Monday, June 18, 2012

Pets & Heatstroke

Many pets see a summer car ride as an adventure, but a hot car is no place for a pet. Even if you plan on bringing your pet as you run a quick errand, keep in mind that the interior temperature of a car can quickly surpass 100 degrees, even if the windows are cracked open and the outside temperature is only in the low 70s. Because pets don’t have the means of cooling themselves down the way we do, such high temperatures can cause heatstroke, brain damage, or even death. So keep your pet safe this summer, and never them alone in a car.
 

Heatstroke & Pets


Many pets see a summer car ride as an adventure, but a hot car is no place for a pet. Even if you plan on bringing your pet as you run a quick errand, keep in mind that the interior temperature of a car can quickly surpass 100 degrees, even if the windows are cracked open and the outside temperature is only in the low 70s. Because pets don’t have the means of cooling themselves down the way we do, such high temperatures can cause heatstroke, brain damage, or even death. So keep your pet safe this summer, and never them alone in a car.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Pet Beach Safety

When you and your dog head out for a day at the beach, be sure to take all the necessary precautions to ensure their safety. First, check with local ordinances to ensure that your dog is allowed to visit the beach of your choice, and whether they need to be leashed the whole time. Second, be sure to pack fresh water, food, a blanket, and a sun-shelter that your pet can use. Lastly, don’t forget to bring some toys, like a Frisbee or tennis ball, so the two of you can have some fun together! 

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

June is National Pet Preparedness Month

As June’s National Pet Preparedness Month nears, ensure pets are included in emergency evacuation plans and safety procedures. With owners caring for pets as true family members, the majority of owners stated they would take their pets with them in the event of a disaster including 76 percent of dog owners and 67 percent of cat owners, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA) 2011 / 2012 National Pet Owners Survey. The following are helpful preparation tips and products manufactured by APPA members to keep in mind for the whole family should disaster strike.

Stock Food & Water
Ensure pets have a vast supply of food and water to last for at least three days if needed. Non-perishable canned or freeze-dried foods are great to pack up and easy for storing at room temperature. Visit http://stewartpet.com/our-products/freeze-dried-food/ for a selection of easy-to-store freeze-dried foods by Stewart®.

Provide Fido with Float Gear
In the case of a hurricane or flood, ensure pets remain safe, afloat and visible at all times. Click Fido into a floatation vest and check out http://www.kurgostore.com/products/Surf%252dn%252dTurf-.html for dog life vests, coats and more.

Pack First Aid Essentials
Prepare for any situation with essential first aid items for pets including bandages, antiseptics, and other proper tools. Should a pet need minor wound treatment or stabilizing, be ready to go with a packed first aid kit. Visit www.PawFlex.comfor disposable, tough and fur-friendly bandages.

Ensure Pets are Identifiable
Should a pet get lost in a crowd or separated during the hustle and bustle of an evacuation, ALWAYS ensure pets are easily identifiable and able to be tracked down no matter where you end up. Double check pets are secure with identification tags and all emergency contact information is up-to-date including alternate contact information in case you are forced to evacuate your house. Visit www.PetHub.com for tags with GPS and scanning capabilities.



National Pet Preparedness Month, created by the American Humane Association and Red Star AnimalEmergency Services™, is designed to encourage pet owners to prepare for disasters including pet first aid kits and safety tips. Visit http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/programs/emergency-services/pet-preparedness-month.htmlfor more information. 

Monday, June 4, 2012

June Pet of the Month: Kirby

Kirby Bowden is our Pet of the Month for June. Kirby is an eight year old tri-colored Basset Hound. He was born in Iowa, and he has a big brother, also a Basset Hound, by the name of Barkley. One might describe Kirby as a momma's boy. He's tenderhearted and a little cuddle-bug, but also a bit of a bull in a china shop. Kirby's "special skill" is acting malnourished. He's never met a treat he didn't like. Recently, Kirby became paralyzed in his hind legs. He is on the road to making a full recovery with the help of his friends at Brandt Veterinary Clinic. Kirby continues to inspire us, and gives hope to those who are going through similar hardships to never give up.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

May Pet of the Month: ASA GREY

Hi, guys! I'm Asa Grey! I'm a big girl Boxer puppy, almost 5 months old, and I'm growing up so fast!

I have bigger feet than some of my grown up buddies! I love to share picture everyday and would be happy if you'd stop on by to see my own BLOG at http://iamasagrey.tumblr.com.

Thanks and you all stay cool!

