Steve Dale: Heartworm Prevention

www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSCyJk5jDyo

Steve and Dr. Shelly Rubin discuss how heartworm can affect your pets and what you can do to prevent this serious disease.

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Link to video for Midday Fix : wgn-tv

Cats need milk
The long-standing myth that cats need milk is wrong and giving your pet a saucer of cow’s milk could make it vomit or have diarrhea. Kittens drink their mother’s milk until they are weaned but adult cats don’t have much lactase in their systems so drinking milk is often uncomfortable and messy, for you and your cat. Cats can be prone to urinary and kidney issues too, so be sure to provide them access to plenty of cool, clean water throughout the house. Feeding them a moist canned diet will also increase their fluid intake.

Table scraps make good rewards for dogs
This is a myth too. As hard as it is not to give in to those sad, soulful puppy dog eyes, there are many reasons NOT to feed your dog table scraps. Dogs that eat a lot of table scraps tend to be overweight. If you’re eating a steak and want to give your dog a treat, what part of the steak does he usually get? The fat. Eating pure fat is bad for your dog’s weight. Overweight dogs have less energy and are at greater risk for developing health problems such as cardiovascular diseases. And digestive disorders are another common problem among dogs that eat a lot of table scraps, causing unpleasant symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
The healthiest diet for your dog is a consistent natural diet that has been formulated specifically for their unique nutritional needs. I recommend a natural brand, one made with simple, wholesome, real-food ingredients and that’s perfectly balanced to support a dog’s health, from puppies to seniors. Be sure to talk to your vet about how much food to give your dog, and then feed the same amount (be sure to measure it out) at the same time each day.

Cats always land on their feet
Cats are champs at landing feet first over short distances, thanks to a highly flexible backbone. But they do sometimes land on their heads — beyond one or two stories their feet can’t “break” the fall. Cats with access to an elevated, open window may also focus so intently on a bird that they lose their balance and fall — what we call “high-rise syndrome”. Offering your cat a safe, secure perch with a view is the best way to keep them safe.

A warm nose means your dog is sick
The temperature of a dog’s nose changes easily and isn’t a good sign of illness. It can be hot and dry after lying in the sun or cool and wet from dipping into the water bowl. Keep an eye out for these better signs of illness -- lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, coughing, or a fever higher than 102.5°F. Be sure to contact your vet right away if your dog shows any of these signs.

It’s ok for your dog to “give you a kiss”
Do you buy into the myth that dogs’ mouths are cleaner than humans? Think again. Dogs’ chops are teeming with germs like salmonella. These germs get into a dog’s mouth from eating spoiled food (or when he uses his tongue as toilet paper). Then a kiss moves these germs from pooch to person. . . and that’s not good. So put the kibosh on the kissing, wash your hands if your dog gives you a lickful of love, and get into a routine of brushing your pet’s teeth too.

The pet supplies shown today can be found at:

www.holisticselect.com

www.wellnesspetfood.com

www.petsuppliesplus.com

Midday fix comes from -- WGN-TV

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Io7uaZ_m6As

http://bananamana.com/hrss-house-rabb… Rabbit’s Diet -- Teeny’s Tips. HRSS volunteer Teeny Teh talks about what you should feed your pet rabbit. For more info on rabbits and rabbit care click on the link above.

Newark, NJ: Cat and dog owners have filed a series of lawsuits against the makers of anti- flea and tick medications alleging that their pets were made ill by the products.

Five New Jersey Companies are named as separate defendants in the lawsuits, specifically Secaucus-based Hartz Mountain Corp., Summit VetPharm LLC of Rutherford, Morristown-based Bayer Healthcare LLC, Merck & Co. Inc. of Whitehouse Station and Sanofi-Aventis Inc. of Bridgewater.

The most recent lawsuit filed last week by five pet owners against Hartz Mountain and Summit VetPharm, alleges that the flea or tick treatments made by these two companies contained Pyrethrin, or a synthetic version of the chemical Pyrethroids, which are “known to poison animals.”

