Daily Paws

Pet news, tips, entertainment and opinions from VetLocator.com

Archive for the ‘Pet Tips’ Category

It’s back to school time. Make sure you include your pets!

Friday, August 15th, 2014

School is just around the corner for most of us, and that means getting ready for a big change in routine too.  Are you ready for it? back-to-school

With all the excitement of the kids going back to school, many families may not think about what it means to the dog or cat.

Pets often get anxious when kids go back to school

You’re out gather supplies, getting new clothes, going to appointments and so on, and it’s easy to forget what might be happening with your pets during this same time.  Many pets realize something is about to happen (pets are good that way, they try and anticipate what we are doing and how it will affect their daily routine). Like most humans, pets crave a routine they can count on and back to school routine changes can make them worried, anxious and depressed.

When that happens what you may notice are changes in your pet’s behaviour, see them acting sad, moping around and sleeping a lot more. Your dog begins chewing things, your cat is not using the litter box or you see other signs of acting up.    Yes, back to school time can be very stressful for your pet.

Pets love routine because it makes them feel secure. They like knowing that certain things happen around the same time each day and they know what they are supposed to be doing when it happens. If your pets have spent the summer having kids around all day and suddenly they are gone most of the day and busy with homework at night, that can really hurt because it is a different routine and one that they’re not part of. Some pets just feel sad and confused and others feel real separation anxiety and may show it by misbehaving.

Kids and parents can help pets get through the blues by making them part of the back-to-school routine.

This is a family matter and a good opportunity for the kids to get an understanding of how changes can affect their pets. Let your kids know that their dog or cat is going to miss them when they’re gone all day and discuss what they can do to help them through through it.

Among the best ways for a pet to get over the loss of one routine is to immediately create another routine. If your pet knows that at 3:45 your youngsters will be home from school ready to play with him before they begin their homework, your pet has something totally new to look forward to. As you are working out your children’s school time routines, be sure to integrate time spent with your pets in there.  Most pets like to have their family job and share time, so one of their jobs might be to sit or lay while your child reads to the pet.  If you think of it, there can be many ways your pets can ‘help’ and be included in the new routine.  And once they know what the routine is and where they fit in it, they will relax and continue to be the furry family member that adds so much to your lives.

And while you are out shopping for new back-to-school clothes, why not get something new for your pet?  A new snazzy collar or leash to use when you walk the kids to the bus stop or for their ride when you take the kids to school.

It’s up to you and your kids to make your pets feel secure in ways they understand. And if your pet is still having issues with the kids being back in school, give your vet a call and discuss it with them.  After all, that is what we help pet owners do every day, find the right pet professional to help pet owners have happy and healthy pets!

Lovebird’s Latest Fashion: Paper Tail Feathers!

Monday, July 21st, 2014

URGENT: 3 Dog & Cat Food Brands Recalled for Salmonella

Friday, February 7th, 2014

Pro-Pet LLC Recalls a Limited Number of Dry Dog and Cat Foods Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination – No illnesses have been reported, this is a precautionary alert!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 5, 2014 – Pro-Pet LLC, St. Marys, Ohio, has initiated a voluntary recall of a limited number of Dry Dog and Cat Foods for possible Salmonella contamination. A single field test indicated products manufactured during a two day period, on a single production line may have the potential for Salmonella contamination. Pro-Pet LLC is voluntarily recalling the potentially impacted products made during this timeframe. There have been no reports of illness related to this product to date.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products 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.

 

Product Best By Lot Code UPC Number
40 lb Hubbard Life Happy Hound Dog Food 05 06 14 096 13 SM L2 2A 1219033878
40 lb Hubbard Life Happy Hound Dog Food 05 06 14 096 13 SM L2 1A 1219033878
18 lb Hubbard Life Cat Stars Cat Food 05 06 14 096 13 SM L2 1A 1219033873
40 lb Hubbard Life Maintenance Dog Food 05 06 14 096 13 SM L2 2A 1219033875
15 lb Joy Combo Cat Food 05 06 14 096 13 SM L2 1A 7065407721
40 lb Joy Combo Cat Food 05 06 14 096 13 SM L2 1A 7065407713
40 lb Joy Combo Cat Food 05 06 14 096 13 SM L2 2A 7065407713
20 lb QC Plus Adult Dog Food 05 07 14 097 13 SM L2 2A 2351780103
40 lb QC Plus Adult Dog Food 05 07 14 097 13 SM L2 2A 2351780104
40 lb QC Plus Adult Dog Food 05 07 14 097 13 SM L2 1A 2351780104

 

These products were distributed through select retailers, distributors and on-line consumer purchases in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and West Virginia

No other products/lot numbers are affected by this recall.

