Jerky Treats Now Safe???

Here's some important info about the pet jerky recall. –Kim

New Report about Chicken Jerky Treats...

A new story has come out claiming that Chicken Jerky Treats are now safe....
 

Two brands of chicken jerky pet treats will soon reenter the market after years of reports of pet illness – even death – associated with consumption of jerky treats made with chicken sourced from China. Milo's Kitchen and Nestlé Purina (the maker of Waggin' Train treats) say that since the voluntary recall of their jerky treats last year due to antibiotic residue, they have reevaluated, revamped, reformulated and even discontinued certain products mired in suspicion and a nearly decade-old U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigation. Now manufacturers are staking their name on the belief that they finally have it right.
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Disturbing Facts
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it has received a total of approximately 3,000 reports of pet illness possibly related to the consumption of jerky treats, including 580 deaths.
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Cause STILL Unknown
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The FDA has issued several warnings about jerky products imported from China since it first received reports of pet illness in 2007. However, despite ongoing efforts to identify a cause of illness, testing has been inconclusive.
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What to Look Out For
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Watch your pet closely. Signs that may occur within hours to days of feeding the products are decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus), increased water consumption and/or increased urination. Severe cases are diagnosed with pancreatitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, and kidney failure or the resemblance of a rare kidney related illness called Fanconi syndrome.
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Questionable Ingredients
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Milo's Kitchen ingredients
Chicken Jerky Strips: Chicken, soy flour, sugar, glycerin, textured soy protein, salt, guar gum, sodium tripolyphosphate, monoglyceride, garlic powder, sorbic acid, citric acid, BHA (used as a preservative), natural smoke flavor, annatto color, onion extract.
Chicken Grillers: chicken breast, rice flour, glycerin, gelatin, soy flour, wheat gluten, modified tapioca starch, sugar, soy protein concentrate, salt, monoglyceride, sodium tripolyphosphate, potassium sorbate (used as a preservative), citric acid, caramel color, garlic powder, natural smoke flavor, BHA (used as a preservative), dried egg white.
Artificial color, artificial flavor, harmful preservatives (BHA), questionable protein sources, questionable carbohydrate contents
 
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Dr. Jones Responds
My Advice...
Don't EVER feed these to your pets.
The toxin is still unknown, and they contain an array of potential harmful ingredients, providing no nutritive value.

P.S. My supplements ONLY contain ingredients I have sourced to be safe and effective. Avoid harmful treats, but use these instead:

• Dogs: www.thedogsupplement.com
• Cats: www.thecatsupplement.com
  

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Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM has been a practicing Veterinarian for over 20 years. He is a strong advocate of Natural Pet Health Care, and knows that the most important way to heal our pets and prevent disease is through proper nutrition. He developed Ultimate Canine to give our dogs that extra advantage – something that will provide them with everything they need to develop stronger immune systems to fight disease, heal sore or stiff joints, and help them live longer, happier lives. Dr. Andrew Jones' main focus is on alternative, non-traditional remedies for pets. His interest in alternative pet medicine culminated in the writing of his book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed.

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Source: http://www.theinternetpetvet.com/jerky-treats-now-safe/

Copyright © Four Paws Online Ltd. 2014

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Also, see:
They May Have Killed 600 Dogs, But They're Headed Back to Store Shelves

Healthy Foods for Dogs: Homemade Recipes

Valuable Resource...

Is your dog the NEXT victim?

Avoid Poisonous Commercial Dog Food ... Discover in ONE DAY the amazing recipes that took John Miller 50 years to develop... Now!

A Complete Triumph!

Imagine knowing, in just a few hours, exactly how to feed your dog to quickly get ASTONISHING results!

I invite you to download 245 Healthy Recipes

Your dog will love you...You can't do better for your animal!

John Miller, professional dog-fancier, reveals his Secrets Recipes (strictly here only and nowhere else) and why he refused to sell them to Multinational Companies (copies have been sent to major veterinary schools).

Your veterinarian will be asking you for your secrets.

50 years ago, a young dog-fancier, John Miller wanted to improve his dogs growth. After analyzing commercial dog food formulas, he found they were all loaded with unhealthy chemicals.

John developed a better recipe himself and tried it on his own dogs...using healthier ingredients....

A Complete Triumph!

He couldn't believe how fast his dogs health and behavior improved. Also he reduced his dog food costs by 50%.

Happy with his discovery he tried, over the years, hundreds of new recipes in order to see their effects on dog health and growth.

From these experiences, he created dozens of amazing recipes that make dogs grow faster and stronger...without using harmful commercial products because they are infamous for mineral deficiencies.

John's recipes were so easy to do and so effective that multinational companies offered John more than $500,000 for his recipes, but above all, they wanted: his silence!

Thank God, John is a man of principles. He always refused money from companies for his SILENCE!

In fact, John wants you to know how to have a healthier dog, without spending a fortune on products, or poisoning it.

After years of new improvements, he reveals – FOR YOUR OWN USE – the best recipes to transform your dog into the healthiest dog of your dreams.

Discover in One Day the famous recipes that took John 50 years to develop.

You will find ALL John' Recipes in a multimedia e-book titled: "Healthy Food for Dogs: Homemade Recipes"

Like John, You'll See Results On Your Very First Day!

Not only do these amazing recipes guarantee to improve your dog health, but if:

1. You are a professional dog-fancier: You'll make your business more successful. And, just as important, the more successful you will be. You'll have a major, systematic career edge.
2. You are an individual who loves your dog: You can now rely on good and easy homemade dog food recipes that will cost you near to nothing.

Here are some recipes you'll discover in the e-book:

• Healthy dog food recipes for young and old dogs
• Natural recipe to keep fleas away
• Gourmet Biscuit recipes
• Dozens of recipes for delicious, economical, healthful dog food
• Treats (your pet will love you)
• Dog bones
• and more, much more!

Continued - Click for more information and a 100% guarantee....
  

Dog Food Secrets

Valuable Resource...

