The Dangers of Plastic – Check It Out For Yourself & Your Pets

The Dangers of Plastic – Check It Out For Yourself & Your Pets

Diamond Pet Food

Pet Food Recall Expands to include Small Breed Adult Dog Lamb & Rice Formula. See all pertinent info here: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm304917.htm?source=govdelivery

Dog Diarrhea: How To Quickly Stop It At Home

Dog Diarrhea: How To Quickly Stop It At Home

Here’s a great article from FIDO Friendly Magazine to keep in your pet’s medical folder……………….just in case!

 

February is Pet Dental Health Month

Lack of dental care can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis, which is extremely painful to pets. We suggest following a home routine of daily cleaning with the many dental products on the market for pets today. Additionally, you should have your pet’s teeth examined by your Veterinarian once a year to see if professional cleaning is warranted.

In rabbits, rats, mice, hamsters and gerbils, the incisors grow continuously but the back teeth do not grow past eruption. In guinea pigs & chinchillas, all the teeth grow continuously. Their teeth are designed for chewing and they may not wear down appropriately if their diets do not include enough fibrous foods. Irregular wear and malocclusion, which is the uneven alignment of upper and lower teeth, are common dental problems among rodents and rabbits.

Uneven wear and broken teeth (oftentimes caused by chewing on bones & antler chews) can cut a pet’s cheeks, gums and tongue. Inflamed or red gums are signs of trouble. Foul breath can signal an infection.

Your home routine should include brushing your pets teeth daily. Start slow and progress to more and more area as the pet tolerates the process. Focus on outsides – uppers & lowers. Insides generally clean themselves. Provide chew toys that help clean as the pet chews on it (rope toys are good choices, as are loofa and crocheted toys). Research some of the dental wipes, gels and sprays on the market, as well as the water additives.

Examine your pets teeth regularly for changes in color, redness of gums, or sensitivity. If you pets behavior at mealtime changes, it could be a sign of pain when chewing. If that game of tug suddenly ends up with yelping or refusal to play, it could signal a tooth issue. Check with your Veterinarian should you suspect a dental issue.

We at The Paws Mahal prefer the PetzLife product line. We’ve had great results with our own Yorkie and many happy customers who rave about it. www.thepawsmahal.com/cats/health_nutrition/petzlife_oral_care.shtml Find it here!

CVM Updates FDA Approves First Drug to Treat Cushing’s Disease in Horses

CVM Updates FDA Approves First Drug to Treat Cushing’s Disease in Horses.

Pooch Pouch Treat Holder From Popware

Popware Pooch Pouch Treat Holder

Dexas International has a really cool treat pouch that’s perfect for storing small treats when you are on the go. Whether out and about or in the midst of training, this is one treat holder you’ll want to carry.

Made from 100% memory silicone, it stays closed so the treats don’t fall out even during rigorous training exercises. It’s a snap to clean up, too – just stick it in the dishwasher!

The pouch comes in Black and Gray and features a clip on the back to attach it to your belt or jeans pocket. The silicone allows you to easily slide your hand into the pouch to retrieve a reward.

It measures 4.625″ x 2.875″ x 3.5″, so it will hold a lot of treats. It retails for around $10, and we think that’s a bargain!

It would make a perfect gift for new pet parents with a bag of healthy treats, too. Heck, at this price, you can afford to get one for yourself & a friend. Check them out! We think you’ll like it!

And The Winners Are………………….

The most pet-friendly urban areas in the United States to put on your travel list (or to relocate to), by rank, are:

• Portland, OR
• Colorado Springs, CO
• Rocky Mount, NC
• Boulder, CO
• Santa Cruz, CA
• Eugene, OR
• Asheville, NC
• Albuquerque, NM
• Nashville, TN
• Louisville, KY

These areas offer parks, trails, quality veterinary care, active animal welfare groups and an abundance of pet boutiques and retail shops. These cities are known for their excellent quality of life for pet parents, as well. Quality health care, higher education, diverse job opportunities, active artistic & cultural scenes make these cities some of the best to live, work, play……………and own a pet! Check them out on your travels!

AAEP Supports Care for Unwanted U.S. Horses; GAO Says Reinstate Slaughter or a Ban

AAEP Supports Care for Unwanted U.S. Horses; GAO Says Reinstate Slaughter or a Ban.

FDA Issues Caution to Pet Owners with the Use of an Unapproved Pet Shampoo Product

If you are prone to Asthma, this is of particular interest. If you know someone who has problems with Asthma, please share this post with them.

The product in question is Douxo Seborrhea Shampoo (0.1% phytosphingosine), distributed by Sogeval Laboratories, Inc. of Coppell, Texas. One woman died after suffering a sudden, severe asthma attack after using the product on her dog. Just days later, another asthmatic family member bathed the dog using the same product and also experienced an asthma attack, but it was milder and she recovered.

Anyone with asthma or other respiratory conditions should not use this dog/cat shampoo (it is marketed for use on both) without consulting their doctor. If you know anyone who has used this product and suffered a reaction, please report it to the FDA using this link.

Top 10 Pet Medical Conditions of 2010

Severe Gastritis

Veterinary Pet Insurance had in excess of 485,000 medical pet claims in 2010. With categories of cats, dogs and exotic pets (including snakes, gerbils and birds), policyholders spent roughly $43 million in treatments in 2010. Here’s the 10 most common per category:

• DOG:
  • 1) Ear infection
  • 2) Skin Allergy
  • 3) Skin infection/Hot spots
  • 4) Gastritis/Vomiting
  • 5) Enteritis/Diarrhea
  • 6) Arthritis
  • 7) Bladder Infection
  • 8) Soft Tissue Trauma
  • 9) Non-cancerous Tumor
  • 10) Hypothyroidism
• CATS:
  • 1) Lower Urinary Tract Disease
  • 2) Gastritis/Vomiting
  • 3) Chronic Renal Failure
  • 4) Hyperthyroidism
  • 5) Diabetes
  • 6) Enteritis/Diarrhea
  • 7) Skin Allergy
  • 8) Periodontitis/Dental Disease
  • 9) Ear Infection
  • 10 Upper Respiratory Infection
• EXOTICS:
  • 1) Bowel Obstruction
  • 2) Gastritis/Vomiting
  • 3) Bladder Infection
  • 4) Upper Respiratory Infection
  • 5) Eye Infection
  • 6) Cancerous Tumor Requiring Surgery
  • 7) Arthritis
  • 8) Skin Inflammation
  • 9) Skin Abscess or Pressure Ulcer
  • 10) Inflammation of Hair Follicles

We have one dog, and we had #2, #4 and #9 in the Dog Category last year, so we’re batting 30%. Why the smiley sun glass clad face is on each number 8 we don’t know, but what we would like to know what your statistics are. What have you been to the Vet for in 2010?