Questions You Should Ask Your Dog's Vet

By: Debra Primovic

Read By:39,180 Pet Lovers

To get the most out of your visit with your veterinarian, ask questions. The answers and advice you receive will help you to provide the best possible care for your pet. Here is a list of questions to consider:

1. How much does he weigh? Find out what your puppy weights and make note of it. Keep track of the weight and notice any study change.

2. What is his body condition score? What this really means is... if he is too fat or too thin. The body condition score looks at the amount of fat on a dog's frame relative to his overall size. If he is too fat, ask your vet what you can do to help him loose weight. They may recommend that you cut back on his portions or table scraps, change his diet, or increase his activity by going on more walks. If he is too thin, ask for recommendations to address this issue.

3. What should he be eating? Ask your veterinarian their opinion on the best food to feed your pet. Most vets recommend a good quality premium pet food that offers good quality control and has AAFCO approval formulated to meet the needs of your dogs life stage. For example, if you have a puppy, a common recommendation would be AAFCO approved food to meet the growing demands of puppies. Additionally, it can be further segmented into growing large or small breed dogs. Depending on your dogs' sex, age, weight and overall health, your veterinarian may recommend a formula for less active dogs or a prescription formula that may be beneficial in the presence of an underlying medical condition.

4. Was his physical examination normal? This may be the most important part of your pets visit to the veterinarian. The examination can help to identify problems early when conditions may be more treatable. Ask if his heart and lungs sounded normal, if his abdomen felt normal on examination and if he overall appears healthy. If not, what is wrong? What can be done?

5. How do his teeth and nails look? Should you be brushing his teeth? Trimming his nails? If so, will they show you how if you don't already know?

6. Is he getting the vaccines he needs? Make sure your pet is getting what needs but not more than what he needs. Depending on where your dog lives, his age, and his lifestyle, vaccine recommendations may vary. There are some vaccinations he may not need or he may be at risk for Lyme disease and some other diseases that may be prevented with a vaccine. If your pet boards at a kennel, additional vaccines may be recommended. Rabies is required by law.

7. Does he need heartworm prevention? Dogs that live in warm climates are at risk for heartworm disease. This can be prevented by a monthly medication. Find out what he should take and when he should take it. Some vets recommend a seasonal approach and others a year around medication.

               

8. Does he need tick prevention medication? Depending on where your dog lives and his level of risk, he may benefit from tick control medications. Ticks can carry diseases that can cause severe illness.

9. Does he have worms or need a dewormer? A fecal examination can help determine if your pet has gastrointestinal worms. Some pets may be routinely dewormed. Some of the heartworm preventative medications also treat gastrointestinal parasites.

10. Should he have any "routine testing"? Are there any routine tests that should be done to monitor his health for his age? Dogs age differently depending on their breed, size and weight. Some large breed dogs, such as Great Danes, are considered "senior" at 6 or 7 years. Some smaller breed dogs, such as Dachshunds, are not considered senior until 8 or 9 years of age. Many veterinarians recommend routine blood work to assess your pet's organ function on a periodic basis.

11. How do you handle emergencies? It is always easiest to ask this when you don't have an emergency. Find out what number to call if they handle their own emergencies and if not, find out the number and location for their emergency clinic of choice. Hopefully you won't need it, but if you do, you will be glad you have it.

12. What is the best way to communicate? Do they accept and answer emails? Can you renew prescriptions or order food in this manner? If so, which address should you use? Or is all their business handled over the phone?

13. How about microchips? Should your pet have a microchip and if he already has one, can they test it to make sure it is working properly? Microchips are small devices implanted under a dog's skin that helps to identify them if they are lost. Make sure you document the number and the microchip company and number. Ask if the chip is registered to their practice or to you. It is far better to have it registered directly to you.

14. Is there anything you can do to make your pet more comfortable? This applies most often to senior pets. Does your veterinarian think your pet is in pain? If so, is there something they recommend? There are many new arthritis medications that work well in dogs. Some additional comfort measures may include a special bed for arthritic pets or a ramp to aid arthritic pets to get in and out of the car.

15. Is your pet at risk? Is your pet at risk for anything that you can prevent or any disease that you should know about? For example, unsprayed dogs are at risk for life-threatening uterine infections that can be prevented by spaying. Some dog breeds are at risk for arthritis and certain types of cancer. Ask what problems your pet might be at risk for and symptoms you should watch for.

