Thursday, January 29, 2009

Salix Voluntarily Recalls Dog Treat Due to Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Adda Sarrano
954-425-0001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Deerfield Beach, Florida – Jan. 23, 2009 – Salix, a manufacturer of rawhide dog chew products, is voluntarily recalling its Healthy-hide Deli-wrap 3-Pack 5” Peanut Butter-Filled Rawhide dog treats that contain peanut butter made by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). PCA is the focus of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigation into potential salmonella contamination of peanut butter and paste.

The voluntarily recalled peanut butter-filled rawhide treats are sold at PetSmart, Target and Wegmans Food Stores throughout the U.S. and Canada. Although Salix is not aware of any reported cases of illness related to these products, it has issued this voluntary recall as a precautionary measure. The UPC of the voluntarily recalled product is 09109333354.

The product comes in a clear plastic bag with attached header card and the name Deli Wraps on the front. The package is a 3-count of 5” chew treats and the Universal Product Code is 0-91093-33354-0. All packages are marked with one of the following lot codes: A 08 208, A 08 212, A 08 232, A 08 234, A 08 263, A 08 264, A 08 268, A 08 275, A 08 276 or A 08 277. This code can be found on the backside of the header card.

Customers who purchased the recalled dog treats should discontinue use immediately and can return the product to the retail store where it was purchased for a complete refund or exchange. Customers can contact individual retailers with questions:

PetSmart: 1-888-839-9638
Target: 1-800-440-0680
Wegmans: 1-800-934-WEGMANS ext. 4760

No other products or flavors are included in this recall.

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Carolina Prime Pet Announces Nationwide Recall of Dog Treats

Contact:
Carolina Prime Pet
1-888-370-2360

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Murphy, North Carolina – Jan. 27, 2009 – Carolina Prime Pet, a manufacturer and distributor of dog treats, is voluntarily recalling four of its dog treats that contain peanut butter made by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). PCA is the focus of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigation into potential salmonella contamination of peanut butter and paste.

Salmonella is an organism that can potentially be transferred to people handling these pet treats, 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. Well animals 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 treats are sold at various retail establishments in the U.S. and Canada. Although Carolina Prime Pet is not aware of any reported cases of illness related to these products, it has issued this voluntary recall as a precautionary measure.

The recalled products include only the following types of Carolina Prime Pet treats in single unit packages with lot date codes between 081508 and 010909:

* 6" Beef Shank Peanut Butter, UPC 063725542007
* 2pk Hooves Peanut Butter, UPC 063725542000
* 4" Rawhide Bone Peanut Butter, UPC 063725542003
* 6" Rawhide Bone Peanut Butter, UPC 063725542005
* 6” Healthy Hide Beef Shank Peanut Butter, UPC 09109333479

Customers who purchased the recalled dog treats should discontinue use immediately, and return items to the purchase location for replacement or refund.

No other products or flavors are included in this recall.

Further information call Carolina Prime Pet at 1-888-370-2360.

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Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Florida Couples Clones Deceased Dog

A Boca Raton couple got a new dog, and it's just like their old dog. Not just the same breed and gender, but the same DNA.



On a personal note, I'm not really sure how I feel about the whole cloning of dogs. It would be nice to have a clone of my wonderful Labrador Retrievers that have passed, for I miss them dearly, but in a way I think it might be creepy also.

Anyway... the yellow Labrador Retriever in the video, who goes by the name of Lancelot Encore is just so adorable!

Anyone that has a comment on dog cloning, please don't hesitate to share.

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Sunday, January 25, 2009

Yellow Labrador Retriever eating Poop

Subject: My yellow Labrador Retriever is eating her poop

From: Arissa (Canada)

Labrador Retriever Name: Kadenza

Reader's E-mail - Arissa writes:

Hello Fay, love your blog and I appreciate all the help you provide. Hopefully you may be of help to me.

