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Decatur GA Pet Sitter: Posted on Friday, August 12, 2011 9:47 AM
 Safety Tips: Using an Auto Restraint For Your Pet Many dog owners love to take their pets along with them when they get in their car. Whether it’s a short drive locally to the grocery store, or a longer trip; it’s a pleasure to have their beloved pet accompany them. Most dogs love to ride in the car too! Unfortunately, many owners don’t realize the dangers that exist for their unrestrained pet in an automobile that can be avoided by simply following a few safety rules.
Keeping your pet safe while in the car is just as important for both short trips to the grocery store and long road trips. No matter where you go with your pet, his safety is your responsibility and should always be a priority. Each year, thousands of pets are injured in vehicle accidents, because their owners allowed them to move freely about the vehicle or sit in their laps while they ride or drive. Just as many pets are lost after a car accident, while running from the vehicle because it is hurt or scared; or even worse, hit by an oncoming vehicle as they dart into the roadway because they were not safely restrained in their owner’s vehicle. A responsible pet owner will do whatever it takes to keep their pet safe. DIFFERENT TYPES OF PET RESTRAINTS: Keeping your pet safe is easier than you think. With a variety of options available from pet set belts to enclosed carriers to barrier systems for larger vehicles with storage decks; pet owners should be able to find something suitable to their needs. - Dog Seatbelts – come in a variety of sizes and price ranges, and fit your dog comfortably and securely. These work especially well on small and toy breed dogs. Pet owners with very small vehicles will find this a great option, both for its easy of use as well as its cost.
- Small Pet Crates – available in mesh, wire, or plastic versions, also work well with toy breeds and cats. An added benefit of a travel crate is that it provides a way to easily transport your pet in and out of the car. This is especially important when carrying a sick or injured pet to the veterinarian.
- Pet Vehicle Barriers – provide a safe, small area for your dog to move around in while in a vehicle. These are designed primarily for SUVs, vans, jeeps and station wagons. This choice works best for large breed dogs who need more space and are too large for dog seatbelts. Many will come in fabrics and materials that complement the design of your car.
BENEFITS OF USING A PET VEHICLE RESTRAINT: Although pet automobile restraints are designed primarily as a means to keep your pet safe while traveling in an automobile, there are additional benefits to using them: - Keeps your pet safe and secure while in a moving vehicle.
- Reduces distractions while you are driving.
- Allows other passengers to ride in comfort without having to deal with an anxious or excited pet jumping on them or across them.
- Allows driver to view their pet and communicate with them easily while driving, which helps reduce risk of an accident while trying to grab or view your constantly moving pet.
- For pets that do not like riding in the car, this will reduce the risk of your pet attempting to run away or refuse to enter the vehicle.
- In the case of an accident, it will be easier for you or someone else to retrieve your pet, especially when he is scared or anxious.
- Helps keep them safe from flying debris if you are involved in a serious accident.
- Allows your pet a place to sleep and move around safely for long trips.
- Easy to install, and come in a variety of sizes to fit almost all dogs.
- Make a great gift for your favorite pet owner.
The TIAA (Travel Industry Association of America) has reported that approximately 71 million dog owners in the U.S. take their pets with them when they travel, and that only about 20% of them restrain their pets when in their automobiles. |
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Decatur GA Pet Sitter: Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 8:30 AM
 Nestlé Purina Recalls Limited Number of Dry Cat Food Bags Due to a Potential Health Risk (Shipped Only to Colorado, Idaho and Oregon) Consumer Contact: Nestlé Purina PetCare Office of Consumer Affairs: 1-800-982-6559 Media Contact: Jill Winte 314-982-3032
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ST. LOUIS, MO, 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: Cat Chow Naturals Dry Cat Food6.3 lb.AUG 2012 10331083 1317800 11320 Friskies Grillers Blend Dry Cat Food3.15 lb.AUG 2012 10381083 0650000 08450 Friskies Grillers Blend Dry Cat Food16 lb.AUG 2012 10381083 0650000 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. |
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Decatur GA Pet Sitter: Posted on Wednesday, June 08, 2011 3:53 PM
Six Summertime Hazards for Dogs  By Casey Lomonaco, KPA CTP via Dogster.com Seasonal pet health hazards should be considered during the extreme temperatures of both winter and summer. Keeping pets safe during the summer is easiest if you know what the risks are and how to manage them for your dog's safety.The dog days of summer provide lots of opportunities for fun with your dog (camping, hiking, swimming, kayaking and backpacking, to name a few) but also bring a unique set of health hazards and risks pet owners should be aware of; including, but not limited to: dehydration, burned pads, parasite infestation, heat stroke, leptospirosis, and seasonal allergies.Six Common Summer Hazards for Dogs 1. Dehydration
One of the best ways to keep your dog safe in the summer time is by providing lots of cool, clean, fresh water. Consider preparing low sodium chicken broth or yogurt ice cubes, and introducing canned dog foods (best when frozen in a Kong!) to increase the moisture content in your dog's diet. 2. Burned Pads
