Palliative Care for Pets

"Courtesy of Life's Abundance"
Dr. Sarah discusses palliative care. Not a subject that is always pleasant, however learning about it can bring a sense of peace to both pet parent and pet.

New area of vet medicine: palliative care

Emerging field to keep pets comfortable not as a cure – providing relief

Some have heard a vet say you are out of options – so consider euthanasia but learn more about this care and how it can help you and your pet

Also good for the pet parent to help cope and

Doesn’t mean this is for everyone

Watch the video to learn about web sites to visit for more information about palliative care

RECALL: Nestle Purina Limited Dry Cat Food

"Nestlé Purina Recalls Limited Number of Dry Cat Food Bags Due to a Potential Health Risk"
(Shipped Only to Colorado, Idaho and Oregon)


Contact:
Consumer:
800-982-6559

Media:
Jill Winte
314-982-3032


"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 27, 2011 - Nestlé Purina PetCare Company (NPPC) is voluntarily recalling approximately 870 bags of dry cat food shipped to Colorado, Idaho and Oregon. This is being done as a precautionary measure, as the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Only the following products with both the "Best By" date and production codes shown are included in this voluntary recall:

Product Name	Bag Size	"Best By" Date & Production Code*	Bag UPC Code
Cat Chow Naturals Dry Cat Foot	6.3 lb.	AUG 2012 10331083 13	17800 11320
Friskies Grillers Blend Dry Cat Food	3.15 lb.	AUG 2012 10381083 06	50000 08450
Friskies Grillers Blend Dry Cat Food	16 lb.	AUG 2012 10381083 06	50000 57578

*"Best By" Date and Production Code is found on the back or bottom of the bag.

The bags of dry cat food in this recall were distributed in error in February, 2011 to a small number of customers in Colorado, Idaho and Oregon, which may have further distributed the product to other Western states. There have been no consumer complaints and no reports of illness.

No additional Purina cat or dog products are involved. Only products which match the "Best By" date and production codes above are involved.

Consumers who have purchased any of these dry cat food products with these "Best By" Dates and Production Codes should discard it.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated products. People handling contaminated dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, 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 exhibit decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. 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.

At Nestlé Purina PetCare, the safety and efficacy of our products are our top priority. We apologize for any inconvenience due to this voluntary recall. For further information or to obtain a product refund, please call NPPC toll-free at 1-800-982-6559 weekdays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time, or visit www.purina.com."

The FDA page for this recall is below
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm261072.htm

Who should Fur Sit your Cat and Dog

"Courtesy of Life's Abundance"

Dr. Sarah's video: What to do when traveling without your pets:

Some options are:
Pet sitter, friend, boarding, Vet, Kennel.

In this video she discusses:
Introduce pet sitter before they come for the travel time
Keep a list of emergency contact numbers especially the vet
Make sure to go over the list of daily routine for your pet

If you are boarding make sure to bring a piece of your clothing
Bring your dog’s food
Bring only one toy
If you have more than one dog, ask if they can be board together or next to each other

Other options include spas, some veterinary practices.

If your option is a boarding facility go to the place announced and announced and pay close attention to cleanliness, the other animals

MORE in the video!

Recall, Pig Ears by Bravo

"Bravo! Issues Nationwide Recall of Bravo! Pig Ears Dog Chews
Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk"
Please visit FDA page below for official announcement and product label pictures

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm257833.htm


Contact:
Consumer:
866.922.9222
www.bravorawdiet.com

Media
David Bogner
Phone: 866.922.9222


"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 3, 2011 – Bravo! is voluntarily recalling select boxes of Bravo! Pig Ears Chews because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The products affected by this recall includes only Bravo! 50 ct bulk Oven roasted Pig Ears Product Code: 75-121 Lot # 12-06-10.

Salmonella can affect animals and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any other surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms including, 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 provider.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets will have only have 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.

The company has received no reports of illness in either people or animals associated with the product. Bravo! is issuing this action out of an abundance of caution and sincerely regrets any inconvenience to pet owners as a result of this announcement.

Bravo! Pig Ears were distributed to retailers on the East and West Coasts. They were shipped to distributors and retailers between January 1 and February 28, 2011, where they were available for purchase.

The recall is the result of routine sampling program by the 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 the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions about the recall, should visit www.bravorawdiet.com or call toll free 1.866.922.9222 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday."

Cat Food Recall, Primal

"Primal Pet Foods Issues Nationwide Voluntary Recall On Feline Chicken & Salmon Formula With A "Best By" Date Code Of 043112-17"

Official FDA post is below
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm257160.htm

Contact:
Consumer:
Matt Koss
866-566-4652

"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 28, 2011 - Primal Pet Foods has initiated a voluntary recall of their Feline Chicken & Salmon Formula with a "Best By" date code of 043112-17 because this product may be contaminated with Salmonella. The only product affected is limited to Feline Chicken & Salmon Formula with a "Best By" date code of 043112-17. No other Primal Pet Foods products are affected.

