Does your dog sleeping position mean anything?

What Does Your Dog’s Sleep Position Mean?

 Courtesy of Life's Abundance Blog 12/15/21

How do you sleep? On your back, on your side, or on your stomach? Maybe you curl up into a ball or maybe you spread yourself out and take up the whole bed. Just like you prefer a certain position while you sleep, so do our four-legged friends. While how we sleep may not reveal a whole ton about our personality or mood, it does say quite a bit for our dogs. Read on to see what your dog’s sleep position means.

Side Sleeping

Just like humans, this is the most common sleeping position for dogs. Sleeping on their side with their paws loose usually means they feel comfortable and safe. You also might notice that your pup moves a lot and twitches in this position. This is because they’re more likely to fall into a deep sleep and dream when they’re lying on their side. These dogs tend to be the loyal and trusting type.

Lion’s Pose

If you’ve ever seen a lion sleeping, you’ll notice they rest their head on their front paws. Dogs can sleep in this same position, but it usually means they’re more in a resting mood rather than aiming for a deep sleep. This puts them in the perfect position so when you have a few minutes to play, they’re ready to spring up quickly! They are usually more devoted and protective and you might find them dozing this way next to your feet.

Sprawled Out

This position looks a bit like Superman with your dog’s front legs and hind legs stretched both ways. This is common with puppies or energetic dogs that love to play but also get tired and want to take a quick snooze. Similar to the lion’s pose, when your dog is sprawled out on their tummy, they want to be ready at a moment’s notice to play tug-of-war or fetch with you. It’s also a great position to cool down on tiled floors. 

Curled Up

Some dogs will curl into a “fetal” position and tuck in all of their limbs. This could mean that your furry friend is trying to protect themselves by hiding all of their vital organs. One study showed that this position is common among dogs in a shelter, an unfamiliar place where they may prefer to go unnoticed by other dogs. It may also be the preferred posture in pups who are anxious such as strays or those getting used to their environment. Dogs who sleep like this may  feel scared, but also have a caring personality. However, this position could also just mean they’re cold and trying to preserve their body heat.

Belly Up

This is the most vulnerable sleeping position for dogs as it reveals all of their vital organs. This means that they are aware of what’s around them and completely comfortable at home with you. These sleepers tend to be more loving and trusting of you. This is also another position that allows dogs to cool off. You might even say that these pups are feeling totally carefree! 

Each of these positions can give you a clue to your dog’s personality and how they’re feeling. Keep an eye on their patterns as this can reveal a lot about their health. For example, it’s normal for dogs to sleep 12-14 hours a day but if you notice they are sleeping more or less than they usually do or sleeping in an abnormal position, it’s always a good idea to talk to your veterinarian.

If you found this interesting, check out these related stories:

The Secret Of The Dog Bow

Dog Chewing Paws: What Does It Mean?

Please visit our Life's Abundance Dog Food website

Gifts for Dogs and Cats

 Holiday Gift Basket for Dogs and Cats

Life's Abundance has wonderful gift ideas for your furry friends!

Order early as they are popular and go quickly

Put a little festivity into kitty’s holiday season with irresistible, wholesome delights. An assortment of cheerful toys will result in a roaring good time to last throughout the season.

This CAT Gift Contains:

• One 1.5 oz bag of Freeze Dried Turkey Heart Treats
• One 4 oz bag of Gourmet Cat Treats
• One 4.6 bottle of Wellness Food Supplement for Cats
• One catnip-filled plush fruit slice toy
• Two fun jingle balls
• A $43.00 retail value!

 only $22.75

CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

Dogs will go wild over this trio of drool-worthy treats! There’s even a festive plaything for the lucky pup. Everything is neatly bundled in a decorative gift box that will be the perfect adornment for any holiday home.