Monday, May 7, 2012

Pet Food Recall Notice

Pet Parents: For answers to your questions + information on how to return products you are required to call the below hotline numbers.



Diamond: 866.918.8756

8am - 6pm EST

Monday - Sunday or www.diamondpetrecall.com



Wellpet: 877.227.9587

8am - 6pm EST Monday - Friday

9am - 5pm Saturday/Sunday



Natural Balance: 800.829.4493

8am - 5pm EST or www.naturalbalanceinc.com



Canidae: 800.398.1600

Press 1 for Consumer Service.

9am - 5pm PST



The following brands have issued a voluntary recall. More information will be following as it is released.



The below Diamond Pet Dry Dog Food Brands - To determine if what you have"2" or a "3" in the 9th or 10th digit and an "X" in the 11th digit. The best- is affected, you should check the production codes on the back of bags that have a number before dates for the recalled brands are December 9, 2012 through April 7, 2013.



Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul - All skus
Country Value - All Skus
Diamond - All Skus
Diamond Naturals - All Skus
Premium Edge - All Skus
Professional - All Skus
Taste of the Wild - All Skus


The below Wellness sku with a Best by Date of January 9, 10, & 11th 2013:


Wellness Complete Health® Super5Mix® Large Breed Puppy, 15 and 30 lb. bags and 5 oz. samples with best by dates of JAN 9 2013 through JAN 11 2013



May 4th, 2012- No other Wellness skus were affected.



Please note that no salmonella cases have been reported on Wellpet. They are recalling for the safety of the pet and the pet parent.





The below Natural Balance Skus:



5 LB Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison Dog; Best By Date: December 12, 2012; December 13, 2012; March 12, 2013

15 LB Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison Dog; Best By Date: December 12, 2012; December 13, 2012; December 14, 2012; March 5, 2013; March 6, 2013

28 LB Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison Dog; Best By Date: December 12, 2012; December 13, 2012; December 14, 2012; March 5, 2013; March 6, 2013; March 7, 2013; March 8, 2013; March 12, 2013

5 LB Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog; Best By Date: December 10, 2012; December 21, 2012; December 22, 2012

15 LB Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog; Best By Date: December 10, 2012; December 21, 2012; December 22, 2012

28 LB Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog; Best By Date: December 10, 2012; December 21, 2012; December 22, 2012

5 LB Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Bison Dog; Best By Date: December 17, 2012; December 18, 2012; December 28, 2012; December 29, 2012

15 LB Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Bison Dog; Best By Date: December 9, 2012; December 17, 2012; December 18, 2012; December 28, 2012; December 29, 2012

28 LB Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Bison Dog; Best By Date: December 9, 2012; December 17, 2012; December 18, 2012; December 28, 2012; December 29, 2012

5 LB Natural Balance Vegetarian Dog; Best By Date: December 9, 2012

28 LB Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog Large Breed Bites; Best By Date: December 12, 2012; December 20, 2012; December 21, 2012

5 LB Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog Small Breed Bites; Best By Date: December 21, 2012

12.5 LB Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog Small Breed Bites; Best By Date: December 21, 2012



May 4, 2012- Please note that only these 5 flavors of Natural Balance were affected. The other flavors are produced on other lines and plants.



Please note that no salmonella cases have been reported on Natural Balance. They are recalling for the safety of the pet and the pet parent.





The below Canidae skus with production codes that have both a number "3" in the 9th or 10th digit and an "X" in the 11th digit with a best before dates of December 9, 2012, through January 31, 2013 which are being recalled.



Canidae Dog, All Life Stages

Canidae Dog, Chicken Meal & Rice

Canidae Dog, Lamb Meal & Rice

Canidae Dog, Platinum



A message from Canidae:



It is with regret that we are reporting a voluntary recall on a limited production run of CANIDAE dry dog food produced out of the Diamond Pet Foods South Carolina plant. Even though not one of our products have been tested positive for Salmonella, it is out of pure precaution that this product is being removed from the market place. We are working diligently to make this process as seamless as possible for you, our retailers and consumers. Although there have been no animal or human illnesses related to Canidae Pet Food, and the product has not tested positive for Salmonella, the company has voluntarily initiated this recall out of caution to ensure the health and safety of consumers and their pets.



Following is an example of how to read the production code and best before date:



Production Code Best Before Date



FDE0104R5 3X TS 10 - January - 2013



The recall affects only products distributed in the following Eastern U.S. states which were manufactured at the Diamond Pet Food Gaston, South Carolina plant. Further distribution to other pet food channels may occur:



Florida, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee