The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning dog owners not to feed their pets any Performance Dog frozen raw pet food after a sample test positive for Salmonella and Listeria. These bacteria represent a serious threat to both human and animal health.
24 Sep 2019 10:11 DOG FOOD ALERT
Hill's Pet Nutrition confirms the company has discontinued production and sale of its HILL'S IDEAL BALANCE dry and wet dog foods. No reason for this action has been given.
07 Aug 2019 16:01 DOG FOOD RECALL AND ALERT
After posting 2 recalls in 4 weeks, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is now warning consumers to avoid buying or feeding ALL Pig Ears pet treats.
The outbreak of human Salmonella caused by exposure to the contaminated treats has now spread to 33 states.
After posting 2 recalls in 4 weeks, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is now warning consumers to avoid buying or feeding ALL Pig Ears Pet Treats.
The outbreak of human Salmonella caused by exposure to the contaminated treats has now spread to 33 states.
FDA: Do NOT Buy or Feed ANY Pig Ears Pet Treats.
16 Jul 2019 10:57 testing
just testing posting safety notices.
16 Jul 2019 10:54 DOG FOOD RECALL
Pet Supplies Plus is recalling "pig ears" dog treats in 33 states because they may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.
08 Jul 2019 10:44 DOG FOOD RECALL
Pet Supplies Plus is recalling PIG EARS dog treats in 33 states because they may be contaminated with salmonella bacteria.
15 May 2019 10:40 DOG FOOD RECALL
Over the past 60 days, the FDA has announced 2 dog food RECALLS.
Thogersen Family Farm recalled its raw frozen pet food due to contamination with Listeria bacteria (4/8/2019)
Hill's Pet Nutrition recalled multiple lots of Prescription Diet and Science Diet wet dog foods due to toxic levels of Vitamin D (3/20/2019). This expands to include 44 varieties.
09 Apr 2019 10:43 Rattlesnake Safety for Your Pets
Approximately 300,000 dogs and cats are bitten by venomous snakes each year in the US, and prevention, protection, and treatment are key. Rattlesnake venom can cause serious injury and even death to pets. Most cases are reported during the warmer seasons, although here in Arizona they are reported and treated year-round.
Snake bites are life threatening, extremely painful, expensive to treat, and can cause permanent damage even when the dogs survive, so it’s important to know the facts.
HOW A RATTLESNAKE BITE EFFECTS YOUR PET
The rattlesnake bite is hemotoxic, meaning that the venom quickly begins to affect the animal’s ability to clot its blood. Decreased clotting factors can cause uncontrolled bleeding and can lead to shock, and ultimately to death. Swelling often occurs quickly around the bite site, however the severity of swelling does not always correlate with the severity of systemic effects.
1. When you encounter a rattlesnake, remain calm and do not panic.
2. Look immediately around to find out where the snake is located, and give the snake plenty of space. If your pet is in hunting mode or moving towards the snake, restrain your pet without putting yourself in danger.
3. With your pet, slowly back away out of striking distance (which is at least half the snake’s length).
4. DO NOT attempt to handle the snake or kill the snake.
5.If you’re hiking or in a public area, alert others about the snake’s location.
SYMPTOMS OF A RATTLESNAKE BITE IN DOGS
Immediate signs that your pet has been bitten by a rattlesnake include:
➤ wounds (often bleeding)
➤ severe pain
➤blue or purple bruising
More serious signs that develop a few hours after the rattlesnake bite include:
➤ stupor, collapse
➤ hypotension and shock
➤ and weakness
➤ tremors
➤ respiration
HOW RATTLESNAKE BITES ARE TREATED IN DOGS AND CATS
Animals suspected of being bitten by a rattlesnake should have immediate veterinary attention. Severe pain may cause your pet to snap or bite. Use caution when approaching the affected area. Do not attempt to treat the wound.
If possible, immediately transport your pet to your Veterinary for assessment and antivenin treatment.
DO NOT delay in seeking veterinary assessment and treatment. It can be up to 18 hours before signs become apparent. Antivenin is most effective if given within the first 24 hours.
Watch for swelling of the face and neck — collars can become too tight, making the swelling worse.
A veterinarian will assess your pet. Some treatments that may be performed include:
➤ to assess ability of the blood to clot
➤ injection
➤ given as an IV infusion
➤ if an infection is noted
Further treatment options can be discussed with the pet owner and family veterinarian.
09 Apr 2019 09:51 DOG FOOD RECALL
Thogersen Family Farm of Stanwood, WA, is recalling 4 varieties of raw frozen pet food because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune system.
Mike Sagman, Editor
The Dog Food Advisor
21 Mar 2019 09:28 DOG FOOD RECALL
Hill's Pet Nutrition is expanding its recall of specific lots of its Prescription Diet and Science Diet dog foods due to elevated levels of vitamin D.
Very high levels of vitamin D can lead to serious health issues in dogs, including Kidney dysfunction.
