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Important Info
IS SWIFFER JET KILLING OUR PETS??
Please check for validity before you forward emails and spams about household products killing our pets!
This one is a hoax folks!
http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/swiffer.asp
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RAW BONES IN YOUR DOGS DIET...GOOD OR EVIL?
I’ve recently had reason to research whether it’s ok to give our dogs BONES as part of their diet. Under close supervision raw bones with some meat left are great for dogs to occupy themselves and satisfy any chewing needs but I’m talking about actually feeding your dog bones as part of their diet.
One of my customers recently switched their golden retriever to a raw chicken diet as recommended by their trainer; bones and all! The transformation is absolutely amazing! He’s lost a tremendous amount of weight, his coat looks great, his teeth look great and even his high strung temperament has calmed down. I wondered about the bones though but not too much; after all canine’s dental make up is designed for tearing flesh and chewing bone. But then again, our domesticated canines of today are so very far diluted from their wolf ancestry; could it be possible that today’s canine can no longer handle raw bones like it’s ancestors before them? Not likely. It wasn’t until I actually watched this dog eat his chicken that gave me great reason to worry.
Every dog has their own sort of personality when it comes to eating their food and it usually stems from their pecking order when back in the litter of puppies…Some are pickers, some casually enjoy their food and others are what I like to call WOLFERS! They wolf down their food without a single chew. Well, this raw-chicken-eating golden retriever is a wolfer! He barely even took a chew on his raw chicken and bones which greatly concerned me so off to the internet I went.
There is great debate on whether raw bones are good or bad or even safe your dog. Debates even go further between chicken bones vs. beef bones. For some this is a very personal choice. However there were sites that I visited that showed x-rays of bones lodged in esophagus that needed to be surgically removed and other x-rays that showed splinted up bits of bone just sitting in the stomach. I think everyone agrees that cooked bones are a definite NO-NO because they are brittle and splinter causing injury before they even get into the stomach. However, the jury is still out on giving our dogs raw bones to eat and it’s highly questionable whether it’s really the bone that’s providing any nutritional value or is it the remains of connective tissue and protein left on the bone that is supporting proponents of feeding bones??
I always say “when in doubt, go without” and besides, it’s better to be safe than sorry. I wouldn’t want to find out the hard way that the risks of feeding raw bones outweigh any potential benefit in our domesticated canines. After all, there are highly superior premium dog foods available to satisfy every nutritional need of our beloved canines without risking their health at all whatsoever. I know I use my Doberman Alexis in just about every sample situation but take her for example; she’s never been fed a raw bone in her life. She’s 9 years old and is the picture of health and has never required anything other than routine annual veterinary visits. I always quiz the vets how old they think she is without looking at her chart and they think she’s around 5 years old. She’s on a superior diet (Abady) that is packed with the essential nutrients for canines…no “bones” about it!
Most premium dog foods, whether raw or not, are created by actual veterinarians and they are very passionate about their message and their brand. I’m not here to “dog” any one or any brand. However, I am “Dedicated To Dogs” after all and safety comes first above all else! It is my personal and professional recommendation to avoid feeding raw bones as part of your dogs diet unless they are finely ground bones such as in the BARF diet (biologically appropriate raw food) which even that diet is debated by The Meaty Bone diet’s website who suggest whole bones only is the way to go. The risk of raw bones far outweigh any possible benefit especially when the supposed nutritional benefit can be found elsewhere. That being said, do your own research and make your own personal decision.
Resources:
www.thepetcenter.com
www.barfworld.com
www.rawmeatybones.com
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MENU FOODS DOG & CAT FOOD RECALL 3/17/07:
Over the weekend Menu Foods has recalled many of their popular brands of dog and cat foods as pets are getting sick or have died. Please read the story as reported on WHDH and then check the Menu Foods link to see if your food brand & FORMULA has been recalled. IT SEEMS TO BE MOSTLY CANNED & POUCH FOODS.
