Monday, August 30, 2010

Ingredients to Avoid letting Dogs Have

Alcohol- Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death.

Avocado- The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain Persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Birds and rodents are especially sensitive to avocado poisoning, and can develop congestion, difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation around the heart. Some ingestion may even be fatal.

Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine- These products all contain substances called methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds, the fruit of the plant used to make coffee and in the nuts of an extract used in some sodas. When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate contains the highest.

Grapes & Raisins- Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure. In pets who already have certain health problems, signs may be more dramatic.

Macadamia Nuts- Macadamia nuts are commonly used in many cookies and candies. However, they can cause problems for your canine companion. These nuts have caused weakness, depression, vomiting and tremors in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and last approximately 12 to 48 hours.

Milk- Because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactose (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other milk-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset. Humans should not even drink cows milk.

Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones- Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that can be harmful to pets. In addition, raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which can lead to skin and coat problems. Feeding your pet raw bones may seem like a natural and healthy option that might occur if your pet lived in the wild. However, this can be very dangerous for a domestic pet, who might choke on bones, or sustain a grave injury should the bone splinter and become lodged in or puncture your pet’s digestive tract.

Nutmeg- can cause tremors, seizures, and central nervous system damage.

Onions, Garlic, Chives- These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. Although cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed. Toxicity is normally diagnosed through history, clinical signs and microscopic confirmation of Heinz bodies. An occasional low dose, such as what might be found in pet foods or treats, likely will not cause a problem, but we recommend that you do NOT give your pets large quantities of these foods.

Salt- Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets. Signs that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death. In other words, keep those salty chips to yourself!

Yeast Dough- Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system. This can be painful and can cause the stomach or intestines to rupture. Because the risk diminishes after the dough is cooked and the yeast has fully risen, pets can have small bits of bread as treats. However, these treats should not constitute more than 5 percent to 10 percent of your pet’s daily caloric intake.

Xylitol- Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to recumbency and seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days.

Better choices for food and treats can be found here http://www.pipschoice.com/

Friday, August 27, 2010

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Monday, August 16, 2010

Fish Oil Omega - Sealogix for Purity

Thanks in large part to the superior quality, purity and concentration of nutrients, Sealogix represents an exceptional value compared to other market brands. To see how Sealogix compares to competing brands, we provide a handy chart on the next page. And while price may be your primary source for comparison, it shouldn’t be the only measure. We’re proud that Sealogix has repeatedly scored 5 Stars on our product batch testing by the world’s premier fish oil testing agency. After reviewing the following information, we think that you’ll agree that Sealogix offers outstanding value and dependable purity to aid you in your quest for better health.

To demonstrate the overall value of our formula, we provide the following comparison chart, which matches Sealogix against competing brands. Many of these other supplements vary in purity, quality, concentration, size and price, which can make it difficult to determine the true value of these products. To create an apples-to-apples comparison, our chart demonstrates the costs associated with 1,000 mg of omega-3’s(EPA/DHA).
Sealogix Wins Comparison Hands Down
Omega-3 Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil
Click on the picture to go right to the website for more details.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Homeopathic care for scratching pets

We have all seen it, your pet starts scratching, you check for fleas, you take them to the groomer for a bath and yet your pet still has the itchy's. What do you try then?

He or she may have dry skin or dandruff and needs an extra boost. The homeopathic tradition provides a number of effective and non-toxic remedies which animals often respond to. Consider talking to your veterinarian about the following homeopathic remedies:

1.Phosphorus - for dandruff and patchy hair loss
2.Sulphur - for red skin with hot spots ("moist eczema")
3.Urtica Urens - for small red blotching on skin
4.Arsenicum Album - for scaly or dry skin
5.Carbo Veg - for moist skin or itching
6.Cinchona Officinalis - for sensitive skin
7.RhusTox - for dermatitis from flea bites or poison ivy

As always, I suggest you are feeding a food that is proven to be safe and nutritious. Life's Abundance is the only product I use for my pets. Giving a supplement to ensure optimum health is also necessary. NuVet Plus takes care of that. Ordering fresh food and treats has never been simpler.
Order Now!
Life's Abundance Pet Foods
NuVet Plus Supplements use order code 42299

Merrick Pet Care Recall Alert 8/13/2010

08.13.2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2010
Customer Inquiries: (800) 664-7387
Other Inquiries: JAMES WITCHER, COO (806) 322-2806

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.
####

MERRICK PET CARE RECALLS BEEF FILET SQUARES & TEXAS HOLD’EMS 10 oz BAG (ITEM # 60016 ALL LOTS) BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE SALMONELLA HEALTH RISK

Here is another good reason to feed your pets healthy safe never been recalled treats. http://www.pipschoice.com/

Friday, August 13, 2010

Dachshund loves her bone.