Tips on Getting the Most Out of Your Visit

To get the most out of your vet visits, make sure you have information about your pet to help the vet better understand your pet and your dogs problems. If you are visiting your veterinarian for any type of ailment, make sure you know details about the ailment. Your veterinarian will want to know when the problem started, how often it is a problem, and if there are associated symptoms. For example, if your pet is vomiting, they will want to know when it started, how frequent it occurs, if there is blood or other abnormalities, and associated symptoms such as if there diarrhea, if your pet is not eating, or if your pet is acting lethargic?

Finally, make sure you are honest. Don't underestimate what table scraps you feed or anything else about how you care for your pet. If you missed a dose of medication, don't be embarrassed, just tell them the facts. Your veterinarian is there to help you to provide the best care for your pet and they can only do that if they know the facts.  

Why Choose Life's Abundance? For the most part, your dog eats the same food every day. That is why carefully choosing a food is so important to your dog’s long-term health. For nearly a decade, tens of thousands of dogs have been eating and thriving on Life’s Abundance foods. We attribute this success to our painstaking attention to detail. Each ingredient in Life’s Abundance food is carefully chosen to work with all the others to provide your dog with a wholesome, highly-nutritious and perfectly-balanced meal every day, every year … over a long and loving lifetime. With Life’s Abundance, you can be confident that you are feeding your dog advanced nutrition.

Are poinsettia plants toxic?

Please pass this around to all your pet friends.

Every year around this season I start getting emails with the same question: Are poinsettia plants toxic? I wanted to discuss this with you now! Many people buy these festive, bright red plants as holiday gifts and to decorate their homes for the holidays. I’m glad people are asking me about this plant before they buy them. It is always a good idea to find out if a particular plant is toxic to pets before bringing one home.  The question of poinsettia safety is so common that we wrote a response to it on our website. For the complete answer to "Are Poinsettias Toxic?"  Poinsettias aren’t the only toxic plant out there this time of year, so I also want to share a list of fall and winter holiday toxic plants. Go to:  http://www.petplace.com/fall-and-winter-holiday-plant-toxicity-in-cats I hope that you and your dog/cat have a wonderful (and safe) holiday!  Merry Christmas to all!

10 Steps for a Dog Safe Holiday Tree

By: Dr. Debra Primovic

The day after Thanksgiving kicks off the Christmas holiday season, and millions of homes sport either real or faux trees – glittering towers of beauty that can pose a threat to your pets. Before you put the tree up, take a few moments to go over some safety precautions.

1. Choose the Right Spot. Pick an area where the tree can be enjoyed by the family but so much in the center activity that it can be easily knocked over. An area by the wall or in a corner is ideal and out of the traffic flow pattern of the house. Try to place the tree near an outlet so you don't have to run electrical cords long distances.

2. Prepare the Area. Lay down plastic sheeting or buy a "tree bag." This is an extra large trash bag used for live trees. Center the tree on the bag. When the season is over and you have removed the tree ornaments, pull the bag over the tree. This will catch the pine needles as they fall from the tree – and prevent them from being chewed or swallowed by your pet.

3. Secure the Tree. Many trees have been sent swaying by a rambunctious dog or puppy. Dogs can knock over a tree by rubbing against or playing under it. Pet can be injured if the trees or ornaments fall and break. You can place the tree in a corner and secure it from two sides to small hooks in the walls. Another trick is to place a small hook in the ceiling above the tree and use clear fishing line from the top of the tree to the hook. Apply gentle tension and tie. The clear line is invisible.

4. Hide the Cords. Electrical cords are a grave danger to pets – especially puppies and that tend to chew on anything. Cords can cause electrocution and serious injury or even death. Secure the cords by positioning them higher than the pet can reach or hiding them with special covers.

               

5. No Hooks. Check your ornaments and replace hooks with a loop of string tied in a knot. Ornaments often fall from the tree and pets may catch their mouths on or swallow the hooks.

6. Choose Safe Ornaments. There is no perfectly pet-safe bulb, as any ornament can be ingested and cause an intestinal obstruction. Pet "safer" bulbs would be plastic or wood. Glass bulbs on the lower limbs can be especially dangerous. If broken, pets can step on them and cut their feet or worse yet – treat the bulbs like a ball and chew on them causing them to break, resulting in mouth or throat trauma and bleeding. Many pet owners have learned the hard way not to place any ornaments on the lower limbs. Ornaments made of food may be especially attractive to pets.