The products named include Hartz Ultra Guard flea and tick drops and Summit VetPharm’s Vectra 3d. The companies are accused of negligence, violating New Jersey’s consumer fraud law and liability for creating an “unreasonably dangerous product.”

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In one lawsuit, a man from California saw his Scottish Terrier, Duffy, die three days after he treated him with Hartz flea and tick drops. Rick Parsons took Duffy to the veterinarian’s facility because he did not appear well. Duffy died at the Vet’s office that day and the Vet reportedly said the death was due to a “reaction to the insecticide.”

The suits reportedly states that Parsons contacted Hartz, which reviewed the case and denied any responsibility, saying that the dog’s death was due to “underlying health problems.” The suit goes on to state “in 2008 alone, there were approximately 48,000 reports of adverse events from the spot-on or squeeze-on products including pyrethrins, Permethrin, or other pyrethroids.”

According to a media report, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which regulates the products, has seen a “sharp increase in adverse consequences” resulting from these products.

“Adverse reactions reported range from mild effects such as skin irritation to more serious effects such as seizures, and in some cases, death of the pet,” the advisory said.

The lawsuits are reportedly seeking class action status.

MAR-09-10: Cat and dog owners say Hartz Mountain Corp flea medication hurt their pets [NORTH JERSEY.COM: CRIME AND COURTS]

Legal Help

If your pet has suffered illness or death as a result of exposure to any of these products, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to a lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation. [Click here for a free lawsuit evaluation] Newark, NJ: Cat and dog owners have filed a series of lawsuits against the makers of anti- flea and tick medications alleging that their pets were made ill by the products.

Five New Jersey Companies are named as separate defendants in the lawsuits, specifically Secaucus-based Hartz Mountain Corp., Summit VetPharm LLC of Rutherford, Morristown-based Bayer Healthcare LLC, Merck & Co. Inc. of Whitehouse Station and Sanofi-Aventis Inc. of Bridgewater.

The most recent lawsuit filed last week by five pet owners against Hartz Mountain and Summit VetPharm, alleges that the flea or tick treatments made by these two companies contained Pyrethrin, or a synthetic version of the chemical Pyrethroids, which are “known to poison animals.”

The products named include Hartz Ultra Guard flea and tick drops and Summit VetPharm’s Vectra 3d. The companies are accused of negligence, violating New Jersey’s consumer fraud law and liability for creating an “unreasonably dangerous product.”

In one lawsuit, a man from California saw his Scottish Terrier, Duffy, die three days after he treated him with Hartz flea and tick drops. Rick Parsons took Duffy to the veterinarian’s facility because he did not appear well. Duffy died at the Vet’s office that day and the Vet reportedly said the death was due to a “reaction to the insecticide.”

The suits reportedly states that Parsons contacted Hartz, which reviewed the case and denied any responsibility, saying that the dog’s death was due to “underlying health problems.” The suit goes on to state “in 2008 alone, there were approximately 48,000 reports of adverse events from the spot-on or squeeze-on products including pyrethrins, Permethrin, or other pyrethroids.”

According to a media report, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which regulates the products, has seen a “sharp increase in adverse consequences” resulting from these products.

“Adverse reactions reported range from mild effects such as skin irritation to more serious effects such as seizures, and in some cases, death of the pet,” the advisory said.

The lawsuits are reportedly seeking class action status.

MAR-09-10: Cat and dog owners say Hartz Mountain Corp flea medication hurt their pets [NORTH JERSEY.COM: CRIME AND COURTS]

Legal Help

If your pet has suffered illness or death as a result of exposure to any of these products, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to a lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation. [Click here for a free lawsuit evaluation]

We’ve all heard a lot about chocolate and anti-freeze being a killer to pets. But here’s a look at some little known toxins that can be killers to your 4-legged family members.

Avocados, macadamia nuts, the sweetener xylitol which is found in a lot of gum and candy, onions, garlic and chives are a few.

