Canine Fear or Aggression?

From the Life's Abundance Pet Newsletter, March 2011:

Two common issues are fear and aggression in canines and Dr. Sarah says "common" because they are more common than most people would think.

In this video she will go over things like:
The very few weeks of the dog’s life are very important and very impressionable
Fear: - fear is running away or crouching
Should you immediately comfort you dog in a fearful situation?

Never strike a fearful dog or punish  – they need to feel safe with you and if they do not, your dog may become aggressive.

So many great tips for your pooch to over come some fears!


Is your dog growling? That maybe aggression and you may need to work with a professional.
Watch this video!
"Courtesy of Life's Abundance"

RECALL - Pig ears by Jones Natural Chews

From the FDA recall update:

"Jones Natural Chews Co Recalls Pig Ear Dog Chews Because Of Possible Salmonella Health Risk"


Contact:
Jones Natural Chews Co
877-481-2663 or 815-874-9500

"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 8, 2011 - Jones Natural Chews Co of Rockford, IL is recalling 2705 boxes of Pig Ears because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling dry pet food and/or treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Jones Natural Chews Pig Ears were distributed in CT, IA, IL, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NJ, NM, NY, PA,VA, WA, and WI. They were shipped to distributors and retailers between September 15, 2010 and November 2, 2010 where they were available for purchase."

Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears 2pk bag with header card–item upc 741956001047 lot 2420

Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears bulk 100ct box-box upc 741956001139 lot 2490, 2560, 2630, 2700, 2840, 2910, 2980

Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears bulk 50 ct box-box upc 741956001504 lot 2490, 2840

Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears bulk 25ct box-box upc 741956001467 lot 2700

Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears 1pk shrinkwrapped-item upc 741956001146 lot 2700, 2840, 2420

Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears 10pk printed bag-item upc 741956001405 lot 2420, 2560, 2630, 2840

Blain’s Farm & Fleet Pig Ears 10 pieces bag-item upc 741956001405 lot 2560

Country Butcher Dog Chews Pig Ears 1pk shrinkwrapped-item upc 741956001511 lot 2630

Country Butcher Dog Chews Pig Ears 1pk shrinkwrapped-item upc 741956001146 lot 2420

Country Butcher Dog Chews Pig Ears 12pk bag-item upc 741956001245 lot 2910

No illnesses have been reported to date.

"The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by Washington State Department of Agriculture which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has no product left in inventory from this batch of pig ears.

Consumers who have purchased any of these pig ears are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-877-481-2663."


If you need further information, Please visit the FDA page below:
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm246319.htm


__________________________________________________

As the blog owner, I recommend Life's Abundance Treats which include pig ears

RECALL: Wellness canned cat food

We try to post all recalls for dog and cat products
You can visit the official FDA page by clicking below

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm245108.htm

Wellpet LLC Voluntarily Recalls Certain Lots Of Canned Cat Food



Contact:
Media:
Claire Burke
Hunter PR
212-679-6600

Consumer:
877-227-9587
www.wellnesspetfood.com

"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 28, 2011 - WellPet LLC announced today it has voluntarily recalled certain lots of Wellness® canned cat food."

"While recent laboratory testing found that most lots of Wellness canned cat food that were tested contain sufficient amounts of thiamine (also known as Vitamin B1), some of the lots listed below might contain less than adequate levels of thiamine. However, out of an abundance of caution, WellPet has decided to recall all of the lots listed below.

Cats fed only the affected lots for several weeks may be at risk for developing a thiamine deficiency. Thiamine is essential for cats. Symptoms of deficiency displayed by an affected cat can be gastrointestinal or neurological in nature. Early signs of thiamine deficiency may include decreased appetite, salivation, vomiting, and weight loss. In advanced cases, neurologic signs can develop, which may include ventriflexion (bending towards the floor) of the neck, wobbly walking, circling, falling, and seizures. If your cat has consumed the recalled lots and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. If treated promptly, thiamine deficiency is typically reversible.

The lots involved in this voluntary recall are:

Wellness Canned Cat Food (all flavors and sizes) with best by dates from 14APR 13 through 30SEP13;

Wellness Canned Cat Food Chicken & Herring (all sizes) with 10NOV13 or 17NOV13 best buy dates.

Consumers who still have cans of cat food from these lots should stop feeding them to their cats and call us at (877) 227-9587 Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Eastern Time. Consumers with further questions should visit our website at www.wellnesspetfood.com2 or call us at this same number.

WellPet discovered the lower thiamine levels during independent testing conducted together with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in response to a single, isolated consumer complaint received by the FDA. Although WellPet has received no other reports concerning thiamine in its products, WellPet has taken additional steps with the manufacturer to ensure that this does not happen again."

"As a pet parent myself, I'm concerned for the health and welfare of all pets, and as a company we are committed to delivering the most nutritious natural pet food," said Tim Callahan, chief executive officer of WellPet, the maker of Wellness products. "Even though the chance of a cat developing a thiamine deficiency is extremely remote, we are voluntarily recalling all of these lots of our canned cat food as an extra precaution."