Urgent Press Release for Dog Owners

 
You're about to discover the terrifying-truth about commercial dog food that is linked to the deaths of thousands of dogs across the US every single day.

Many world-famous Doctors of Veterinary Medicine and published Dog Care Experts universally agree. Any dog that eats commercial dog food is at a much higher risk of dying prematurely. And by the time symptoms are noticeable, it's often too late to prevent an agonizing death except by lethal injection.

See their shocking, research-supported claims in this report.

Also in this report, I show you a simple solution proven to increase the lifespan of your dog by up to 134% and save you up to $10,000.

To discover these amazing secrets, just continue reading and your reward is a super-healthy, incredibly happy dog that stays by-your-side for up to 8.3 years longer than statistically predicted.

Let's continue with this critical information...

"Commercial Dog Food is Killing Your Dog;
Hear What the Experts Have to Say..."

Continued - Click for more vital information....

Veterinary Secrets Revealed

Valuable Resource...

You CAN Heal Your Sick Pet at Home,
Without Going to the Vet...

In Less than 24 Hours, I Can Show You How to Examine, Diagnose and Treat Your Pet at Home.
Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM

Dear fellow pet lover,

If you're not ready to make some simple changes to the way you provide veterinary care to your pet, beginning today....

...your dog or cat could be seriously ill and live a "shortened" life!

Here is How I know:

My dog died young, only 8 years old. He was a mixed breed dog, a specimen of health. He was given a ton of attention, exercised three times a day, fed only Veterinary Approved food, and given all his vaccines. He had the "ideal" life. Hoochie passed away in my arms from a massive tumor bleed at 12:02pm on April 12, 2003 – the saddest day of my life.

I asked myself... why?

I thought that he was incredibly healthy. I was sure I was doing all of the right things for him.

But I later discovered I may have contributed to his death, because I believed ONLY in conventional veterinary medicine. You see, I am a Veterinarian.

I'm Dr. Andrew Jones, and I have practiced Veterinary Medicine for over a decade. Over the past 17 years I have treated literally thousands of pets for a whole variety of problems, and I currently own the Nelson Animal Hospital in Nelson BC, Canada (http://www.nelsonvet.com). But, my beloved dog Hoochie is gone.

You are fortunate... it's not too late for you and your pet. Just read on and find out exactly what you must do now.

Pay Close Attention

Conventional veterinary medicine may be harming your pet – and I can show you step-by-step what you must do to prevent it. "Regular" veterinary care has lost its effectiveness over the years, and in some cases is actually causing illness in our pets.

Alternative pet health care has grown over the past few years, but the truth is that Veterinarians have STRONGLY discouraged pet owners from treating their pets outside of the Vet Clinic.

The entire Pet Health Industry has a vested interest in discrediting alternative medicines which can safely, naturally and effectively allow pet owners to care for their pets at home.

STOP AND READ THIS

Lock the door, Unplug the phone, and do whatever you can to have 10 undivided minutes... Get ready to read about how you could be saving the life of your pet starting now!

"I began to notice something unusual..."

Slowly, I began to notice something unusual about Hoochie. He really just wasn't the same. He was reluctant to go for his morning dog walk, which was always the highlight of his day.

I dismissed it as him feeling a bit off, some mild stomach issue or maybe a touch of arthritis... but it didn't pass. In fact, it got worse.

I eventually did a blood test on Hoochie, thinking at that point that he had a tooth infection. However, much to my horror, I quickly found out that he had a spleen tumor.

Immediately, I performed surgery on Hoochie and removed the spleen tumor. But I was too late - the cancer had already spread to his liver, and I knew that very soon, he would die.

How did an apparently healthy mixed breed dog die so young?

I did all the "right" things – or so I thought. After grieving, I came to realize that I had played a role in his dying at too young of an age.

I came to question exactly what I did to my own pet – and what was I doing to other people's pets.

Through my questioning, I came to realize that most Veterinarians (including me as well, at the time) are not "getting it" – that in the process of trying to heal pets through technological advances, we are actually making them sicker!

There are 3 mistakes that I made that contributed to Hoochie's early death...

...are you making these same mistakes with your own dog?

Click here to continue for more information!

The Complete Dog Food & Nutrition Guide

Valuable Resource...

Finally...All You Need
to Know about Your
Dog's Diet and Nutrition

Click below now to watch this short dog food video....

From Sharda Baker
  

Dear fellow dog lover, We have all heard the "horror stories" about the tainted, and sometimes toxic, dog foods on the market, AND ABOUT ALL THE DOG FOOD RECALLS.  

Many of us are aware of the poor quality, sometimes useless, filler ingredients in many commercial dog foods and the dangers of many foods cooked in our homes for our dogs.  

Even if you prepare your dog's food at home, there's the danger of feeding the wrong type of food.
  

They can rob your dog of… IT'S ENERGY, IT'S HEALTH, AND OF IT'S VERY LIFE ITSELF.  

You are probably just like me, and like most responsible dog owners, just want the best for your dog within a certain budget, right?
  

Click Here to Start Improving Your Dog's Health Today

Alarm bells first started ringing for me regarding dog food, several years ago, after seeing the pain an acquaintance, Sonia (not her real name) went through after losing her 2 dogs, one aged eight and one six and a half. One of her dogs died of pancreatitis and one of heart failure, both of which can occur as a result of poor diet.
  

It wasn't really her fault though...

It's not that Sonia was a bad dog owner, she just did what many dog owners do… And what I used to do, she fed her dog a standard dog food she found in the supermarket plus some regular table scraps.  

Like many of us, she didn't understand how to make sense out of a dog food label. On closer examination, the dog food she had been feeding was one of the worst ones available.Simply understanding the label would have alerted Sonia not to use that dog food. Plus, the indiscriminate feeding of table scraps also contributed to her two dog's untimely deaths.
  

And that was just the beginning for me.