This is a cute and funny video - got to love a doxie!

Get the bones Spotsie loves here at http://www.pipschoice.com/ and click on treats. Try the food too - your dachshund will love you for it...

Healthy Pet Foods – Say "NO" To Poor Quality Pet Food

Let's think about what we are feeding our pet's. If you are not an educated consumer, chances are you are feeding your companion pet Poor Quality Food. Don't let the names fool you, foods such as Iams, Science Diet, California Naturals are Not the best foods that you can be feeding your dog's and cat's.

Pet foods that are poor in quality typically contain a number of filler ingredients, rather than the actual nutrients, vitamins and minerals that your pet needs to be healthy.

There are a wide variety of issues can result from poor quality pet food, including these common issues: heart problems, obesity, behavior issues, lack of energy and markedly reduced life span. Did you know a dog can live to be 25-30 years old?

As a groomer, I see dogs with many health problems and I watch as dog's health deteriorate over time and then they die. Losing a dog that I have groomed for many years is hard and very sad.

One of the reasons for these issues is the fact that POOR quality pet food provides bulk but not necessarily nutrition.
This creates a void of the nutrients that they do need to maintain their healthy.

If we think about how we eat this could be the equivalent of eating junk food or fast food every single day.
People that make their diet of junk food or fast food are frequently overweight, suffer from heart problems, joint and muscle problems, diabetes and experience mood swings. The same can be said of a dog that does not receive adequate dog nutrition through their pet food. Label reading is vital for both humans and pet feeding.


The Shocking news of PET FOODS RECALLS - not just of low end brands but now names we all know and trust. Pet foods that are always advertised or those that are popular aren’t always the best choice.

In a recent pet food recall, Iams Veterinary Dry Formulas,Eukanuba Naturally Wild, Eukanuba Pure, Eukanuba Custom Care Sensitive Skin have shocked most pet owners. These are foods that their veterinarian said they should be feeding. What? Do they read the ingredients, do they know how and where the foods are coming from? The answer to that is No. They have no clue and in fact I don't know either. I called and spoke with a pet food company and ask where their pet food is made and they would NOT tell me. Do I want to feed a food to my beloved dogs that the makers are keeping secrets about? NO way!

It should certainly seem as though a pet owner should be able to trust the name brands they find on their pet store shelves, but as we have seen and heard that is not always the case.

Even some of the most expensive brands pet “healthy” pet foods that are frequently advertised on TV, dog magazines and other ads were found to be completely unsafe and were eventually pulled off the shelves.

This would certainly seem to indicate that price cannot always be a good gauge of quality, and particularly of quality control.
The premium pet foods cost around $1.75- $2.50 per pound on average, so you think you are getting the best.

Which leads to the end of my rant. What if I told you that the food and treats and supplements and skin care I use on my own dogs are the safest, best quality, inspected and made in human-grade facilities and are made fresh and shipped within 6 weeks to your door and you can trust it because we have never been recalled!
Would you want to buy these products?
Now of course you would right? OK, here's how. Simple go the http://www.pipschoice.com/ and order. I guarantee you will not be unhappy and you will feel good about your self knowing you are giving the best to your pets.

Thank You for taking the time to learn and make a change for the better. When it comes to making the right choice make it Pips Choice - Life's Abundance abounds!!!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Smiling Golden Retriever


Holistic Pet Food - What is it?

Holistic Pet Food, What Is Holistic Pet Food?

Did you know the life span of your best friend dog or best friend cat is 25 to 30 years. So why are our dogs and cats only living to 13 to 14 years? The answer is simple, the same problem many American people struggle with today, "unhealthy eating habits". "But what can I do about it ? Provide the best holistic, premium, all natural dog food or cat food on the market today.

Premium Holistic natural cat and dog food is formulated with safe and wholesome natural cat food and dog food ingredients. Including a blend of the best, dog and cat vitamins and minerals, high-quality human grade cat and dog proteins, dog and cat best whole grains, a antioxidant system, nutritious natural holistic vegetables and fruits, omega fatty acids for your dog or cat, calcium and phosphorus for cat and dog healthy teeth, strong bones and dietary fiber to help maintain a healthy digestive tract.

Premium natural holistic cat and dog food contains no artificial flavors or colors. In addition, there is no corn, corn gluten, wheat or wheat gluten for your dog or cat best friend to consume. Some cat food and dog food manufacturers use ingredients that you would never knowingly feed your dog or cat. Including but not limited to bones, dead animals, road kill, chicken feet and heads, feathers, animal heads, etc.

