Daily Paws

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 16, 2010 – Merrick Pet Care, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas is recalling all lots of its 10 oz “Beef Filet Squares” for Dogs and “Texas Hold’ems” pet treats because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling the treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products. Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers immediately. 

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately. 

The “Beef Filet Squares” & “Texas Hold’ems” were shipped to distributors and retailers throughout the US. These individuals have been notified and have activated their recall procedures. 

No illnesses have been reported to date.  

Consumers who have purchased 10 ounce packages of “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” & “Texas Hold’ems” are urged to return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F 8:00 – 5:00 CDT. 

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The headline in the news article caught my attention:  “Half of the dogs in Britain will suffer painful and early deaths because owners let them get fat”.  I read through looking for anything that was new about fat animals, and, while there really is nothing new, the headline IS correct and obesity in pets, just like obesity in humans, can cause major health problems.

The stats from this article are grim:
“Vet Sean Wensley said: ‘Overweight pets are less mobile, less willing to play and more likely to develop a serious health condition.

‘Ultimately, owners control their pets’ diets and exercise.’

The charity has surveyed the weight of dogs each year since 2006. Over that time, the proportion of obese pets has shot up from 21 per cent to 35 per cent.

If the trend continues, the PDSA estimates that nearly half of British dogs will be overweight by 2013 – putting them at risk of heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and an early grave. “

So the trick is – what can you do if you’ve let your pet get fat?  You have to do the same things you’d do if you let yourself get fat.  Simple really.
1.  Eat healthier
2.  Eat less
3.  Exercise more
4.  Make sure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals to support your system as you lose weight.

No matter what anyone tells you…losing weight IS work.  It’s work for you.  It’s work for your pet.  But instead of looking forward to the project and doing it together.
In the end you’ll both enjoy your lives much better and longer.

Linda

Linda

During the course of my week, I do a lot of research and see a lot of pet news. Often I’ll come across something cool or something weird or something unusual that I’d like to share with you but they’re really not enough for a Daily Paws feature.

I’ve decided to gather them up and share them in our Daily Paws Tales of the Unusual: Cool and unusual animal stories to share.

I have three stories for you today.

1. Veterinarian fetches sheriff’s horse from hayloft – this is both cool and unusual.

Tales From Nebraska Veterinarians & Families

How DID the sheriff’s horse make it up a set of narrow stairs to the hayloft?

This is a story from a book titled “‘Tales of Tails from Nebraska Veterinarians & Families” and I know you’ll enjoy reading this very funny story.  And if you like the story, buy the book.  All proceeds from the sale of the book go to Nebraska veterinary students for scholarships.

You can read the Veterinarian and the horse in the hayloft story HERE.

2. Dog hitches a ride 1200 miles from his home to join his owner in New Orleans:

Charlie and Steve

I’ve read stories of animals traveling great distances to return home.

This is not that story.  It is a pretty cool story of a dog who’s master traveled 1200 miles away and how the dog wound up there too.

You can read that story HERE

3. Pet snake saves family from house fire:

Snake Saves Family

We’ve all seen stories like this, stories of dogs or cats and even birds that have saved their family from disaster, but a pet snake?

First of all, in this story the snake is loose and roaming around the house.  Second of all, he does things I’ve never heard of a snake doing before.

Is the story true?  I don’t know…and you can make up your mind after reading it yourself.

Click HERE to read the snake story.

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Enjoy our first issue of Daily Paws Tales of the Unusual and if YOU come across a tale that you think fits, please send it to me for inclusion in an upcoming issue.
Linda
VetLocator.com