Many of the brands listed are ones that I’ve warned my customers to stay away from such as: IAMS, EUKANUBA, nutro O’L ROY, MIGHTY DOG. Also affected are the supermarket store brands Demoulas Market Basket, Roche Brothers, Save-a-lot, Presidents Choice, etc. But there are many more on the list so please check for your brand.
Although this recall is still under investigation, Menu Foods is naming WHEAT GLUTEN as the culprit. As I have said before…make sure you are buying quality pet foods…not ones that skimp on nutritional value for the sake of a dollar. Wheat gluten is a meat/protein substitute (much like tofu) It is made by washing dough made from wheat flour in water until the starch is rinsed away, leaving only the gluten, which can then be cooked and processed in various ways. Wheat gluten, although not as well known, is an alternative to soy-based meat substitutes such as tofu; some types may taste even more like meat than tofu due to their chewy and/or stringy texture. It is often used in place of meat. Gluten is also found in brown rice and other grains. Gluten can permanently damage the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. There are serious side effects associated with the inclusion of large amounts of gluten in a ration as well. Gluten destroys the villa that line the intestines through which nutrients are pushed into the bloodstream. The gluten filters into the villa and hardens when it dries, causing the villa to break off. Since the villa cannot regenerate themselves, the damage is irreparable and permanent. Canines & Felines are carnivores and have no place for wheat, wheat gluten or any other grain in their diet. This is just one more example and one more reason to STOP FEEDING YOUR DOG COMMERCIAL BRAND PET FOODS!!! THEY ARE KILLING OUR PETS!!
AS REPORTED ON: http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/national/BO46130/ Menu Foods, the Ontario, Canada-based company that produced the pet food, said Saturday it was recalling dog food sold throughout North America under 48 brands and cat food sold under 40 brands including Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba. The food was distributed by major retailers such as Wal-Mart, Kroger and Safeway.
An unknown number of cats and dogs had suffered kidney failure and about 10 died after eating the affected pet food, the company said.
Two other companies -- Nestle Purina PetCare Co. and Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. -- said Saturday that as a precaution they were voluntarily recalling some products made by Menu Foods.
Many stores that sold the affected brands frantically pulled packages off shelves.
A complete list of the recalled products along with product codes, descriptions and production dates was available from the Menu Foods Web site, http://www.menufoods.com/recall/product_dog.html The company also designated two phone numbers that pet owners could call for information -- (866) 463-6738 and (866) 895-2708 -- but callers kept the lines busy for much of Saturday.
Menu Foods' chief executive and president Paul Henderson told the Associated Press on Friday that the company was still trying to figure out what happened.
He said that the company had received an undisclosed number of owner complaints that dogs and cats were vomiting and suffering kidney failure after eating its products. He estimated that the recall would cost the company, which is mostly owned by the Menu Foods Income Fund, an estimated $26 million to $34 million.
Sarah Tuite, a company spokeswoman, has said the recalled products were made using wheat gluten purchased from a new supplier, which has since been dropped for another source. Wheat gluten is a source of protein.
Food and Drug Administration spokeswoman Julie Zawisza said it is still too early to determine what could have affected the food. Zawisza added that even if wheat gluten is the source "it doesn't necessarily mean the wheat gluten per se. It could be another substance associated with the wheat gluten."
The recall covers the company's "cuts and gravy" style food, which consists of chunks of meat in gravy, sold in cans and small foil pouches from Dec. 3 to March 6.
