Monday, May 23, 2011

Event: May 28, microchip and rabies

Thank you Haven2home for providing this very valuable information.  Don't miss this event folks, keep your pets safe.

Haven to Home Canine Rescue will host a microchip clinic at Brookpark Pet Supply in Lewisburg on Saturday, May 28 from 10AM until 12PM. resQ brand chips will be administered by Dr. Lindsay of Lewisburg Veterinary Hospital. The fee will be $35.00. Rabies vaccines will also be offered for $8.00. Pets should be on a leash or in a crate. The Haven to Home dogs will benefit from the proceeds of this event.

Why Microchip?

* Because 1 out of 3 pets will become lost at least once during their lifetime.

* Because pets taken to shelters without microchipping or any identification are significantly less likely to be returned to their families.

* Because you care about your pet.



resQ makes it easy! What better way to provide your pet with a permanent safety net than with a resQ microchip? When your pet is implanted with a resQ microchip, you can be assured that your veterinarian is using a system that is safe for your pet, universally recognized, and convenient for you!

As soon as you register your pet on www.PetLink.NET you can travel with them anywhere in the world and if they get lost, a universal ISO-compliant scanner can read the chip and help get them returned home to you where they belong! And, to ensure your registered pet can always find its way home, we keep it simple by offering you NO ANNUAL FEE* to maintain your pet's information in the database!


A resQ® microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is implanted into your pet in a single simple injection, just like a vaccine.
The microchip has a code that is unique to your pet, the way your social security number is unique to you. When a pet is found and scanned, the unique code can be traced back to you through your database registration at www.PetLink.NET allowing you and your pet to be happily reunited.

Haven to Home is a local, all-volunteer, canine rescue that was established in 2008. There is no shelter; foster homes care for the dogs until they are adopted. Most of the foster homes and volunteers are in the Union, Northumberland, and Snyder County area. The 501(c)3, volunteer-driven organization has helped over 460 dogs in need find their forever homes. To learn more about fostering a dog, adopting, or making a donation go to www.haventohome.org or email haventohome@gmail.com


Robin Montgomery, President
Haven to Home Rescue
570-374-0330
Rescue, Rehab, Rehome-----The 3 R's
"Our mission is to rescue dogs in need, rehabilitate them in a quality, nurturing environment, and re-home them in a loving, responsible, permanent home as soon as possible. We will strive to promote a culture of kindness in our community through networking and education."

www.haventohome.org

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Oh! Say it ain’t so! More Treat Recalls!



Talk about déjà vu! It seems like I just posted about this recently on another company! Oh yeah, that’s right, I did! Just 2 short weeks ago! Keep your eyes open folks as there are sure to be more recalls! Just toss those treats now and save yourself the aggravation!



Pig ear treats in my opinon, continue to be recalled way too often for a Salmonella health hazard. Salmonella on treats not only affects dogs but also their human counterparts who touch the treats.



Being an adult (well in my mind anyway!), 99% of the time I remember to wash my hands after giving Fido a new treat, but on occasion I might be too busy or engaged in something else and forget to wash. I’ll admit, working with very young children on a daily basis has made me a bit paranoid to germs and more conscientious of hand washing, but I can say with 100% certainty that 90 % of young children have to be reminded to wash their hands after using the toilet or before eating a meal and 98 % of children need to be reminded to keep their fingers out of their nose and mouth. This non prudence of hand washing by young people puts them further in jeopardy of getting salmonella poisoning. Let’s face it, when was the last time your 5 year old gave the dog a treat and stated, “Mama, I think I should wash my hands now!”


Having been stricken with salmonella poisoning twice in adulthood from eating human food, I can tell you it is not a pleasant illness to go through! It knocks even the healthiest of adults to their knees.



I do admire companies who quickly recall hazardous products. To me it is not only an admittance that something went terribly wrong in quality control, but that they are taking responsibility for it. However, I get sick to death of seeing the same thing being recalled over and over again by many different companies. Who’s paying the doctor or hospital bill of that young child who needs treatment for salmonella poisoning? Not only are children especially vulnerable but so are senior citizens. Anyone with a poor immune system will get the worst of any disease or poisoning.