This DOG Gift Contains:

• One 1.5 oz bag of Turkey Heart Petites Freeze Dried Treats
• One 4 oz bag of Turkey & Berry Chewies
• One 4 oz bag of Lamb & Venison Jerky Treats
• Festive squeak toy (toy may vary)
• A $46.00 retail value!

only $28.50 

CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

Canned dog food recall

 Fromm Family Foods Voluntarily Recalls Four Star Shredded Entrée Canned Food for Dogs Due to Elevated Levels of Vitamin D

When a company announces a recall, market withdrawal, or safety alert, the FDA posts the company's announcement as a public service. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

 Click here for the FDA page and Product Photos

Summary

Company Announcement Date:

October 01, 2021

FDA Publish Date:

October 01, 2021

Product Type:

Animal & Veterinary
Food & Beverages
Pet Food
Ingredients
Ingredients

Reason for Announcement:

Elevated levels of Vitamin D

Company Name:

Fromm Family Foods

Brand Name:

Fromm Four-Star Nutritionals

Product Description:

Shredded Entrée canned dog food

MEQUON, WI, (OCTOBER 1, 2021) - FROMM FAMILY FOODS is issuing a voluntary recall of approximately 5,500 cases of Fromm Shredded can Entrée dog food due to potentially elevated levels of Vitamin D.

Consumers should stop feeding the products listed below to their dogs.

Potential adverse reactions could occur in all size dogs.  No reports of illness or injury have been reported from consumers to date, however Fromm management has determined it is prudent to pull these four lots out of distribution.

Dogs ingesting elevated levels of Vitamin D may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, and weight loss. Vitamin D when consumed at very high levels can lead to serious health issues in dogs including renal dysfunction. Consumers who have dogs that have consumed any of the affected products and are exhibiting these symptoms should contact their veterinarian.

Affected recalled products were distributed at neighborhood pet stores nationwide. Products are packaged in 12 oz. cans with Best By Date 08/2024. A full list of affected products is below:

Product Name	Net Weight	UPC	Best By Date Range
Four-Star SHREDDED BEEF IN GRAVY ENTRÉE food for dogs, 12 cans per case, 11877	12 oz. per can	7270511876	Best By Date 082024
Four-Star SHREDDED CHICKEN IN GRAVY ENTRÉE food for dogs, 12 cans per case, 11881	12 oz. per can	7270511880	Best By Date 082024
Four-Star SHREDDED PORK IN GRAVY ENTRÉE food for dogs, 12 cans per case, 11879	12 oz. per can	7270511878	Best By Date 082024
Four-Star SHREDDED TURKEY IN GRAVY ENTRÉE food for dogs, 12 cans per case, 11883	12 oz. per can	7270511882	Best By Date 082024

There are no other Fromm products affected by this recall. The recall was initiated after we discovered, through our own analysis, that these products may contain elevated levels of Vitamin D.  We have identified and isolated the error, and in addition to our existing safety process, we have put corrective actions into place to prevent this from happening again.

This voluntary recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Consumers who have purchased Fromm Four-Star Shredded Entrée canned dog food are urged to return the product to your retailer. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-325-6331 from Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm, Central Time, or may contact info@frommfamily.com.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:

Fromm Four-Star Shredded Entrée

 1-800-325-6331

 info@frommfamily.com

Media:

Lauren Grimm

 646-221-9849

 lauren@frommfamily.com

Cleaning your pet's ears (and free sample offer)

How To Properly Clean Your Pet’s Ears

Courtesy of Life's Abundance Blog 8/30/21

Through September 2021 we are offering a free dog and or cat treat sample with your pet purchase!

Click here for info

In the world of pet ownership, it only takes a couple of words to conjure up a visceral, sensory memory. “Dog breath.” “Wet dog.” “Cat pee.” Each compellingly icky in its own way, we spend billions of dollars a year trying to combat the lingering effects of these phenomena. So today, let’s delve deeper into the world of cavernous canals and explore how we deal with these two words: stinky ears. If you know, you know.

 

Ear cleanings are one of the most common requests we get at the vet clinic. From your vantage point as a pet owner peering into the ear, you really can’t assess the health of the ear with the tools you have. It can be hard to know whether you should be doing maintenance ear cleaning or trying to treat an ear infection without some professional guidance. So let’s start with the basics.

Anatomy Of An Ear

Most of us know at least one person who got sent to the ER because they stuck something (cotton swab, pencil, etc) too far into their ear canal and ended up injuring their eardrum. Dogs and cats have a different anatomy which makes this much harder to do - not that you should try! In fact, I’m about to explain why sticking a cotton swab in your pet’s ear isn’t something you probably need to do at all.

First things first: For our purposes, everything we can impact or treat as pet owners counts as the “External ear canal.” This starts at the outside of the ear (the pinna) all the way up to the eardrum. Both the middle ear and the inner ear are on the inside of the eardrum, and that’s where all the little bones and structures that are responsible for hearing and balance live. Unless the eardrum is ruptured due to trauma or disease, that’s not an area you can clean or medicate. So when you’re cleaning the ears or treating an ear infection with drops, you’re treating an infection of the external ear canal.

In dogs and cats, the external ear canal consists of three parts: the pinna, the vertical ear canal, and the horizontal ear canal. In people, the ear canal is one straight line from pinna to eardrum, but in dogs and cats the ear canal takes a 90 degree turn about halfway in. This means there’s a lot more opportunity for debris, fluid, and moisture to get trapped and build up around that bend.

It also means that if you put a cotton swab into the part you can access (the vertical canal), a very likely outcome is pushing ear gunk further into the horizontal canal, compounding any problems your pet may be experiencing, especially when that gunk is sticky.

How To Clean Your Pet’s Ears The Right Way

The best way to clean a pet’s ears is with the right ear cleaner designed specifically for this purpose. Never use peroxide, which is highly irritating! By using a pet friendly ear cleaner, the liquid can get into both the horizontal and vertical ear canal, and dissolve or loosen up any sticky debris. 

I like to warm the ear cleaner bottle up by putting it in a bowl of warm (not hot!) water. Once you fill the ear up with the liquid, you give ‘em a nice squishy ear massage, breaking up all the dirt inside without actually having to put anything into the ear canal. Then step back because your pet will usually shake all the dissolved goo on you, your clothes, and your carpet. (Having a towel nearby or doing this in the tub is wise.) Then, you can use a cotton swab or cotton ball to clean up the parts of the ear you can see as the cleaner drains out. 

When To See The Vet

This routine ear cleaning is something you can do weekly, monthly, or in conjunction with bathing. This is best done as a maintenance routine to keep healthy ears looking and feeling their best.

If you think your pet has an ear infection, make sure you check with your vet before embarking on the cleaning process. Signs include:

• Shaking their head
• Pawing at their ears
• Resisting any handling of the ears
• Smelly discharge
• Large amounts of discharge, ranging from dark brown to yellow or red

• Reddened ear canal

Doing an otoscopic exam at the vet office is a quick and super important step in determining if your pet has a problem. It’s one of the most common reasons we see pets at the office, and very rewarding to help an uncomfortable pet feel so much better!

• Your vet will want to examine the ear to see if there is an infection, foreign body, mass, or ruptured eardrum.
• Ear infections require the right medication to treat yeast, bacteria, or both.
• Medicated ear cleaners can make the process even easier.
• For very dirty ears, it’s helpful to have the veterinary team do a “deep clean” first so the medication can penetrate more easily.
• If the pet has very painful or ulcerated ears, you’re not going to be able to clean or medicate them- this may require sedation or oral medications to help get the ears to the point you can put in topical meds.
• Sometimes ear infections are a part of a larger disease process, such as allergies.

For healthy ears, cleaning with a gentle ear cleaner is all you usually need to keep stinky ears at bay. Stick those cotton swabs back in the drawer and enjoy your snuggles!

If you found this interesting, check out these related stories:

All You Need To Know About Bathing Your Pet

Bad Dog Breath: Checking Your Pup's Oral Hygiene

FREE cat or dog treat sample offer

Through September,  October & November 2021 we are offering a FREE PET TREAT sample for new customers who order a Life's Abundance pet product.

Some rules: :O)

Must purchase from our site below:

Life's Abundance

Purchase any dog and/or cat product (excluding samples), healthy food, treats or supplements and we will mail a free sample of Anti-oxidant Health bars and/or Gourmet Cat Treats.

After your order, just send us an email,   premium4pets @ gmail.com and let us know if you want a free sample of dog treats or cat treats - if you order a dog AND cat food product, we will send you both treats 

Offer only available in the USA - Thank you for shopping with us!

Millions of Americans eat health bars every day. They are a convenient and tasty way to supplement the diet with good nutrition. And the perfect health snack for your furry friend.

Packed with premium ingredients, Antioxidant Health Bars are a nutritious way to reward your sweet pup and boost his or her health. Featuring the great taste of apples, peanut butter and honey, dogs just can’t resist these delicious bars, which also include oatmeal, brown rice, ground flaxseed, dates, rolled oats, flaxseed oil, eggs, cranberries and carrots. Since antioxidants are so important to maintaining a healthy immune system, we’ve added a hefty helping of vitamin E, vitamin C and beta-carotene.

click here for more info 

Gourmet Cat Treats For Healthy Skin & Coat features premium nutrition, with added vitamins, minerals and other trace nutrients, that nourish and protect skin and coats.

Because healthy skin is much more likely to produce strong, luxurious hair, it’s vital to nourish the skin. The omega-3 fatty acids in this premium formula help prevent overly dry skin, while vitamin E helps maintain skin elasticity. The added vitamin C in this formula helps the body to produce collagen, skin’s major component. And, because protein is necessary for the growth and maintenance of a strong, resilient coat, this delectable recipe features chicken, herring and chicken liver. Plus, cats adore the appetizing flavor of these savory nuggets.

click here for more info

Dog food recall

 Wet Noses Natural Dog Treat Company® Voluntarily Recalls Simply Nourish Brand Frozen Dog Food Due to Elevated Levels of Vitamin D

Summary

Company Announcement Date: August 13, 2021

FDA Publish Date: August 13, 2021

click here for official FDA page and product photos

Product Type: Animal & Veterinary

Food & Beverages

Pet Food

Reason for Announcement: Due to elevated levels of Vitamin D

Company Name: Wet Noses Natural Dog Treat Company

Brand Name: Simply Nourish

Product Description: Frozen dog food

Company Announcement

August 13, 2021, Wet Noses Natural Dog Treat Company of Monroe, Washington is recalling approximately 51,000 packages of Simply Nourish frozen dog food, due to it containing elevated levels of Vitamin D.

Consumers should stop feeding the products listed below to their dogs. Dogs ingesting elevated levels of Vitamin D may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, and weight loss. Vitamin D when consumed at very high levels or over a long period of time can lead to serious health issues in dogs including renal dysfunction. Consumers who have dogs that have consumed any of the products listed below and are exhibiting these symptoms, should contact their veterinarian.

Affected Simply Nourish frozen food products were distributed at select PetSmart stores nationwide.

Products are packaged in 2lb and 4.5lb packages across specific date ranges. A full list of affected products is below:

Product Name	Net Wt	UPC	Best by range
Simply Nourish Frozen Chicken & Veggies	2lb	73725792262	11/10/2022-1/12/2023
Simply Nourish Frozen Chicken & Veggies	4.5lb	73725792264	11/10/2022-1/12/2023
Simply Nourish Frozen Beef & Barley	2lb	73725792266	11/10/2022-1/12/2023
Simply Nourish Frozen Beef & Barley	4.5lb	73725792267	11/10/2022-1/12/2023
Simply Nourish Frozen Turkey & Sweet Potato	2lb	73725792260	11/10/2022-1/12/2023
Simply Nourish Frozen Turkey & Sweet Potato	4.5lb	73725792263	11/10/2022-1/12/2023
Simply Nourish Frozen Pork & Veggies	2lb	73725792079	8/26/2022-1/13/2023
Simply Nourish Frozen Pork & Veggies	4.5lb	73725792078	8/26/2022-1/13/2023

No illnesses have been reported to date. No other products have been affected.

The recall was initiated after a routine nutrition test confirmed elevated Vitamin D levels on certain Simply Nourish frozen food products. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem arose as a result of the vitamin mix dosage being significantly reduced by the vitamin mix manufacturer, and this change was not detected or properly communicated. As a result, the dosage was not reduced. We care deeply about our customers and their pets, and have put corrective actions into place to ensure this issue does not reoccur.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Consumers who have purchased Simply Nourish Frozen Food are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-938-6673 from Monday-Friday, 8 am – 4:30 pm PST.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:

Wet Noses Natural Dog Treat Company

 1-800-938-6673

Dog Weight Loss

Dog Weight Loss

L-Carnitine and Dog Weight Loss

From the Life's Abundance Blog Post 8/2/21

When it comes to our furry friends, some of them have a little more to love. While we have to admit that a little pudge can be cute, extra weight on pets can come with some serious health risks, including heart disease, osteoarthritis and kidney disease. You may think that lessening their food intake will do the trick and solve the problem, but that can leave your dog hungry and begging for more with those sad puppy dog eyes. So instead of cutting back, there’s an important ingredient you can look for in their foods that allows you to give them the full serving size and still help them lose weight.