To learn which products are affected, please visit the following link: Hill's Prescription Diet and Science Diet Dog Food Recall Expands
03 Dec 2018 09:53 DOG FOOD RECALLS
ANF, Inc. is recalling select products of its ANF Dog Food due to elevated levels of vitamin D., which can cause serious health issues in dogs.
In addition, Elm Pet Foods, Inc. is recalling certain products of its Elm Dog Food brand due to elevated levels of vitamin D., which can cause serious health issues in dogs.
Posted by http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com
03 Dec 2018 09:42 Pet Safety during Holidays
In a previous article, I highlighted landscaping plants that might be injurious or even deadly to our pets. During the holidays, from Thanksgiving through the New Year, many of us use live and artificial plants to decorate. Could some of these be unsafe for our pets?
Consider these concerns:
The berries and leaves of the holly plant could cause discomfort and vomiting. In some cases, these can also be fatal. Poinsetta sap will blister your dog’s mouth within minutes of digestion. It can also cause other symptoms, such as stomach upset. Mistletoe can, in mild cases, cause stomach upset and in severe cases, heart collapse.
Cats are attracted to bright shiny objects. Thus, the tree tinsel, garlands, glass ornaments and other tree trimmings can be a problem. Any of these items could be toxic.
Also be very careful with open flame candles. The flickering flame is attractive and any pet could become easily burned.
November 9, 2018 — Lidl USA is voluntarily recalling specific lots of Orlando brand Grain Free Chicken & Chickpea Superfood Recipe Dog Food because the products may contain elevated levels of Vitamin D.What’s Recalled?
The recalled Orlando brand products include the following lot numbers manufactured between March 3, 2018 and May 15, 2018:
TI1 3 Mar 2019
TB2 21 Mar 2019
TB3 21 Mar 2019
TA2 19 Apr 2019
TB1 15 May 2019
TB2 15 May 2019
Elevated Vitamin D Levels
Dogs consuming elevated levels of Vitamin D could exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, and weight loss.
Customers with dogs who have consumed this product and are exhibiting these symptoms should contact their veterinarian as soon as possible.
No other products sold by Lidl are impacted by the recall.
This is a voluntary recall and is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
What to Do?
Customers who have purchased this product with the affected lot codes should stop feeding it to their dogs and discard the product immediately or return it to their nearest Lidl store for a full refund.
Customers who have questions about this recall should call the Lidl US Customer Care Hotline at 844-747-5435, 8 AM to 9 PM Eastern time, 7 days a week.
U.S. citizens can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.
Or go to http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.
Canadians can report any health or safety incidents related to the use of this product by filling out the Consumer Product Incident Report Form.
30 Oct 2018 14:57 Your Dog Versus a Coyote
Living at Saddlebrooke Ranch can be exceptionally beautiful. Great views of the Catalinas and Mt. Lemmon. A wide range of birds. Beautiful sunrise, sunsets and moon rise. Wonderful clear skies with thousands of stars.
However, there are also a few dangers. A particular danger that makes themselves well known, especially as the sun sets, are Coyotes.
What to do while walking your dog if you encounter a Coyote?
Remember the four basic rules for walking our dogs.
1. Keep your dog on a 6 foot leash. Long enough to allow exploration but short enough to control.
2. Avoid areas of potential Coyote activity, especially during mating and birthing season.
3. Stick to trails and paths and avoid thick brush.
4. Avoid walking your dog at sunrise and sunset.
What to do if you encounter a coyote?
1. Leash your dog; take close control. Smaller dogs should be picked up and held.
2. Stand tall and assertive.
3. Haze the coyote until it leaves.
4. Report particularly aggressive coyotes.
A few more tips:
1. Do NOT let your pet out unsupervised even in your fenced yard.
2. Do NOT leave pet food outside.
3. Haze a coyote every time you see them. Discourage them from homes and pets.
4. Avoid attractants in the yard. Clean and cover BBQs. Don't leave dishes, food, etc. outside.
For more details, refer to the article "WHAT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A COYOTE WHILE WALKING YOUR DOG" at Urban Coyote Initiative.
by Kay Lantow
27 Oct 2018 13:49 DOG FOOD RECALL
October 24, 2018 — G & C Raw of Versailles, Ohio, is recalling all products lots manufactured from February 27, 2018 through July 20, 2018, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Affected products are sold under the brand names G & C Raw Dog Food and G & C Raw Cat Food and sold through direct distribution to customers.
What’s Being Recalled?
The manufacture dates are included at the end of the lot number.
For example, the pet food product manufactured on February 27, 2018 has a lot code of that ends with 022718.
The company is now recalling all products with lot numbers that end in 022718 through 072018.
