What to do if you lose your pet

What to Do if You Lose Your Pet
Sue Sternberg

Getting the word out early is the key to getting your dog or cat back safely and soundly. Don't assume your pet will return on his own in a few hours. Don't wait around to see if he'll find his way home. As soon as you are aware that your pet is missing, GET THE WORD OUT. Remember, have good, clear photos on hand just in case, and ALWAYS make sure your dogs and cats are wearing a collar with identification tags. Microchipping is an excellent form of identification, but always make sure your pet has a visible collar and tags.



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Solstic Nutrition - something for the humans!

Solstic™ Nutrition [Vital Nutrition] provides 100% or more of the Daily Value of 18 vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal health in a convenient, single-serving drink mix packet. Solstic Nutrition’s superior ingredient profile features vitamin D3 (for immune, bone and mood support), vitamin K2 (for improved calcium absorption and cardiovascular health), B vitamins (for energy) and two carotenoid antioxidants: lutein and lycopene.

Empty the contents of one Solstic Nutrition stick-packet into 10–14 oz. of cold water, shake and enjoy! Ideal for mixing in bottled water or any container that you can close and shake. Certain particles in this product such as lycopene and lutein will not completely dissolve in the water.

• Provides 100% or more of the Daily Value of 18 vitamins and minerals.
• Is convenient, portable and easy to use.
• Offers the important antioxidants lutein and lycopene.



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Cat Toys

Safe Toy Selection For Your Feline
Jacque Lynn Schultz, C.P.D.T., Companion Animal Programs Adviser.
National Outreach

A feral cat may spend half of her day going through the stalk, pounce and kill of the hunting ritual, trying to obtain enough food to sustain her litter and herself. Meanwhile, our domestic felines nosh all day long on a commercially produced, owner-prepared diet without so much effort as placing a paw on the electric can opener. Little wonder Petunia has packed on a few pounds! When we relegate our feline friends to indoors-only status, we rob them of the opportunity to work for their living. It is a far safer existence, but a more mind-numbing, sedentary one. Thus, it is up to us to enrich their environment and enhance their lives.

As luck would have it, cats are easy to amuse. There is very little in their environment that could not serve as a cat toy in a pinch. In fact, in many households, commercial cat toys gather dust while items set aside for recycling are co-opted by the cat. Bottle caps, paper shopping bags, dried-out pens, shoe boxes -- what may be garbage to you is a rip-roaring good time to your cat. Am I the only one who leaves appliance cartons in the middle of the living room floor for a month or two so my cats can play hide-and-seek? read the entire article.

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Big sale this week on new products! Check it out!.

Canine Influenza: Facts and Fiction

By: Dr. Jennifer Koehl, DVM

Influenza viruses are a specific class of virus with assortments of proteins on the surface. Canine influenza virus (H3N8) acts much like other influenza viruses in that it causes fever and respiratory disease. This influenza can mimic bordetellosis (aka Bordetella bronchiseptica infection, kennel cough, infectious tracheobronchitis). It is most common in groups of densely populated dogs, like seen in shelter situations, and was first recognized in a colony of racing greyhounds in Florida. The incubation period for development of disease is 2 to 5 days and the course of infection is between 2 to 4 weeks.

Because this is a relatively new disease, many dogs have little to no immunity to it. Therefore, infection rate is high with up to 80% of dogs developing clinical signs of disease. Some studies indicate 20-50% will naturally clear the infection without any signs of illness. Dogs with signs of infection may present to their veterinarian with fever, coughing, nasal discharge, and lethargy. A vast majority of infected dogs will recover with appropriate supportive treatment (antibiotics, nebulization, etc.). A small percentage (up to 20%) of dogs will get a secondary bacterial pneumonia and supportive care must be more aggressive. Most of these dogs will recover as long as they receive proper care. Dr. Melissa Kennedy, Clinical Virologist at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, states the mortality rate is “less than 10%, probably less than 1%. Most infections are mild and self-limiting.” This information contradicts some news reports of 100% mortality....Canine Influenza will most likely spread to the remaining states in the years to come. Diagnosis may become easier but the treatment modalities are similar to those for moderate to severe infections with Bordetella or other respiratory pathogens. Awareness without panic and sensationalism is key. Vaccination is not widely accepted in the veterinary community at this time except in areas of crowded canine populations. Even in those situations, the efficacy of this vaccination remains to be proven. Read the entire article.