7. Ribbons. Big red velvet ribbons are a lovely addition and may replace tinsel and garland that can be eaten dogs and caught in their intestine. Cats are especially attracted to the bright shiny tinsel and should really be avoided in households with cats. Ingestion of this material can cause intestinal obstruction that may require surgery.

8. Presents. Dogs love to investigate and most don't understand that the presents are not meant to be opened before Christmas Day. Decorative ribbons and string can be ingested, gifts can be destroyed by a playful pet. Consider storing the presents in a safe area until right before the holiday or make sure your pet is always supervised while investigating and searching for his special gift.

9. Sweep and Water. Sweep up the pine needles. Ingestion of needles can cause vomiting and gastric irritation. Keep the tree watered and only turn the lights on when you are at home. Risk of fire is always there with a live tree. Do not allow your pet access to the tree water to drink.

10. Supervise. The safest thing to do is to allow your pet access to the tree only when supervised. Pets that continue to want to bother the tree should be encouraged – using positive reinforcement – to leave it alone. Bitter apple can be sprayed on low branches for persistent chewers.   

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November is National Epilepsy Month

Please take this information to heart. I lost a good friend almost 20 years ago to Epilepsy, "Golden Sampson III" my Golden Retriever companion he was only 4yrs old.  

November is National Epilepsy month, and to help my readers prepare I want to educate them about epilepsy in pets. This is one case where knowing what to do in case of an emergency is incredible helpful so today’s information is very important.

You might have heard about epilepsy as a cause of seizures. (The terms seizure, epileptic fit, and convulsion all mean the same thing.) Epilepsy is a seizure condition that has no underlying cause. Sometimes seizures can happen for a variety of reasons such as organ failure, trauma, brain tumors, and infections. However, with epilepsy these typical causes are absent. It can be difficult to predict when seizures will strike and why.

What cases a seizure? The medical explanation is that a seizure is the physical manifestation of a sudden, excessive electrical discharge of neurons in the brain. This results in a series of involuntary contractions of the voluntary muscles, abnormal sensations, abnormal behaviors, or some combination of these events. In less complicated terms, part of the brain is affected by a random firing of nerves which then causes side effects.

A seizure can look a lot of different ways. (If you have ever seen an animal or person experience a seizure, you know it can be really scary.) Seizures vary between individuals and even between incidents and can last seconds or minutes (although it often seems like a long time). Your dog may fall on his side and may look like he is kicking or paddling. He might salivate, lose control of his bladder, and be unaware of his surroundings.

 What should you do if your dog has a seizure or you see any pet have a seizure? There are very specific things owners should and should not do, and it is very important to be informed. Find out what they are at: Seizure Disorders in Dogs

It is so, so important to know how to react if your dog has a seizure. Please forward this information to any dog-loving friends you might have so they will be prepared just in case.

Have a great day,

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Have You Ever Seen A Dog Give Birth?

Dog Crazy Newsletter  March 01, 2012

Have you ever seen a dog give birth? If you have, then you know that this is an amazing experience Most people haven't, so today I wanted to share two videos that actually show two dogs giving birth! These videos are well done (not too graphic). You have to see them! To see the first birthing video go to: www.petplace.com/dog-videos.aspx?id=121 or click on the image below To see the second birthing video Go to: www.petplace.com/dog-videos.aspx?id=540 or click on the image below After you view the above videos you may want to consider sharing it with your kids and share the miracle of life. Dogs have unique nutritional needs which can be affected by life stage (puppy, adult or senior), differences in personality (high-strung or laid-back), living conditions (sole “child” or one of many pets in the household), environmental factors and activity level. Click Here for More Info & to ORDER The Life’s Abundance Daily Nutritional Systems unite our premium dry health foods with our superior chewable supplements in a single purpose – to provide your canine companion with excellent nutrition, every single day. Not only can you meet their unique dietary requirements, you can take advantage of the savings offered by purchasing these products in a system. If you believe that your dog needs additional nutrition, provide him with the combined nutritive power offered by the Life’s Abundance Daily Nutritional Systems.  The Life’s Abundance Daily Nutritional Systems unite our premium dry health foods with our superior chewable supplements in a single purpose – to provide your canine companion with excellent nutrition, every single day. Not only can you meet their unique dietary requirements, you can take advantage of the savings offered by purchasing these products in a system. If you believe that your dog needs additional nutrition, provide him with the combined nutritive power offered by the Life’s Abundance Daily Nutritional Systems.