CDS or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome

Is it Is it like Alzheimer's?

Thank you Dr. Sarah for this video explaining about CDS. We are thrilled that our pets are living longer. With that, however, there is a possibility of CDS.

Here the Dr. explains in more detail what it is, the possible reasons why and how to hopefully slow the process.
"Courtesy of Life's Abundance"

Recall, Merrick Pet Treat, Jr. Texas Taffy

MERRICK PET CARE RECALLS JR TEXAS TAFFY PET TREAT (ITEM # 27077, ALL LOTS UP TO AND INCLUDING 10364) BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE SALMONELLA HEALTH RISK


Contact:
Customer Inquiries
(800) 664-7387

James Witcher, COO
(806) 322-2806


"FOR IMMIDIATE RELEASE - January 28, 2010 - Merrick Pet Care, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas is recalling the Jr. Texas Taffy pet treat (ITEM # 27077, UPC # 02280827077, All Lots up to and including 10364) because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Merrick Pet Care has made the decision to recall all Jr. Texas Taffy pet treats in the abundance of caution. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling the treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products. Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers immediately.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

The Jr. Texas Taffy was shipped to distributors and retailers throughout the US. These individuals have been notified and have activated their recall procedures.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Consumers who have purchased the Jr. Texas Taffy are urged to return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F 8:00am – 5:00pm CST."

Visit the FDA page, http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm241476.htm

Feline hyperthyroidism

"Courtesy of Life's Abundance" Feline hyperthyroidism, the most common feline endocrine disorder in the world.

In this video Dr. Sarah goes over the symptoms, what to look for and the possible treatments.

Pet Food Recall : Kroger Pet Foods

We try to post all dog/cat food recalls
The below notification is regarding Kroger

"Kroger Recalls Pet Foods Due to Possible Health Risk"



Contact:
Denise Osterhues
(513) 762-1304



"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CINCINNATI, Ohio, - December 18, 2010 - The Kroger Co. said today it is recalling select packages of pet food sold in some of its retail stores because the products may contain aflatoxin, which poses a health risk to pets.

Kroger stores in the following states are included in this recall: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

The recall also includes Dillons and Gerbes stores in Kansas and Missouri; Baker’s stores in Nebraska; Food 4 Less stores in Nebraska, Illinois and Indiana (Chicago area); and Jay C, Hilander, Owen’s, Pay Less and Scott’s stores in Illinois and Indiana.

Stores the company operates under the following names are not included in this recall: Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, Smith’s, QFC, City Market, Foods Co., and Food 4 Less stores in California and Nevada."

"Kroger is recalling the following items:"

* Pet Pride Cat Food sold in 3.5 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111088128
* Pet Pride Cat Food sold in 18 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111071357
* Pet Pride Tasty Blend Poultry & Seafood Cat Food sold in 3.5 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111088152
* Pet Pride Tasty Blend Poultry & Seafood Cat Food sold in 18 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111074580
* Pet Pride Kitten Formula Food sold in 3.5 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111071903
* Old Yeller Chunk Dog Food sold in 22 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111074566
* Old Yeller Chunk Dog Food sold in 50 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111074563
* Kroger Value Cat Food sold in 3 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111000018
* Kroger Value Chunk Dog Food sold in 15 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111071559
* Kroger Value Chunk Dog Food sold in 50 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code:1111000108

"Aflatoxin is a naturally-occurring toxic chemical by-product from the growth of the fungus Aspergillus flavus on corn and other crops. If your pet shows any symptoms of illness, including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, yellowish tint to the eyes and/or gums, and severe or bloody diarrhea, please consult your veterinarian immediately."

"The safety of our customers and their pets is important to Kroger. The company is using its Customer Recall Notification system to alert customers who may have purchased these recalled products through register receipt tape messages and automated phone calls. Customers who have purchased a recalled item should not use it and should return it to a store for a full refund or replacement."

"Customers who have questions about this recall may contact Kroger toll-free at (800) 632-6900. For more information, please visit www.kroger.com/recalls."

Official FDA page

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm237459.htm

Dog Food Comparison

Most of us know the first 5 ingredients are important when comparing dog food brands.  We also know the following ingredients should be excluded:

Corn, Wheat, Glutens, By-Products,  Artificial Colors and Preservatives

 What surprises most people is the information mentioned above isn't enough to determine if your dog is being fed "premium pet food"

Click here to compare dog food

Bone and Joint Issues in Dogs

In this video Dr. Sarah explains about joint disease, arthritis, some breeds that are more susceptible than others, what to look for and how to handle:

Joint disease is a very common issue in canines.
Our babies speak to us in body language so certain signs will be apparent:
Hesitating to play
Hesitating to go up or down stairs
Change in behavior
Change in eating
Head bobbing to one side to keep the pressure off of a joint with an issue

Watch this video!
"Courtesy of Life's Abundance"

Puppies and Cold Winter Weather

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

We know the holidays are a time when many people decide to bring a puppy into the family.
Dr. Sarah gives wonderful tips in the video below about your new puppy and the cold weather!