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Free Pet Safety Pack

Help keep your pets safe with a free pet safety pack from the ASPCA! In the event of an emergency, our pet rescue window decal alerts rescue personnel that pets are inside your home. The safety pack also includes an ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center magnet—a great way to keep the APCC's toll-free emergency number and website address handy in case your pets get into something they shouldn’t! Click here to order your free pack.

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A new approach to canned dog food!

A completely new approach to premium canned dog food!

Our holistic veterinarian has created not one, but two masterpieces of canine nutrition! We now offer premium canned dog foods formulated especially for breakfast and dinner. Your dog will flip for Turkey & Shrimp Breakfast in Broth, a savory omelet-inspired serving of turkey, shrimp, eggs, red skinned potatoes, red bell peppers and cheddar cheese. And at the end of the day, they’ll relish the delectable Chicken & Crab Dinner in Sauce, featuring organic chicken, crab, eggs, carrots, red skinned potatoes, peas and apples in an appetizing sauce. Click here for more information.

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Cold and Flu Season - 2009

Are you ready? It seems the big scare each year is the dreaded three letter word……..FLU. Most folks get a flu shot, which challenges your immune system in an attempt to “prevent” the flu. Getting a shot is not a 100% guarantee you will not get the flu. Looking at it from a holistic point of view means you want to support your body’s ability to respond and to promote healing when germs come along to challenge the immune system. The key is to respond at each stage of a challenge to your immune system. Click here for cold and flu tips.

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FDA New Policy

FDA NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Sept. 8, 2009

FDA Opens the Reportable Food Registry Electronic Portal for Industry
Food facilities now required to report potentially dangerous products

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has a new way to head off potential cases of foodborne illness – the Reportable Food Registry (RFR), where food industry officials must use to alert the FDA quickly, through an electronic portal when they find their products might sicken or kill people or animals. The requirement, a result of legislation, took effect with the launch of the portal.

Facilities that manufacture, process or hold food for consumption in the United States now must tell the FDA within 24 hours if they find a reasonable probability that an article of food will cause severe health problems or death to a person or an animal.

The reporting requirement applies to all foods and animal feed regulated by the FDA, except infant formula and dietary supplements, which are covered by other regulatory requirements. Some examples of reasons a food may be reportable include bacterial contamination, allergen mislabeling or elevated levels of certain chemical components.

The opening of the RFR electronic portal reflects a fundamental principle of the President’s Food Safety Working Group that “preventing harm to consumers is our first priority.”

"President Obama has pledged to strengthen food safety,” said Commissioner of Food and Drugs Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D. “The opening of the Reportable Food Registry electronic portal represents a significant step toward that pledge.”

"By fostering real-time submission to the FDA of information on food safety hazards, the registry enhances FDA's ability to act quickly to prevent foodborne illness," said Michael R. Taylor, senior advisor to the commissioner. "Working with the food industry, we can swiftly remove contaminated products from commerce and keep them out of consumers' hands." Read the entire article.

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Puppy Mill Awareness Day - 2009

What are Puppy Mills?

Puppy mills are breeding facilities that produce puppies in large numbers. Documented problems of puppy mills include: unsanitary facilities, foverbreeding, inbreeding, disease, minimal veterinary care, poor quality of food and shelter, lack of human socialization, overcrowded cages and the killing of unwanted animals.

Often the puppies are sold directly to the public via the Internet, newspaper ads, or at the mill itself. In other cases they are sold to brokers and pet shops across the country.

9/19/09 is Awareness Day, Click here for details.

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Titer Testing

Titer Testing: a Simple Blood Test

Enlightened veterinarians and pet parents have become increasingly wary of the health risks, and lack of benefits, associated with repeatedly vaccinating dogs after their initial “puppy shots.” Is titer testing the solution to the over-vaccination problem? Here’s a crash course to help you muddle through the mire of misinformation surrounding this simple blood test, and to help you decide whether or not to test your dog’s antibody titers.

What is titer testing? A titer test (pronounced TIGHT er) is a laboratory test measuring the existence and level of antibodies to disease in blood. Antibodies are produced when an antigen (like a virus or bacteria) provokes a response from the immune system. This response can come from natural exposure or from vaccination. (Note: titering is also called serum vaccine antibody titering and serologic vaccine titering.)