Under the summer sun, asphalt on sidewalks and streets can heat to a temperature that can burn a dog's paws. To avoid scorched paws, walk your dog very early in the morning or in the late evening when the streets have cooled off. If you must walk your dog during the day, dog booties can protect his feet. Always put your hand down on the asphalt for about thirty seconds - if you must pull your hand away because the street is too hot, it is too hot for your dog to walk on without hurting his paws. If you don't want your hand on the street for thirty seconds, your dog probably does not want his paws on it for thirty or more minutes of walking. 3. Parasites
Summer is the season for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes; pests which can present a minor discomfort to your dog at best and at worst may be life threatening or cause self-mutilating behaviors. Feeding your dog a high quality diet, without preservatives or chemicals will build his immune system, making him generally more resistant to parasite infestation. There are a wide variety of preventatives on the market, including chemical spot-on treatments, repellent shampoos, essential oils, and flea/tick collars; talk to your vet to see what she recommends for your dog. Cleaning your house frequently and keeping your dog well groomed will also reduce the risk of parasite infestation. 4. Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a serious risk to dog's health - in worst case scenarios, it can be fatal. You can prevent heat stroke by restricting your pet's exercise during the hottest hours of the day (early morning or late evening are the best times for exercise during the summer), by making sure he is well hydrated, providing cool places for him to relax, providing opportunities to swim, cooling mats, and by never leaving your dog unattended in the car during summer heat.Many dogs die annually in hot cars. Even if your windows are cracked or you park in the shade, heat can build quickly in a car in the summer, turning it into an oven. If it's 95 degrees at noon and you leave your windows cracked, the temperature in your car may still rise as high as 113 degrees. This is a recipe for disaster for your dog. If you must leave your dog in the car for any period of time, the air conditioning should stay on. Leaving a dog to die in a hot car is not just a health risk for your dog, but may be cause for animal cruelty charges in some area. The solution? Don't leave your dog in a hot car. 5. Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is contracted through bodily fluids or tissue and can be transmitted through direct (as in the case of a bite or ingestion of flesh) or indirect contact (through water sources, food, etc.) with an infected animal. Stagnant waters are a common source of leptospirosis bacteria. Lepto can cause permanent health problems or death if not treated quickly. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, trembling/shaking, lethargy, anorexia, tenderness of joints and muscles, and increased water intake. If you suspect your dog has lepto, get him to a vet right away, an emergency vet if need be.There are vaccines for lepto but they do not prevent all strains and can cause significant adverse reactions. Talk to your vet about weighing the risk of infection with the risks associated with the lepto vaccine. 6. Seasonal Allergies
Your dog may be allergic to one or more seasonal items, which include fleas, grass and various plants, and mold. If you suspect your dog may have seasonal allergies, is scratching and perhaps losing fur, a visit to your vet is recommended.Here is a great website where you can learn more about the various kinds of allergies affecting dogs and treatments for canine allergies in any season. |
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Decatur GA Pet Sitter: Posted on Saturday, June 04, 2011 12:52 PM
 Bravo! Issues Nationwide Recall of Bravo! Pig Ears Dog Chews Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
Vernon, CT– 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 FridayWrite your post here. |
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Decatur GA Pet Sitter: Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2011 12:04 PM
Dear Primal Pet Foods customers, 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.Please be assured, no human or pet illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this issue. Also, no other Primal Pet Foods products are affected by this issue.If you have purchased a bag of Primal Pet Foods Feline Chicken & Salmon Formula Raw Frozen Diet (nuggets) with the “Best By” date code of 043112-17, we ask that you take one of the following steps. - 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.
We truly appreciate your cooperation, and we apologize for any inconvenience that this matter may have caused for you. If you’d like to speak with one of our representatives regarding this issue, you can call our customer service line at 866-566-4652 Monday-Friday 8AM-4PM PST.Our Commitment to Quality
We want to reassure you that Primal Pet Foods is committed to the health and safety of your pets. Our quality control and quality assurance programs include but are not limited to: Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP’s), a Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP) program, regular lot segregation, and other industry best practices. Our manufacturing facility also adheres to these specific quality measures: - Our ingredients are sourced from USDA inspected facilities, and/or facilities regulated by the FDA
- We adhere to state and federal regulations regarding product safety
- Our manufacturing facilities are USDA and California State Department of Agriculture inspected.
In addition to the industry best practices listed above, and in an abundance of caution, we’re taking additional steps in our manufacturing process to help ensure that our products are free of all pathogenic bacteria.As always, Primal Pet Foods is fully committed to maintaining the highest quality standards in the pet food industry. Thank you for your continued trust in Primal Pet Foods. Matt Koss
CEO, Primal Pet Foods |
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