Plants that will be coming into bloom this spring that are also dangerous to pets include: tulip and narcissus bulbs like daffodils, amaryllis, azaleas, lilies.

Other items that are on top of the list are grapes and raisins for dogs.

And the cost to treat a pet who has consumed a toxic substance does not come cheap. Treatment for animals can total over $1,000. Now we just scratched the surface on household toxins to pets.

If you go to the ASPCA, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, they have important information and contact numbers for pet poison control centers.

An important phone number every pet owner should have near by.

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www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wvo-g_JvURI

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www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLxAj69W_FA

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This is a funny dog video I found in youtube. I do not know who made this so I just added music to make it more funnier. )

Michael Simms returns to the Sigma Chi  house after class to greet Parks, his prickly roommate. Parks, a hedgehog, is a new occupant of the fraternity house’s third floor.

While residential housing prohibits animals of any kind, some fraternities, sororities and off-campus housing allow students to own pets. In Sigma Chi, residents are merely limited on the type of pets they can have.

“He’s kind of cuddly,” the McCormick sophomore said. “If you’re stressed out, he plays around, and he puts you in a better mood.”

Simms said he wanted a pet because they are fun and add character to his living situation. So far, Simms said he hasn’t encountered problems taking care of Parks.

“My roommate loves him too and takes care of him almost as much as I do,” Simms said.
Parks recently had his picture taken for Sigma Chi’s composite photo and is named after James Parks Caldwell, one of the fraternity’s founders.

Simms said he got the idea to have a pet hedgehog when he visited Thee Fish Bowl, 600 Dempster St., a pet store in Evanston.

Elena Moss, sales manager at Thee Fish Bowl, said Betta fish, hamsters, gerbils and goldfish are among the most popular pets for college students. She said people living off-campus sometimes branch out by getting reptiles such as geckos and corn snakes.

“When they live in their own apartment, people get all sorts of stuff,” Moss said.

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Regardless of where they live, Moss said most college students don’t buy dogs or cats.

“Dogs require more attention than most college students can give,” Moss said. “And many apartments don’t allow cats.”

Dr. Wei-Jen Huang, a clinical psychologist for Counseling and Psychological Services, said having pets can be a good thing, but students have to consider the extra work they entail.

“Responsibilities are not bad, and (pets) enhance meaning and happiness if you know how to manage them,” Huang said.

Whether or not it’s a good idea to have a pet depends on an individual’s lifestyle, he said. People have weaker bonds with pets looked at from a distance like fish than with companion pets such as dogs.

Students who pass through the sorority quad said the Delta Delta Delta puppy is known to capture their attention.

Maggie, a 7-month-old West Highland White Terrier, belongs to Judy Burns, the housemother of Tri Delt.

“The dog is for me, but the girls are also getting the benefits,” Burns said.

Burns said she decided to get a dog when a few Tri Delt girls discovered she was allowed to have a pet. After a process of securing approval from both the Northwestern housing board and the national office of Tri Delt, Burns was given permission to get a dog.

Taylor Heisley-Cook, a Communication junior who lives in the sorority house, said she stops by Burns’ room to visit Maggie whenever she comes home.

“There’s something so refreshing and calming about playing with a puppy,” Heisley-Cook said. “She gets so excited when she sees you, and it makes you feel so great.”

mirandaviglietti2013@u.northwestern.edu

Pet Social networking website petchums.com has been shortlisted for the Impact Media ‘Elevate Awards’ 2009. ‘Now in its fourth year, the award – worth €120,000 was established to recognise and reward start up businesses.’’

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PR Log (Press Release) – Nov 05, 2009 – Social networking site petchums.com has been shortlisted for the Impact Media ‘Elevate Awards’ 2009. ‘Now in its fourth year, the award – worth €120,000 was established to recognise and reward start up businesses who’ve had the courage to take a great idea and run with it.’’