Pet Jerky Recall Due to Risk of Salmonella

Pet Chicken Jerky Recall Due to Risk of Salmonella

Posted by Susan Thixton on September 11, 2013 at 8:55 am

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is announcing a voluntary recall of Joey’s Jerky brand Chicken Jerky due to possible Salmonella risk. A total of 21 people in Merrimack and Hillsborough Counties have been identified with the same strain of the illness, but no deaths have occurred. Joey’s Jerky is produced in New Hampshire and the manufacturer, Kritter’s Kitchen Kreations, LLC, has voluntarily recalled all of the product. Joey’s Jerky was sold at the following six stores: America’s Pet in Hudson, Blue Seal in Bow, K9 Kaos in Dover, Osborne’s Agway in Concord, Sandy’s Pet Food Center in Concord, and The Yellow Dogs Barn in Barrington. DHHS is asking people to check if they have any of these jerky treats at home and to discard them.
Through investigation and interviewing the ill people, the DHHS Bureau of Infectious Disease Control determined that the jerky treats were implicated in spreading Salmonella. Confirmation through laboratory testing of the jerky is pending at the New Hampshire Public Health Labs.
Salmonella is a bacterium that causes the diarrheal illness Salmonellosis, which can be serious in some patients. Symptoms also include fever and abdominal cramps within 12-72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts from 4 to 7 days. Although most people recover without treatment, severe infections may occur that may move to other body sites and in rare cases can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.
“While uncommon, pet food and treats can sometimes be contaminated with Salmonella, which is why it is so important for pet owners to wash their hands after handling pet food and treats,” said Dr. José Montero, Director of Public Health at DHHS. “I want to commend the manufacturer of Joey’s Jerky for their cooperation in this investigation and the epidemiologists here at Public Health for their excellent work. Salmonella can be a serious illness and the sooner the source of an outbreak is identified the sooner it can be stopped.”
For more information on Salmonella, contact the DHHS Bureau of Infectious Disease Control at 603-271-4496 or visit the DHHS website at www.dhhs.nh.gov or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/salmonella.

The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) IAMS dry pet food

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P&G Voluntarily Recalls Limited Quantity of Dry Pet Food Due to Possible Health Risk

The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) has voluntarily recalled specific lots of dry pet food because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. These lots were distributed in the United States and represent roughly one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) of annual production. No Salmonella-related illnesses have been reported to date in association with these product lots. http://truthaboutpetfood2.com/pg-voluntarily-recalls-limited-quantity-dry-pet-food-due-health-risk 2 Comments dan says: August 15, 2013 at 9:27 am Another Proctor and Gamble produced food has ANOTHER major recall for salmonella? Something is certainly up. After Natura’s 2 recalls, and 2 extensions within the past 5 months, if I were anyone who could investigate what is going on at their plants, or what they are bringing into their plants, I would put that tops on my list. Reply J Perroone says: August 15, 2013 at 9:52 am Very upset about this latest recall. All my dogs eat Iams natural and I threw away the bag as I keep their food in a container. My one dog has Cushings and she is sensitive to foods. What is up with Iams ? Reply

The Danger of Driving with Dogs!

Dogs love to go for car rides. For many dogs, their favorite words are "bye-bye". I've seen dogs jump, prance, smile and bark with delight at the thought of a car ride. How many times have you seen dogs hanging out the car window? Or on the owners lap looking as happy as can be?

Yes, going for a ride in the car can be fun, but driving with dogs can also be very dangerous to both you and your dog. I recently talked to some owners that were in an accident – caused by their dog – in which they were injured, the car they hit had some severe injuries and their dog was killed. How tragic!

There are some very common dangers and causes of injuries that can be prevented – and if you understand them, it will help keep you and your dog safe.

1. Jumpers – Many dogs love to hang out windows and watch what goes by, enjoying the feel of the air in their hair. Some dogs will jump out of an open car window, even though their owners would have sworn they would never do that. One day – for some reason – something extra excites them and out they go. I've seen everything from mild injuries and abrasions to fractures and even death resulting from dogs jumping into traffic and immediately being hit by another car. For every dog that jumps, the owners say the same thing. "He always rides like that – and never jumped before."

2. Air and eye injuries – Some dogs that hang their head out of an open car window can obtain injures when things that are flying in the air hit their head or eyes. When these objects hit the dog's eyes it can cause corneal ulcers and injuries.

               

3.Airbags – Dogs can be severely (even fatally) injured by airbag deployment. For this reason, many dog seats and harnesses are created for use in the back seat.