Ever since I witnessed the pain that can be caused by losing a pet at a young age, I started looking into dog food more closely. It's been quite a journey I can tell you. We all recognize deep down that our dog's diet is paramount to good health, just as our own diet is vital to our own good health. Yet, we are often unsure, or at worst ill advised, how to best manage our dog's nutrition.
  

To Keep Your Dog Healthy, You Must Discover What to Look For, and How to Properly Read and Understand the Deceptive Practices in Dog Food Ingredient Labels.

This information I have put together will show you what some dog food companies don’t want you to know.
  

I put together the "Complete Guide To Your Dog's Nutrition" ebook and audio package over the last 11 and a half months and inside you'll find:

12 OF THE BEST dog food brands for you and… It informs you of what is actually used in each of the dog foods. And clearly tells you why each of the12 brands are some of the best to feed your dog. It also discusses in depth home cooked dog food, the BARF diet plus much more.
 

Would you like to know which brands of dog food and which human foods are the safest to feed your dog?
 

Don’t you owe it to your pet to find out?
 

Can't we just trust what the dog food companies tell us in their glossy multi-million dollar advertising campaigns?
  

Unfortunately, often we can't!

I know you are a lot like me and want to be sure you are feeding your dog the absolute best diet… and best foods, within your budget.

All dog food is not equal in their nutritional values and there are many that are downright detrimental to your pet's health.

I have put together all the research that I and my team have carried out over the last 11 and a half months on dog food and health, into one big collection.  

Reserve Your Copy Today

Some of the information revealed will shock you! The books and audios cover everything that you need to know about providing the best and most nutritionally healthy diet for your dog. You will quickly start to become a dog nutrition expert… learning how to make nutritional adjustments to help most of your dog's problems or maladies.
  

Continued - Click for more information, plus BONUSES....
     

Healthy Foods for Dogs: Homemade Recipes

Valuable Resource...
 

Is your dog the NEXT victim?

Avoid Poisonous Commercial Dog Food ... Discover in ONE DAY the amazing recipes that took John Miller 50 years to develop... Now!

A Complete Triumph!

Imagine knowing, in just a few hours, exactly how to feed your dog to quickly get ASTONISHING results!

I invite you to download 245 Healthy Recipes

Your dog will love you...You can't do better for your animal!

John Miller, professional dog-fancier, reveals his Secrets Recipes (strictly here only and nowhere else) and why he refused to sell them to Multinational Companies (copies have been sent to major veterinary schools).

Your veterinarian will be asking you for your secrets.

50 years ago, a young dog-fancier, John Miller wanted to improve his dogs growth. After analyzing commercial dog food formulas, he found they were all loaded with unhealthy chemicals.

John developed a better recipe himself and tried it on his own dogs...using healthier ingredients....

A Complete Triumph!

He couldn't believe how fast his dogs health and behavior improved. Also he reduced his dog food costs by 50%.

Happy with his discovery he tried, over the years, hundreds of new recipes in order to see their effects on dog health and growth.

From these experiences, he created dozens of amazing recipes that make dogs grow faster and stronger...without using harmful commercial products because they are infamous for mineral deficiencies.

John's recipes were so easy to do and so effective that multinational companies offered John more than $500,000 for his recipes, but above all, they wanted: his silence!

Thank God, John is a man of principles. He always refused money from companies for his SILENCE!

In fact, John wants you to know how to have a healthier dog, without spending a fortune on products, or poisoning it.

After years of new improvements, he reveals – FOR YOUR OWN USE – the best recipes to transform your dog into the healthiest dog of your dreams.

Discover in One Day the famous recipes that took John 50 years to develop.

You will find ALL John' Recipes in a multimedia e-book titled: "Healthy Food for Dogs: Homemade Recipes"

Like John, You'll See Results On Your Very First Day!

Not only do these amazing recipes guarantee to improve your dog health, but if:

1. You are a professional dog-fancier: You'll make your business more successful. And, just as important, the more successful you will be. You'll have a major, systematic career edge.
2. You are an individual who loves your dog: You can now rely on good and easy homemade dog food recipes that will cost you near to nothing.

Here are some recipes you'll discover in the e-book:

• Healthy dog food recipes for young and old dogs
• Natural recipe to keep fleas away
• Gourmet Biscuit recipes
• Dozens of recipes for delicious, economical, healthful dog food
• Treats (your pet will love you)
• Dog bones
• and more, much more!

Continued - Click for more information and a 100% guarantee....
  

Ditch This Pet Food Now!

Here's another important pet food recall article.  –Kim

Corn Products can be Deadly to Your Pets

By Dr. Becker
April 3, 2013

In an article last November, I reported on the very real danger of future widespread aflatoxin contamination of commercial pet food, primarily dry dog food. Thanks to the very hot, dry summer of 2012, experts predicted U.S. corn crops would be heavily infested with two types of mold – Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus.

These molds produce metabolites called aflatoxins. Aflatoxins cause acute lethal illness and cancer in animals and humans, and are among the most carcinogenic substances on earth. Aflatoxins poison the liver, and their carcinogenic properties can lead to tumor formation.

Recalls of Aflatoxin-Contaminated Dog Food have Begun

Reuters reports high levels of aflatoxins have been discovered in bags of dog food on store shelves in Iowa. And according to Michael Wright, the CEO of Pro-Pet, a pet food company in Ohio that recently learned some of its product was contaminated with aflatoxins, "Last year's corn crop – it's a huge issue. We test every load coming in. And we reject a lot of loads."

During the last week of February, the Hy-Vee Inc. grocery chain was forced to recall five different products in its private dog food line due to high levels of aflatoxins in the corn used in the formulas. The dog food was produced at a Kansas City Pro-Pet plant and distributed across eight Midwestern states.

As I explained back in November, the behavior of the A. flavus and A. parasiticus molds makes it very difficult to control or minimize aflatoxin contamination, or to accurately assess the extent of the problem. There can be pockets of plants that are heavily contaminated, while the rest of the crop is relatively mold-free, so analyzing occasional random samples of corn plants can give misleading results.