There are already dating and friendship sites for all kinds of niche communities, so it shouldn’t be surprising that someone’s spotted a gap for animals who need to meet up with others of their species. Founded by Barbara Hanly, petchums.com has gained phenomenal response since its launch only last month and is continues to grow in popularity each day.

Petchums was created to allow pet owners coordinate meetings with other animals in their local area for dog walks, pet sitting and even play dates! ‘’Play dates are very important for the social development of dogs and cats’’ explains Barbara. ‘’Besides it being fun for your pets, it is a great way for people to connect’’

Petchums.com is free to use, members can create profiles for their pets, upload photos, videos and make new pet adoring friends.

‘’We’re very thankful to have such a great community and to have the opportunity to know so many super pets through the site. Feedback has been very positive with members creating groups for a whole range of loves and interests including boxer enthusiasts, cat fanatic’s and even a group for fellow rat lovers’’

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She added ‘’There was no where really for pet owners to go for information on pets, not just cats and dogs but reptiles and other animals too. I saw a huge need in the market for an online space dedicated to pet owners so I set about creating petchums.com, a free informative and interactive website for animal lovers and never looked back!’’

Members can even ask for pet related advice from a panel of experts including Briairhill vets, Dog Training Ireland and Tail Waggers dog grooming and holistic specialist. To join please go to www.petchums.com.

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Having created an informative and interactive online community for pet lovers, our goal at PetChums is to make life with your pets as stress free and enjoyable as possible. We see our website as a virtual park where you meet new friends, share advice, discuss pet related topics and even exchange pet sitting or dog walking services with other PetChums users!

PetChums is a website made for animal lovers, by animal lovers. We are truly passionate about the welfare and happiness of all pets. Along with being a website for much loved and well cared for pets, we hope that PetChums can also play its part in helping less fortunate animals. We are dedicated to promoting the outstanding work carried out by Animal Welfare Organisations each and every day.

Proud pet parents, it’s your pet’s time to shine! PetChums allows them to steal the limelight and show off their brilliant and unique personalities.

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–February is National Cat Health Month and serves as a great opportunity to evaluate an important factor in the health of a family’s four-legged member – nutrition. A nationwide survey commissioned by 9Lives^®, of feline pet parents across the country, found that an overwhelming 94 percent of American cat owners are confident they feed their felines the most nutritious meals possible. However, nearly half (48 percent) admit they’ve fed their cat table scraps – which do not provide the essential nutrients cats need – on average seven times per month. Additionally, only 30 percent know that milk is not a wholesome choice for cats, which are frequently lactose intolerant. After hearing this evidence that a large portion of pet parents are not aware of proper feline nutrition and are unknowingly feeding their cats unhealthy food and snacks, Morris^® the Cat, spokescat for 9Lives brand, announced his commitment to bring awareness to this issue and affect change for all cats.

“Cats have very specific nutritional needs and, just like humans, each cat is different”

With the 9Lives Advanced Nutrient System, pet parents everywhere can rest assured knowing that the essential nutrients their cat needs are available to them in the food they love, at a price they can afford. With 40 percent of cats suffering from obesity¹ and more than a quarter (26 percent) of felines having never visited the veterinarian, Morris the Cat and 9Lives want pet parents to know that, armed with the right nutritional information, they can give their cats the food they need to live a long and healthy life. This comes as welcome news considering that nine in ten surveyed said they would be willing to switch foods if they knew it would improve their cat’s health (92 percent) or add years onto their pet’s life (91 percent). To receive nutritional advice and information on selecting the right food for your cat with the 9Lives Nutrition Simulator, visit www.9lives.com.

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“Cats have very specific nutritional needs and, just like humans, each cat is different,” said Rob Leibowitz, Vice President Pet Food Marketing, Del Monte Foods. “It’s very important for us to provide advanced nutrition for all cats, and at a price point that everyone can afford. Nutritious food shouldn’t be a luxury, but a staple.”

