If The FDA Is Concerned About Your Pet's Food, Shouldn't You Be Too?

The FDA has issued a statement regarding concerns about what is really in your pet's food.  The China jerky "issue" is really just the tip of the iceberg.  There is a tremendous amount of food and treats that can be harmful to your pet made here in the USA.  The real problem is the amount of marketing fluff that currently exists convincing pet owners that the cute pet on the label and decorative designs are more important that the actual ingredients.  How many pet owners have actually looked at the ingredients in their pet's food?  This informative article details just a few of the "questionable" ingredients found in pet food.

Halloween Warning For Your Pet

Trick or Treat...Halloween is coming and with it, we need to use extra caution to keep our pets safe. Keeping cats and dogs away from the candy and gum is essential.  Although these may be sweet treats for us, they are not  for your pet. 

Any candy with chocolate can be toxic for pets and so is gum if it contains Xylitol.  Some pets will do anything for a tasty snack, and extra care should be taken as many treats could make them sick.  It is so easy to leave a pack of gum or candy sitting out on the counter or on a car seat.  Xylitol can have fast, fatal consequence, it can cause a drop in blood sugars (acute hypoglycemia) and/or liver failure.    Be sure to keep your candy and gum in a secure location that is inaccessible to your pet.  Also, make sure any  little human goblins are aware of the risk to your pet, so that they don't share a treat that may be dangerous.  This will help ensure that Halloween is a treat for all! 

Maltese with Gallbladder Disease and Elevated Liver Enzymes

Q: My maltese is 5 years old and last July she had gallbladder surgery due to gallbladder disease. After the surgery,  her liver enzymes were very high. We have been taking her to a specialist that has her on medications and a low fat prescription diet. Her liver enzymes continue to stay high. I don't know what else to do for her and thought I would reach out to you.  If you have a holistic approach that may resolve this issue with her liver, I am willing to try what ever is suggested.

A:  Yes there is a LOT more we can do to help.  You need to look at her diet. Prescription diets contain grains, chemicals and fillers so I would look at more natural alternatives that help a pet's liver to heal.  Here is an article you might find of interest on prescription diets.

Products that would be very helpful for your pup would be:  Special SAMe is a powerful antioxidant, Liver and Gallbladder kit (with, Lypozyme, Power Probiotic, and Liver and Gallbladder supplement) These all-natural supplements are gentle but effective in supporting the liver, gallbladder, pancreas and intestinal tract.. We hope your pup feels better soon

FDA Statement Regarding Jerky Treats Making Pets Sick

Yesterday (October 22, 2013)  the FDA made a statement, and issued warnings regarding their ongoing investigation of  consumer complaints regarding jerky pet treats made in China. The treats are made with chicken, duck, sweet potato, and dried fruits.  More than 3600 pets have become sick and nearly 600 pets have died since 2011.  Most of the cases involve dogs (there has been 10 cats) of all breeds, ages and sizes. The pet may become sick within hours or days of having the treats and most suffer gastrointestinal illness and/or kidney and urinary problems.  The FDA stated although extensive testing is being done, a cause has not been determined.

Signs to watch for in your pet include:  decreased appetite, decreased activity level, vomiting, diarrhea, increased water consumption and/or increased urination.  If your pet shows any of these signs, seek veterinarian care right away.

No formal recall has been made, so a list is not available for which brands have been reported.  The FDA is continuing testing and recommends that pet owners whose pet becomes sick after eating the treats should report the complaint to the FDA Safety Reporting Portal .

Safe Treats For Dogs?

Treats are not essential to your dog or cat's nutritional needs.  In fact, we discourage overtreating as it can lead to obesity.  However, it is a good idea if possible to give your dog a light meal mid-day.  This helps to regulate a dog's blood sugar, improves digestion and keeps them from gorging themselves at night.  For dogs, using green vegetables, carrots, sardines or freeze dried "dog food" without grains is optimal.  Stella and Chewys and Instinct both have freeze dried small patties that can be used for lunch or as a mid-day treat.  The Honest Kitchen offers freeze dried haddock filets which are hypoallergenic for dogs.   If you do want to give your dog or cat treats, then be sure to scrutinize the label of ingredients.  To learn more about safe ingredients for pets, please read our article about ingredients on the pet food label.

Healthy and Happy Persian Cats

Dear Ariel:

"I received the AllerEaze.  I gave it to my cat  who has sinus congestion and within 24 hours she was feeling so much better! It’s a wonderful product!   

I have been following the instructions with all the other products (such as Notatum, Quentans, Colostrum)  and  keeping them on the diet you recommended.   These products are truly amazing!  I am so glad I came across your website and ordered these products! Thank you again for the all the support and care you give to your customers and their pets! 

You are wonderful and so are your products!  Thank you, thank you, thank you again for all  your help and your advice!  It’s working!  So glad to see all four of my Persian cats becoming healthy and happy again!"

J. Walker, Houston, Texas  October 2013

Kids and Pet Safety -- Tips For Introducing Children to New Pets

Kids and pets can be a wonderful combination! However, some caution should be given when children and pets interact.  It is not a good idea to leave a young child unsupervised with an animal. You never know what can happen even with the most trustworthy children and pets.

Here are three more suggestions for introducing children to new pets:

1) Teach your children to always ask first before petting an unknown pet. Pets are like people and made up of different temperaments, some are people lovers and some may be more shy and feel defensive when approached.

2)  After asking if the pet is friendly, teach your child to reach out with their palm facing up and allow the pet to sniff. Then show your children the safe places to pet the cat or dog, such as under the chin, while avoiding the top of the head and tail. This will help the animal not feel threatened.

3) Let the pet approach the child rather than chasing after the pet.   This will ensure a great time is had by all.   

Bad Breath in Cats

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