The recalled dog food products include:
Beef Veggie Mix Dog Food
Ground Beef Dog Food
Sliced Beef Heart Dog Food
Ground Beef Heart Dog Food
Kim’s Special Beef Organ Dog Food
Ground Chicken Dog Food
Chicken Veggie Mix Dog Food
Chicken Mix Patties Dog Food
Duck Veggie Mix Dog Food
Ground Duck Dog Food
Ground Rabbit Dog Food
Rabbit Veggie Mix Dog Food
Ground Lamb Dog Food
Lamb Veggie Mix Dog Food
Ground Beef Pancreas Dog Food
Beef Liver Chunks Dog Food
Beef Sweet Breads Dog Food
Ground Pork Dog Food
Pork Veggie Mix Dog Food
Shelby’s Pork Organ Mix Dog Food
Ground Pollock Dog Food
Turkey Veggie Mix Dog Food
Ground Turkey Dog Food
Tripe Dog Food
The recalled cat food products include:
Pat’s Cat Beef
Pat’s Cat Chicken
Pat’s Cat Turkey
Pat’s Cat Duck
Pat’s Cat Rabbit
No confirmed illnesses have been reported to date.
27 Oct 2018 13:49 DOG FOOD RECALL
October 24, 2018 — G & C Raw of Versailles, Ohio, is recalling all products lots manufactured from February 27, 2018 through July 20, 2018, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Affected products are sold under the brand names G & C Raw Dog Food and G & C Raw Cat Food and sold through direct distribution to customers.
What’s Being Recalled?
The manufacture dates are included at the end of the lot number.
For example, the pet food product manufactured on February 27, 2018 has a lot code of that ends with 022718.
The company is now recalling all products with lot numbers that end in 022718 through 072018.
The recalled dog food products include:
Beef Veggie Mix Dog Food
Ground Beef Dog Food
Sliced Beef Heart Dog Food
Ground Beef Heart Dog Food
Kim’s Special Beef Organ Dog Food
Ground Chicken Dog Food
Chicken Veggie Mix Dog Food
Chicken Mix Patties Dog Food
Duck Veggie Mix Dog Food
Ground Duck Dog Food
Ground Rabbit Dog Food
Rabbit Veggie Mix Dog Food
Ground Lamb Dog Food
Lamb Veggie Mix Dog Food
Ground Beef Pancreas Dog Food
Beef Liver Chunks Dog Food
Beef Sweet Breads Dog Food
Ground Pork Dog Food
Pork Veggie Mix Dog Food
Shelby’s Pork Organ Mix Dog Food
Ground Pollock Dog Food
Turkey Veggie Mix Dog Food
Ground Turkey Dog Food
Tripe Dog Food
The recalled cat food products include:
Pat’s Cat Beef
Pat’s Cat Chicken
Pat’s Cat Turkey
Pat’s Cat Duck
Pat’s Cat Rabbit
No confirmed illnesses have been reported to date.
19 Sep 2018 09:46 Living With Coyotes
It has been brought to our attention that uninformed or misguided residents could unknowingly be contributing to increased risk to their neighbors pets by offering food. This practice is not recommended by state wildlife officials and is illegal in some jurisdictions.
According to the Game and Fish Department "It is generally not normal for Coyotes to attack or pursue humans; it is a learned response to human feeding or indifference". To learn more, please click Living With Coyotes.
07 Aug 2018 10:07 DOG FOOD RECALL
G & C Raw LLC of Versailles, Ohio, is recalling Pat's Cat Turkey Cat Food and Ground Lamb Dog Food because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Read more C & G Raw Dog and Cat Food Recall.
06 Aug 2018 11:45 The Heartbreak of a Lost or Missing Pet
In the past few months, Saddlebrooke Ranch residents have experienced several incidents of missing and lost pets.
For those residents who have joined the SBR NextDoor website, please check out several helpful links. Please consider uploading a photograph of your pet to the Pets link. This provides both the pet and owner name. If your pet goes missing, you can refer to the photo. If a resident finds a lost pet, these photos might be helpful to locate the owner.
Also, consider adding a phone number to your NextDoor settings. This will activate a “Message Urgent Alert.” If your pet goes missing, or a resident finds a lost pet, this message-system can be used to send a text-alert to those signed up.
What should an owner do when a pet goes missing?
According to Dina Fantagrossi writing for I Heart Dogs on July 28, 2018, "The first 24 hours after a dog goes missing are crucial, but luckily the odds are in your favor. A survey conducted by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals found that 93% of lost dogs return home safely!" She offers 11 tips to help find your missing dog. These include 'thinking like your pet," meaning, consider why your dog went missing, and where he might want to go. Dogs have wants and desires that often take them places we don't want them to go. And the same is true for cats and other pets.
Notify your neighbors, obviously. Create a poster with the dog's photograph, description, name, and any behaviors that might help others find her. Distribute this poster EVERYWHERE. Make sure it includes the owner's name and best contact information. And don't forget using NextDoor Urgent message alert system.
Don't forget to contact local shelters and veterinarian offices. Depending on how far your pet strays or who encounters your pet, he might end up at a shelter or a doctor's office.
Another resource: the ASPCA has a mobile app. Check out their website to download for future use.
Here's some advice to help prevent or at least mitigate losing your pet. Consider micro-chipping and gps tracking devices. Fantagrossi's article provides links for more information about these resources.
1. Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors.
2. Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse.
3. Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle.
4. Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool—not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats.
5. Open unscreened windows pose a real danger to pets, who often fall out of them. Keep all unscreened windows or doors in your home closed, and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured.
6. Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog, but never shave your dog. The layers of dogs’ coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat.
7. When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close to the ground, your pet’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.
8. Remember that food and drink commonly found at barbeques can be poisonous to pets.
26 Jun 2018 09:30 GPS Tracking Devices for Cats and Dogs
The desert is a beautiful place to live with dry air, mild winters and sunshine everyday. The desert is also a haven for many animals that can harm our pet family members. This great community we live in took over the homes of predatory animals that lived here for many years. We are literally moving into their space and we are intruding into their hunting grounds. We have had bob cats give birth in peoples' back yards. Coyotes digging under a fence to give birth and keep the young safe while hunting for food. We have snakes that are territorial, and poisonous toads that procreate in your swimming pools.
To make this scenario even scarier, most of us are all new to this environment and our pets can not easily find home. Especially when our homes look so much alike, and there is a whole new world out there for our pets to explore. There has been almost one dog a week that has been reported lost in the last two months. Most of them were found safe but not all.
For our pets safety I believe a GPS Tracking device is a great solution. I have been investigating the different tracking devices that are available for cats and dogs. There seems to be two different categories of trackers. One that is a radio controlled tracker and the other you can use a iOS or Android device to track your pets location. The less expensive the tracker, the smaller the range it will cover and the less battery life it will have. There are several on the market to choose from. Some companies you pay a subscription fee per month where an activated SIM card is necessary such as for the Paw Tracker. Where Findster Duo+ does not have any monthly fees.
What you need to know when choosing a Dog GPS Tracking Device:
Using radio signals to locate your pet will only work over short distances, but don’t require a GPS signal. This means they are the better option if you walk your dog in remote areas.
For most people, a GPS tracker is the better option. They are more accurate and can be used at longer distances. They also often allow you to view your dog’s movement via your smartphone.
Basic GPS devices are built for one job: to track your dog’s movements and prevent him from getting lost. Activity trackers often have a built-in GPS tracker, but also record activity levels and other statistics. This can be useful for identifying changes in behavior that could indicate illness.
GPS trackers use cellular networks to send information. This means you will pay a monthly subscription.
Be sure your GPS tracker is water and dirt resistant. Ideally, the tracker should be fully waterproof (rather than just resistant) – especially if your dog likes to swim!
Dog GPS trackers are generally small and lightweight. Larger dogs probably won’t notice them, but the biggest trackers may be uncomfortable for small breeds. Many trackers have a minimum dog weight, so check this if you have a very small dog.
One of the most important factors when choosing a GPS device is the battery life. All trackers are rechargeable. Some of the best models in this regard can last up to a week between charges, while others need recharging every couple of days. Keep in mind that the GPS function uses the most battery, so if your pet is lost it’s vital to find him quickly.
Some GPS trackers let you define zones for your pet. If he leaves this area, the device notifies you via phone. If your dog is an expert at escaping the back yard, this feature could save you plenty of time and stress.
You will find several styles in PetCo, PetSmart and Walmart. If you are interested in a device with an activated SIM card, you must go directly to the manufacturer. Not a third company like Amazon.
Happy Hunting...
24 May 2018 10:28 DOG FOOD RECALL
Merrick Pet Care of Amarillo, Texas, is voluntarily recalling a limited amount of its dog treats due to elevated levels of naturally occurring beef thyroid hormone.
15 May 2018 10:31 Finding those pesky ticks!
Since moving to Arizona, our dogs have been mostly free of flees and ticks. However, depending on where you travel with your dogs, especially if you are an avid hiker, you might want to take precautions.
While I don't think ticks are a very high percentage concern in our area, take a few moments to review where on your dog are the likely places they might hide. And hide they often do for long periods if we aren't diligent.
15 May 2018 10:17 Seizures - what to do for your dog who suffers a seizure
A few years ago, we lost our beloved Kodiak. He was 14, so as a 95 pound Rotweiller-Lab mix, we felt blessed he lived so long. What was unexpected was the lengthy seizure that eventually led to his death.
Recently I came across a short article from the AKC that might be helpful to other dog owners. Kodiak never suffered any seizure that we were aware of until the night he died. However, it appears dogs to experience minor seizures, sometimes more than one.
18 Apr 2018 10:48 DOG FOOD RECALLS
Blue Ridge Beef is recalling one lot of its BRB Complete raw frozen dog food due to possible contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Contact: Blue Ridge Beef Dog Food Recall of March 2018.
Darwins Natural Pet Products is recalling four lots of its raw dog food because they have tested positive for Salmonella and E. coli 0128, bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. Contact: Carwin's Dog Food Recall of March 2018.
K9 Natural is recalling four batches of its raw frozen dog food due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in humans and animals. Contact: K9 Natural Dog Food Recall.
TruDog is withdrawing one lot of its freeze-dried dog food because it may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.
OC Raw Dog is also recalling one lot of its raw frozen dog food due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Please visit OC Raw Dog Recalls Dog Food Due to Risk of Listeria.