The new Pet Parent Purrception Survey by 9Lives, a survey of consumers nationwide conducted by Kelton Research, finds that while cat owners seem to have their furry friend’s best interests at heart and think they are providing them with nutritious foods, several of them are unintentionally subjecting their furry loved ones to potential harm. Whether it is indulging their cats with food from the dinner table (48 percent) or providing them with food choices they mistakenly believe are healthy such as root vegetables (73 percent) and green tomatoes (54 percent) and raw potatoes (50 percent), these pet parents have a lot to learn about proper feline nutrition.

The Pet Parent Purrception Survey went on to find other startling statistics including:

• 75 percent believe that the more nutritious the cat food, the more expensive it is;
• only 30 percent know that milk is unhealthy, a surprising statistic considering most cats are lactose intolerant²;
• 70 percent think it’s beneficial to keep their cats on a dry food-only diet, while others (23%) think a purely vegetarian diet is a wholesome choice. Both can be harmful.

9Lives^® cat food offers quality, affordable products that incorporate the 9Lives^® Advanced Nutrient System to promote healthy skin and coat, strong muscle growth and an active immune system, among other nutritional benefits. To find out more about 9Lives^® products and the Advanced Nutrient System, visit www.9Lives.com.

About Morris^® the Cat

In 1968, a street-wise orange tabby from a Hinsdale, Illinois shelter was languishing for a loving home after being abandoned by his owner when the shelter staff noticed something special about the cat – a certain “star quality.” They quickly contacted Bob Martwick, a professional animal handler who quickly adopted him on the spot, and — 20 minutes from death — Morris^® the Cat got a second chance. Recognizing his charisma, 9Lives^® cat food quickly signed him up, and the entire nation took notice of this new star of their television commercials. From then on, Morris was to become the most recognizable cat in the world. He was ubiquitous. He graced the covers of national magazines; he was a darling of the national talk show circuit and even was cast in the major motion picture “Shamus,” with Burt Reynolds. Morris’ fame continued to grow over the years, and his accomplishments even include runs for the presidency in both 1988 and 1992 on the Finicky Party platform. Despite all of his accomplishments, it is important to mention that Morris the Cat never forgot where he came from. Now Morris® the Cat is back to remind owners that in addition to taste, they should also be finicky about their feline’s nutrition.

About Del Monte Foods

Del Monte Foods is one of the country’s largest and most well-known producers, distributors and marketers of premium quality, branded food and pet products for the U.S. retail market, generating approximately $3.6 billion in net sales in fiscal 2009. With a powerful portfolio of brands including Del Monte^®, S&W^®, Contadina^®, College Inn^®, Meow Mix^®, Kibbles ‘n Bits^®, 9Lives^®, Milk-Bone^®, Pup-Peroni^®, Meaty Bone^®, Snausages^® and Pounce^®, Del Monte products are found in eight out of ten U.S. households. The Company also produces, distributes and markets private label food and pet products. For more information on Del Monte Foods Company (NYSE: DLM) visit the Company’s website at www.delmonte.com. Del Monte. Nourishing Families. Enriching Lives. Every Day.^™

Survey Methodology

The survey was conducted by Kelton Research in December 2009 via an email invitation and an online survey to 1,001 American cat owners ages 18 and older. Findings in this report have a margin of error of +/-3.1%.

About Kelton Research

Kelton Research is a full service market research consultancy with offices in Los Angeles and New York. Kelton serves as a strategic partner to both Fortune 500 corporations and smaller companies, utilizing a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies to drive tactical recommendations for clients. For more information about Kelton’s services, please visit www.keltonresearch.com

¹ http://www.thepetcenter.com

² http://pets.webmd.com

Purina ONE Tour For Heroes and Martha Stewart Help Pets in Need with Pet Food Bank Events at Animal Shelters Nationwide and Social Network Fundraising

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ — Imagine waking up every morning wondering if you’ll someday be able to find a home to call your own or how you’ll find your next meal. For so many pets, not having enough food in their bellies or a safe home are harsh realities. Fortunately, there are simple ways pet lovers can be heroes in the lives of pets. To help in this important effort, Purina® ONE® has teamed up with Martha Stewart for social network fundraising and the Purina® ONE® Tour For Heroes, a mobile tour visiting animal shelters coast to coast throughout the month of February, providing pet food, supporting pet adoption and helping pets in need.