Companies have to realize that it is not only the ‘compulsive~ hand washing~ germ~ a ~phobes’ like me that handles the family dog’s treats but in the majority of households all people in the family are handling these contaminated treats!





When a human product affects the health of humans over an over again something is done. Regulations are put in place or become stricter and companies are more scrutinized by the media which in turn alerts the public. The media coverage alone on such pet products could put thousands of people on notice and prevent serious illness. Certainly they can reach more people than my little blog ever will. It makes me wonder about our priorities when we hear nothing about a pet product recall that has the potential to cause great illness to many humans, but over the last couple of days we have heard plenty about Arnold Schwarzenegger’s infidelities!



So here I go again!

Seek care from a professional if you notice any of the below symptoms in human or dog.



Symptoms in dogs: (for those of you that missed my last few posts on salmonella poisoning) lethargy, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Keep in mind that infected but healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or people in the home.



Symptoms in people: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Salmonella can cause more serious problems as well such as arterial infection, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract infections.


My advice when this happens time and time again? Well it’s time to stop buying such products!


Companies recalling these treats are:



Boss Pet Products Inc.
Maple Heights Ohio
Contact.: 800- 445-6347
Website: http://www.bosspet.com/

More information here on lot numbers and where they were sold http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm255726.htm



Blackman Industries
Kanasas City KS
913-342-5010

This company is recalling two products, PrimeTime brand 2 and 5 ct. Premium Pig Ears and all KC Beefhide brand 20 count.


Product distribution dates between Jan 4, 2011 and April 29, 2011

Codes and information here http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm255709.htm

Oy Vey, just proof reading this makes me want to wash my hands again! 







Monday, May 16, 2011

FDA WARNING ON DOG SHAMPOO AND YOUR HEALTH!








If you are an asthmatic and have this shampoo at home just waiting to give your pooch a bath, please speak to your doctor before doing so. The FDA is currently investigating the death of an asthmatic women who gave her dog a bath with an unapproved animal drug  product “Doux Seborrhea Shampoo” containing 0.1% phytosphingosine.  Distributers: Sogeval Laboratories Inc. Of Coppell Texas.   Additional information will be made available after the FDA investigates further.

This is a very short read, please read and pass along if you know of anyone with asthma.
http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm255384.htm

Dogs diagnosed with seborrhea may have been recommend/given this particular shampoo.  http://www.vetrxdirect.com/product/view/douxo-seborrhea-shampoo

Friday, May 13, 2011

toss me a bone?

Once again the family of newfs have put me on top for  top animal blogger on blogger choice awards  for 2011, let's toss them a bone and get more votes:)  http://bloggerschoiceawards.com/blogs/show/100609?load=comments

My site was nominated for Best Animal Blogger!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Yum… a poop eating party!


I was in search on google for a picture
 of a dog eating it's poop, then I realized, I have Casey!
The best Golden in the world who will do anything for me!  

Ah there’s nothing more enticing than sucking down a cool glass of iced tea on a warm summer day while lazily tossing the ball to Fido when suddenly Fido stops, sniffs the ground like he’s on the trail of small critter, then starts to scarf up the poop he left behind two days ago! And surely the older the poop the better, as it has had time to age like a fine wine! In the summertime, the heat of the sun dehydrates the load making it as crunchy as a bag of ‘Crunch- N -Munch’ and in the winter, well, it’s just like having a Popsicle!  Even more enticing!   Usually, most people don’t want to admit to another human being that their pooch eats its own feces, lets face it , it makes you sound like a bad parent, like you’re not feeding your dog properly and after all he doesn’t do it all the time! Keep telling yourself, it’s a phase, just a phase!




“Gross!” Is the first word heard by many, followed by, “My dogs eats its own poop!” Or “Gross! My dog eats my cat’s poop!” Cat litter box raids are great examples of party on!



Coprophagia, It’ the 2nd most embarrassing habit to the dog’s owner, the 1st  being a hump on a guest's leg when they arrive for a spot of tea!  So what’s the cause? Why do dogs do this?