Customers should immediately discontinue use of any impacted product and contact Pro-Pet at 1-888-765-4190 for disposition.

For more information on the recall, customers can contact the customer service line for Pro-Pet at 1-888-765-4190. Customer service representatives will be available Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm CT.

For more information and recalled product photos, check FDA website.

Resolve to give your pet the best pet year ever!

Thursday, January 16th, 2014

new-years-resolution

Here are 10 New Year’s resolutions to help you do just that.

If you are like me you spent some time putting together your 2014 New Year’s Resolutions to start this new year right.  Hopefully you remembered to include resolutions for your pets in yours, but just in case you have not, we thought it was a perfect time to give you some suggestions for resolutions to make 2014 an excellent year for both of you.

So without further ado, here are VetLocator’s Daily Paws 2014 Pet New Year’s Resolutions:

  1. I resolve to tell my pet I love him/her at least once a day.
    You may already do this, but for many of us (me included), making the conscious effort to do so ensures I tell my pets every day that I love them.  I know they thrive with those words being said.
  2. I resolve to take my pet to the vet for a healthy pet check up at least once, but preferably twice, this year.
    Sometimes our pets seem so darn healthy we don’t think it is necessary to take them to the vet but it is a good practice to have the vet give them a healthy pet check up at least once a year the same way we should resolve to do the same for ourselves and our families.
  3. I resolve to reserve at least 10 minutes a day of distraction free time devoted solely to sharing with my pet.
    This is such an important resolution to keep and it makes such a difference to your pet.  Many pets are well fed, get check-ups regularly, but spend such little quality time with their owners that they are quite neurotic and troublesome as a result.  For many pets, they feel it is their job to look after their owners and one of the ways they do their jobs is by helping us relax.  So make this resolution and help your pets help you to live a fuller and richer life, and by doing so you will help them in exactly the same way.
  4. I resolve to give my pet treats on a regular basis, but to not overdo the treats.
    I have this same resolution for myself – ha ha.  There is a fine line between giving treats appropriately and overdoing it and we will leave that for you to work out, but it is important to treat your pets from time to time.  It leaves you both in a good mood.
  5. I resolve to do a full body inspection of my pet at least once a month.
    Do you like to get massages?  Most people do and so does your pet.  While you are giving your pet an over-all stroking and massage, do a physical check out of how their body is.  Are there tender areas that are new?  Any bumps?  Anything seem unusual?  If so, schedule an appointment to investigate it further.
  6. I promise to give my pet a good brushing at least once a week.
    Most pets love to get a good brushing or combing.  I say once a week is good, but even a few times a month works.  Some pets are sensitive at first but will soon grow to like the  experience and will look forward to it as a treat from you.
  7. I promise to take a photo of my pet doing average and/or cute things either alone or with me in the picture, monthly.
    Our pets don’t live as long as we do unfortunately, so taking regular pictures of their time with us is a good way to keep a journal of your lives together.  Make sure you regularly save the photos to a folder or print them so they are not lost if your camera or phone has a problem.
  8. I promise to have a pet first aid kit ready in the event there is an emergency.
    Most people have a human emergency first aid kit to handle unforeseen emergencies but don’t have one set up for their pets.  We have a good suggestion for one on our website, and if you don’t yet have one of these, you can use our suggestions as a place to start.
  9. I resolve to keep an ID tag on my pet in the event he/she is ever lost.
    Keep a collar and tag on your pets, even if they are microchipped.  These days it is a good idea to use your mobile number rather than your home phone as the number on the tag because most people have their phones with them at all times, so should your pet get found by someone, you’ll know about it faster.
  10. I resolve to prepare 2 pet emergency information cards, one to keep in the emergency kit and one to have available for easy access or to give to a sitter that includes quick access to vital information.  (vet number, 24/7 emergency #, your cell phone number, poison control #, medications, pet license #, someone else to call in an emergency if you are not available).

There you go, our 2014 pet resolutions.  Have you made any others?  We’d love to hear them!  Just leave them in the comment section below.

Here are my Reasons to be Thankful, what are yours?

Wednesday, November 27th, 2013

Anyone who has ever shared their life with a pet understands how special their unconditional love is. Pets give us so many reasons to be thankful for them that it takes no real effort for any pet owner I speak to to list at least a dozen reasons they are thankful for their pets. reasons-to-be-thankful

For me, the constancy of love and devotion that I receive day in and day out from our office cats always brings a smile to my face.  I count on the morning routine just as much as they do when I arrive to feed them, and if I am traveling or if someone else takes over my morning feeding duties, all of us miss “the way things are supposed to be”. Have you noticed that the daily routine is part of what creates the relationship with your pets? It is very important that you remember to get it right, and for that I am thankful, since my hectic life is often far from routine.