The company said it makes pet food for 17 of the top 20 North American retailers. It is also a contract manufacturer for the top branded pet food companies, including Procter & Gamble Co.
http://www.menufoods.com/recall/product_dog.html
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01590.html
http://us.eukanuba.com/eukanuba/en_US/jsp/Euk_Page.jsp?pageID=MC&newsArticleID=22&intcmp=HM_PRR
http://www.myfoxboston.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=186379E1BB0D31230EC00D0FDB0D5ACB?contentId=2700209&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1
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PLYMOUTH COUNTY AERIAL SPRAYING FOR MOSQUITOS:
Information On Pesticide Spraying For EEE
(CBS4) The state of Massachusetts will begin aerial spraying for mosquitos on the South Shore, for the first time in 16 years. They are concerned about the potential for EEE. Read more about the pesticide that will be used, and the motivation behind the spraying. The following information is provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Q&A:
Q:What is Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE)?
A:Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus. The virus infects birds that live in freshwater swamps and is spread from bird to bird by infected mosquitoes. If a mosquito infected with the virus bites a horse or human, the animal or person can become sick. The risk of getting EEE is typically highest from late July through early September.
Q: Is EEE a serious health problem?
A: EEE can cause severe illness in any age group, however, people under age 15 are at particular risk. The mortality rate for humans who contract EEE is high and survivors often suffer severe neurological damage.
Q: Have any Massachusetts residents been diagnosed with EEE this year?
A: As of August 1, 2006, there have been no reported human cases of EEE in Massachusetts. However, because positive EEE mosquito pools have been found in human biting mosquitoes and infection of a horse in the same area has been identified, there is a higher risk of human cases. You can check current data on human infection on the Department of Public Health's web site.
Q: Where have positive mosquito pools been found?
A: As of August 2, 2006, four of the eight EEE (+) mosquito findings have been in mammal-biting mosquitoes. All four collections were from Plymouth County, with three from the town of Lakeville and one from the town of Plympton. This is an unusual finding, as the occurrence of EEE in mammal-biters is rare and tends to occur later in the season.
The occurrence of EEE virus in these mosquitoes increases the risk for human disease, because these mosquitoes are much more likely to bite people than the mosquitoes usually carrying EEE. Based on these positive findings and the fact that mosquito pools show abundant numbers of mosquitoes and larvae counts in Plymouth County and that environmental conditions are optimal for continued mosquito breeding, a high risk of occurrence of human cases exists. Youc an find current data on mosquito testing on the Department of Public Health's web site.
Q: What has been done to reduce risk of EEE?
A: Officials in affected areas have increased targeted ground-spraying of adult mosquitoes. Earlier efforts included targeting mosquitoes in the immature or larval state. In addition, recent efforts have been enhanced to provide educational information to residents in affected areas on: 1) source reduction (e.g., removal of potential breeding sites, such as garbage cans, flower pots, bird baths, discarded auto-tires or other containers that hold water); and 2) personal risk reduction (e.g., use of repellants, ensuring screens are in adequate repair, wearing clothing that covers your skin while outdoors).
Q: Why is aerial spraying of insecticides being considered now?
A: In situations of high risk of an outbreak of human disease, the Arbovirus Surveillance and Response plan recommends consideration of the use of adulticide spraying to reduce mosquito numbers in those specific areas of high risk. Despite ground-spraying efforts to date, mosquito numbers remain high. Many breeding areas of high concern are not accessible by truck mounted ground sprayers. Typically mosquitoes are most active and most likely to carry disease between late July and late September. If the weather is warm, it would be expected that more mosquitoes would be airborne. If the temperatures remain warm into the Fall, the risk period can extend as late as November.
Q: How would aerial spraying be conducted?
A: Aerial spraying is generally conducted during the early evening and night time hours (i.e., usually from dusk up to shortly after midnight) in areas of concern. Mosquito control professionals apply these pesticides as an ultra low volume (ULV) spray. ULV sprayers dispense very fine aerosol droplets that stay aloft and kill adult mosquitoes on contact.
Q: What pesticide product would be used in the aerial spraying?