Well, in some cases it is a learned behavior.  If you’ve ever had a litter of pups you will have seen the mother dog eat the pup’s stool, which is her way of keeping her den clean and odor free to keep predators at bay. As the pups grow, as long as they are still in what is considered the den, the mother will eat the stool which in turn teaches the pups to do the same. Generally once they are out of the nest and have gone though their oral stage and are in a new home, that habit goes away.

In some cases it is picked up again later in life and this can be due to a variety of reasons. Dogs that have hypothyroidism may pick it up because they always feel hungry. Illness like diabetes or a vitamin deficiency may also be causes. In other cases it may be considered a compulsion due to being anxious, under stimulated, or attention seeking. A diet that is considered a high protein/ low residue diet can be a cause as well and feeding a higher fibrous food throughout the day (or free feeding) rather than one big meal a day may help. Parasites and inflammatory bowl disease are thought to be other causes as well.  It is important to have your dog tested for the above possibilities so they can be correctly treated if it is medical.

There are some over the counter deterrents such as Forbid or Dis~Taste that can be added to the dog’s food which is supposed to make the stool taste bad, not that any of us can imagine that it tastes good to begin with!  Some people try adding a bit of 100% of pure canned pumpkin as it has been said that dogs like the taste going down but it is a different story when it comes out again! (or maybe it works  because it is a fibrous food.) 

  I have seen some sites recommend putting garlic on the food, DON’T DO THIS! GARLIC IS TOXIC TO DOGS! I can only assume that the site on which I found this information is old and not up to date on the latest health hazards! There was a time when a little garlic sprinkled on the food was suggested to entice a sick dog to eat, then it was discovered just how bad garlic is for dogs. So be very careful when trying any home remedies you may find online or hear from well meaning friends. If you are unsure, don’t do anything until you speak with your vet.

There is one sure fire method that works every time and that is to watch your dog closely and pick up immediately after he has had a bowel movement!


But Sally, this is not possible, I work long hours and am at times too tired to pick it up!

If you are in the yard with the dog but a distance away and have not had the time to pick up, then teach your dog the command leave it. Get that command down 100% and remember to use it! 

Many dogs delight in the cat litter box as well which can be dangerous especially with the new clumping cat litter. What do you think clumping cat litter will do in a dog’s belly once it hits the stomach acids? Yup, clump!  So then an obstruction becomes a concern.

Here’s the deal, if your dog’s overall health is fine, then it’s a behavior issue and that needs to be addressed through training and keeping the dog active. Just like some humans, when we’re bored, or have a lack of activity we eat, and many times we eat the wrong things!

I’m an expert at eating the wrong things as I am now looking at moo moos to outfit my next vacation!

Until next time happy training:)

Casey, the best Golden in the world!
At least that's what I tell him!  


Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Treat Recall

Keys manufacturing company has made a recall as of 5-3-2011 on pig ears due to salmonella. Salmonella can not only affect your pet but also the humans in the home if they touch the contaminated treat. Wash hands thoroughly when handling any dog treats that may be contaminated with salmonella.

For dog you may see symptoms of diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, fever, vomiting, and possibly abdominal cramping. Normal temperature taken rectally for a dog is between 100.5 to 102.5.

For people, especially young children or the elderly, watch for vomiting, diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramping. More serious symptoms might be arterial infections, endocarditis, muscle pain, eye irritation, urinary tract symptoms or arthritis.



These treats were distributed to Pennsylvania, Virginia, Missouri, Illinois, Florida, Iowa Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Texan and Minnesota.

Product was distributed in 100 counts per case shipped between Sept 27- Oct 6 2010, Nov 1-29, 2010 and Jan 3- 25th 20ll.

You are urged to return the pig ear pet treats to the retailer for a full refund.

Customers can call the company at 1-217-465-4001

I Walk Alone

By: Sally Grottini



I walk through the muddy waters and atop the mounds of broken glass, blunt metal, and wooden splinters, hoping I do not fall or sink into a dark hole of oblivion, for if I do, I will not be found for weeks, if I am found at all. My hair is long, long enough to hold the mud and debris of the toxic air and long enough for the thorns of a tattered bush to call their home, which renders my every movement  painful. My eyes are narrowed and reddened from the infection that plagues them. My voice has grown weaker and my stomach is hungry. My feet, already battered and bruised from trying to navigate the elements in search of home, my home, which once held such optimism and joy. I feel worn, beaten, frightened, and alone in my journey to find food and shelter, alone in my journey to find my way back to the home I knew.