I am thankful as well that I am able to notice and realize that our pets assumed their own “Take care of my owner” attitude when they joined us, and I acknowledge them each time they wear their hats in doing this.  Getting us up out of our desk chairs is one way they do it – (sitting in front of computers too long without a break is a notorious health wrecker).  As you can imagine, getting us up can be challenging for a cat, but smart kitties that they are, they have a list of tactics that they utilize to achieve their results – and my favorite is ‘mad dash kitty’ where our tuxedo races madly through the office until we get up to chase her.  Honestly I am healthier as a result of mad dashing after the cat.

As you can see, I have a list of more than a dozen reasons to be thankful, and if I took time to think of them, the list would run into the hundreds.

Which begs my question to you…what are yours?

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and keep front of mind during this special day all of those things you are thankful for.

Adam

Pet Safety Tips for Halloween!

Wednesday, October 30th, 2013

Halloween is almost here, and while it can be fun for all, there are a few things that should be keep in mind if our furry friends are involved. To happy-holloweenmake sure your pet stays safe on October 31st, remember these pet safety tips. Happy Halloween!

1.  Make sure you have your pet either safely tucked away in a kennel or spare room with music or TV playing in the background, so they are not too disturbed by trick or treaters.  A dog on the loose, barking and getting agitated is no fun for the dog, the trick or treaters or for you.  Sometimes your dog or cat can escape when you open the door to give candy, so secure them safely and enjoy the night.

2. Keep an eye on candy and party food around your pet. Chocolate can be toxic to dogs and so can the sweetener xylitol. Raisins and grapes also pose serious health hazards and are common to find in treats kids bring home.  Candy and food wrappers smell good and can present a choking hazard. And anything I didn’t mention when consumed by a pet can make them sick.  Keep pets away from this stuff.

3.  If you are having a party, keep an eye on alcoholic beverages.  We’ve all seen or heard stories of different animals who like to drink.  How sad that their owners allow it, not to mention that sometimes this can lead to a pet’s death.

4.  Decorations, candles, cords, dangerous hazards.  Halloween, like Christmas, has lots of opportunities for problems to pets and humans.  Keep your house and yard kid and pet safe when you decorate.

5. Keep your emergency numbers at hand for your pets in case you do have a problem that night.

Have a happy and safe Halloween from all of us at VetLocator.com Daily Paws!

Jerky Treat Mystery: Nearly 600 Pets Dead; Still No Source, FDA Says

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013
courtesy the Mawaka family

Photo courtesy: the Mawaka Family.   Toby, a 6-year-old Boston terrier, died in 2012 after his owners say he was sickened by chicken jerky pet treats made in China.

Nearly 600 pets have died and more than 3,600 have been sickened in an ongoing, mysterious outbreak of illnesses tied to jerky treats made in China, federal animal health officials said Tuesday.

Most of the cases have been in dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes — although 10 cats have been sickened, too — after eating chicken, duck and sweet potato jerky treats. The pace of the reported illnesses appears to have slowed, but federal Food and Drug Administration officials are now seeking extra help from veterinarians and pet owners in solving the ongoing puzzle.

“To date, testing for contaminants in jerky treats has not revealed a cause for the illnesses,” Martine Hartogensis, a deputy director for the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, said in the new report. “Despite these warnings, we have continued to receive reports of illnesses in both cats and dogs.”

The new numbers are up from some 500 deaths and 3,200 illnesses tallied in January, but the rate of reports has fallen sharply since then, mostly because two of the largest sellers of pet jerky treats announced recalls tied to the presence of unapproved antibiotic residue detected in the products.

FDA officials don’t think that antibiotic residue is the big problem that has stumped the agency since 2007, when pet owners started reporting their animals were suffering gastrointestinal and kidney problems after eating the popular jerky treats.

Instead, it’s likely that the recall of Nestle Purina PetCare Co.’s Waggin Train and Canyon Creek Ranch treats, plus Del Monte Corp.’s Milo’s Kitchen Chicken Jerky and Chicken Grillers home-style dog treats simply resulted in fewer treats being available. Three other smaller retailers also recalled the treats because of the problem.

In fact, FDA officials remain as uncertain as ever about the source of the problem that has led to reports of illnesses and warnings about the possibility of Fanconi syndrome and other kidney problems in animals that ate jerky treats.

“We still are extensively testing treats for a number of things,” Hartogensis told NBC News. “We do seem to be getting some leads, but we still have a little bit of a ways to go.”