25 Mar 2018 08:46 DOG FOOD RECALL
J. M. Smucker Co. of Orrvile, OH, is recalling two varieties of its popular Milo's Kitchen dog treats due to elevated levels of beef thyroid hormone.
Important warning about Sonoran Desert Toads tangling with our pets.
Here is a short list of what owners can do if this happens to your dog:
Sonoran Desert Toad (Bufo alvarius) First Aid for Dogs
Turn on the garden hose (or other water source) to get a small but steady, gentle flow. Too high a flow can cause your dog to choke or swallow water. Too low a flow (a mere trickle) would be ineffective.
Hold your dog's mouth open with its nose pointed downward to prevent water from going down its throat.
Put the hose up to the back corner of the dog's mouth and direct the water flow forward towards the front of the mouth. Having the water flow out of the front of the mouth is very important because you don't want your dog swallowing or inhaling any of the water. Rub the dog's gums and wipe off its nose to help remove any toxic slime.
Depending on your dog's exposure, continue rinsing its mouth for up to 10 to 15 minutes.
If you are unable to immediately and thoroughly rinse out your dog's mouth, if your dog has eaten all or part of one of these toads and/or swallowed the toxin, or if your dog still exhibits any toad poisoning symptoms after washing its mouth, seek immediate, emergency veterinary care!
FINALLY: Important Warning. Always check your yard for toads, snakes and other hazards before letting your dog out for any reason. Stay alert to hidden dangers whether in your own yard, at a friend's home or out walking or hiking with your pet.
by Kay Lantow
25 Feb 2018 11:28 More Dog Food Recalls
Northwest Naturals of Portland, OR, is recalling specific lots of its raw frozen dog food due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
Carnivore Meat Co. of Green Bay, WI, is recalling 73 cases of its Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Dog Food due to possible contamination with Salmonella bacteria.
TruPet LLC of Milford, OH, is recalling a limited amount of its TruDog Pt Treats due to possible contamination with Salmonella bacteria.
10 Feb 2018 15:14 DOG FOOD RECALL
Raws for Paws of Minneapolis, MN, is recalling their frozen dog food due to possible contamination with Salmonella bacteria.
Smokehouse Pet Products of Sun Valley, CA, is recalling a specific lot of it's "Beefy Munchies" dog treats due to potential contamination with Salmonella bacteria.
Redbarn Pet Products of Long Beach, CA, is recalling a specific lot of it's "Redbarn Naturals Bully Sticks" due to potential contamination with salmonella bacteria.
J.M. Smucker is recalling multiple dog food brands due to the presence of Drug Pentobarbital. Gravy Train, Kibbles 'N Bits, Ol' Roy and Skippy canned dog food.
Darwin's Natural Pet Products of Tukwila, WA., is recalling specific lots of its "Darwin's ZooLogics raw frozen dog food" due to possible contamination with Salmonella bacteria.
07 Jan 2018 10:58 Primal Dog Food Recall of December 2017
Primal Pet Foods of Fairfield, California, is voluntarily recalling 5 of its freeze-dried products because their grind size exceeds the ideal size of ground bone fed to dogs and cats.
06 Jan 2018 15:46 Leaving Your Pet in Someone Else's Care
No matter how much a part of our family, our pets - both dogs and cats - aren't always welcome when traveling. Whether you decide to leave you pets with friends, family, or professional pet care services, there are a few basics for consideration in all cases.
1. ID Tags should be up to date. No matter how careful, accidents happen. While most owners tag their pets with their own phone numbers, consider having a temporary tag made with the contact information of the person caring for your pet. And while microchips are also good ideas, understand that to read the chip, the pet must be taken to a vet with a reader.
2. Up to date vaccinations. This is especially important when boarding your pet at a kennel or a service that takes in more than one pet at a time. Additionally, vaccinations are essential before beginning to socialize your pet with others, and particularly before using a Dog Park.
3. Provide detailed care instructions. This includes feeding, sleeping habits, activity requirements, medications, and anything important to your pet's lifestyle. Be sure to provide emergency contact information about how to reach you, the pet's vet and an alternative person if you are unreachable.
When choosing who or where to take care of your pet, consider how this replicates your pet's normal lifestyle. Boarding pets at a kennel will mean the majority of time will be spent in the kennel enclosure, often alone, with limited activity. Leave a rambunctious, active dog with your elderly, physically limited parents might not be a good match.
4. If leaving your pet for the first time at an unfamiliar location, whether a friend's house or a professional service, visit that location with your pet. This provides you and your pet an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the caretaker and the location. Is there a place for your pet's bedding? Are both the outside and insider safe, free of hazards, protected? And how does your pet respond to the caretaker?
5. When leaving your pet with a professional caretaker, inquire about licensing, insurance and training.
06 Jan 2018 15:35 Is that beautiful landscaping a threat to your pet's health?
After we sign all the papers, time to landscape that new property. After meeting with several landscapers, you will pick the plants and hardscape. Soon, you can sit back and enjoy. As you settle in with a favorite drink and fire up the BBQ, the family dog wanders through the foliage, sniffing, possibly digging, maybe even tasting.