For the past week or so, I have noticed my 1 1/2 year old yellow Labrador Retriever, Kadenza, eating her feces. Besides picking up the poop daily, which my son is suppose to do, what else can I do to discourage Kadenza from eating it?

Any information you could provide me would be greatly appreciated.

Warm regards,
Arissa

All About Labradors Answer:

The information given here is to help you learn more about your Labrador Retriever and not to replace your veterinarian's advice. Disclaimer

A common issue for dogs is stool-eating, technically known as Coprophagia. Many different factors can contribute to this behavior, making it difficult to pinpoint an exact cause for every case.

A few reasons why your Labrador Retriever may be eating her feces include: they are keeping their area clean/maintaining their space, hiding evidence, hunger, stress, inadequate nutrition, and boredom.

Here are a few different approaches to stopping the behavior:

The first and best help is to keep the area where Kadenza eliminates as cleaned as possible.

There is a product available called "Forbid" (ask your veterinarian or search online). It is an additive for your Labrador Retriever's food that supposedly will will create a forbidden and unpalatable taste to the feces (as if it isn't already!). Places such as PetSmart have other deterant products such as Excel Deter Coprophagia Treatment and Nutrivet Nasty Habit for Dogs.

You could also try mixing a meat tenderizer like Adolf's into Kadenza's food with each meal, as it is supposed to have the same effect as ForBid.

Another approach that may be helpful is to locate the stool in your yard and then cover it thoroughly with a hot sauce, such as Tabasco or Habanero sauce. It will not harm your Labrador Retriever but will make it uncomfortable to eat. After a couples of bites, Kadenza may decide it isn't worth eating the poop anymore.

Last but not least, you may want to try to teach Kadenza the "Leave It" command to get her to avoid the stool (let me know if you need help with this).

Hope this is of some help to you Arissa. Make sure that you are feeding Kadenza a high quality dog food and that she has had a recent checkup at your veterinarian.

Take care of yourself and Kadenza,

Fay

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Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Kennel Club Announces Top Dog

The Labrador Retriever dogged the competition once again and for the 18th straight year, was announced as the top dog in America.



From the American Kennel Club:

Labrador Retriever Holds Firm in Top Spot on AKC's List of Most Popular Dogs in America; Lovable Bulldog Continues its Ascent

-- AKC Celebrates 125th Anniversary with a Look Back at First AKC Registered Breeds in History --

New York, NY – For the 18th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America, according to 2008 registration statistics released today by the American Kennel Club® (AKC) But, while more than twice as many Labs were registered last year than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come, the Bulldog continues to amble its way up the list. The breed made news last year by returning to the AKC’s Top 10 for the first time in more than 70 years and now has jumped 6%, advancing two spots to land in 8th place.

“The playful Lab may still reign supreme, but the docile and adaptive nature of the Bulldog is gaining ground as a family favorite,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “It’s no surprise to learn that this devoted family companion is still growing in popularity.”

2008 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.

1. Labrador Retriever

2. Yorkshire Terrier

3. German Shepherd Dog

4. Golden Retriever

5. Beagle

6. Boxer

7. Dachshund

8. Bulldog

9. Poodle

10. Shih Tzu


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Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Will the Peanut Butter Recall affect our Pet Treats

Even though no pet treats have been recalled yet, one does have to wonder if one may come down the line shortly.

Officials are focusing on peanut paste, as well as peanut butter, produced at a Blakely, Georgia facility owned by the Peanut Corporation of America, because the products have the potential to be contaminated with salmonella. "The potential for contamination was noted after a small number of samples from unopened containers and environmental samples from the Blakely, Georgia facility tested positive for salmonella."

What is a concern to us pet owners is the "Pet Food Paste" and "Feed Grade Peanut Butter" located at the bottom of the Peanut Corporation of America recall list.

If any pet treat manufacturers purchased peanut butter and/or peanut paste from any of these recalled lots, recalls of those pet treats will occur.