Kendal Harr, a veterinary clinical pathologist who has been tracking the problem, says that the specific compound responsible for the illnesses continues to elude experts.

“I think that what it tells us is that the intoxicant is something that we’re not used to dealing with as a toxin in North America,” she said.

Now, in an open letter to US veterinarians, FDA officials are asking the vets to track and send detailed information about any animals sickened by jerky treats, including results of blood and urine tests. In addition, the agency is asking vets to send urine samples from suspect pets for analysis.

“This testing will allow FDA to get a better idea of how many of the suspected cases involve Fanconi syndrome, whether or not the pets display symptoms of kidney or urinary disease,” the report said.

About 60 percent of reports cite gastrointestinal illness in the animals, and about 30 percent flag kidney or urinary troubles, the report said. About 135 cases of Fanconi syndrome, a specific kind of kidney disease, have been reported.

At the same time that they’re seeking help from vets, FDA officials are putting out a fact sheet for owners that can be posted at veterinary hospitals, pet supply stores and other sites.

The agency has repeatedly cautioned that the treats are not necessary for a balanced diet, but the warnings stop short of a recall, Hartogensis said. The agency is still validating tests to detect the same kind of antibiotic residue that New York officials found earlier this year.

“If we do find an adulterated product, we will recall them,” Hartogensis said. “In terms of doing a blanket recall, at this point we don’t have enough evidence to do a blanket recall within the authority that we have.”

Because there’s no formal recall, it’s not possible to list affected brands, although a previous FDA analysis indicated that three of the top-selling brands of jerky treats sold in the U.S. were mentioned in connection with pet illnesses.

That doesn’t sit well with pet owners like Robin Pierre of Pine Bush, N.Y., who contends that Waggin’ Train chicken jerky treats were responsible for the sudden death in 2011 of her previously healthy 2-year-old pug, Bella, who developed kidney failure. She has long called for FDA to crack down on treat makers — and manufacturers.

“I am disgusted that our government continues to protect corporate American and China,” she told NBC News. “They need to start protecting the American consumer so that this does not happen again. As soon as a product is in doubt, a warning label should be placed at the point of sale so that consumers can make an educated choice.”

If a pet does become ill after eating the treats, FDA is asking owners to provide detailed information — up to and including results of a necropsy to test an animal’s tissues after death.

In the meantime, officials are trying to reach pet owners who might still have treats on hand to make sure they know about the potential problems.

“Right now, the focus for us is to make the public aware that these cases are still coming in,” she said.

Pet owners can report problems with jerky treats at the FDA’s consumer safety portal.

Read more information on: NBC News

May is for Moms!

Monday, May 13th, 2013

It’s no secret that mothers take care of everything and everybody, in pet-owning homes that additionally signifies looking after a couple of additional “children.”

So your mother complains she has everything she could need, of course with a child like you what else does she need. If this is the case why not help pamper the already spoiled family pet!

  • Cat sleeps everywhere – Let’s get them a cat hammock

cat-hammock

The cat hammock from Cat Crib, www.catcrib.com provides a nice, cozy and quiet place for your cat without taking much valuable floor space in a small room. Cat hammock is an item for your pets that adds lots of fun to their life.

Or why not build your own cat hammock with this fun DIY project. — Build a Cat Hammock

  • Help rid the house of fur! – A Good De-shedding Pet Brush

A Furminator pet brush gives mom a much-needed hand cleaning the house after furry family members. Furminator is an extremely powerful de-shedding tool that can get deep down and bring up fur from all types of sizes of dog and cat fur coats.

furmunitor

  • The dog is fat – Bake Dog treats!

dog-treats1

Why not bake your mother’s dog a yummy treat with this fun DIY recipe! — Gluten Free Dog Treats

dog-treats

Check out this video too on How to Make Home Made Dog Treats!

Its May, and it is starting to get hot!

Monday, April 29th, 2013

daily-paws-may-dayHere in Florida that also means the start of flea season (and some say flea season never ends here…) So with the warming weather and spring fully in the air, your pets may be feeling the spring fever too.

Here are some ‘plan ahead’ tips for you when you are overcome with the need to be outdoors with you pets so you both remain comfy, cool and safe:

Plan Ahead Tip #1 – Dress appropriately for the weather and make sure you are considering your pet too. For us this may mean layers we can remove if we get too warm, and add when things cool. It always includes a hat and sunscreen.

Since your pet won’t usually be able to shed or add a layer, help your pet’s natural process for cooling down by giving them a little help. Pets have their own way to remove layers, usually by shedding, panting and sweating. It is the perfect time to cut and trim their coats if they need it. Use your own judgment on whether a cut is right for them. In Florida our triple coated dog gets a cut before she is miserable and overheated and that earns us extra kisses from our cooled down pooch.

