Crypton Loopy Bolster Dog Bed Giveaway

Dog.com is giving you the chance to win a Crypton Loopy Bolster Dog

The Crypton Loopy Bolster Dog Bed Giveaway is open to resident of the USA, 18 years of age or older and at 11:59 p.m. ET on March 3, 2013.

One winner will be selected to receive a Crypton Loopy Bolster Dog Bed (Retail Value: $254.99).

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Hy-Vee Dog Food Recall

February 22, 2013 – Hy-Vee, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall on Friday February 22, 2013, of certain bags of Hy-Vee dog food due to elevated levels of a toxic compound commonly found in contaminated corn.

Routine random tests conducted by the Iowa Department of Agriculture indicated higher-than-normal levels of aflatoxin in some samples of Hy-Vee dog food produced at a Kansas City plant operated by Pro-Pet, LLC.

Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring by-product from the growth of Aspergillus flavus and can be harmful to pets if consumed in significant quantities.

Pets which have consumed this product and exhibit symptoms of illness including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, vomiting, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, or diarrhea should consultant a veterinarian.

The recalled products carry three different “Best By” dates and were distributed to Hy-Vee stores in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin between October 26, 2012 and January 11, 2013.

The following products are subject to the recall:

Hy-Vee Complete Dog – Complete Nutrition (Green Bag) – 34-lb. UPC: 07545005647. Lot # ending with: 29812KC and “Best By” Date: 11/24/13

Hy-Vee Complete Dog – Complete Nutrition (Green Bag) – 8-lb. UPC: 07545005667. Lot # ending with: 29812KC and “Best By” Date: 11/24/13

Hy-Vee Complete Dog – Complete Nutrition (Green Bag) – 4.4-lb. UPC: 07545005665. Lot # ending with: 29812KC and “Best By” Date: 11/24/13

Hy-Vee Complete Dog – Complete Nutrition (Green Bag) – 4.4-lb. UPC: 07545005665. Lot # ending with: 29912KC and “Best By” Date: 11/25/13

Hy-Vee Complete Dog – Bites, Bones & Squares (Yellow Bag) – 20-lb. UPC: 07545005680. Lot # ending with: 29312KC and “Best By” Date: 11/19/13

Hy-Vee Complete Dog – Bites, Bones & Squares (Yellow Bag) – 4.4-lb. UPC: 07545005560. Lot # ending with: 29312KC and “Best By” Date: 11/19/13

The recall is limited to the products, sizes and code dates listed above. No other Hy-Vee dog food products or code dates are affected by the recall.

Customers are urged to check the “Best By” dates on any product they have at home and refrain from feeding any of the recalled products to their pets. Any bags of Hy-Vee dog food subject to the recall, whether opened or unopened, may be returned to Hy-Vee stores for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 800-289-8343. This number is staffed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST.

As per Hy-Vee officials, the recall is voluntary and only conducted as a precautionary measure. No illnesses have been reported in dogs consuming the product, and the product does not pose a health risk to humans handling it.

Hy-Vee officials have also removed all potentially affected products from Hy-Vee stores.


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Free Redbarn Grain-Free Dog Food Sample

Redbarn Premium Pet Products is offering free samples of their new, Premium Grain-Free Canned Dog Food:

1. High Quality Proteins
2. No Fillers
3. No Grain, No Gluten
4. No Artificial Flavors, colors or preservatives
5. Simply Natural

Visit their Facebook page and fill out the form to request your Free Redbarn Grain-Free Dog Food Sample

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Nutri-Vet Recalls Nutri-Vet and Nutripet Chicken Jerky Dog Treats

February 20, 2013 - Nutri-Vet, LLC. of Boise, ID is voluntarily recalling its Nutri-Vet and NutriPet Chicken Jerky Products because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can sicken animals that eat these products and humans are at risk for Salmonella poisoning from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the pet products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Nutri-Vet is recalling the lot numbers below because the manufacturer of an ingredient used in the products below informed us of the possibility of Salmonella presence at the manufacturing facility, although no positive test results have been found on Nutri-Vet or NutriPet products to date.

The recalled Chicken Jerky Treats were distributed nationwide through online sales and in retail stores from April 2012 through February 2013 with Best By Dates ranging from April 20, 2014, through October 3, 2014.