What I would recommend is if any of you are feeding your dogs a peanut butter treat, to hold on to the treats you have but do not feed them to your dog for the time being. You can also contact the manufacturer of your dog treats to inquire about the peanut butter used in the treats.

As I was writing this article I have also learned that as of today, January 20, 2009, PetSmart® is conducting a voluntary recall of seven of their Grreat Choice dog biscuits that contain peanut paste made by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA).

From the PetSmart Press Room:

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=196265&p=factset16

From the US Food and Drug Administration:

PetSmart Voluntarily Recalls Grreat Choice® Dog Biscuits

For further information on the peanut butter recall, news updates and a list of company recalls from the US Food and Drug Administration:

http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph.html

If anyone learns of any new information, please let us know.

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Saturday, January 17, 2009

Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Food

WE had a link posted on January 12, 2009 for a free sample of Rachael Ray Nutrish dog food from Walmart that has expired already. For those of you that missed out, here's a new link to request a free sample.

"Rachael Ray adores her dog Isaboo and thinks that she deserves the best in both nutrition and taste. But she couldn’t find a food like that. Sure, there were nutritious foods. But they either cost an arm and a leg or the taste just wasn’t there. So she took matters into her own hands and teamed up with pet nutritionists to create Rachael Ray Nutrish™.

Rachael Ray Nutrish™ dog food has:

• Real meat
— like chicken or beef — as the first ingredient
• No meat by-products, fillers, artificial flavors or preservatives
• Simple, natural ingredients
for overall health and wellness
• 100% complete and balanced nutrition"

As always, samples go quickly, so don't delay. Looks like this one is available to the USA only.

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Thursday, January 15, 2009

Tips To Protect Your Pets From Extreme Cold

Here's a video I came across that has a few tips for protecting your dog from the cold weather.

Now that the cold weather is upon us (in many parts) questions always come in regarding Labrador Retrievers and the cold weather. This video shares some great tips and you will also find answers in the three related articles underneath the video.



Related Articles:

Is it to cold for my 2 year old Labrador

Cold Weather and your Labrador Retrieve

Preparing Your Pup For Winter


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Monday, January 12, 2009

Free Rachael Ray Nutrish Sample

Did anyone know that Rachael Ray had a dog food brand? Well, apparently she does and here is a chance for anyone who is interested to request a free sample.

Information from the Walmart website - "The Great Taste and Nutrition Are No Coincidence.

Rachael Ray adores her dog Isaboo and thinks that she deserves the best in both nutrition and taste. But she couldn’t find a food like that. Sure, there were nutritious foods. But they either cost an arm and a leg or the taste just wasn’t there. So she took matters into her own hands and teamed up with pet nutritionists to create Rachael Ray Nutrish™.

Rachael Ray Nutrish™ has:

• Real meat — like chicken or beef — as the first ingredient
• No meat by-products, fillers, artificial flavors or preservatives
• Simple, natural ingredients for overall health and wellness
• 100% complete and balanced nutrition

Mouth-watering chewy and crunchy treats for your pooch are available, too."

Free Rachael Ray Nutrish Sample

You will have to hurry with this one as Walmart samples go very quickly.

I am happy to learn that 100% of Rachael's proceeds from every bag of Nutrish go to organizations that help animals in need. It's called Rachael's Rescue.

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Free Petsmart Potty Training Seminars on January 13 & 24, 2009

Do we have any new Labrador Retriever puppy owners? Do you know someone who has just brought home a new lovable Labrador puppy? If so, this one might be of help to you.

PetSmart stores is offering free potty training seminars for you puppy on January 13 and 24, 2009. The potty training seminars are a $15 value.

Free Petsmart Potty Training Seminars on January 13 & 24, 2009.

Visit the above PetSmart link and toward the top of the PetSmart website you will see a rotating banner with numbers 1-4 on the right side. Look for the number that states "Services - Training" and click on it for the offer. There is also a "Find a Store" link to find a participating store.

