dogs contains the esssential building blocks for natural replenishment and daily maintenance of your dog’s joints, cartilage, and synovial fluids."

Request your Free Joint Oats 4 Dogs Sample. Available to the USA only.

As with all freebies posted on the All About Labradors blog, you have to hurry if you want a sample, as they go very quickly.

Anyone that has tried this product, please share your experience. Thank you!

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Earthquake Sensing Dog Captured on Camera

Earthquake Sensing Dog Captured on Camera
Eureka, California

A dog that appeared to sense January's California earthquake has been captured on surveillance camera.

On 9th January between 4PM and 5PM a 6.5 magnitude earthquake with an epicenter just offshore of Eureka on the Pacific coast of California caused some $20 million in damage. Officials claim to have received over 200 claims of damage but aside from cuts and bruises nobody was seriously injured. The offices of the daily newspaper serving Eureka and the North Coast, the Times-Standard, are located in Eureka and sustained considerable damage.

CCTV camera footage inside the offices of the newspaper captured events leading up to the earthquake and continued recording throughout. Times-Standard copy editor Jessica Richelderfer and production technician Brian Wheeler bring their Labrador Retriever called Sophie to work every day and the video appears to show Sophie sensing the earthquake before it struck.

"She happened to be sitting in view of the surveillance camera, which shows her reaction before and during the earthquake. When we saw the video, we really weren't surprised by her reaction - she's always been a very bright and loyal companion. But after we watched the footage a few times, we realized she sensed that before anyone, and at the very least she knew something bad was about to happen. We always knew our dog was smart - but we didn't know she could smell an earthquake coming!" said Brian Wheeler on his blog.

Many of the comments received by Wheeler ask why Sophie appeared to run in the opposite direction to the exit. "The fact is she was running to find Jessica, whose desk was at the other end of the room. Jessica, however, was washing her hands at the restroom sink when it started. When Jessica wasn't at her desk, Sophie rounded the corner and spotted her coming from the restroom and proceeded to escort her safely down the stairwell and out of the building," added Wheeler.



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Free copy of Dogs and Pups Magazine

Dogs and Pups is a bi-monthly magazine for people who love dog.

You can get a complimentary copy of the Dogs and Pups magazine just by sending Dogs and Pups an email with your name and mailing address.

Information about Dogs and Pups:

"DOGS & PUPS is a magazine which promotes Responsible Pet Parenting. We have completed Five Successful Years in providing information which takes care of our furry friends in all possible ways. The magazine has caught the pulse of the reader and fulfils their desire to pamper their pet in a pawfect way. We cover information both nationally and internationally.

Each issue of DOGS & PUPS is eagerly awaited by Children, Pet Parents, Vets, Breeders, Groomers, etc—in fact, anybody who loves dogs."

The offer was posted on the Dogs and Pups Facebook page

To grab or gift a complimentary copy of the DOGS & PUPS magazine, just send them an email at dogsandpups.2010@gmail.com

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VitaLife Dog Treats Review

Recently, I was given the opportunity to receive some VitaLife Dog Treats to review here on the All About Labradors blog. My two Labrador Retriever girls LOVE their treats and thanks to my association with Dog Time Media, I was provide some samples of the VitaLife treats. I have heard of the VitaLife product brand but have tried any of their products before.

VitaLife dog treats are made with all natural ingredients with no sorbitol, no added glycerin, no added salt, no preservatives or artificial flavors helping to enrich your dog's health.

VitaLife Chicken and Banana Wraps



The Chicken and Banana Wraps are small sliced banana chips (banana, coconut oil) wrapped with chicken. My children loved giving our Labrador Retriever girls these treats when they were teaching them new tricks or showing their friends the tricks our Labrador ladies already knew. They were more than happy to run through their full repertoire of tricks knowing they would be receiving the treats.

VitaLife Plus Healthy Hips and Joints



The VitaLife Plus Healthy Hips treats and Joints include chicken (100% real chicken, low in fat and rich in protein) and are enriched with glucosamine hydrochloride (100mg) and chrondroitin sulfate (50mg), helping to rebuild and maintain cartilage, targeting joint health and mobility.

VitaLife Duck Dog Treats Twists



VitaLife Duck Dog Treats Twists are made with sweet potatoes wrapped with 100% high quality premium grade duck and were a nice crunchy treat for my Labrador Retrievers. The sweet potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and beta carotene, providing quick energy for active dogs. What breed of dog can be more active than our lovable Labrador Retrievers?

Which VitaLife treat was a favorite of my Labrador Retrievers? Well, my Labradors seem to eat anything, that's why I was more than happy to know that the VitaLife dog treats were 100 percent natural and had far less ingredients than other treats. They loved all the treats but they seemed to love the VitaLife Duck Dog Treats Twists. They couldn't get enough of them!

I was very happy to try the VitaLife Treats (or should a say my Labrador Retrievers were more than happy to try the treats) and I'm more than happy to recommend them to all dog owners.

VitaLife dog treat can be found at many retail pet supply stores or online. For more information VitaLife products visit:

http://www.vitalifemadewithlove.com/

I received the VitaLife Dog Treats for sole purpose of reviewing them from Dog Time Media. No monetary compensation was given for this post. Opinions in the post are my honest opinions and are not influenced by the reception of product.

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AKC/Eukanuba National Championship

I just wanted to let everyone know that the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship will be televised tomorrow night, Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 8 PM (ET/PT) on Animal Planet and Discovery Channel. The country’s top dogs compete for $225,000 in prize money including $50,000 to the Best in Show winner.

"The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship is the AKC's culminating event, determining the nation's best canines. Like all dog shows, it is a process of elimination, with one dog being named "Best in Show" at the end of the two-day contest.

Only the "Best of Breed" winners advance to compete in the group competitions. Each AKC-recognized breed falls into one of seven group classifications. The seven groups are Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding. Four placements are awarded in each group, but only the first-place winner advances to the "Best in Show" competition."

"This year, in celebration of AKC’s 125th anniversary, the show adopted an open format, allowing all exhibitors to enter and compete for championship points. In addition, 133 breed clubs also hosted specialties and supported entries in honor of this milestone."

The show also hosted the third annual Eukanuba World Challenge, an international competition featuring the top dogs from 41 countries and six continents. The highlights and the winning moment from the Eukanuba World Challenge will be included in the telecast.

Tune in to cheer on our lovable Labrador Retrievers!!

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What is the percentage of chocolate Labrador Retrievers that have yellow eyes?

Subject: What is the percentage of chocolate Labrador Retrievers that have yellow eyes?

From: Nancy (USA)

Reader's E-mail - Nancy Writes:

I have a question. What is the percentage of chocolate labs that have yellow eyes? I don't think I have ever seen a chocolate Lab with brown eyes. Thank you for your help.

Nancy

All About Labradors Answer:

Hello Nancy,

Thank you for your question. According to the Labrador Retriever Breed Standard from the American Kennel Club,

" Eye color should be brown in black and yellow Labradors, and brown or hazel in chocolates."

Now, you will see different colored eyes in chocolate Labrador Retrievers but that doesn't mean there is anything wrong with them, it's just not the correct hazel or brown as per the Labrador Retriever breed standard.

From Astrochoc - Chocolate Labrador Retrievers - Australia:

"Breeding Chocolate to Chocolate where one both parents have a recessive gene for yellow, will produce lighter eyes in the Chocolates, variation in the coat colour, and yellow dogs with "pigmentation faults", yellow coat colour but "chocolate or liver colored eye rim, lower lip, and nose pigment".

Nancy, a new chocolate Labrador Retriever may also start out with blue / green eyes as a puppy and they will change to a yellow / brown / amber color and then a medium brown color, somewhere between 4 - 12 months of age.

Hope this is of help to you. Are you planning on getting a Labrador Retriever? If you need any other help, please let me know.

Take care of yourself,

Fay

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