4.Distraction – Dogs distract drivers. I've seen excited dogs on their owner's lap moving back and forth from the passenger window to the drivers' window. For one reason or another, they distract their drivers causing an accident. The driver looks at their dog to see what they are doing and wham!

5.Slowed reaction time – With a dog on your lap, your ability to drive and react quickly is impaired. Drivers are often unable to make a quick turn with their dog on their lap. This is a common cause of accidents.

6.Injury in crashes – Pets can be severely injured in crashes and, when they are unrestrained, they can run out of the car and suffer even more injuries. Some have even run away.

7.Foot petal problems – Some dogs (and cats) love to get down by the floor, under the seat or near the foot petals. I've seen several cases where this caused crashes.

Pets riding unrestrained in a vehicle may be cute and fun – until an accident happens. Less than 20% of dog owners use some sort of harness or seat belt to restrain their dog while in a car.

Seatbelts and car seats are especially made to keep dogs safe. We recommend that all dogs be restrained in the back seat during car rides. All pets should have a microchip as well in case they get free during a car ride. Windows should be kept at a lowered point so the dog can get air but can not get their head completely out the window – thus preventing eye injuries and any risk of jumping.
Keep your dog safe. 

What causes the yellow spots in your Lawn?

 We take pride in our homes. But sometimes the two things don’t always go together as well as we might hope.

Summer is here and there’s nothing more appealing about our homes than a beautiful well-kept lawn. We take pride in our shrubbery and landscaping. After all, it’s the outside of our homes that give people their first impression. But when you have dogs, you sometimes get discolored yellow spots in your beautiful green lawn like the photo below.



What causes the yellow spots?

When the pH of your dog’s urine is higher than normal it can “burn” discolored patches in your lawn wherever the urine touches. The unusually high pH can be the result of a urinary tract infection or other metabolic issues.

Our dogs must go outdoors to urinate, and sometimes our lawns must pay the price. But if you’d like to have your beautiful green lawn back again, there is something you can do to help.

 A combination of B-Complex vitamins and amino acids that help lower your dog’s urine pH to a normal range may solve the problem.

Our holistic veterinarian and product formulator, Dr. Jane Bicks, has never met a dog she didn’t love. It’s that same love, coupled with her devotion to her profession, that fueled her creative drive to make a new and improved formulation to replace our already popular daily supplement for dogs. 60 Chewable Tablets Your Price: $27.50 *Autoship Price: $21.95 What is Autoship? 30 Chewable Tablets Your Price: $16.95 *Autoship Price: $13.50 What is Autoship? “The more we learn about the way bodies function, the more amazing they seem to us. There is a growing amount of anecdotal evidence that suggests a mammal’s body has a highly complex, natural intelligence. As a holistic veterinarian, I review such evidence, interpreting it within the context of established scientific knowledge. Based upon these observations, it seems that a dog’s body “prefers” nutrients as they exist in real foods, in their more natural state. On a cellular level, their bodies are familiar with the nutrient components and therefore the body knows to absorb and assimilate exactly what it needs. That is why I believe that small amounts of nutrients in real foods can have a profound affect on a dog’s body. In light of this information, I formulated a new approach to add to the overall nutrient intake, creating Life’s Abundance Wellness Food Supplement for Dogs.” -Dr. Jane Bicks, DVM Life's Abundance Product Formulator Supplementing your dog’s diet can play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. We know that some dogs require additional nutritional intake to help them maintain a healthy body, due to age, breed, environment and other factors. Based on this premise, our holistic veterinarian has formulated a brand new formula to enhance your dog’s daily diet. The perfect complement to a healthy diet, Life’s Abundance Wellness Food Supplement for Dogs is formulated with a broad array of naturally nutritious ingredients from real food to help maintain overall health. The nutrients contained in this superior supplement are sourced from foods, like poultry liver, cranberries, carrots, eggs, pineapples and many others.