The product comes in a clear plastic bag containing Chicken Jerky Treats as described below (click image to make larger):

Consumers who have purchased Nutri-Vet and NutriPet Chicken Jerky Products are urged to stop feeding them to pets and return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Nutri-Vet at 1-877-729-8668 Monday thru Friday from 7am to 5pm MDT.

For updates and full information visit the FDA Firm Press Release on the recall.

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Kasel Recalling Certain Dog Treats Due to Salmonella Contamination

February 21, 2013 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today that Kasel Associates Industries Inc. is recalling all pet treats it manufactured from April 20 through Sept. 19, 2012 due to potential contamination with Salmonella. Kasel has issued three previous recall notices for specific products manufactured during this time period.

The move comes after the Colorado Department of Agriculture tested a retail sample of a Kasel pet treat product and found it to be positive for Salmonella. Based on FDA’s follow-up inspection at the firm, FDA found that all of the finished pet treat product samples and 48 out of 87 environmental samples collected during the inspection tested positive for Salmonella. More than ten different species of Salmonella were found in the firm’s products and manufacturing facility, indicating multiple sources of contamination.

While there are no reports of human illness, FDA has received a small number of complaints of illness in dogs who were exposed to the treats. Because of the multiple positive tests for Salmonella, and the production practices and conditions observed at the facility during the inspection, FDA believes that there is a reasonable probability that pet treat products manufactured in the facility from April 20, 2012 through September 19, 2012 are contaminated with Salmonella.

The Kasel-manufactured products are sold at various retailers, including Target, Petco, Sam’s Club and Costco. Most of the products have a two-year shelf life. All of the products were made in the U.S. This action is not related to FDA’s ongoing investigation of jerky pet treats made in China.

To see the full list of what's being recalled visit the FDA Recall -- Firm Press Release.

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Honest Kitchen Recall - Five Lots of Verve, Zeal and Thrive Dog Food

February 21, 2013 - The Honest Kitchen has announced it is voluntarily recalling five lots of its Verve, Zeal and Thrive dog foods because because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

The items being recalled were produced between August and November 2012 and sold nationwide in the US and Canada via retail stores, mail order and online after August 2012. No other Honest Kitchen batches, production dates or products are affected.

The Company is taking this action after learning that one of its raw ingredients suppliers has recalled a batch of human-grade parsley that may contain Salmonella. The batch of parsley was shipped to the Company in 2012 and used in the production of five lots of finished Honest Kitchen products.

The Honest Kitchen regularly tests for Salmonella and other pathogens as part of its quality control process and has not received to date any reports of illness associated with these lots of products. Nonetheless, the Company is proceeding with this action in order to ensure the full safety and quality of its products.

The lots being recalled are:

Consumers who purchased the above lots of Honest Kitchen Verve, Zeal or Thrive products should stop feeding the products to their pets, remove the UPC (bar code) and lot code from the packaging, and discard the contents in a covered trash receptacle. Lot codes are located on the top of product boxes either adjacent to or opposite the UPC.

For questions or more information, contact The Honest Kitchen by phone at 1-866-437-9729 or email at info@thehonestkitchen.com. Customer service representatives will be available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST to respond to inquiries.

The Honest Kitchen Recall has been confirmed by the FDA in their Firm Press Release dated February 21, 2013.

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Free Single Dose K-9 Advantix or Advantage II at Pet Supermarket

Pet Supermarket is offering a coupon for a Free Single Dose K-9 Advantix or Advantage II (while supplies last).

Find your local Pet Supermarket location.

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A Dog With a Hundred Names

Curled up beside the lamp post, bundled so tight that an ant would lose its path, he sleeps. The heavy set fog seems to have forgotten him but he knows better. There are a million corners, far warmer and dry but this is where he has to lie. After all that's his spot. As if a silent alarm has gone off somewhere suddenly the little soggy bundle comes to life. Standing up and stretching he seems oblivious to the cold as he shakes his damp body and with a sense of urgency trots off into the night.

The baker's boy, shivering with cold moves a big bag of breads from the van and sure enough there he is standing with an apparent smile. "Hey Tommy" he calls out to him and he reciprocates by revving up his tail. The baker's boy looks around from side to side and quietly tosses a small roll. He pounces on it and with one last wag of his tail, as if to say "thank you" he was off before any of his friends from the neighborhood could find him. After all when you are him, breakfast is not something you can take for granted let alone share.