Corn used in pet foods

The corn used in the recalled Hy-Vee formulas had been tested before it was added to the dog food, and the finished product was reportedly tested as well. But the contamination wasn't discovered until a random bag was pulled from a store shelf in Iowa by an inspector for the Iowa Department of Agriculture.

According to PetfoodIndustry.com, Hy-Vee officials say the recall is only a precautionary measure and no illnesses have been reported. The recalled products were distributed to Hy-Vee stores in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin between October 26, 2012 and January 11, 2013. Specific details of recalled products can be found here.

If you happen to have a bag of recalled product, you should stop feeding it to your pet. You can also return the food, opened or unopened, to a Hy-Vee store for a full refund.

How to Avoid Aflatoxin-Contaminated Pet Food

Aflatoxin-related illness is seen much more often in dogs than cats, because more commercial dog foods than cat foods contain corn products.

To be very safe, I recommend you transition your pet away from all dry food. Replace it with a high quality canned food, a commercially prepared raw diet, dehydrated raw, a balanced home cooked diet, or a combination.

If you want to continue to offer dry food to your dog, I recommend you study the ingredients carefully and avoid products containing corn in any form, including corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, corn flour, etc. Corn is not only highly susceptible to aflatoxin contamination, it is also allergenic and difficult for most pets to digest.

Source: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/04/03/aflatoxin-contaminated-dog-food.aspx
© Copyright 1997-2013 Dr. Joseph Mercola
 

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Also, see:

• Why Upgrading Your Pet's Diet is More Important Now than Ever
• Hy-Vee Recall Press Release

Tick Season is Here!

It's tick season again... Take steps now to protect your pets! –Kim

Exposure to Ehrlichia Ticks Increased Fourfold in 2012

• According to a manufacturer of tests for tick-borne diseases, Ehrlichia exposures in 2012 were four times greater than in 2011. This means the tick that transmits the disease is gaining territory across the U.S.
• The recommendation of the Companion Animal Parasite Council is to load up every dog and cat across the country with monthly, year-round chemical pesticides. The problem is, more and more pets taking monthly, year-in/year-out preventives are showing up in veterinary clinics with tick-borne illness. Clearly, encouraging the overuse of these chemicals isn't the best solution to the problem, for a number of reasons.
• Chemical tick preventives may reduce – but not prevent – tick attachment. And any tick that attaches to your dog can carry disease. So theses pesticides are not foolproof, but they do add to your pet's toxic load.
• The safest and most effective tick prevention strategy is to check your pet's body daily for ticks, remove them immediately and safely when found, and have his blood checked regularly for signs of infection.

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By Dr. Becker
January 18, 2013
 
Last year, toward the end of flea/tick season, IDEXX Laboratories (maker of the SNAP 4Dx test for tick-borne diseases) issued a press release to report there were four times as many Ehrlichia exposures in 2012 vs. 2011 in the south central and eastern regions of the U.S. (Ehrlichia is one of several tick-borne diseases.)

And of course the veterinary community is now being prompted by the Companion Animal Parasite Council – which boasts as sponsors no less than 11 veterinary drug manufacturers and laboratories – to respond in the usual way. From dvm360:

In order to keep that [the spreading Ehrlichia exposure] threat to a minimum, [Dr. Susan] Little suggests that veterinarians follow the Companion Animal Parasite Council's recommendations and urge clients to practice year-round tick control and prevention. "We need to be more adamant with clients about year-round tick control for dogs and cats," Little says. "Tick control protects dogs and cats from tick-borne diseases – the ones we know about and the ones we're still finding out about."

Translation: Veterinarians should increase the pressure on pet owners to give tick preventives year-round, and not only to dogs, but also to cats. It doesn't matter where the pet lives, his lifestyle, or whether he even goes outdoors – just load him up with chemical pesticides and all will be well.
Before you subject your own pet to year-round chemical preventives that may not be necessary or terribly effective, but WILL add significantly to your dog's toxic load, you should read on.

Why Tick-borne Diseases are on the Rise

As I discussed last July in an article about my own dogs and tick-borne illness, there are several reasons for the increase in tick-related diseases across the U.S.

As we are discovering, ticks are hardy little suckers able to expand their geography from one region of the country to others.

In addition, in my opinion we've overused progressively more toxic tick control agents for several decades, with the result that ticks have developed resistance to pesticides. I see dogs in my practice that have received monthly doses of pesticides for years, yet they still test positive for tick-borne illness.

This is because while chemical preventives may reduce the number of ticks that wind up on your dog, those that do attach can still carry disease. So the pesticides being given at ever-increasing rates to our pets are not completely effective at preventing ticks from attaching or preventing disease.

Another reason tick-borne diseases are on the rise is that insects other than ticks – specifically mosquitoes – have been found to transmit some of these potentially lethal infections.

Human management of wildlife populations, as well as a shift in wildlife population dynamics may also play into rising tick-borne diseases.

Diagnosing Ehrlichiosis

Canine ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by two bacteria. Ehrlichia canis is transmitted by the brown dog tick and is commonly found in the southwest and Gulf Coast states. Ehrlichia ewingii is transmitted by the lone star tick and is found from the Midwest to New England.

Like other tick-borne diseases, Ehrlichia can wreak havoc on your dog's body if it's not identified and treated. Symptoms can be vague – loss of appetite, low-grade fever, lethargy, swollen lymph nodes. Sometimes there are more noticeable symptoms such as unexplained bruising, lameness or nosebleeds.

A diagnosis can be confirmed with a blood test called a PCR. If your dog tests positive on the SNAP 4Dx screening test for Ehrlichia, you can request a PCR test to confirm infection.

Keep in mind that just because a dog tests positive on the initial screening test doesn't mean she must immediately be treated. In fact, most dogs successfully clear their own infections without the need for medical intervention. For this reason, I don't recommend automatically giving antibiotics to positive dogs.

If your pet tests positive, ask your vet to do additional testing to find out whether she has just been exposed or is actually dealing with an infection.