No harm, right? Dogs do what dogs do best.
However, Tony Knight, Master Gardener and Professor Emeritus in Vetinerian Medicine, recently shared in a talk about Murderous Plants that many common household, landscape, and wildlife plants are poisonous. The 'murderous' effects of the poison on humans and animals are determined by the dosage.
Recently, an article posted at KVOA.com, warned ". . . the most commonly reported plants with the potential to produce life-threatening problems in pets were Lily, Azalea, Oleander, Sago Palm and Castor Bean."
Are any of these in your garden? Moreover, that is not the extent of poisonous plants in Southern Arizona. According to the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center website, more than 20 plants are dangerous, either to touch or eat. Included are Candelabras Cactus, Carolina jessamine, Lantana, Oleander, and Silver Leaf Night Shade.
Night Shade is a weedy shrub that grows wild in Arizona up to an elevation of 5,000 feet. I have seen it along the walking trails here in the Ranch and in some landscaping. Check out all twenty plants.
So, what is in your landscape? Oleander? Lantana? Carolina jessamine? Here is what you need to know to protect your pet beyond keeping them away from the culprits. Know the symptoms.
According to Dr. Safdar Khan Veterinary Toxicologist at the ASPCA Animal Control Center, "All parts of the Oleander plant (Nerium oleander) are considered to be toxic, . . . as they contain cardiac glycosides that have the potential to cause serious effects including gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal cardiac function, a significant drop in body temperature (hypothermia) and even death." Dr. Khan points out that awareness is the key to preventing accidental plant poisonings.
According to Professor Knight, some of the most 'murderous plants' in Arizona are native wildflowers, such as; Water Hemlock (obviously near water), False Queen Anne’s Lace (Poison Hemlock), Angel’s Trumpet (Nightshade or Datura), and Camus Lily (found in the foothills). One of the most deadly 'murderous plants' Knight discussed was the Castor Bean plant. According to my research, all parts of the Castor Bean plant are potentially deadly, depending on dosage, because the plant contains Ricinus communis or Ricin, a highly toxic protein that causes severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness, and loss of appetite.
As Dr. Khan points out, if you suspect your pet was exposed, do not delay. "... it is important that you act quickly..." Contact your local veterinarian or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. Plan and be prepared. Research the nearest 24-hour animal hospital. Keep the information at hand. Additionally, consider making some changes to that beautiful landscape.
Kay Lantow, SBR resident and pet sitter for Loving Pet Care.
23 Nov 2017 12:13 FIVE THINGS THAT DOGS SENSE BEFORE THEY HAPPEN
Dogs are incredibly intuitive and aware of their surroundings. They know when their person is sad and can pick up on stress when their household is in chaos. Some people believe that dogs can predict when someone is going to die or can see spirits. Below are some of the other amazing things dogs can sense, for one reason or another.
1) Earthquakes
Records as far back as ancient Greece tells of dogs fleeing the city of Helice before a tragic earthquake. China also has stories of dogs showing signs of distress before seismic activity. Although dogs are very much aware of their surroundings, some scientists argue that a dog's hearing is so perceptive, they can hear rocks crumbling under the grounds surface. Some seismologists think that the dogs feel seismically activity through their paws. Either way, if a dog in an earthquake-prone area begins to act odd, the change in behavior shouldn't be ignored.
2) Storms
Just like with earthquakes, dogs can sense something on the horizon. Storms create an electromagnetic force that dogs can sense before the storm hits. Dogs also use their amazing sense of hearing and can possibly hear the thunder rumble from several miles away. Their olfactory senses are about 100 times more sensitive than that of a human and most likely can smell the electrical current in the air.
3) Illness (including cancer)
Humans give off faint odors of illness, such as certain cancers and diabetes. It's too subtle for another human to detect, but with the dog's amazing sense of smell, they may sniff out something that may be off. If a dog is sniffing a particular area on the owner's body obsessively, a trip to the doctor should be in order.
4) Seizures
Some dogs are specifically trained to be seizure alert dogs. These dogs are taught to alert their owners before an impeding seizure. Sometimes they even lie on top of their owners during the seizure and summon help when they can. They instinctively know what is going to happen, but no one knows exactly how a dog senses this.
5) Labor
There have been documented reports of dogs predicting the onset of labor in pregnant women. Warning signals include dogs becoming virtual shadows of their pregnant owners the day before or the day of the onset of labor. Guesses as to how these dogs know to prepare for the new bundle of joy range from sensing the physical transition of the pregnancy or the woman giving off a "labor scent."
Residents of Saddlebrooke Ranch are fortunate to have many places to exercise their dogs safely, including a dedicated Dog Park. However, not all pets do well at these parks, and there are other health and safety concerns. While there are many articles providing guidelines, take a few minutes to review WebMD's take: Dog Park Safety: What To Know Before You Go.
June 10, 2017 - United Pet Group, a division of Spectrum Brands, Inc., is voluntarily recalling multiple brands of rawhide dog food products due to chemical contamination.