The once silent streets are abuzz with life as the sun was now up quite high. There he was back in his spot lying with his head between his paws, eyes closed shut with contentment, after all the first challenge of the day was over and done. Suddenly he jumps up with a shriek and springs around to look back at whoever it was that had stepped on his tail. "Bloody mutt" shouts a man " is this a place to sleep, you bloody mongrel". With a saddened heart and a heartfelt look he quickly slinks away into a quiet alley, looking back now and then to make sure that the man was not behind him again.

Nothing like a nap on a full belly to mend your pride and there he was sleeping away in a cardboard box dreaming of sweet rolls and butter buns and a wagon full of meaty treats jostling by. The sun goes up and over, high in the sky.

"Tiger, Tiger, Where are you Tiger?". The head pokes out from the cardboard box and strains to listen intently then like a shot from a catapult bounds off in the direction of the voice. The scrawny little body jumps up and down in tandem with the jumps of the little 9 year old boy. Like best friends forever they greet each other. The boy that no one plays with takes a yellow ball out of his pocket and the sight of the ball makes him go crazy as he runs around from side to side before shooting off after the ball which is still in flight. Picking it up he races back, drops it at the boys feet and shivers in excitement waiting for the next throw. They play on for quite some time while people on the street gave them but a glancing look. As abruptly as it started playtime was over as the boy could hear his mother calling him. Quickly he took out a cookie from his pocket and with that and a pat on the head, he sped off home leaving him alone again. He was so busy munching on the treat that he didn't notice the shadow of the street brute creeping up near him. A deep throated growl got him back to reality and instantly his tail drooped between his legs as he saluted the neighborhood bully. He crouched on the street in submission while the alpha male took over what was left of the treat. While the bully was busy he slunk away back to the alley and the cardboard box.

As the shop keeper was getting ready to close his shop for the night, he turned around and saw the little scrawny thing looking up at him. "Hey Jimmy, where have you been all day?" He just looks up and wags his tail as the merchant man took out a bin and emptied it in front of him. The shower of gifts was too good to believe butter buns, half eaten rolls and even a whole loaf of bread. The smorgasbord was too much for him and pretty soon he was joined by four more like him.

As the fog crept in through the now deserted streets, not a soul could be seen despite it not even being midnight. In the distance a dog howls sending jitters down the spine of those who are superstitious. The street lamp cast a faint glow and there at the base he was curled up tight, dreamless sleep or a night full of dreams it's something we will never know. He just knows that he has survived another day to be back at his spot.

As we pamper our pedigreed pets with lovely names, we forget the hundreds that scrape out a living on the streets. Where streets are called home and meals don't come easy. Yet their lives are not all about hardships but about love, relationships and friendships as well. Nameless to us, yet they have numerous names based on relationships & circumstances. So the next time you run into 'one' on the street remember, he has a story to tell and in it who will you be.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fida_Habib

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Nature’s Variety Announces Dog Food Recall of Instinct Raw Organic Chicken Formula

February 15, 2013 – Nature’s Variety has announced a voluntary recall of one batch of Instinct Raw Organic Chicken Formula with a “Best if Used By” date of 10/04/13.

This action is being taken because pieces of clear plastic may be found in some bags and could cause a potential choking risk to pets. The source of plastic has been identified and the issue has been resolved.

The affected product is strictly limited to a single batch of Organic Chicken Formula with the “Best if Used By” date of 10/04/13. This includes:

• UPC# 7 69949 60137 1 – Instinct Raw Organic Chicken Formula medallions, 3 lbs. bag

• UPC# 7 69949 70137 8 – Instinct Raw Organic Chicken Formula medallions, 27 lbs. case

• UPC# 7 69949 60127 2 – Instinct Raw Organic Chicken Formula patties, 6 lbs. bag

• UPC# 7 69949 70127 9 – Instinct Raw Organic Chicken Formula patties, 36 lbs. case

The "Best if Used By" date is located on the back of the package below the "Contact Us" section.