The affected product is limited to the Primal Pet Foods Feline Chicken &  Salmon Formula packaged in the following forms:

• 4 lb chicken & salmon nuggets (UPC# 8 95135 00025 0) with a "Best By" date code of 043112-17

The “Best By” date code is located on the front of the package on the right side of the product label. The affected product was distributed through retail stores sales in the United States.

If you are a consumer and have purchased the affected product, please contact Primal Pet Foods directly at 866-566-4652 Monday-Friday 8AM-4PM PST and we can assist in getting you a full refund or replacement from your local retailer that it was originally purchased from. You’ll be instructed to bring the unopened package to your local retailer for a full refund or replacement.

If your package has been opened, please dispose of the raw food in a safe manner by securing it in a covered trash receptacle. Then, contact Primal Pet Foods directly at 866-566-4652 Monday-Friday 8AM-4PM PST and we can assist in getting you a full refund or replacement from your local retailer that it was originally purchased from. You’ll be instructed to bring your receipt (or the empty package in a sealed bag) to your local retailer for a full refund or replacement.

No pet or human illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this lot code.

Primal Pet Foods is committed to the health, safety and well-being of pets. Primal Pet Foods is voluntarily issuing this action out of an abundance of caution and sincerely regrets any inconvenience to pet owners that may result because of this announcement.

Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. Even though no illnesses have been reported, consumers should follow the Safe Handling Guidelines published on the Primal Pet Foods package when disposing of the affected product. People handling raw frozen pet foods may become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not followed safe handling guidelines.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, or fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, or urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with the affected product should contact their health care provider.

Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, or vomiting. Some pets may experience only a decreased appetite, fever, or abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed any of the affected products and is experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian."

Consumers with additional questions can call our dedicated Customer Service line Monday-Friday 8AM-4PM at 866-566-4652 PST.

TIPS for New Pet Parents

Wishing everyone a Happy Memorial Day!

We appreciate Dr. Jane and Dr. Sarah as they share their knowledge to help us become the best pet parents we can.

From the Life's Abundance May Newsletter:

Are you a new pet parent? Are you thinking about adopting a new dog or cat?

In this awesome video Dr. Sarah goes over SO MANY tips for new pet parents and things to consider even before you adopt: "Courtesy of Life's Abundance"

Some points:
Use your heart AND your head when you see that cute puppy/kitten
Do you have children? Is the pet age appropriate?
Do you have the financial means?
Do you believe in spay/neuter?
Are you sure how you should train your pet?
Vaccinations – the debate continues. SOME are necessary and some do save lives
(Dr. Sarah discusses core vaccinations!)
Did you know Titer tests the immunity to the disease?
Re-active or Pro-active to your pets’ health?
and so much more

and of course I recommend to start you baby with Lifes Abundance dog food

RECALL, Pig Ears Boss Pet

"Boss Pet Recalls Pig Ear Products Because of Possible Health Risk"

FDA page for recall is below. Product packaging pictures can be found as well.


http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm255726.htm

Contact:
Consumer:
800-445-6347

Media:
William E. Donze, President
Boss Pet Products, Inc.
16485 Rockside Rd., Suite 200
Maple Heights, Ohio 44137
216-332-0832

"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Mary 17, 2011 - Boss Pet Products, Inc. announced that it is recalling its Diggers Natural Treat Pig Ear pet treats because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Boss Pet has been notified by one of its suppliers, Keys Manufacturing Company, Inc., that a batch of Keys’ pig ear treats tested positive for Salmonella. Keys Manufacturing has initiated a voluntary product recall in cooperation with the FDA and has identified several shipments of potentially affected products which Boss Pet shipped out under its Diggers brand in November, 2010 through April, 2011. So far, there has been a report of one dog in Missouri having Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the product 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.

The recalled Diggers Natural Chews Pig Ears were sold in the following package sizes:
Bulk Pig Ears in boxes of 100 (UPC #0-72929-00038-6)
Bulk Pig Ears Shrink Wrapped in boxes of 50 (UPC #0-72929-99120-2)
2-Pack Bags shipped in cases of 12 bags (UPC #0-72929-99504-0)
4-Pack Bags shipped in cases of 12 bags (UPC #0-72929-00227-4)
8-Pack Bags shipped in cases of 12 bags (UPC #0-72929-99584-2)

These products have been distributed via truck to distributors in the following states:
MT, CA, WA, OK, TN, NY, KS, OH, TX, MS, AL, OR, UT, IA, MO, IL, IN, LA, and MN.

The recall is a result of a reported illness to one dog in Missouri. Subsequently, Boss Pet has been working with the FDA to identify any products that might contain the bacteria while the manufacturer of the product and the FDA are continuing the investigation to determine what caused the problem.