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Sunday, January 11, 2009

Feeding Your Best Friend on a Budget

A veterinarian says it's possible to feed your dog a quality diet without paying premium prices.



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Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Stolen Labrador Retriever Puppy Reunited With Owner

Here's a happy ending to the Labrador Retriever that was stolen form an Orange County pet store. The woman who received a stolen puppy as a Christmas gift returns the dog to its owner.



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Monday, January 05, 2009

Nail Trimming - Nothing to Fear

Like our fingernails, dog's nails need to be trimmed. Some groomers and veterinarians recommend trimming at least once a month to avoid getting long nails that can cause your dog to have problems walking or lead to toe injuries during play in the yard. Long nails can get caught in carpet and injure a dog when he pulls to free himself. The dog's nails should just clear the floor when standing on a solid surface floor such as tile or linoleum. A good test is that you can slide a piece of paper under the nails when the dog is standing on a hard floor. If the nails block the paper slipping under them, they should probably be shortened.

There are special clippers designed to cut our dog's nails. Please do not try to do this with human clippers. Many stores carry guillotine clippers, claw or scissor action clippers, and Dremel style rotating nail files (sanders or grinders). Which you choose depends on personal preference. I like the Dremel because I can work down slowly, but the sound can be disturbing to some dogs.

Hopefully from the time you got your dog to the present, you have been handling her feet and petting her toes. This will help remove concern about you holding her paws. Stoke the toes and feel between the pads gently. Clean between the pads to remove mud or other debris that may have accumulated; this makes the foot more comfortable. As you and your dog become more comfortable with you handling his feet, try "pretend clipping" the nails so that the dog becomes accustomed to the clippers or dremel and to the sound made.

Have someone instruct you in the process if you have not done nails before. Your veterinarian, a groomer, another dog owner who cares for her own dogs' nails are all good resources for help in learning the procedure. Once you are comfortable with the process, you are ready to try it on your dog. Stay calm. Your dog will pick up on your anxieties if you do not remain tranquil.

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Like our nails, dog nails will soften with soaking. Some groomers recommend that dogs have a bath first so nails are soaked and softened before trimming. This may also cause the clippers to snip more quietly.

Start by removing excess hair from the toe and pad areas of the foot so that the hair does not become entangled in the dremel or clippers. Trim the hair from between the pads on the bottoms of the feet. Besides making nail trimming easier, this will help keep the dogs feet clean and more healthy. In the winter, trimming this hair out will also help prevent ice balls from building up in your dogs' feet. In the rainy spring or fall, trimming this assists in mud control besides comfort for the dog.

If you have someone who can help you by talking quietly to the dog and rubbing his ears while you work, it is an excellent distraction that keeps you and the dog calm. Rubbing the ears gently seems to sooth dogs and distract them from their feet. Feeding small bits of treats also helps make this a positive event for the dog.

Work from the underside of the nail. Work slowly and do not jerk. Sand or clip the nail down until you see a slight color change or small circle on dark nails. You should stop now. On white or light nails, you should be able to see where the pink area starts; stop before you get there. This is the quick or live section of the nail which contains blood vessels. If you should accidentally go too far and the nail bleeds, apply a styptic pencil or a bit of flour or baking soda to the wound. Hold it firmly in place for a minute or two. The bleeding should stop. If the bleeding continues for more than three or four minutes, we suggest you call your veterinarian.

You may follow up with a nice paw rub much like we use lotion on our hands. It helps moisturize the pads and keep them from cracking. Many different types of paw conditioner rubs are available, but be sure to remember dogs lick their paws so it must be safe if "consumed" by your friend.

Just as a side note, some dogs wear their nails down naturally and do not require much trimming if any. Dogs who walk on concrete or gravel may not need nails trimmed as often as dogs that are kept mostly in the house on carpeted floors.

Does your dog scratch at the door to get in? I heard a trainer discuss putting up small strips of light sand paper in the areas the dog scratch. The dog's front nails then become self filed and remain short.

Do you have tip you could share on nail care? Your tip may show up in a future article that helps other responsible owners care for their best friends. Please send it to the author through the contact link at CollarCrazy.com or BigDogSpa.com.

Related Articles:

Help with my Chocolate Labrador Retriever's Nails - part I

Help with my Chocolate Labrador Retriever's Nails - part II

Trimming Your Labrador Retrievers Nails


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Thursday, January 01, 2009

Wire Versus Plastic Dog Crates: Which is Best for You?

There are many different dog crates on the market today, but only two main types of dog crates: plastic and wire kennels. So, you have a new puppy, what type of crate is best for you? Three years ago we got a Labrador Retriever puppy. We had never crate trained a puppy, but knew other people who had and were happy with the results. We bought a large plastic crate because we knew our puppy was going to grow. After getting through about three days of whining, we had a puppy who considered his crate his place of refuge, his den and home. When he was about one year old, we bought a large wire crate.

Through the years we have used both dog crates for different reasons. We keep the wire crate on the back porch and use it whenever needed, which isn’t very often anymore since Buddy normally sleeps inside. But when he is outside, it is not unusual to see him lying in his crate.

Whenever we traveled in our suburban, we would use the plastic crate. Though the plastic crate is now a tight fit for Buddy, it still works well for travel. He lays back there quietly and we never here a peep out of him.

Without going into any detail, lets take a quick look at the pros and cons of both types of dog crates.

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Advantages of wire dog crates:

* That they allow your dog to see what is going on around them - allows them to feel like part of the family.

* Are well ventilated so it allows plenty of air flow for your dog to stay cool - great in a warmer climate!

* Are collapsable for easy storage, and can be broken down quickly and easily.

* They are easy to clean with their slide out tray. Especially nice if your puppy has an accident, the wire bottom keeps your puppy out of his mess.

* Last, many wire crates offer dividers. This can save you money by only having to buy one crate that will last your puppies growing growing months. A divider panel that can be adjusted as your puppy grows.

Disadvantages of wire dog crates:

* May lead to excessive whining and crying (greater visibility can be a pro or a con!).

* Not airline approved

* Less insulation than a plastic crate - problem if you live in a colder climate!

* Can be heavy, especially the larger ones. This can be a pain when traveling.

Advantages of plastic dog crates:

* Most are airline approved

* Provide better insulation for maintaining body heat - especially important for puppies, short haired dogs or if you live in a colder climate.

* More privacy so it can cut down on whining since there is less to distract you puppy.

* Normally lighter than a wire crate.

* On most of them the top will come off for storage, or for allowing the bottom of the crate to be used as an open dog bed.

Disadvantages of plastic dog crates:

* Plastic can trap smelly odors over time that are hard to eliminate.

* Harder to clean than a wire crate.

* Do not fold flat for easy storage.

* Reduced ventilation and air circulation - especially bad if you live in a warm climate.

* If your dog really likes being around people, a plastic dog crate can create feelings of isolation.

So, what is best for you, plastic or wire dog crates? Only you can answer that question. After reading through the advantages and disadvantages of each type of crate, you have probably realized that what may be an advantage for one family or type of dog, is a disadvantage for another. So, consider what breed of dog do you have or are you planning to get? Some dogs like moments of privacy, while others want to feel part of the family at all times. Where do you live, what is the prevailing climate and will your dog mostly be outdoor or indoors? What type of coat does your dog have? Will you be traveling a lot? Make a list, answer these questions and any others that may be applicable, and make a wise choice the first time around. It will save you money, and give you a happier dog.

MJ writes for ClickShops Inc., which offers a great selection of dog crates at www.dogkennelsandcrates.com.

Related Articles:

Crate Training for my Labrador Retriever


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