A: The most preferable product to be used in aerial spraying is called Anvil. Anvil (or similar products) is the same product routinely used in ground spraying. Anvil contains sumithrin, which is a man-made pesticide product similar to the natural components of the chrysanthemum flower that is used to control mosquitoes in outdoor residential and recreational areas. Sumithrin can also be found in other pesticide products used indoors in pet shampoo and lice treatments and on pets to control ticks and insects, such as fleas and ants. Piperonyl butoxide is also an active ingredient in Anvil, acting to increase the ability of sumithrin to kill mosquitoes.
Q: What kinds of health problems can be associated with exposure to Anvil?
A: In occupational studies where significant exposures occurred, loss of coordination, tremors or tingling and numbness in areas of skin contact have been observed. However, with targeted and appropriate aerial spraying, a very low concentration (a maximum of 0.62 ounces active ingredient per acre) is used and exposure to levels that cause health problems are not expected.
Q: What health impacts among the general population can be expected with the aerial spraying of Anvil?
A: Due to the very low concentrations of Anvil used to control mosquitoes during aerial spraying, adverse health effects are not expected.
Q: Have studies been conducted on possible health effects following aerial spraying for mosquito control?
A: Yes. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that when administered properly in a mosquito-control program, insecticides pose a low risk for acute, temporary health effects among persons in areas that are being sprayed and among workers handling and applying insecticides. In addition, CDC reported that ULV aerial and ground spraying of products similar to Anvil did not result in elevated levels of the pesticides in human tissue in the population living in areas sprayed.
Q: Can exposure to Anvil exacerbate pre-existing conditions?
A: Yes, for some people, short-term exposure at low levels may exacerbate existing respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma) or cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat or lungs. For these reasons, individuals should consider taking steps to minimize their exposure risk to Anvil if it is applied to control mosquitoes. You should call your doctor, go to your local emergency room, or call the Massachusetts Poison Control Center if you believe that you are experiencing any symptoms that may be related to pesticide exposure.
Q: Could there be health concerns if I am pregnant?
A: As with all chemical exposures, pregnant women should take care to avoid them. Sumithrin is unlikely to affect pregnancy outcomes in people as a result of the proposed aerial spraying. Although some effects occurred in laboratory animals that were given large amounts of sumithrin during pregnancy, these amounts far exceeded the amounts that individuals are likely to contact from the proposed aerial spraying of Anvil.
Q: Could the aerial spraying result in long-term health effects?
A: Sumithrin did not cause cancer in rodents when they were fed high levels for their lifetime. Experimental studies have reported that piperonyl butoxide causes liver tumors in rodents when they are fed high levels of piperonyl butoxide every day for a long period of time. The amount of piperonyl butoxide ingested by animals in these studies, however, far exceeds the amount humans might be exposed to as a result of the aerial use of Anvil to control mosquitoes. Although uncertainties exist, available information indicates that piperonyl butoxide is unlikely to cause cancer in humans as a result of its use to control mosquitoes.
Q: What are the environmental characteristics and impacts of sumithrin?
A: Sumithrin is rapidly inactivated and decomposed by exposure to light and air with a half-life of less than one day in the air, and on plants and other surfaces subject to sunlight. It does not dissolve easily in water, and is broken down by microorganisms in streams and water bodies that receive sunlight. Thus, residues in water would not be expected. Because of environmental fate and dilution characteristics and the fact that spraying does not occur over drinking water supply reservoirs, opportunities for exposure via drinking water are not expected. Anvil and other pyrethroid pesticides are toxic to terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates (e.g., dragonflies, beetles) and to fish. However, as the size of the fish pool or pond decreases the risk to the fish increases. The risks to large natural water bodies are minimal. Thus, you may want to cover a small ornamental fish pond in your yard during the night of spraying.
Q: What kinds of precautions are recommended if aerial spraying is scheduled in my area?
A: You can reduce/eliminate your exposure risk to the insecticide by staying indoors during spraying. Otherwise, no special precautions are recommended. The active ingredients of the pesticide product as it is used for aerial application for mosquito control generally break down quickly and do not leave a toxic residue.