Plan Ahead Tip #2 – Have enough water, doggy bags (because we’re assuming you won’t be traveling with your cats), plans for shade, and food with you. We have a very cool fanny pack that is roomy enough for our snacks and our dog treats and waste bags, plus 2 water bottle holders, one for each of us.

Plan Ahead Tip #3 – Speaking of snacks; bring the right kind with you. Depending on how your dog shares, and how long they take to eat a treat, choose wisely. Nothing worse that having to wait while your pup savors the last bites of a ten minute chew – well, there is something and that’s if your dog is protective and is antisocial while devouring his 10 minute chew. Healthy, nutritious and quick to eat for both of you is a good plan ahead tip.

Plan Ahead Tip #4– Bring clean up supplies. Yes, we live in Florida, land of endless beaches, lots of water, lots of …. Well everything!
This means our dog gets plenty filthy when we go out, either from sand or dirt or weeds or water or, or… And we’re not special here. Anyplace those four feet can touch down is a place where there is a potential for a mess. Even if your pup is carried everywhere, in a backpack, carrier or arms, things can get messy.

Towels, plastic bags and baby wipes are handy to have and will get used so bring them along.

Plan Ahead Tip #5 – If you are going to be out for an extended time, something that’s nice is a cooling mat that allows air to circulate all around your pet. Cooling pet beds help cooling your pet down, relieving sores and pains for senior pets and injured dogs or simply giving them a good sleep.

Plan Ahead Tip #6 – Know what to do if your pet gets overheated. The first thing is to know what the signs of heat exhaustion/heat stroke in a pet are. If you observe a swollen tongue, heavy panting, glazed eyes and rapid pulse or vomiting. Or if you notice your pet’s tongue looks purple or he is walking or staggering, he might be dealing with heat exhaustion. If you’re not sure, be safe and do this: place rubbing alcohol only on your pet’s paws and keep him in a cool (but not cold bathtub). Splash with water especially on the belly, or you can apply ice packs only on head, neck and chest. Then call your vet immediately.

Oh, I did mention flea season, didn’t I? Yes…this is your last a plan ahead tip…Plan Ahead Tip #7 – Before going out make sure your dog or cat has some flea protection – whichever you feel is best for your pet, and when they come in CHECK THEM FOR FLEAS. Even with protection fleas will often jump on looking for a meal before they jump off. If they jump off in your house…not something you want, is it?

They say that planning ahead is a good thing. I agree, don’t you?

Have a wonderful spring!

Linda – Daily Paws

Poison Prevention Week Brings Timely Reminders for Pet Owners

Friday, March 15th, 2013

Here is an excellent article from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine on what to do about pets and toxins by Hannah Pitstick.

March 17 to 23 is National Poison Prevention Week, and Easter celebrations follow shortly thereafter. Both occasions, along with the onset of spring and increased outdoor time, make this month ideal for raising awareness about common toxins that may put pets at risk, according to experts at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana.

Many of the more than 100,000 instances of pet poisoning in the U.S. each year are caused by substances found in or around the home, such as chocolate, human medications, and certain plants.

The following reminders may help you keep your pet safe from potential poisons.

  • Acetaminophen or other human medicines and grapes and raisins are among the many household items that can be toxic to your animals.
  • Pet hazards lurk in Easter’s aftermath; chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, tremors, and possibly seizures depending on how much is eaten and the size of your dog. Seek veterinary attention if your pet helps you “clean up” the chocolate candy.
  • Flowers are one of the biggest Easter-related concerns. True lilies, such as Easter lilies and stargazers, are extremely toxic to cats; and tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths will cause vomiting.
  • Is your pet safe in the backyard? Yews, azaleas/rhododendrons, water hemlock, poison hemlock, and castor bean are among the highly toxic plants that are very common in the Midwest. Also beware of products like snail and slug baits (containing metaldehyde) and cocoa mulch, which, just like chocolate, can cause heart problems and can even be fatal at high doses.
  • Mushrooms marketed for human consumption are perfectly safe for animals, but mushrooms encountered outdoors, unless you are certain they are a kind safe for people to eat, should be kept away from your pet.
  • If you live in central Illinois and your dog shows up at the door with a toad in its mouth, it is probably not a cause for alarm. However, if you are concerned that the toad may be toxic, wash out your pet’s mouth with water and call your local veterinary emergency room.

For more information about pets and toxins, consult your local veterinarian. In case of emergency, the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital offers 24/7 medical services; call 217-333-5300 or visit illinoisvetmed.com for more information.