“My pets are important members of my family and I am deeply committed to helping homeless animals,” said Martha Stewart, founder, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. “I’m pleased to be working with Purina® ONE® to support pets in need because I believe this is a worthy cause that can help so many animals across the country.”

Food for Fluffy and Fido

From February 3-26, the Purina® ONE® Tour For Heroes will travel from San Francisco to New York and stop at local animal shelters in 11 cities along the way to set up temporary food banks and hold adoption events. More than 63,000 pounds of dog and cat food – equaling 11,000 bags of food – will be given out to help pets in need.  Every pet owner who visits an event and is in need of food will receive one 8-lb. bag of Purina® ONE® brand dog food or one 3.5-lb. bag of Purina® ONE® brand cat food while supplies last.

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-read the rest here

Whether you’ve lost your job, have large veterinary or medical bills or are struggling to pay your mortgage, no one will be turned away at any of the Tour For Heroes events.

“In tough times, a source of constant companionship can often be your dog or cat,” said Mark Stoddard, brand director for Purina® ONE®. ”We want to lend a hand to pets in need, and by assisting their owners who may need a little extra help these days, we help their pets, too.”

Purina® ONE® is also supporting adoption events at each of the Tour For Heroes stops to save pets and find them forever homes. Each stop will feature adoptable dogs and cats from the tour stop shelters, and every pet lover who adopts a pet will receive a coupon for free Purina® ONE® brand dog or cat food.

For more information about the Purina® ONE® Tour For Heroes and to find a tour stop near you, visit http://tourforheroes.marthastewart.com. And to learn more, tune in to The Martha Stewart Show (check local listings) on Friday, Feb. 5 when Tony La Russa, co-founder of the Animal Rescue Foundation in Walnut Creek, Calif., and manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, joins Martha via satellite to discuss the Purina® ONE® Tour For Heroes.

All Pet Lovers Can Be Heroes

While not every pet lover is able to adopt an animal, people can still help pets in their own community and across the country through online social networks. Purina® ONE® and Martha Stewart are helping pet lovers make a difference and raise funds for shelters by simply sharing photos of adoptable pets on Facebook.

Sharing is easy! Start by searching for an adoptable pet anywhere in the United States by visiting http://tourforheroes.marthastewart.com. Choose a pet to help and click to share his or her profile with friends on your Facebook page. Every time a photo is shared, Purina® ONE® will donate $1 – up to $50,000 – worth of food to feed pets in need in local communities. Pet lovers can share photos until March 31, 2010.

About Nestle Purina PetCare Company

Nestle Purina PetCare Company promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestle Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestle S.A., the world’s largest food company.

The Purina® ONE® Tour For Heroes will be making the following stops across the country:

• Wednesday, Feb. 3 – San Francisco SPCA in San Francisco
• Thursday, Feb. 4 – Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) in Walnut Creek, Calif.
• Saturday, Feb. 6 – BARK Avenue Foundation in Los Angeles
• Sunday, Feb. 7 – North County Humane Society/SPCA in San Diego
• Tuesday, Feb. 9 – HALO Animal Rescue in Phoenix
• Friday, Feb. 12 – Houston Humane Society in Houston
• Tuesday, Feb. 16 – Broward County Humane Society in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
• Thursday, Feb. 18 – Jacksonville Humane Society in Jacksonville, Fla.
• Saturday, Feb. 20 – Atlanta Humane Society in Atlanta
• Monday, Feb. 22 – Southern Animal Foundation in New Orleans
• Friday, Feb. 26 – North Shore Animal League in Port Washington, N.Y.

SOURCE Purina ONE

RELATED LINKS
http://tourforheroes.marthastewart.com