Dog Food Help:

1. Food Pets Die For: Shocking Facts About Pet Food
2. The Whole Pet Diet: Eight Weeks to Great Health for Dogs and Cats
3. Raw and Natural Nutrition for Dogs: The Definitive Guide to Homemade Meals

Nature's Variety Issues Voluntary Recall of One Batch of Instinct® Raw Organic Chicken Formula for Dogs & Cats Due to Possible Health Risk (via PR Newswire)

LINCOLN, Neb., Feb. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Nature's Variety has announced a voluntary recall of one batch of Instinct® Raw Organic Chicken Formula with a "Best if Used By" date of 10/04/13. This action is being taken because pieces of clear plastic may be found in some bags and could cause a potential…

 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate link(s), which may result in compensation for AllAboutLabradors.blogspot.com. For more information about All About Labradors please read our Disclaimer and Disclosure Policies. We've shared this information to inform you of your option to either use our affiliated links or to go directly to the site of interest.

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Labrador Training Tips

Labradors are very cute and intelligent dogs well-known around the world for their inquisitive and friendly nature. There is a reason why they are one of the most popular breeds that are universally loved and cherished by their owners. If you want to train them you will need some tips to get you started. We begin with the following:

1. Socialization

Labradors are incredibly skilled at pleasing their masters or just people entirely. They are great with children and thanks to their inborn tendency to please you can do even more. Building up on that genetic trait you should introduce them to a multitude of people, locations and situations as possible during their early months or years of their life. Keeping the experiences positive will not only influence the lab to be as open and friendly with everyone as possible, but will also boost their natural intelligence by being exposed to so much as they strive to understand it.

2. Exercise

Labs are creatures teeming with energy, making them amazing for active and outgoing families. If you are the quiet, introspective and indoors type then these dogs will be difficult to handle. If labs don't get sufficient exercise, running around and socializing they will become bored. This can easily lead to them playing pranks on you by digging, chewing on things, barking and overall wreaking havoc. All that energy needs to be exhausted daily so if you have a lab you must make sure you give them at least an hour a day to socialize and run around. Long walks, playing fetch and chasing each other might be a great way to get them tired and finally able to sit still around your home or yard.

3. Positivity

Because of their constant playful attitude, eagerness, affection and love of a good meal Labradors are the best dog to train through the use of positive reinforcement techniques. Simply rewarding their behavior with treats, petting, cuddling or playing will be a much more effective tool for learning than using force. You will see for yourself that they are incredibly good at picking up good habits if they are encouraged into developing them. Keep in mind that excessive giving of treats can lead to weight problems if you don't give them enough exercise. Use a limited number of treats for your rewards so you can keep their fitness under control.

4. Behavior

One thing you have to keep in mind is the fact that Labradors are very active and behave much like puppies for quite a bit of their lives. This seemingly inexhaustible energy will continue well into adulthood as well so expect a lot of activity from your Labrador even years down the line. You will need to keep some things in mind so you can keep them under control. Crate train them so they don't cause havoc around the home while you're gone. Provide them with interesting toys and so on so they can be busy and occupied. Reinforce your education by giving them commands at all times if you are keeping inside and you won't have any problems if done right.

5. Challenges

You can further their training if you feel like it by involving your puppy with a dog sport or something else to challenge their natural curiosity such as therapy training. This will keep them busy and happy as they learn more about their world.

The article has been provided by Angela Harpert - a devoted mom and wife who gladly shares her Dulwich moving experience. Due to her husband's work the whole family are in process of SE22 constant moving, changing homes, environments and people- but the dog and the boys have learned to have good time in this ever lasting adventure.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate link(s), which may result in compensation for AllAboutLabradors.blogspot.com. For more information about All About Labradors please read our Disclaimer and Disclosure Policies. We've shared this information to inform you of your option to either use our affiliated links or to go directly to the site of interest.

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Coco (Bredicot Scamper)

This good-looking chocolate Labrador Retriever goes by the name of Coco, AKA Bredicot Scamper. Coco's photos were sent in to us by Neil from the United Kingdom and he has keep us up to date with some wonderful photos for a few years. We love watching the growth of this strong and stylish chocolate Labrador Retriever.

As a puppy ( in the front)

Coco - January 2013

Celebrating the juberlee

Out walking in berrow with mum

On his Facebook page.

Photos from: Neil (United Kingdom)

To see more photos of Coco (Bredicot Scamper) visit:

Coco

Bredicot Scamper (coco) and Honey Golden Treasure

Coco & Millie

Bredicot Scamper ( Coco ) 3/26/10

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Dog.com: Free Pet Food For A Year Giveaway

Dog.com is giving you the chance to win Free Pet Food For A Year!