In this chewable tablet, Dr. Jane has included the following nutritious ingredients: Poultry liver, which is rich in vitamin A and D, protein and selenium. Natural vitamin E, which is an antioxidant. Taurine, which is an essential amino acid. Stabilized rice bran, which is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Cranberries, a rich source of vitamin C, dietary fiber and manganese. Carrots, a rich source of beta-carotene (vitamin A), vitamins C, D, and E, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium and iron. Dried egg, one of nature's most nutrient-dense foods, plays an important role in a balanced diet. Eggs are considered a complete protein source, providing essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals (vitamins A, B, E, biotin, and sulfur). Eggs also provide healthy fats, such as omega-6 for healthy skin and a glossy coat. Flaxseed meal is a rich plant source of antioxidant lignans and omega-3 fatty. Flaxseed meal also has a very high level of protein and essential amino acids. In addition, flaxseed meal contains significant amounts of fiber, vitamin E, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and is extremely rich in the minerals potassium, calcium and phosphorus. Direct-fed microbials, ingredients similar to those found in supermarket yogurts. Ester-C*, a unique and patented form of vitamin C (calcium ascorbate). Tomato pomace, a good source of lycopene and vitamin C. Alfalfa meal, which is a good source of protein, vitamin A, niacin and calcium, and a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, pantothenic acid, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and manganese. Pineapple, which is a good source of enzymes, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Like all of our superior-quality canine supplements, these delicious compressed tablets are scored in-half for easy splitting. And with a tantalizing liver flavor, your dog will be doing the happy dance when it comes time for his or her supplement!

CLICK HERE TO ORDER

Cat Claws? Feline Info From Champ!

Cat Crazy Newsletter

The Controversy Over Declawing: Illegal or Not?

Today I’d like to talk about a subject that has caused quite a controversy within the pet lovers’ community. It’s the process of declawing and I know a lot of my readers feel very strongly about it in one way or another. Do you know what declawing is? In short, declawing (also called an onychectomy) is an elective surgical procedure in which the nail and last bone are removed from all of the toes of a cat's front feet, and occasionally the rear feet as well. It is performed to make your cat unable to scratch furniture, people or other animals. There are no known health benefits other than convenience to humans. Because cats seldom use their rear claws to scratch furniture, these bones are usually left intact if a cat is declawed in the front. This way they can still climb trees, protect themselves, and escape more quickly if threatened while still not being able to scratch inappropriately. There are many veterinarians that won't do declawing at all. They simply refuse on both medical and moral grounds. The procedure itself can be tricky to perform and complications can arise as a result. Many vets also consider the procedure to be similar to cosmetic surgery and an inhumane practice. Do you think it’s fair to declaw a cat? Should declawing be illegal? Please take our poll. I'm interested in your thoughts.  When you are done sharing your opinion, take a look at these interesting comments on declawing. Here’s another procedure that causes controversy: pet ear piercing. What do you think about THAT? Share your opinion in our poll Until next time, Dr. Jon P.S.: Most owners who opt for declawing do so because they can’t control their cat’s scratching. If you are wondering what to do, take a look at our guide:http://www.petplace.com/cat-scratching-a-guide-to-declawing P.P.S.: A scratching post can solve a lot of behavioral problems and make your cat really happy. Do you know how to choose a good one? Learn how at:http://www.petplace.com/selecting-a-scratching-post-for-your-cat

Summer Traveling for Dogs

	Must Read! AAA Dog Vehicle Safety Report - What You Need to Know

Champ Says this is Important Information so Pay ATTENTION!

Summer is your dog's favorite time for road trips! But is it  safe to take your dog in the car without a safety restraint? Studies say no.

We would never put our children in the car without a seatbelt. Why should our dogs be any different?

I've seen trauma cases where dogs sustained serious injuries in a crash. The most tragic case was a little Jack Russell Terrier named Maxi. After the crash she jumped out of the car window and was hit by on-coming traffic. Maxi died and her parents blamed themselves. They never thought a safety restraint was necessary – until it was too late.

Safety restraints can save your dog's life in a crash… but 84% of pet owners don't use them.

Today I'm going to give you the facts so you will take the necessary steps to protect your dog.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, looking away from the road for only two seconds doubles your risk of being in a car crash. And a recent AAA study shows pets are definitely a distraction. This study of dog owners found:

• 65% were distracted at least once while driving with a dog
• 31% became distracted by a dog climbing into their lap
• 23% used their arms to restrain dogs while applying the brake
• 20% let their dog sit on their lap while driving
• 19% took one hand off the wheel to prevent pets from climbing into the front seat

One of the main reasons people don't think about using pet safety restraints is that they don't understand the dangers. Here's why you should never give your dog free reign of the car.

• Airbags are designed to protect people, not pets. Never allow your dog to ride in the front seat. A dog sitting on the driver's lap could be stuck between the driver and the airbag if it deploys. And front airbags can be deadly to a dog – even if the dog is restrained.
• Unrestrained pets become forceful projectiles. If you crash at 30mph your unrestrained 10-lb dog becomes a flying projectile exerting 300 pounds of force. At 50mph, your dog will fly forward with 833 pounds of force. And at only 30mph an 80-lb dog can hit passengers or the windshield with over a ton of force!
• Threats to emergency responders. After a crash, frightened, injured or protective dogs may bite anyone that comes near.
  