In light of the recent disasters across the US I want to emphasize what a difference you can make by  giving just a couple of hours of your time.

Please visit http://www.pasart.us/ to help animals in disaster in Pennsylvania.
Local? Visit the Columbia/Montour Face book page for information or join our Face book
group! http://www.facebook.com/groups/244551132294942/

MONTOUR RESIDENTS WE NEED YOU!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/ColumbiaMontour-State-Animal-Response-Team/170329226349544?ref=ts

visit http://www.sartusa.org/ to help in other states.
video pics of Alabama tornado disaster:  April, 2011 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWfGZSuH_0A
and here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-_zGSGap-8

Monday, May 2, 2011

Swaddle me baby!



My groomer wants me to give my dog a sedative before grooming because he hates having his nails cut, can you help?

This is something that often crosses my desk and this particular little doggie was a Cocker Spaniel.   I have to say, I gave the normal training answer of touching the dog’s feet and nails while the dog was at rest to get him used to having the feet touched and trimming only one nail at a time so it is not a big fuss. Most dogs do not like their feet touched and it can become a struggle to cut the nails. Many owners find themselves to be too nervous about hitting the quick of the nail that they make the process much worse.  Sweat pouring off their brow, the strain in their voice, the hardness of their touch. Not an easy task to say the least!
Trimming the hair between the pads is no walk in the park either!

There are some dogs that you can keep occupied by giving a Nylabone bone or filled Kong to play with so that nail clipping goes a little smoother, but this does not work for all dogs.

As soon as I gave the customer the usual suggestions, he replied, “I have tried most of what you suggested, with no progress, do you have any other ideas?”

Oy, more suggestions? How ‘bout I come there and hit the dog over the head with a rubber mallet! Sorry, sick humor I know.

That is when my mind shot back to the days of Cody, my cocker spaniel, the little black and tan Imp that only one groomer in my area would take on as a client.

One sultry day when I walked into the shop to pick Cody up from grooming, the groomer walked to the half door which separated the grooming room from the store and said, “I just have to do his feet, then he’ll be ready.”

“Okay.”  I said, and I meandered around the store portion of the room looking for goodies to buy for a black and tan, one eyed, mean spirited, Cocker Spaniel that only I could love!

That’s when I saw it! My little devil dog was hanging from the ceiling! Well, my mind’s eye was struggling  to grasp the concept of what was going on so quickly that I may have thought is was from the ceiling, when in reality it could have been a groomer’s table, but he did look like he was very high up toward the ceiling!  I likened this whole picture to a child in a Johnny Jumper! His body was encased safely in a sling like contraption with only his head and four legs coming through the material. He seemed to be resting comfortably, not squirming, not barking or crying, and I just had to ask.

“Kathy, what is that?”

Kathy smiled at me. “Isn’t it great? It’s a grooming sling!”

That was that, I was sold on the idea of such a protective item being between myself and Cody’s teeth making it easier to trim nails, trim the fur between the pads, and trim the face all while he was confined in this contraption. I looked at this idea the same as one would swaddling a baby, it made it seem more humane that way! So my eyes looked closely at how it was made as my brain took notes and I thought, I can make that!
The next day when I went to work right there on the employee free table laid a Johnny Jumper! Two holes down and two to go!

Once the second Johnny Jumper was found all that was left to do was to sew them together and put a handle on it! voi·là one grooming sling!  Well, maybe ‘sew’ is too strong of a word; duct tape is more like it! I could hang it from the rafters in the basement ceiling! Simple!  

Sadly (and only to me), my little Cody passed on before I was able to put this idea to use, but I was lucky enough to find a site that sells these slings for a variety of dog sizes, the configuration on how and where to hang it, I will leave up to you! But if your small to medium size dog get’s too restless during the nail trimming process, this product may be just what the doctor ordered! For larger dogs you’ll want your contractor to rig up a pulley system!

Grooming slings click here


P.S. I have edited this blog 3 times already, I think google and Face Book have brain freeze today!