To enter the Dog.com: Free Pet Food For A Year Giveaway you must be a lawful permanent resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia and be 18 years of age or older. Giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on February 10, 2013.

One (1) Grand Prize Winner will win Free Pet Food For A Year ($500 Value)!!

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How To Mentally Stimulate Your Senior Dog

Let's face it - dogs just don't live long enough. They wag their way into our lives and our hearts, fill us with love and joy for 10 - 15 years on average and then they're gone. It's important that we spend as much quality time with them as we can during their short lives and help them keep as mentally fit as possible.

Just like humans, dogs need exercise. Going for a walk, even a slow one, is a great way to get that physical exercise. This and the mental stimulation that goes along with all the sights, smells and sounds they get along the way will help them stay healthier. But what do you do when your dog develops arthritis or hip problems and can no longer go for walks? Do you just let her lay around the house with nothing to do but sleep?

Providing mental stimulation for your older dog is important even if he or she can't get much physical exercise. There are several ways to accomplish this.

1. If you haven't already, put your dog on a regular feeding schedule of twice a day instead of free feeding because dogs actually look forward to meal time. Food is a great mental stimulator. Dogs have a sense of time and know when it's time for a meal and you can be sure they'll be ready and waiting.

2. Read out loud to your dog. I know, it sounds silly, but dogs love to hear our voices - unless, of course, your dog is deaf! I once gained a fearful dog's trust by simply sitting out in the yard with her and reading out loud. I believe our voices have a calming effect on dogs, especially those who may be distressed over not being able to get around like they used to or those who are dealing with arthritis pain or other discomfort. The sound of your voice gives them something else to focus on and mentally pay attention to.

3. Give your dog toys that are mentally intriguing, such as toys that spill out a few treats at a time as it rolls around on the floor. There are an amazing number of interactive toys you can find either online or in your local pet shop.

4. Purchasing a dog bicycle baskets and trailers or dog bike basket (for a smaller dog) may be a little costly, but what a great way to spend some quality time with your aging dog. You get the exercise and your dog gets to go along with you, which is really all a pack animal wants - to keep the pack together. Your dog gets the mental stimulation of all the sights, sounds and smells along the way and of course you can stop anywhere for a short excursion for your dog.

5. Take some extra time to play games with your senior dog. One such game could involve shredding up newspaper, putting it in something like a shoebox, hiding a treat under the shredded newspaper pieces and letting your dog find it. Once your dog has the hang of this, you can even hide the shoe box somewhere around the house with the treat inside and have your dog find it and get the treat.

6. If it isn't a warm day, take your dog with you on errands around town. Just remember to never leave a dog in a warm car for even a few minutes since the inside of a car heats up very fast and can cause heat stroke in your dog within minutes. Taking your dog into a local pet shop on your errand run will cause great mental stimulation with all the sights and smells. Maybe even let her pick out a new toy or treat.

7. If your senior dog is still alert and able to learn new commands or tricks, work on teaching something simple, using treats as a reward. Be careful not to over-treat an overweight dog, though. But even a tiny treat is exciting to a food motivated dog. You might teach your dog to "shake hands" or "play dead". There are many books on simple tricks to teach dogs. Learning to use a clicker with training is easy and very rewarding for both you and your dog.

8. If your dog is not overweight, a fun exercise for him or her is in finding small treats or kibbles you have hidden around the house. This keeps your senior dog mentally active because he or she has to look and smell out the treats. For some dogs, especially older ones, food is a great motivator and reward for using their mental capacity.

Just because your dog may be looking and acting like a senior citizen, don't underestimate the value of quality interaction between the two of you. It is still important to keep his or her brain stimulated and functioning as much as possible. Physical exercise is also very important, even if it has to be at a slower pace than in younger years. Keeping your dog active, both physically and mentally may actually help extend the quality of life for both of you!

About the Author:

Karleen Lindsey has worked with dogs most of her life and has been a professional groomer for over 20 years. She has fostered and adopted many dogs and realizes the benefits of keeping them active mentally and physically. To learn more about taking your senior dog along with you on bike rides, check out her review site of dog bicycle baskets and trailers.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate link(s), which may result in compensation for AllAboutLabradors.blogspot.com. For more information about All About Labradors please read our Disclaimer and Disclosure Policies. We've shared this information to inform you of your option to either use our affiliated links or to go directly to the site of interest.

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