How is the test performed? Your test result will have an explanation of what your pet’s test result means. But if you want to know more, here’s the test in a nutshell: First, one mL of blood is drawn. The sample is then diluted. Titer levels, expressed as ratios, indicate how many times blood can be diluted before no antibodies are detected. If blood can be diluted a 1000 times and still show antibodies, the ratio would be 1:1000. This is a “strong” titer. A titer of 1:2 would be weak.

Should I test for all diseases? The most recommended test examines antibodies for both parvovirus and distemper, the two most important viruses. Rabies titers are also often tested. Usually, for most dogs, tests for other diseases are generally not considered useful or necessary. Read more....

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Dog Food - Nutrition

Created to provide companion animals with a nutritional advantage, Life’s Abundance Premium Health Food for Puppies & Adult Dogs is made with select ingredients to help your dog achieve and maintain optimum health. Formulated by Dr. Jane Bicks, one of the nation’s leading holistic veterinarians, this superior food addresses the needs of the whole body.

Every ingredient is carefully chosen based upon its positive effects on a dog’s physiology, to promote the long-term health of canines.

Loved by both puppies and adult dogs of all breeds and sizes, this delicious recipe features an antioxidant system to support dogs throughout their life cycle. Also figuring prominently are omega fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a glossy coat, and complex carbohydrates from oat groats for sustained energy.

Another highlight of this food is our proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals to supply dogs with the nutrients that help them to thrive, regardless of their age.
This Life’s Abundance recipe furnishes the body with optimal protein levels, to help puppies grow strong and adults to maintain muscle mass. Additionally, we have added a balanced blend of calcium and phosphorous to support both developing and aging bones.

Our naturally-flavored kibble comes complete with dietary fiber to promote digestive health. And because we use only wholesome ingredients, this formula contains no artificial colors or flavors, no corn, no wheat and no glutens.

Life’s Abundance is nutritionally-dense, which means that you won’t have to feed your dog as much food as other brands. That can translate into savings you can count on, meal after meal, year after year. Not only that, but smaller meals and concentrated nutrition means less mess to clean up outside.

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Is your dog overweight?

How Do I Determine if My Dog is Overweight?
Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff

Q. When is a dog considered to be fat?

A. Veterinarians often use a 9 point scoring system to evaluate the body condition of pets. A point value of 1 means the dog or cat is extremely thin to the point of emaciation. A score of 9 means the pet is grossly overweight. And like Goldilocks and the three bears, a score of 5 is 'just right.' To determine body score, there are several specific areas of the dog or cat we look at. Remember, these are guidelines. A Greyhound with a score of 5 is still going to be thinner than a bulldog with the same score.

To perform the rating, we first feel the pet's ribs. We should be able to quite easily feel the ribs. There should be a slight amount of fat over them, but each rib should be distinct. If you can see the ribs, the pet is too thin. If you can not feel them at all, the pet is very overweight.

Second, check the area near the base of the tail. There should be a slight fat covering over this area and it should feel smooth. If the bones protrude, the pet is too thin; if you can not feel any bones at all, the pet is very overweight.

Third, feel other bony prominences on the pet's body such as the spine, shoulders, and hips. Again, you should be able to feel a small amount of fat over these areas. If these bones are easily felt or visible, the dog or cat is too thin. If you can not feel the bones beneath the layer of fat, the animal is obviously overweight.

Fourth, look at your pet from above. The animal should have a definite waist behind the ribs. If the waist is extreme, or again, bony prominences are visible, the animal is too thin. If there is no waist, or worse yet, the area between the ribs and
hips is wider than the hips or ribs, the dog or cat is grossly overweight.

Fifth, look at the pet from the side. Dogs and cats should have an abdominal tuck, i.e., the area behind the ribs should be smaller in diameter than the chest. This can vary a lot between breeds. Irish Setters and Greyhounds, for instance, appear to
have a much more distinct abdominal tuck, since they are so deep-chested. An animal who is too thin will have a very severe abdominal tuck. Overweight animals will have no abdominal tuck.


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Tear Stains

Dangers of Using Low-Dose Tylosin or Tetracycline to Control
Tear Stains

World-renowned veterinarian, Dr. Stanley Marks, has very generously answered my questions on the dangers of using low-dose tylosin (tylan) and tetracycline to control tear stains. If you're using an antibiotic, or an antibiotic product like Angel Eyes or Angel's Glow, I urge you to read on. Click here to read more.

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