What is L-carnitine?

If you haven’t heard of L-carnitine, it’s probably because it hasn’t been talked about much in the pet food industry. However, it turns out that this nutrient can have a huge impact on your pet’s weight. This vitamin-like compound is made in the body from the amino acids lysine and methionine. It supports many systems, including their heart, brain, and muscles. It’s mainly found in red meat but it is also present in chicken and fish, or as a dietary supplement. There are some additional benefits to L-carnitine including increased exercise performance and higher lean mass - all the things you’d want for your furry friend.

How does it work?

Let’s talk science! L-carnitine turns fats into energy, rather than storing them in fat cells. It does this because it is water-soluble, meaning it has the ability to attach itself to fatty acids that are then taken to the mitochondria. In this powerhouse organelle, the compound is broken down and converted into energy which is then distributed throughout the body and primarily used in the brain and heart. This whole process eventually reduces the storage of fat in cells and therefore results in overall weight loss.

Weight health for dogs

It’s important for your pup to maintain a healthy weight because we want them to stick around for many years by our side. There are a few different routes you can take to help them lose weight, including the usual playing fetch outside and the right foods and healthy treats. Choosing a good diet is paramount to your companion’s health so they can continue to receive the nutrients needed while still shedding some weight. For most dogs, L-carnitine naturally occurs in the body. However, when our furry friends start to age, they could start to exhibit a deficiency. As a result, they can begin to gain those extra pounds and it can be beneficial to supplement their diet with additional L-carnitine to kickstart their metabolism.

L-carnitine in our Adult Weight Loss Dog Food

At Life’s Abundance, providing high-quality, premium foods have always been important to us. That’s why we created foods that are suitable for all kinds of dogs, including those that are on the pudgy side. Our Adult Weight Loss Dog Food is enhanced with a sufficient amount of L-carnitine to help them utilize fat and support a healthy metabolism. In addition, this dog food has higher protein levels to promote an energetic body (meaning you get all the zoomies) but less fat and calories to maintain a healthy weight. In other words, it is nourishing for a truly satisfied appetite; not just filling with empty calories. Plus, to give you that extra confidence in this kibble, it has been proven through a feeding trial as defined by Association of American Feed Control Officials. Now, you can give your beloved furry friend the nutritious, tasty meal they want and need, without the guilt.

If you found this interesting, check out these related stories:

A Guide To Managing Your Dog's Weight

Are You Overlooking Your Dog's Weight Problem?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New puppy, adult or senior dog? Check out our healthy start pack for dogs

Keeping Your Pet Hydrated

 Wonderful post courtesy of Life's Abundance 7/22/21

Keeping Pets Hydrated 

Summertime means lots of outdoor activities for many families, and those with furry friends love to bring them along too! While we all love some fun in the sun, we know how tiring it can be in the heat. This applies to your pets too. See our tips for how to keep your pet hydrated!

Photo is owned by Life's Abundance 

As a bonus, you can soothe any skin irritations and nourish their skin with our Soothing Mist! Your pet will appreciate it after a long day in the sun and you'll love the fresh scent left behind.

If you found this interesting, check out these related stories:

Help Pets Stay Chill This Summer

3 Ways To Keep Your Pet Safe This Summer

Dog Food Recall Due To Mold Concerns

Sunshine Mills, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Certain Products Due to Potentially Elevated Levels of Aflatoxin

When a company announces a recall, market withdrawal, or safety alert, the FDA posts the company's announcement as a public service. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

click here for the FDA page and photos

Company Announcement Date: July 29, 2021

FDA Publish Date: July 29, 2021

Product Type: Animal & Veterinary, Food & Beverages, Pet Food

Reason for Announcement: Elevated Levels of Aflatoxin

Company Name: Sunshine Mills, Inc.

Brand Name: Triumph, Evolve, Nature Farms, Elm and others

Product Description: Dog Food

Company Announcement

Sunshine Mills, Inc. is issuing a voluntary recall of certain products due to potentially elevated levels of Aflatoxin above the acceptable limit. Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring by-product from the growth of Aspergillus flavus and can be harmful to pets if consumed in significant quantities. No illnesses have been reported in association with these products to date, and no other Sunshine Mills, Inc. pet food products are affected by this announcement.