Tips for Preventing a Tick-borne Infection

• When flea and tick season arrives, check for ticks daily, and don't overlook areas of your pet's body where ticks can hide, like between the toes, the underside of the toes, in the earflaps and around the tail base. If you're ever unsure whether you're looking at a tick or some other bump on your dog, get out a magnifying glass and look for the telltale sign of a tick – legs.
• Remember that ticks must be attached to your dog for at least 24 hours in order for the disease-causing bacteria to be transmitted from the tick to your pet. That's why daily tick checks and removing ticks immediately is a huge part of reducing your dog's risk of acquiring a tick-borne disease. This is hands-down the safest and entirely non-toxic method of tick prevention!
• If you find a tick on your dog, be sure to remove it correctly. Don't use your bare hands. People can become infected by handling or crushing an infected tick. Wear gloves, or even better, use a tick-removing tool.
• Grasp the tick very close to your pet's skin with our Tick Stick, a similar tick removal tool, or a pair of tweezers. Carefully pull the tick's body away from the skin. Once it's off, flush it down the toilet. Then disinfect your dog's skin with soapy water or diluted povidone iodine (Betadine). Disinfect the area really well and monitor it for the next few days. If you notice any irritation or inflammation of the skin, you should contact your veterinarian.
• Have your dog tested for tick-borne diseases about three to four weeks after removing a tick. The type of test to ask your vet for is the SNAP 4Dx test, which is a screening blood test. If you don't have the 4Dx test done, you'll want to watch your dog closely for several months for any signs of loss of appetite, lethargy, changes in gait, fever, intermittent limping – all the symptoms of potential tick-borne diseases.

Checking your dog externally for ticks and having his blood checked regularly for internal, silent infections is the very best approach to keeping your pet safe from potentially devastating tick-borne diseases.

Source: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/01/18/tick-borne-diseases.aspx
© Copyright 1997-2013 Dr. Joseph Mercola

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Also, see:

• Is Your Flea & Tick-Killer Safe... Naturally?
• NATURAL Flea Control and Multi-Tick Remedy
• Remove Ticks from Your Pet

Dog Bites BPA & BPS

Having lost a dear companion to cancer from BPA toys, this topic is very important to me. –Kim

Chemicals Leak from Plastic Training Toys

Dogs that chew on plastic training devices and toys may be exposed to hormone-altering chemicals. Bisphenol A (BPA) and Phthalates – ingredients of hard plastics and vinyl – readily leach from bumper toys, which are used to train retrieving dogs. But Bisphenol S (BPS), the chemical now being used in place of BPA in many "BPA-free" products, may be just as harmful – if not more harmful – than BPA.

 

By Lindsey Konkel
Environmental Health News
Nov. 29, 2012

Dogs that chew on plastic training devices and toys may be exposed to hormone-altering chemicals, according to research at Texas Tech University.

The researchers found that Bisphenol A (BPA), Bisphenol S (BPS) and Phthalates – ingredients of hard plastics and vinyl – readily leach from bumper toys, which are used to train retrieving dogs.

The new study is one of the first to examine dog products as a potential source of exposure for pets. No one knows, though, whether the traces of the chemicals pose any health risk to dogs. Previous research has focused on the risks to infants and toddlers from baby bottles, toys and other items that contained the chemicals.

"A lot of plastic products are used for dogs, so to understand the potential for some of the chemicals to leach out from toys is a new and important area of research," said veterinarian Safdar Khan, senior director of toxicology research at the ASPCA's Poison Control Center in Illinois. Dr. Khan was not involved in the current study.

Philip Smith, a toxicologist at The Institute of Environmental and Human Health at Texas Tech, became interested in chemical exposures from bumpers after using them to train his own Labrador retrievers.

Retrieving dogs often are trained with plastic bumpers,
which when chewed can leach hormone-disrupting chemicals.

"Some of the dogs are exposed to plastic bumpers from the time they are born until the day they die. We all want our pets to be healthy," said Smith, co-author of the as-yet unpublished study, which was presented this month at the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry conference in California.

"A lot of plastic products are used for dogs, so to understand the potential for some of the chemicals to leach out from toys is a new and important area of research," stated Dr. Safdar Khan.

In humans and rodents, BPA, BPS and phthalates have been linked to a number of health issues, including impaired development of reproductive organs, decreased fertility and cancers. The United States and the European Union have banned some phthalates in children's toys, and in July, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups.

The researchers, led by Kimberly Wooten, a graduate student in environmental toxicology at Texas Tech, studied factors that affected how much BPA, BPS and phthalates leached from plastic bumpers into dishes filled with artificial dog saliva.

They tested orange and white bumpers from two unidentified makers. The bumpers subjected to simulated chewing leached more BPA, BPS and phthalates than brand new bumpers and those left outside to weather for a month.

Researchers said they suspect that the levels of chemicals observed from the bumpers would be considered very high when compared with children's toys.

Since simulated saliva was used, it is difficult to say how much actual leaching would occur in a dog's mouth, the researchers said. "We don't have enough information at this time to begin to estimate actual exposure," Smith said.

Smith said they suspect that the levels of chemicals observed from the bumpers would be considered very high when compared with children's toys.

Using artificial saliva, researchers
simulated a dog chewing a bumper.

The researchers also looked at phthalates, BPA and BPS from pet toys sold through major retailers. They found higher concentrations leaching from bumpers than from other toys but preliminary results suggest some store-bought toys might have leached other hormonally-active chemicals.
A previous study by the Environmental Working Group found that dogs' blood and urine contained the breakdown products of several phthalates at levels ranging from 1.1 to 4.5 times higher than the average found in people.

"Dogs are closer to the ground than humans, so house dust is another potential source of exposure to environmental chemicals," Dr. Khan said.

But little is known about any potential health risks for dogs exposed to hormone-mimicking chemicals.