American beef hide
Digest-ezze
Healthy Hide Chews
Good-N-Fun Chews
If the air temperature is 77 degrees, the asphalt temperature can be 125 degrees. If the air temperature is 87 degrees, the asphalt temperature can be 143 degrees. At 125 degree fahrenheit skin destruction can happen in 60 seconds.
Here at the Ranch you must be aware of the asphalt temperature during our hot weather. You can take your dog on the green grass near the Sales Center until the Dog Park is ready to use. Be aware and take care of your best friend...
April 17, 2017 — Party Animal, Inc. has announced it is recalling specific lots of two varieties of its Cocolicious canned dog foods because they have each tested positive for the euthanasia drug, pentobarbital. Click title for the full article.
As a follow up to previous articles about food safety for our pets, here is a reminder for both cats and dogs. The link will take you to an article published at the Pet Helpline.
There are four rather common liquids that all dogs owners should keep their dogs away from: Milk, Gatorade, Pool Water, and the water left standing in Ponds & Puddles.
Consider Milk. We certainly like it; and when we are eating/drinking it, Fido is all ears and nose, looking to share. But dogs lack the necessary enzymes to break down the Lactose in Milk. (You'll remember a previous article noted yogurt was okay for dogs because it contained the enzymes that help digestion.) So unless you want you and your dog to suffer from diarrhea, keep him away from milk.
Gatorade? While it might be good for humans (I'm not convinced but my son swears by it), the added sugar, food additives and artificial coloring will cause urinary tract infections and otherwise harm the health of your dog.
Pool Water. This would appear to be obvious. Chlorine, algae and bacteria are all extremely dangerous. Certainly marginally dangerous for humans as well. But we probably know better than to drink pool water. If your dog is thirsty, she might lap it up while swimming. Take care.
Ponds & Puddles. Again standing water is dangerous for many reasons. Parasites, bacteria, fungi, and mold can all lead to pathogen infections. Share that bottled water with you pooch on long outings and avoid the health hazard.
Check out a short blog at the online version of Discover Magazine. According to a study (ah, the lonely lives of scientists. . . ) dogs aren't just capable of the Guilty Look, they also lie, depending on the situation.
19 Dec 2016 11:07 Things Humans Do That Dogs Don't Like
If dogs could talk. What would they say to us about how we treat them? For those situations of abuse, its pretty obvious. But what about when with all good intentions we do things our dogs dislike?
According to many pet advice websites, there are certain things that humans do (or don't, as the case may be with #4) that annoy, irritate or simply are not good for your pet.
1. Hugging - seems innocent. We hug each other, our children, why not our dogs? Some dogs simply don't like it because it is a sign of dominance and might make them feel trapped while restrained. Some dogs tolerate hugs from those they've grown to trust. But its good advice to refrain from hugging unless you have a good connection and understand the dog's personality.
Watch the dogs body language: pinned ears, stiff posture, tense expression, even bared teeth are all signs that hugs aren't in your dog's nature.
2. Giving commands containing too many words. - Keep it simple. Eliminate confusion. And enforce the command. If you want your dog to learn to sit on command, if he fails to respond on the first command, don't repeat - physically make the dog sit. Also, select key words: sit, down, heal, off, etc. Avoid 'conversations' with your pet: "I'll give you a treat if you're good." What the dog hears and understands is 'treat' and 'good.' The conditions you connected to those two words mean nothing.
3. Much like humans, yelling doesn't really help get what you want. Yes, dogs (and humans, for that matter) need to learn limits. However, encouraging good behaviors rather than scolding angrily achieves more. Depending on the breed, owners should seriously consider obedience and behavior training. In my experience, the trainer provides training more for the owner than the pet. Once you know the language for your pet, obedience follows (as long as you are consistent) .
4. Lacking structure - As mentioned, dogs need limits. Structure provides discipline and obedience but is also comforting. This includes feeding, walks and opportunity "to do their business" at the same time each day. It also means keeping them out of trouble - no playing in the garbage or chewing up your clothes. What puppies do to make us laugh tends to become very upsetting when the pup is now full grown.
5. Touching their faces - depending on the breed and personality, some dogs enjoy human fingers stroking their face but many merely tolerate it with annoyance. When approaching a dog unknown to you, the safest area is the neck, shoulders or chest. Consider approaching an unknown dog with your palm turned up. Many rescue dogs suffered abuse. An overhand approach could trigger a reflex from the dog that you intend to hit or hurt him.
6. Eye contact - If you don't know the dog, avoid eye contact. Staring into the eyes of a dog indicates dominance. The dog might respond aggressively as protection.
7. Dressing them up. - While they might tolerate it, most dogs don't enjoy dress up. Something we might not consider is how the extra attention makes the dog feel. When our friends laugh and ogle our pet in costumes, it can make them feel anxious and confused.
8. Leaving your dog alone too much. - We forget that dogs are 'pack' animals. They are very social and prefer to live and play with their pack. For the most part, you are now your dog's pack. If you spend hours away from your dog and ignore him once you return, he will be very sad, depressed and might even find was to be vindictive.