Products affected by this announcement:

Product Name	Size	Lot Codes	UPC Code
TRIUMPH® WILD SPIRIT CRAFT DOG FOOD DEBONED CHICKEN & BROWN RICE RECIPE	3.5 lbs.	Best if used By 11 Feb 2022 Lot: TD2 11/Feb/2021	073657 008736
TRIUMPH® WILD SPIRIT CRAFT DOG FOOD DEBONED CHICKEN & BROWN RICE RECIPE	30 lbs.	Best if used By 11 Feb 2022 Lot: TA2 11/Feb/2021	073657 008750
EVOLVE® CLASSIC SUPER PREMIUM FOOD FOR DOGS DEBONED CHICKEN & BROWN RICE RECIPE	15 lbs.	Best if used By 11 Feb 2022 Lot: TA1 11/Feb/2021	073657 380320
		Best if used By 11 Feb 2022 Lot: TA2 11/Feb/2021
WILD HARVEST® PREMIUM DOG FOOD CHICKEN & BROWN RICE RECIPE	14 lbs.	Best if used By 11 Feb 2022 Lot: TA2 11/Feb/2021	711535 509523
NURTURE FARMS® NATURAL DOG FOOD DEBONED CHICKEN & BROWN RICE RECIPE	15 lbs.	Best if used By 11 Feb 2022 Lot: TA2 11/Feb/2021	070155 113597
EVOLVE® CLASSIC SUPER PREMIUM FOOD FOR DOGS DEBONED CHICKEN & BROWN RICE RECIPE	30 lbs.	Best if used By 11 Feb 2022 Lot: TA2 11/Feb/2021	073657 380313
HEART TO TAIL PURE BEING® NATURAL DOG FOOD DEBONED CHICKEN & BROWN RICE RECIPE	5 lbs.	Best if used By 11 Feb 2022 Lot: TD2 11/Feb/2021	4099100129441
ELM PET FOODS NATURALS CHICKEN & RICE RECIPE DOG FOOD	40 lbs.	Best if used By 11 Feb 2022 Lot: TA1 11/Feb/2021	070155 225221

The affected products were distributed in retail stores nationally. Retailers who received the recalled lots have been contacted and asked to pull these lots from their inventory and shelves. There are no other Triumph®, Evolve®, Wild Harvest®, Nurture Farms®, Pure Being®, or Elm products or other lot codes of these products affected by this recall.

While no adverse health effects related to these products have been reported, Sunshine Mills, Inc. has chosen to issue a voluntary recall of the above-referenced products as a precautionary measure in furtherance of its commitment to the safety and quality of its products. Pets that have consumed any of the above recalled products and exhibit symptoms of illness including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, vomiting, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, or diarrhea should be seen by a veterinarian.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products should discontinue use of the product and may return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers may contact Sunshine Mills, Inc. customer service at (800) 705-2111 from 7AM to 4PM Central Time, Monday through Friday, or by email at customer.service@sunshinemills.com for additional information.

This is a voluntary recall being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:

Sunshine Mills, Inc. customer service

 (800) 705-2111

 customer.service@sunshinemills.com

____________________________________________________

More About Aflatoxin

Aflatoxin is a mold that is present on grains such as corn, which is commonly used in pet foods. At high levels this can become toxic and cause sluggishness, vomiting, jaundice, diarrhea, and prolonged liver damage. Severe cases may lead to death.

It is recommended that you contact your veterinarian, especially if your dog or cat is showing any of the symptoms listed above. 

A Safer Solution

At Life's Abundance, we have a much better and safer way of making pet foods and notifying consumers should a problem ever arise. As for consumer safety, we view the system of product recalls as problematic. That is because most consumers will never hear about a recall. Yet because of our direct relationship with consumers we know who received which product, down to the lot number. In the event there is ever an issue with a product, our proactive communications system allows us to reach thousands of people by phone in just one hour, ensuring that we can contact all affected customers quickly. We can also reach them by email and even through the mail.

We hope the information we shared with you will do two things. One, alert dog food consumers of this situation, and two, help you feel even more confident about Life's Abundance and our commitment to helping families, including our pets, live long, healthy lives!