  
• Running from the car. Frightened by the crash, your dog may instinctively run from the car to be hit by oncoming traffic or cause another accident.

This is a serious safety issue. In fact, soon pet safety restraints may not be a “choice” – they may be the law.

Many states already have pet vehicle safety laws and others are following suit. States like Arizona, Florida, California, Connecticut, Maine and New Jersey issue fines of $250-$1,000 for driving with a pet on your lap. In Hawaii, driving with unrestrained pets is forbidden. If your state has no pet vehicle safety law, it could be coming soon. But don't wait for legislation to start using a pet safety restraint. Now that you understand the dangers, act now. The risks are simply too great.

It's our job to keep our pets safe – and that includes vehicle safety. I believe this issue is so critical that I'm giving you a special incentive to get your pet safety restraint right now.

Click through this email and you'll save 10% off the Solvit Dog Vehicle Harness at 1-800-PetMeds. I'll also send you a $20 gift card for PetProductAdvisor.com good for any product. Your $20 Gift Card will be sent within 7 days of your Solvit Dog Vehicle Harness purchase.

The Solvit Dog Vehicle Harness quickly connects to your car's seatbelt to restrain your dog during sudden stops and to limit your dog's movements. The Solvit Dog Vehicle Harness fits dogs from 6 to 120 pounds. It's easy to use and works in any vehicle. Please take advantage of this special offer to buy the Solvit Dog Vehicle Harness. It could save your dog's life – and yours.

	TODAY'S PET TIP Summer Traveling for Dogs
Summer months see more Americans hitting the road for weekend trips and extended vacations. More and more pets are now joining their owners on these trips. When traveling with your pet in the car, it's import to follow these tips: Use Proper Restraint: When traveling in your vehicle, your pet should always be properly restrained for both your and their safety. In the case of an accident, a dog can weigh up 30 times its weight upon impact while traveling at 35 mph. Today, many companies create seatbelt systems and crates to keep animals safely secured while on the road. Never Leave Your Pet In the Car: In 70-degree weather and above, it takes only minutes for the temperatures in your car to escalate to triple digits. Leaving the window open an inch does not provide adequate ventilation. Many states are passing laws that prohibit leaving your pet alone in your automobile. So if your car is parked, please make sure to remove your pet from the car. Bring Water: Car travel can make your pets feel anxious and result in nervous panting. Be sure to take frequent breaks during your trip to allow your pet the opportunity to re-hydrate.

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Rawhide Treats: Are They Safe?

Rawhide Treats: Are They Safe?

It seems like rawhide treats have been around forever. These familiar chews come in lots of fun shapes and flavors, and dogs generally enjoy them. They're also very affordable and they last for a long time. But there are also some health dangers associated with rawhide treats, so make sure you understand the risks before giving your dog this kind of item.

Rawhide is made from animal hide, which is not digestible. If your dog swallows a piece of rawhide whole, it can become a choking hazard. Swallowed rawhide cannot be digested. That means it must travel through your dog's digestive tract where the sharp edges of the undigested rawhide can cause internal damage. It is not uncommon for veterinarians like myself to examine an x-ray only to find obstructions from rawhide. In some cases they even require a surgery.

Many owners find that rawhide treats don't fit into their lifestyle of reduced chemicals. Rawhide goes through a lot of processing before it is ready for sale, including a chemical process where it is washed with degreasers and detergents then sterilized in hydrogen peroxide. With these things in mind, you might want to reconsider the use of rawhide as treats.

Few things bring your dog more enjoyment that chewing on a tasty treat. And yet, every year, untold numbers of dogs suffer from a variety of digestive issues as a result of consuming rawhide. Not only that, but frequently rawhide is preserved with harmful chemicals. That’s why we developed a line of chew treats made using pork products, which are much easier on your dog’s entire digestive system and are free from potentially harmful chemicals. Our pork treats are guaranteed to be not only safe, but incomparably appetizing to your sweet pup as well. Whether you have a Chihuahua or a Great Dane, there’s a pork treat made just for their size. So, say “goodbye” to traditional chew products, and give your dog something he or she can really enjoy – safely! Demand Life's Abundance Pork Treats!
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Recalls Natura Pet Food Recall Posted by Susan Thixton