Consumers who have purchased Diggers Natural Chews Pig Ear products are urged to return them to their place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Boss Pet at 1-800-445-6347 during normal business hours (9:00 AM – 5:00PM ET) or on our website at www.bosspet.com."

RECALL, Pig Ears Blackman Industries

FDA notice of recall:

The page for the FDA official recall with pictures can be found bly clicking below
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm255709.htm

"Blackman Industries, Inc. Recalls Primetime Brand 2 CT., and 5 CT. Premium Pig Ears and KC Beefhide Brand 20 CT. Premium Pig Ears Because Of Possible Salmonella Health Risk"



Contact:
Consumer:
Stewart Farbman
913-342-5010

"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 17, 2011 - Blackman Industries, Inc. of Kansas City, KS is recalling all PrimeTime brand 2 ct. and 5 ct. Premium Pig Ears and all KC Beefhide brand 20 ct. Premium Pig Ears because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling the recalled pig ears can potentially become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after giving them to their pet.

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.

These products were distributed in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota and sold through many of the following retail outlets: Price Chopper Stores, Hy-Vee Stores, Hen House Markets, Bag N Save Stores, Dahl’s Food Stores, Baldwin City Market, SunFresh Food Stores, Apple Markets, Brookside Market, Franklin Food Stores, No Frills Food Stores, Alps Food Stores, Big V Food Stores, Country Mart Food Stores, Thriftway Food Stores, County Fair Food Stores, Super Saver Food Stores and Russ’s Food Stores and Feldman’s Farm and Home Stores.

The product was distributed between Jan. 4, 2011 and April 29, 2011. PrimeTime products are in translucent plastic packages with yellow printed headers and are marked with the following UPC codes 7-48976-18316-6 on a 2 ct. package with a $3.49 retail price, 7-48976-09040-2, on a 5 ct. package with a $5.99 retail price and 7-48976-19040-9 on a 5 ct. package with a $6.99 retail price. The KC Beefhide product is packaged in a red mesh nylon bag with a green and white header that says KC Beefhide and has the following UPC code 7-48976-09065-5.

Consumers can tell the difference between the recalled product and the new product by the placement of a production code on the new product located on the back of the product (i.e.2011FBC). A similar code beginning with 2011 and the production run is also printed on the bags under the Made In USA label.

One illness of a dog in Missouri has been reported to date.

The recall is a result of a reported illness of a dog in Missouri who consumed pig ears from the same production lot but from product sold by a different distributor. The distributor has been working with the FDA to identify any products that might contain the bacteria. The company and the FDA is continuing the investigation to determine what caused the problem.

Consumers that have purchased any of the PrimeTime or KC Beefhide pig ear products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-913-342-5010 Monday through Thursday between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM."

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Click here for more information on Life's Abundance dog treats including porky puffs.

FDA Cautions Pet Parents about Pet Shampoo not approved

"FDA Issues Caution to Pet Owners with the Use of an Unapproved Pet Shampoo Product"
The official FDA Page for this caution is below
http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm255384.htm

May 13, 2011

"The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine is alerting pet owners to use caution with the use of an unapproved animal drug product, Douxo Seborrhea Shampoo (0.1% phytosphingosine), distributed by Sogeval Laboratories, Inc. of Coppell, Texas after recently receiving a report of the death of a woman associated with the use of the product on her dog.

The March adverse event report describes a woman with severe, preexisting asthma who had a sudden, severe asthma attack and died while bathing a dog using the product, Douxo Seborrhea Shampoo. A few days later, another asthmatic family member bathed the dog using the same product and experienced a mild asthma attack but recovered.

FDA is advising consumers with asthma or other respiratory conditions to consider consulting with their physicians prior to use of this product.

FDA is currently investigating this serious issue and will provide additional information as appropriate."

To report an adverse event involving the use of animal drug product, please go to: http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ReportaProblem/ucm055305.htm

Life's Abundance Joint Formula

In addition to Life's Abundance dog food, Dr. Jane formulates an incredible joint formula and other health supplements for dogs and cats.

If your canine suffers from joint issues and/or is currently on a supplement I encourage you to watch Dr. Sarah explain why Agility Joint Formula is different.
Click for more Life's Abundance dog supplements

Canine Hypothyroidism

"Courtesy of Life's Abundance"

Canine Hypothyroidism
Some snippets from the video from Dr. Sarah, Life’s Abundance Staff Veterinarian:

It is very common

A prescription medication is called Levothyroxine (synthetic thyroid hormone) can be given. It is fairly inexpensive.

Blood test should be given to ensure your dog is dosed properly as too much thyroid supplements can caused hyper hypothyroidism

Proper dosage should show within a week of treatment within regular activity.

Normal body weight within 8 weeks.

Hair re-growth can take several months

Tend to be over weight and can have a hard time losing weight.
A healthy weight loss food is important

Watch this video for more information on canine hypothyroidism plus nutrition and what to stay away from as far ingredients and more!

Chemical preservatives

More on vaccinations and more!

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


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