Since little toxicity data exist for dogs, it is difficult to evaluate risks, Smith said. Nonetheless, "consumer education about potential risk seems to be warranted based on our data," he said.

Source: Environmental Health News
Copyright © 2011-2012 Environmental Health Sciences

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Also, see:

• Canine Cancer
• Why is There So Much Cancer?
• How to Recognize the Plastics that are Hazardous
• Melamine-tainted Petfood Lawsuit Settlement Unfair
• BPA Finally Banned, Only to be Replaced by Deadly BPS Chemical

Dog Food Secrets

Valuable Resource...
 

Urgent Press Release for Dog Owners
 

 
You're about to discover the terrifying-truth about commercial dog food that is linked to the deaths of thousands of dogs across the US every single day.

Many world-famous Doctors of Veterinary Medicine and published Dog Care Experts universally agree. Any dog that eats commercial dog food is at a much higher risk of dying prematurely. And by the time symptoms are noticeable, it's often too late to prevent an agonizing death except by lethal injection.

See their shocking, research-supported claims in this report.

Also in this report, I show you a simple solution proven to increase the lifespan of your dog by up to 134% and save you up to $10,000.

To discover these amazing secrets, just continue reading and your reward is a super-healthy, incredibly happy dog that stays by-your-side for up to 8.3 years longer than statistically predicted.



Let's continue with this critical information...

"Commercial Dog Food is Killing Your Dog;
Hear What the Experts Have to Say..."

Continued - Click for more vital information....

Another Pet Food Recall

Here's another pet food recall alert. –Kim

P&G Natura Pet Voluntary Recall

Natura Pet has confirmed they are recalling at least 20 pet food products affecting dogs, cats, and ferrets. We heard a rumor that Natura was having a major recall due to possible salmonella contamination. After spending half an hour on hold with them, a friendly representative finally confirmed the recall and gave us the list. Why they don't have a readily available press release on their website or through the FDA, we don't know.

The products listed below may be contaminated with salmonella. These products appear to be distributed nationwide through Petco, various online retailers and local businesses. This is shaping up to be a large recall. Please spread the word. Like Healing Springs Animal Hospital on Facebook for the latest pet health & safety updates.

This is not the first negative news since Proctor & Gamble purchased Natura Pet in 2010. In 2011, Natura Pet settled a $2.15 million class action lawsuit for allegedly overstating the quality of their ingredients. The lawsuit was started in 2009, one year before Proctor & Gamble became involved with Natura Pet.

The recall affects the products named below that also have an expiration date between 12/17/13 and 1/2/14. If you have products possibly contaminated with salmonella, you should discontinue use. You can contact the company (800) 532-7261 between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (CST) Monday – Friday.

The company now has an official press release on their Web site.

Healthwise:

• Weight Control
• Puppy
• Lamb & Oatmeal

California Naturals:

• Kangaroo & Red Lentil

Innova:

• All three cat formulas
• Puppy
• Adult large bite
• Senior plus
• Prime beef & lamb
• Herring & Salmon
• Herring
• Large breed adult & puppy

Evo:

• Ferret
• Turkey & Chicken Cat & Kitten
• Herring & Salmon Cat food
• Red Meat Large Bites Dog
• Turkey & Chicken - Dog
• Senior
• Weight Management

Source: Food.com
© 2013 Scripps Networks, LLC

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Replacement Product Information

If your product is affected, and you would like a replacement, please download this form (PDF) and follow the instructions.

Updated Press Information
Download official Press Release (PDF)

More info:
EVO, Innova, California Natural and HealthWise Dog Food Recall

Veterinary Secrets Revealed

Valuable Resource...

You CAN Heal Your Sick Pet at Home,
Without Going to the Vet...

In Less than 24 Hours, I Can Show You How to Examine, Diagnose and Treat Your Pet at Home.
Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM

Dear fellow pet lover,

If you're not ready to make some simple changes to the way you provide veterinary care to your pet, beginning today....

...your dog or cat could be seriously ill and live a "shortened" life!

Here is How I know:

My dog died young, only 8 years old. He was a mixed breed dog, a specimen of health. He was given a ton of attention, exercised three times a day, fed only Veterinary Approved food, and given all his vaccines. He had the "ideal" life. Hoochie passed away in my arms from a massive tumor bleed at 12:02pm on April 12, 2003 – the saddest day of my life.

I asked myself... why?

I thought that he was incredibly healthy. I was sure I was doing all of the right things for him.

But I later discovered I may have contributed to his death, because I believed ONLY in conventional veterinary medicine. You see, I am a Veterinarian.

I'm Dr. Andrew Jones, and I have practiced Veterinary Medicine for over a decade. Over the past 17 years I have treated literally thousands of pets for a whole variety of problems, and I currently own the Nelson Animal Hospital in Nelson BC, Canada (http://www.nelsonvet.com). But, my beloved dog Hoochie is gone.

You are fortunate... it's not too late for you and your pet. Just read on and find out exactly what you must do now.

Pay Close Attention

Conventional veterinary medicine may be harming your pet – and I can show you step-by-step what you must do to prevent it. "Regular" veterinary care has lost its effectiveness over the years, and in some cases is actually causing illness in our pets.

Alternative pet health care has grown over the past few years, but the truth is that Veterinarians have STRONGLY discouraged pet owners from treating their pets outside of the Vet Clinic.

The entire Pet Health Industry has a vested interest in discrediting alternative medicines which can safely, naturally and effectively allow pet owners to care for their pets at home.

STOP AND READ THIS

Lock the door, Unplug the phone, and do whatever you can to have 10 undivided minutes... Get ready to read about how you could be saving the life of your pet starting now!

"I began to notice something unusual..."

Slowly, I began to notice something unusual about Hoochie. He really just wasn't the same. He was reluctant to go for his morning dog walk, which was always the highlight of his day.

I dismissed it as him feeling a bit off, some mild stomach issue or maybe a touch of arthritis... but it didn't pass. In fact, it got worse.