A final concern. Dogs or cats, and all pets of all stripes, don't like being surrendered to a shelter. As mentioned, dogs are pack animals by nature, regardless of breed. Being taken from their pack-family can leave them heartbroken, depressed and confused. If you bring an animal into your home - baring threatening behavior issues - that animal becomes a member of your family as much as that dog adopts you as his pack.
Have you ever considered buying a gadget to feed your puppy treats when you aren't home? Or how about another that launches that tennis ball? You know, that ball that after a few throws turns mushy with your Fido's saliva? And how many of us have thought a GPS tied to Fluffy's collar would relieve some of our anxiety, letting us know exactly where she is at any given time.
According to the American Pet Products Association, American spent more than $14 billion (Yup! Thats a B for billion) in 2015 on supplies for our pets, including toys, bedding, bowls and much more.
Check out the Delightful World of Pet Tech, as reviewed by a dog, provided by the Wall Street Journal today (December 14, 2016)
by Kay Lantow
18 Sep 2016 17:30 What Human Foods are Dangerous for Our Pets?
Let’s face it. Fido sits quietly next to your chair at the table, those soft eyes boring into your heart. His nose twitches in your direction as the smell of salmon, beef or pork tickles the air. What’s a good pet owner to do?
Are human foods OK for our pets to eat? Which foods are safe, and which ones should we avoid? [Note: my colleague reported on several myths concerning our pets. See Health & Nutrition. This provides a more detailed analysis of the 'human food' myth.]
Some pet owners share food with their pets on a fairly regular basis. Others never serve their pets anything but commercial pet foods, often recommend by their doctors. Still others refrain from giving their pets store bought foods, and instead, provide all natural human foods for their pet’s diet.
Whatever YOUR choice might be, always be careful what you feed your pet. Some human foods are simply not safe for our dogs and cats. In addition to the list below of harmful foods for dogs, be sure to avoid feeding your pet human foods that are salty, sweet (high in sugar content) or fatty. Yup. That means those fatty remnants of your BBQ’d steak are NOT good for your favorite pet.
1. Xylitol – one of the newest artificial sweeteners is present in products from gum to sugar free cookies. Even small amounts ingested can result in low blood sugar, seizures, liver failure, and death. Symptoms may present as quickly as 30 minutes or as long as 12 hours after ingestion. Be sure to read the labels of foods that might include this risk.
2. Grapes and raisins – may induce kidney failure in some animals and can result in permanent failure, which is life threatening. The amount ingested does not seem to be a factor. Moreover, some dogs have eaten grapes for years. Nevertheless, the advice is – don’t.
3. Chocolate – Toxic doses of chocolate can cause abnormal heartbeats, kidney failure, and death. Plus, those super delicious dark chocolates - my favorites - with 60 to 70 percent cocoa are even more deadly. The toxic dose is dependent on weight.
4. Onions – While certainly tasty to humans and pets, too many onions can be dangerous. High levels of onion ingestion in dogs and cats can cause life-threatening anemia.
5. Cinnamon – Ingested, cinnamon and its oils can irritate the inside of a pet’s mouth, making them uncomfortable and sick. It might lower a dog’s blood sugar too much and can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, increased or decreased heart rate, and even liver disease. If inhaled, cinnamon can cause difficulty breathing, coughing and choking.
6. Garlic – Like onions, leeks and chives, garlic is part of the Allium family. It is five times more toxic to dogs than the rest of the Allium plants. Side effects include anemia in dogs evidenced by pale gums, elevated heart rate, weakness, and collapsing.
7. Ice Cream – Canines do not digest diary very well – similarly to some humans, such as myself – and may have an intolerance to lactose, a sugar in milk products. Conversely, frozen or regular yogurt contains probiotics, and thus, is healthful to the digestion. If you would prefer to avoid all milk products, but still want to 'share' your summer treats, consider freezing chucks of fruit – strawberries, raspberries, apples, etc. – and give your pets a sweet icy treat.
8. Are Nuts Okay? – Almonds and Macadamia nuts – NO; Peanuts and Cashews – OK. Peanuts are packed with good fats and proteins that benefit your dog. Cashews have calcium, magnesium, antioxidants, and proteins. HOWEVER. Both should be shared only in moderation. And, remember, avoid salty foods - so peanuts and cashews only if unsalted.
Now, don't dispair, there are many GOOD foods humans can share with their pets. Check out these resources, and ENJOY:
I Love Dogs (all dogs matter) website provides items for sale to help keep your dog safe.
One important item is a Heavy-Duty Adjustable Dog Seat Belt for use with your dog's harness. Securing your dog in your vehicle while driving is very important. There are laws that require children are secured, but in most states, there are very few or no law requiring we protect our animals during travel. We often feel secure while driving and forget how devastating even a low speed collision can be to our flesh and bones. Remember to protect your loving pets.
Other items on the website include a refrigerator magnet listing Toxic Dog foods (I'll be posting an article about this topic soon). Plus Pet Emergency cards to post in windows and at doors.