If individuals want to take extra steps to minimize or avoid exposure, what steps can be taken?
Common sense steps that can be followed in areas where aerial spraying is scheduled to take place include:
-If the immediate area of your home is being sprayed, keep widows closed and fans off. Shut off air conditioners unless they have a setting for recirculating indoor air. In very hot weather, make sure you open the windows or turn fans and air conditioners back on soon after the aerial spraying is completed.
-Rinse any homegrown fruits and vegetables with water as is typically done before cooking or eating them.
-Keep pets indoors during spraying to minimize their risk of exposure. Pets that remain outdoors could be exposed to small amounts of pyrethroids, but would not be expected to experience adverse health effects from the spraying. Again, there are many pesticide products (e.g., flea collars, pet shampoo, dips) containing sumithrin that are used directly on pets to control ticks and insects.
-If skin or clothes or other items are exposed to the sprayed pesticide, wash with soap and water.
-If the spray gets in your eyes, immediately rinse them with water or eye drops, and call your doctor.
-Because Anvil breaks down quickly in sunlight and water, and considering dilution factors, no special precaution or waiting periods are recommended for outdoor swimming pools or beaches.
Q: What if I think that I am experiencing an adverse reaction to pesticide spraying?
A: If you think that you are experiencing any health effects from pesticides, call your doctor or the Massachusetts Poison Control Center 800-222-1222 or go to your local Emergency Room. Toxicology staff at the MDPH can also be consulted by calling the WNV information line at 1 866 MASS-WNV (press 5 to be connected to the Center for Environmental Health), or by calling (617) 624 5757.
Information provided by the Mass. Department of Public Health & www.cbs4boston.com
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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TOXIC MULCH!!
Many emails have been flurrying around about pets dying from consuming cocoa mulch so I thought it important enough to post:
This product is said to be HIGHLY toxic to dogs.
Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that "It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it." True information about the mulch can be found at www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoa This site, which deciphers urban legend from fact, gives the following information:
Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called "Theobromine". It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Just a word of caution; check what you are using in your gardens and be aware of what your gardeners are using in your gardens.
Theobromine is the ingredient that is used to make all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.
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DIAMOND PET FOODS RECALL
Please get the word out! Diamond Pet Foods has recalled 19 varieties of pet food containing high levels of aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a naturally occuring toxic chemical that comes from a fungus found on corn and other grains that causes severe liver damage in animals. The affected product was distributed
to at least 29 countries. If you have been feeding your dog any of the foods listed below...STOP IMMEDIATELY! Please contact anyone you know that has a pet to be sure they are not feeding the recalled product to their pet.
Affected States:
Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky (eastern), Maine,
Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,
North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee,
West Virginia, Vermont, Virginia.
Affected Products:
Diamond Low Fat Dog Food, Diamond Hi-Energy Dog Food, Diamond Maintenance Dog Food, Diamond Performance Dog Food, Diamond Premium Adult Dog Food, Diamond Puppy Food, Diamond Maintenance Cat Food, Diamond Professional Cat Food, Country Value Puppy, Country Value Adult Dog, Country Value High Energy Dog, Country Value Adult Cat Food, Professional Chicken & Rice Senior Dog Food, Professional Reduced Fat Chicken & Rice Dog Food, Professional Adult Dog Food, Professional Large-Breed Puppy Food, Professional Puppy Food, Professional Reduced Fat Cat Food, Professional Adult Cat Food.
Diamond Foods has set up a toll-free hotline to answer questions related to this horrible situation. Diamond Pet Foods Web site www.diamondpetrecall.com
Customer Hotline: 1-866-214-6945.
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PLEASE SPAY & NEUTER YOUR PETS!
Serious health complications can result in older dogs if not spayed & neutered. My cousin almost lost their female chocolate lab (below) to Pyrometra; a deadly uterine infection that can occur in unspayed older dogs. Please go to this website to find out more: (warning, photo's are graphic) www.thepetcenter.com
