HEALTH:

Many believe that because their canine is part wolf, that they need special or different health care than other dogs. However, as previously mentioned, wolves and dogs are the same species. Wolves can and do get the same diseases as dogs and are medically treated the same as other dogs. Wolfdogs should be wormed, vaccinated, and on parasite control just like all other dogs.

Malocclusion in the jaws of captive bred Arctic wolves, Canis lupus arctos

Whether or not the rabies vaccine is effective is one of the main controversies regarding ownership of wolf x dog crosses. Many feel that because the rabies vaccine is not approved for use in wolves and wolfdogs, they present a threat to public health. The rabies vaccine is classified as being "off label," which means that the USDA does not recognize its effectiveness on wolves and wolf x dog crosses.

In 1993, the reclassification of wolves and dogs being the same species caused the wolfdog community to push for approval of the rabies vaccine for use on wolves and wolfdogs. After meeting with a panel of scientists, the USDA decided that the use of the rabies vaccine is probably effective on wolves and wolfdogs, but without proof that all vaccines work, the USDA refused approval of the same. Therefore, the USDA agreed to accept data compiled of wolf and wolfdog vaccinations as sufficient evidence of the effectiveness for the other vaccines. Through the cooperative effort of the Wolfdog Coalition and USDA, data was gathered to satisfy the requirements set out by USDA. On September, 29, 1999, the proposed amendment was posted for public comment, and it was hoped that by the end of the year, the vaccines would be approved. The 30-day public comment ended on November 29, 1999, concerning the "Viruses, Serums, Toxins, and Analogous Products: Definition of Dog" which would amend Title 9 of the Code of Federal Regulations. However, because there was not a kill test performed to establish the actual data that proves that peak and shedding times, etc., are the same as for dogs, on April 12 2001, the recommendation was rescinded by USDA.

Until the rabies vaccine is approved for on-label use and its effectiveness accepted, it is probably best to list your animal as being a mixed breed dog on vaccination records. (Malamute cross, German Shepherd cross, Husky cross, etc.)

J Dodd's vaccine protocol

Dr Dodd's Vaccination Protocol

Wolfdog Coalition

Ohio/Wayne County Control Information

Antibody Response to rabies vaccine in captive and free-ranging gray wolves

Oral Rabies Vaccination Study on Dogs

Oral Rabies Study - Israel

Oral Rabies Study - Wild canids

Texas Oral Rabies Vaccination Program

Care Again - Wolf Rabies Vaccine Project

A second problem faced by wolfdog owners is their propensity to chew things. Puppies chew because they are teething and adults will chew because they are bored. Therefore, it is necessary to wolfdog proof your home. Things such as drain cleaners, bleach, insecticides, and other toxic substances should be kept out of their reach. It is also a good idea to make sure that the plants that landscape your yard are not toxic to canines and keep any such plant out of the containment area.

The Wolfdogs Resource - Medical

Plants Poisonous to Dogs

Chocolate Toxicity 

One should also be aware of diseases caused from parasites.  Ticks carry several forms of disease that can be deadly.   Wolfdogs, like all canines are susceptible to heart worms. 

Zoonotic Diseases - things you can catch from your pet - or not

Tick Borne Disases

Merck Source - Lyme Disease Information

Ehrlichiosis - A Silent Deadly Killer

Natural Remedies Links Page

Wolves are carnivores, or meat eaters, and require a high protein/fat based diet. Most wolf x dog crosses do not do well on commercial dog foods containing soy, nor can some wolfdogs tolerate corn. When feeding foods that contain either soy or corn, one will often find that their wolfdog will have problems with diarrhea and that their coats are dry and lifeless. If one chooses to feed a commercial dog food, it should be a good quality food that is high in protein and fat content, and has meat as the primary ingredient. WARNING: When changing your wolfdog's diet, it is necessary to do so gradually in order not to further upset their digestive system.

Some wolfdog owners feed raw meat several times each week. Whereas owners of high content animals often find it necessary to feed all raw foods. Chicken or turkey backs and necks, meaty bones, venison, etc., are all good sources of nutrition for your wolfdog. However, cooked bones should not be feed. After the bones (especially chicken bones) are cooked, they become brittle and can splinter. It is also recommended that young animals be fed non-weight bearing bones such as backs, wings, and necks, until they become accustomed to a raw diet. Unlike the myth indicates, feeding raw meat to your wolfdog will not cause him to turn on you or make him more aggressive.

Dog Food Comparison Chart

Ask the Holistic Vetrinarian

Shirley's Welness Cafe

Salmon Poisoning Disease

Toxins that affect dogs

All these things are toxic or poisonous to dogs

When feeding venison, many leave the hide on the carcass. The hair serves as a teeth cleaner and also helps in digestion. However, if you are in an area where there is heavy infestations of parasites such as ticks, it is best to remove the hide before feeding it to your  animals in order to avoid diseases caused by parasites.

The BARF diet is popular with many wolfdog owners and simply means feeding meaty bones and other raw foods such as vegetables and fruit. If one watches sales on various types of meat, the BARF diet is no more expensive than a good premium brand dog food and probably a lot better for your animal.

BARF Faqs

BARF