I eventually did a blood test on Hoochie, thinking at that point that he had a tooth infection. However, much to my horror, I quickly found out that he had a spleen tumor.

Immediately, I performed surgery on Hoochie and removed the spleen tumor. But I was too late - the cancer had already spread to his liver, and I knew that very soon, he would die.

How did an apparently healthy mixed breed dog die so young?

I did all the "right" things – or so I thought. After grieving, I came to realize that I had played a role in his dying at too young of an age.

I came to question exactly what I did to my own pet – and what was I doing to other people's pets.

Through my questioning, I came to realize that most Veterinarians (including me as well, at the time) are not "getting it" – that in the process of trying to heal pets through technological advances, we are actually making them sicker!

There are 3 mistakes that I made that contributed to Hoochie's early death...

...are you making these same mistakes with your own dog?

Click here to continue for more information!

Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it informative! –Kim

New Pet Food Recalls

Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM

Nature's Variety

One batch of Nature's Variety Instinct Raw Organic Chicken Formula for dogs and cats has been recalled after clear plastic was found in some of the bags, posing a possible choking risk to pets, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Nature's Variety says the source of the plastic has been identified and the issue has been resolved. There have been no reports of harm to pets, but a consumer complaint alerted the company to the problem.

The affected product was limited to a single batch of Organic Chicken Formula with the "Best if Used By" date of 10/04/13. This includes:

• UPC number 7 69949 60137 1 – Instinct Raw Organic Chicken Formula medallions, 3 lb. bag
• UPC number 7 69949 70137 8 – Instinct Raw Organic Chicken Formula medallions, 27 lb. case
• UPC number 7 69949 60127 2 – Instinct Raw Organic Chicken Formula patties, 6 lb. bag
• UPC number 7 69949 70127 9 – Instinct Raw Organic Chicken Formula patties, 36 lb. case
  

Consumers with additional questions can call the Nature’s Variety Consumer Relations team at (888) 519-7387, Monday through Friday.

---

Kasel Industries

Kasel Associated Industries is pulling a wide variety of dog treats over salmonella contamination. The recall covers a wide variety of treats, from chicken jerky to pig ears to hearts of lamb, produced in its plant in Denver between April and October last year. The items were sold in Target, Costco, Sam's Club and through its Web site.

A Kasel official said the Colorado Department of Agriculture found salmonella in its chicken jerky, prompting a recall of that product in September. The Food and Drug Administration investigated, urging the company to issue the wider recall.

Consumers with additional questions can call Kasel Associated Industries at (800) 218-4417, Monday through Friday.

Best Wishes,
Dr Andrew Jones, DVM

P.S. Neutraceuticals are KEY in treating and preventing diseases associated with toxins. These include Essential Fatty Acids, Probiotics, and even Colostrum. ALL of these can be found in my supplement. You can get your 50% OFF trial here:

• Dogs: www.thedogsupplement.com
• Cats: www.thecatsupplement.com
  

---

Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM has been a practicing Veterinarian for over 20 years. He is a strong advocate of Natural Pet Health Care, and knows that the most important way to heal our pets and prevent disease is through proper nutrition. He developed Ultimate Canine to give our dogs that extra advantage – something that will provide them with everything they need to develop stronger immune systems to fight disease, heal sore or stiff joints, and help them live longer, happier lives. Dr. Andrew Jones' main focus is on alternative, non-traditional remedies for pets. His interest in alternative pet medicine culminated in the writing of his book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed.

---

---

Also, see:

• Nature's Variety Quality Announcement
• FDA Press Release about Kasel

The Complete Dog Food & Nutrition Guide

Valuable Resource...

Finally...All You Need
to Know about Your
Dog's Diet and Nutrition

Click below now to watch this short dog food video....

From Sharda Baker Monday 11 May 2009
 

Dear fellow dog lover, We have all heard the "horror stories" about the tainted, and sometimes toxic, dog foods on the market, AND ABOUT ALL THE DOG FOOD RECALLS.
 

Many of us are aware of the poor quality, sometimes useless, filler ingredients in many commercial dog foods and the dangers of many foods cooked in our homes for our dogs.
 

Even if you prepare your dog's food at home, there's the danger of feeding the wrong type of food.
 

They can rob your dog of… IT'S ENERGY, IT'S HEALTH, AND OF IT'S VERY LIFE ITSELF.
 

You are probably just like me, and like most responsible dog owners, just want the best for your dog within a certain budget, right?
 

Click Here to Start Improving Your Dog's Health Today

Alarm bells first started ringing for me regarding dog food, several years ago, after seeing the pain an acquaintance, Sonia (not her real name) went through after losing her 2 dogs, one aged eight and one six and a half. One of her dogs died of pancreatitis and one of heart failure, both of which can occur as a result of poor diet.
 

It wasn't really her fault though...

It's not that Sonia was a bad dog owner, she just did what many dog owners do… And what I used to do, she fed her dog a standard dog food she found in the supermarket plus some regular table scraps.
 

Like many of us, she didn't understand how to make sense out of a dog food label. On closer examination, the dog food she had been feeding was one of the worst ones available.Simply understanding the label would have alerted Sonia not to use that dog food. Plus, the indiscriminate feeding of table scraps also contributed to her two dog's untimely deaths.
 

And that was just the beginning for me.

Ever since I witnessed the pain that can be caused by losing a pet at a young age, I started looking into dog food more closely. It's been quite a journey I can tell you. We all recognize deep down that our dog's diet is paramount to good health, just as our own diet is vital to our own good health. Yet, we are often unsure, or at worst ill advised, how to best manage our dog's nutrition.
 

To Keep Your Dog Healthy, You Must Discover What to Look For, and How to Properly Read and Understand the Deceptive Practices in Dog Food Ingredient Labels.

This information I have put together will show you what some dog food companies don’t want you to know.
 