"Courtesy of Life's Abundance"

Our Pets' Skin and Coat

This video is chock full of information;
"Courtesy of Life's Abundance"

Pet’s skin and coat problems are the #1 reason pet parents bring their babies to their vet.

Dry skin, infected ears, shedding, allergies are some of these issues.
Poor skin health can be attributed to lack of nutrients like fatty acids, protein and more.
Skin is a huge organ and needs nutrients.

Not all foods are created equal and poor nutrients will be seen first in the coat

There are medical issues that can make skin and coat issues a problem (video)

Allergies are a big culprit that can lead to paw licking, scratching, rubbing the face and more that make your pet miserable that can lead to infections.

What can you do as the pet owner?
Build healthy skin from the inside out.
A healthy nutrient diet can affect the skin.

Avoid corn and wheat (major cause of allergies in companion animals)

More in this video:
What to look for in a supplement. What about fleas? Which shampoo?

As the blog owner I recommend our Lifes Abundance dog food

Blue Buffalo Dog Food Recall, Limited Production

"Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd. Recalls Limited Production Code Dates of Dry Dog Food Because of Possible Excess Vitamin D."

"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 8, 2010 - Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd., recalls certain dry dog food because of possible excess Vitamin D that can affect the health of some dogs. The Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd., is recalling certain packages of its Wilderness Chicken, Basics Salmon and Large Breed Adult Chicken dry dog foods sold under the "BLUE" brand which have the potential to contain excessive levels of Vitamin D.

While Vitamin D is a beneficial component of these foods, the Company believes that these products may have levels of Vitamin D that are beyond the formula specifications, and has therefore chosen to withdraw them.

Dogs reacting to the higher levels of Vitamin D may show signs of lethargy or exhibit unusually frequent water consumption and urination. If your pet has consumed the recalled products and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The affected productions of Blue Wilderness Chicken, Basics Salmon and Large Breed Adult Chicken dry dog foods were distributed nationwide through pet specialty stores.

Only these production runs of the products are involved in this recall:

Blue Wilderness Chicken Flavor dry dog food	4.5 1b	"Best If Used By JUL2611Z" "Best If Used By JUL2711Z" & "Best If Used By JUL2811Z"
Blue Wilderness Chicken Flavor dry dog food	11 lb	"Best If Used By JUL1211B"
Blue Wilderness Chicken Flavor dry dog food	24 1b	"Best If Used By JUL1211B" & "Best If Used By JUL1311B"
Blue Basics Limited Ingredient Formula Salmon and Potato Recipe dry dog food	11 lb	"Best If Used By AUG2111B" & "Best If Used By AUG2211B"
Blue Basics Limited Ingredient Formula Salmon and Potato Recipe dry dog food	24 lb	"Best If Used By AUG2111B" "Best If Used By SEP2311P" & "Best If Used By OCT2611P"
Blue Life Protection Formula Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Large Breed Adult dog food	30 lb	"Best If Used By SEP2211P" "Best If Used By SEP2311P" & "Best If Used By OCT2611P"

No other BLUE dry or can pet foods are involved in this recall, and only the specific code dates of these products are involved.

To date there have been 36 cases nationwide of dogs reported with symptoms consistent with elevated Vitamin D in their systems while feeding on these specific productions of the products. In all cases the symptoms have subsided upon discontinuing feeding these products, with no apparent long term health consequences.

Blue Buffalo learned of this potential condition in its products when it received reports of dogs diagnosed with high Vitamin D levels while feeding on the products from these specific production runs. On further investigation it was learned that a sequencing error had occurred at the supplier of the dry ingredients for these products. Immediately before producing the ingredients for these specific production runs, the supplier had run a product for another customer that contained a more potent form of Vitamin D used in chicken feeds. It is now believed that there was some level of carry over of this Vitamin D product into the ingredients for the specific manufacturing runs of the BLUE products, thereby increasing the Vitamin D activity to unacceptable levels in the Blue ingredients.

Consumers who have purchased any of the products being recalled are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-877-523-9114 from 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time or visit the Company web site at www.bluebuffalo.com/news for more information."

For the official FDA page and product photos, please visit

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm228986.htm

How to Clean Your Dog's Ears

In this Issue of Pet Talk Dr. Sarah shows how, why, when and more on how to clean your dog's ears

"Courtesy of Life's Abundance"

Some snippets:

Ear infections can be common in canines.

Cleaning them is part of your dogs’ over all ear health regimen.

How often?

Depends on your babies current ear health and length of ear and if your pet will let you.

You can ask your vet and/or groomer how often you should clean.

Long ears maybe once a week

Less often for short ears

Make sure your clean with a solution that has no alcohol

Your vet may tell you a formula to use.

Should be ph balanced.

Don’t use synthetic cotton

And more!