Recalls

Natura Pet Food Recall

Posted by Susan Thixton on June 18, 2013 at 12:18 pm

From a press release issued by Natura Pet Food, the company is recalling all lot codes, all sizes, all UPC’s of Innova, Evo, California Natural, Healthwise, Karma, and Mother Nature pet foods and treats.
Natura Press Release:
Natura Pet Issues Voluntary Recall of Specialized Dry Pet Foods Due to Possible Health Risk
FREMONT, NEBRASKA, June 18, 2013
Natura Pet Products is voluntarily recalling specific lots of dry pet food because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
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.
These products were packaged in a single production facility. During routine FDA testing, a single lot tested positive for the presence of Salmonella. There have been no reports of pet or human illness associated with this product. In an abundance of caution, Natura is voluntarily recalling all products with expiration dates prior to June 10, 2014.
The affected products are sold in bags through veterinary clinics, select pet specialty retailers, and online in the United States and Canada. No canned wet food is affected by this announcement.
The affected products are:
Innova Dry dog and cat food and biscuits/bars/treats
All Lot Codes, All UPC’s, All package sizes
All expiration dates prior to 6-10-2014
EVO dry dog, cat and ferret food and biscuits/bars/treats
All Lot Codes, All UPC’s, All package sizes
All expiration dates prior to 6-10-2014
California Natural dry dog and cat foods and biscuits/bars/treats
All Lot Codes, All UPC’s, All package sizes
All expiration dates prior to 6-10-2014
Healthwise dry dog and cat foods
All Lot Codes, All UPC’s, All package sizes
All expiration dates prior to 6-10-2014
Karma dry dog foods
All Lot Codes, All UPC’s, All package sizes
All expiration dates prior to 6-10-2014
Mother Nature biscuits/bars/treats
All Lot Codes, All UPC’s, All package sizes
All expiration dates prior to 6-10-2014
Consumers who have purchased the specific dry pet foods listed should discard them.
For further information or a product replacement or refund call Natura toll-free at 800-224-6123. (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM CST

Itchy, Dirty or Smelly Dog Ears? What You Need To Know

Dirty ears are a problem for everyone now and then… for dogs and humans alike. But when those dirty ears get so bad that they start to smell, you need immediate cleaning and perhaps even medical treatment.

You see, smelly ears area sign of infection. Ear infections are very common in floppy-eared dogs and dogs with long ear canals, as well as those with hair inside the ears.

However, ear infections can affect any dog. They range from bacterial, yeast tofungal infections and can be very difficult to get rid of.

What's even worse is how your dog feels with an ear infection: itchy … uncomfortable … restless … and then there's that rancid smell! Yuck!

Just ask one of my pet parents, Dan.

Dan has a six-year-old red basset hound named Ruby Tuesday who has been plagued with chronic ear infections throughout her life. He told me he always knows when she has an infection because Ruby starts shaking her head, pawing at her ears and rattling her collar. And the smell from her ears can knock you out. Dan told me the icky brown and black stuff that builds up inside her ears has about the worst smell he can imagine.

Ruby's infections have cost Dan and his family thousands in vet bills and medicines over the years. And just think about how terrible poor Ruby must feel!

After Ruby’s last infection cleared up, Dan started cleaning Ruby's ears regularly with a special ear cleansing solution that has finally put an end to the costly ear-infection routines of the past.

Ear infections are one of the most common reasons for visiting a veterinarian. I see a lot of dogs like Ruby every week. And if your dog gets a yeast infection (Candidiasis) in her ears, she could harbor it forever. Yeast is extremely difficult to clear up.

The thing is, dogs can't clean their own ears – and they can’t tell you when their ears hurt. That’s why having a regular ear cleaning regimen is so important. Left untreated, chronic infections can lead to other problems including possible deafness.

If your dog has a lot of hair inside the ears, keep it well trimmed. If your dog swims, dry out the ears every week and after swimming (or more frequently as necessary). I also recommend using an ear cleaning solution on a regular basis.

Keeping your pet’s ears clean is a necessary part of keeping your pet healthy. Ear Care Formula Really Works! Cleans ears and eliminates odor. Dissolves ear wax. Removes dirt and debris. Soothes like only aloe vera can. Contains no alcohol and will not sting. Leaves ears dry, which keeps nasty ear debris at bay. Safe and gentle enough for puppies and kittens. Ear Care Formula contains a special botanical blend and gentle cleansers specifically developed to keep your pet’s ear's healthy. Item Size: 4 fl. oz.

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