All about Bathing your pet

All You Need To Know About Bathing Your Pet

Courtesy of Life's Abundance Post 7/19/21

“You smell like a wet dog” isn’t much of a compliment, is it? While most of us know the rush of warm fuzzies you get from snuggling up close with a clean, fresh pet, most pet owners are also aware of the opposite end of the spectrum: the stinky side.

Perhaps you’ve spent the past year closer than ever to your pet, so you may be more familiar than you’ve ever been with their particular…fragrance, shall we say. Questions about your pet’s skin and coat are some of the most common conversation topics in the vet clinic, so let’s tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about what’s normal, what may need a vet visit, and what are the best things you can do at home to help your pet look and feel their best.

How often should I bathe my pet?

If the thought of struggling to get your dog in the bath on a daily basis gives you hives, here’s the good news: daily bathing is rarely the answer. For a pet with good skin and coat health, a good monthly washing may be all they need in order to clean away accumulated dirt and oil and get them smelling nice. If you have a cat, the answer’s even better: since they groom themselves, healthy cats may not need baths from you at all (everyone cheer).

The actual answer is: wash your pet as often as they need. If your pet gets dirty all the time because they’re constantly getting in the mud, there’s no reason you can’t bathe them more frequently. It’s important to use the right shampoo to avoid over-drying the coat, stripping out oils, or causing flaking. More frequent bathing may also reduce the effectiveness of topical flea and tick products such as Advantage and Frontline.

Pets with medical conditions often require more frequent bathing as part of their treatment. Whether it’s a pet dealing with infection, a pet suffering from conditions like seborrhea (think of it like a form of doggie dandruff), or a pet with allergies who needs to remove environmental allergens from their coat, there are many reasons a pet may require bathing weekly, or even a few times a week. Make sure to follow your vet’s recommendations as to the type of shampoo and how to use it- it may seem like a lot of work, but topical treatments can be very effective and much nicer than needing to rely on a systemic treatment!

What’s the best type of shampoo to use?

If your pet has a medical condition, you may be prescribed a special shampoo. Think of it less as shampoo and more as skin medication. Keep in mind these tend to work very differently than your typical shampoo which is just there to gently clean, so be careful to follow the directions and don’t use it for other pets in the house. Many medicated pet shampoos may not even have any cleanser in them, so if you’re not sure, ask your vet if you need to first use an over the counter shampoo before using the medicated one. Some of the most common medications delivered via shampoo format are:

• antibacterials: chlorhexidine for skin infection
• antifungals: ketoconazole for yeast infection
• antiseborrhea: coal tar, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or sulfur to combat dandruff-like conditions
• anti-mite: lime sulfur dips for topical parasites such as demodectic mange
• anti-itch: oatmeal, hydrocortisone

For everyone else, shampoos designated for pets are your best choice. These shampoos have much less stripping action than human shampoos and are much gentler on the skin, so never use a human shampoo on your pet. If your pet has particularly sensitive skin, you may need to look for one with no fragrance added. For the rest of the crew, look for a gentle formula with conditioning properties like our very own amazing-smelling Revitalizing Shampoo. I’ve sniffed a lot of dog shampoo over the years, and this one takes the cake in the “wow your dog smells delightful” department. If you’ve tried it, you know.

What are signs my pet may need a vet visit?

Regular doggie-smell should resolve with a good cleaning. If they still feel oily or greasy, or still have a strange odor after bathing, make an appointment as this may be a sign of a problem that goes below the surface of the skin. Even smells that aren’t necessarily “bad,” but just strange, can be a sign something’s off (ever heard someone talk about their dog’s Frito feet? Yes, it’s a thing, and often means infection). Any red or raw patches should be evaluated as well, as these can be signs of allergies or infection.

Bathing is a good time to check your pet’s ears as well. While you don’t want to put shampoo and water in their ears, I like to clean my pet’s ears with a dedicated ear cleaner right before their bath. If your pet is prone to ear infection, you may also want to put a cotton ball in their ear before bathing to keep water out (Be gentle if you do this! There’s no need to stuff their ears full of the fluff).

So there you have it! Smelling like a wet dog might not seem like a compliment, but with the proper shampoo there’s no reason it couldn’t be. Here’s to a pleasant, snuggly summer!

If you found this interesting, check out these related stories:

The Secret Ingredient To A Sweet Smelling Pet

Tips For Grooming Your Dog At Home