I put together the "Complete Guide To Your Dog's Nutrition" ebook and audio package over the last 11 and a half months and inside you'll find:

12 OF THE BEST dog food brands for you and… It informs you of what is actually used in each of the dog foods. And clearly tells you why each of the12 brands are some of the best to feed your dog. It also discusses in depth home cooked dog food, the BARF diet plus much more.

Would you like to know which brands of dog food and which human foods are the safest to feed your dog?

Don’t you owe it to your pet to find out?

Can't we just trust what the dog food companies tell us in their glossy multi-million dollar advertising campaigns?
 

Unfortunately, often we can't!

I know you are a lot like me and want to be sure you are feeding your dog the absolute best diet… and best foods, within your budget.

All dog food is not equal in their nutritional values and there are many that are downright detrimental to your pet's health.

I have put together all the research that I and my team have carried out over the last 11 and a half months on dog food and health, into one big collection.
 

Reserve Your Copy Today

Some of the information revealed will shock you! The books and audios cover everything that you need to know about providing the best and most nutritionally healthy diet for your dog. You will quickly start to become a dog nutrition expert… learning how to make nutritional adjustments to help most of your dog's problems or maladies.
 

Continued - Click for more information, plus BONUSES....
 
 

Why is There So Much Cancer?

Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it informative! –Kim

Pets as Sentinels of Pesticide Toxicity

Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM

Over fifty years ago, Rachel Carson's Silent Spring warned us of the threats to life attending widespread use of chemical pesticides. As a result of her effort, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was founded in 1970 and DDT was banned in 1972.

Nevertheless, we did not curtail our domestic reliance on toxic chemicals for pest control. The yearly amount of pesticide sold is now more than double the amount marketed in 1962 when Silent Spring was published.

[Ed.: Rather than inspiring us to govern ourselves and get back to natural processes, another meddling government bureaucracy was born with no improvements – i.e., business as usual.]

Pesticide residues in our food and in the environment reflect years of chemical production and use. We face the continuing problems of the toxic by-products of manufacturing, runoff from outdoor applications, ground water contamination, and finally disposal of unused material as hazardous waste.

Pesticides are used in virtually all public buildings, golf courses, schools, restaurants, hotels, hospitals and private homes as well as in agriculture and forestry.

Carson described the detrimental effects of pesticides on animals including robins, caddis fly larvae, quail, salmon and cats. Silent Spring shows clearly how deeply caring and fiercely protective Rachel Carson was of wildlife. Her concern extended to pet animals as well.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in dogs and cats today. Compared to humans, dogs develop tumors twice as frequently.

The incidence of cancer in domestic animals has risen dramatically in the past several years, especially in dogs and cats. Some 70 types of cancers have been identified-one reputable source indicates that 47% of dogs over 10 years of age now die of cancer.

No one cause has been attributed to this rise, however, several factors have been implicated. These include environmental factors, such as pesticides and herbicides, increasing longevity, diet, genetics, viruses and more.

2,4-D and Increased Cancer Risk

A 1991 National Cancer Institute study found that dogs whose owners' lawns were treated with 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid), four or more times per year, were twice as likely to contract canine malignant lymphoma than dogs whose owners did not use the herbicide. Incidentally, malignant lymphoma in dogs is considered very similar to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in humans.

Studies in rats have demonstrated that 2,4-D can migrate into nervous tissue and concentrate in certain areas of the brain. Not too surprisingly, behavioral changes have also been observed in treated rats (Evangelista de Duffard, 1990).

This herbicide was a component of Agent Orange, and is the active ingredient in many herbicide products on the market.

Insecticides Associated with Bladder Cancer in Dogs

A statistically significant association between exposure to topical flea and tick dips, and the occurrence of bladder cancer in dogs has been found. The risk of bladder cancer was increased further in dogs living in proximity to areas sprayed regularly with insecticides for mosquitoes.

An increased rate of bladder cancer in humans has recently been reported [Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, 1989(28): 407-414]. Chemical pesticides have been associated with increased aggression in cats and people, enlarged thyroid glands in cats, bladder cancer and lymphosarcoma in dogs, breast cancer in people and fatalities in birds.

Minimal effort has been expended in studying pet animal populations for long-term chemical pesticide toxicity, but careful analysis of animal disease and pesticide exposure has detected significant associations.

Much more such work could and should be done. The medical and environmental communities need to join forces in investigating pesticide-related illness.

As Carson wrote in Silent Spring: "Today we are concerned with a different kind of hazard that lurks in our environment – a hazard we ourselves have introduced into our world as our modern way of life has evolved."

Dogs, cats and birds have been our companions for centuries. Their behavior, diseases and even their deaths have warned us of pesticide related health and environmental problems.

Many people assume that since lawn pesticides (also widely used on golf courses) are so common, they must not be harmful.

The truth is that, just because a pesticide is registered with the EPA, this does not necessarily guarantee its safety. 

If you are at all concerned about being exposed to pesticides, you should be doubly concerned for your pets.

Healthy lawns can be achieved with non-toxic methods. Soil aeration, correct mowing, organic fertilizers, vinegar and corn gluten are just some of the available alternatives to toxic chemicals.

Heal Your Pet At Home!

Best Wishes,
Dr Andrew Jones, DVM

P.S. Neutraceuticals are KEY in treating and preventing diseases associated with toxins. These include Essential Fatty Acids, Probiotics, and even Colostrum. ALL of these can be found in my supplement. You can get your 50% OFF trial here:

• Dogs: www.thedogsupplement.com
• Cats: www.thecatsupplement.com
  

---

Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM has been a practicing Veterinarian for over 20 years. He is a strong advocate of Natural Pet Health Care, and knows that the most important way to heal our pets and prevent disease is through proper nutrition. He developed Ultimate Canine to give our dogs that extra advantage – something that will provide them with everything they need to develop stronger immune systems to fight disease, heal sore or stiff joints, and help them live longer, happier lives. Dr. Andrew Jones' main focus is on alternative, non-traditional remedies for pets. His interest in alternative pet medicine culminated in the writing of his book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed.

---

Also, see:
Do You Know the 10 Early Warning Signs?