Premium holistic natural human grade food is nutritionally dense food, which means that you will not have to feed your dog or cat as much food as other brands. That can translate into savings you can count on, meal after meal, year after year for your dog and cat. Smaller meals and concentrated nutrition means less mess to clean up outside or inside. Holistic cat food or dog food does not just treat hunger in your dog or cat it also address different ailments that might come to be in the health and well being of your "dog best friend" or "cat best friend" such as skin ailments, fleas, ticks, joint problems and intestinal diseases.

The best premium natural health pet food will contain ingredients such as Chicken Meal, Eggs, Catfish Meal, Chicken Fat, Whole Grains, Ground Brown Rice, Oat Groats, Vitamins and Minerals, Antioxidant System, Beets, Broccoli, Carrots, Celery, Lettuce, Parsley, Watercress, Blueberries, Pomegranate, OMEGA-3 Fatty Acids, Flax Seed Meal, Brewer‘s Dried Yeast, Beet Pulp (sugar removed), Direct-Fed Microbials.
So in conclusion make sure you read the label of the pet food you are feeding. This could help extend the life of your best friend. It is up to you and me to improve the health and life of our pets. With new technology and research we can make this possible. Most holistic pet food products manufacturers take extra steps in the care, inspections, and quality of products so please choose to start taking a look at the use of these feeds. Most of the holistic health food products you actually feed less than the cheaper pet foods I have noticed up to a cup less on a large breed dog.
See more info HERE

Monday, August 9, 2010

Dog & Cat Food Home Business


Would you like to join me in my pet food business? CLICK HERE and listen to our plan.

Starting a Life's Abundance business does not have to be difficult. If you can follow 3 simple steps, you will be successful. I am here to help.


I started in this business because I love pets. Pet food is big business and here is a great way to make an income and it's repeated month after month. Dogs and cats love our products and there's more. Check out all the Life's Abundance pet food line. We have an amazing support group and better yet, an amazing product line of healthy, safe pet food and treats and supplements.

Business oppertunity at PipsChoice - my website.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Shaving a Sheltie


Sheltie's do look very cute with short hair. See Murphy sporting his new haircut. He really enjoys the way he feels now says his mom Louis.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Merrick Pet Care Recalls Texas Hold'ems 10 oz. Bag

Merrick Pet Care Recalls Texas Hold'ems 10 oz. Bag (Item# 600616 Lot 10127 Best By May 6, 2010) Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

08.03.2010

Merrick Pet Care, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas is extending its July 2, 2010 recall of 10oz “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs (Texas Hold’Ems)” pet treat (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10084TL7 BEST BY MARCH 24, 2012) to also include 83 cases of “Texas Hold’ems” (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10127 BEST BY MAY 6, 2012) 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.

The treats are sold in 10oz plastic bags marked with “Lot # 10127 Best By May 6, 2012” on the top of the bag and on a sticker applied to the bottom.

No illnesses have been reported to date for either lot of product. A sample tested positive for Salmonella.

Consumers who have purchased 10 ounce packages of “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.

Announcement on the Merrick website: Merrick Pet Care Recalls Texas Hold'ems 10 oz. Bag (Item# 600616 Lot 10127 Best By May 6, 2010) Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Why take the risk in feeding your pet's treats. http://www.pipschoice.com/
Life's Abundance has NEVER been recalled!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Iams Vet Dry & Eukanuba Naturally Wild RECALLS Includes others

CINCINNATI, July 30, 2010 – The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) (NYSE:PG) is voluntarily expanding its recall to include veterinary and some specialized dry pet food as a precautionary measure because it has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella. No salmonella-related illnesses have been reported.

Iams Veterinary Dry Formulas
All dry sizes and varieties
Best By Dates: 01Jul10 – 01Dec11
All UPC Codes

Eukanuba Naturally Wild
All dry sizes and varieties
Best By Dates: 01Jul10 – 01Dec11
All UPC Codes

Eukanuba Pure
All dry sizes and varieties
Best By Dates: 01Jul10 – 01Dec11
All UPC Codes

Eukanuba Custom Care Sensitive Skin
All dry sizes
Best by Dates: 01Jul10 – 01Dec11
All UPC Codes

The affected products are sold in veterinary clinics and specialty pet retailers throughout the United States and Canada. No canned food, biscuits/treats or supplements are affected by this announcement. A full listing of UPC codes can be found at www.iams.com.

These products are made in a single, specialized facility. In cooperation with FDA, P&G determined that some products made at this facility have the potential for salmonella contamination. As a precautionary measure, P&G is recalling all products made at this facility.

Consumers who have purchased the specific dry pet foods listed should discard them. People handling dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. 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.

Pets with Salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. 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.

For further information or a product replacement or refund call P&G toll-free at 877-340-8823 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST).
Media Contact: Jason Taylor 513-622-3205

You'll also find this on the Iams board.

Why take this risk ever again????
Feed Life's Abundance - get it at: www.pipschoice.com

Never been a Recall!

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Why Cats Purr

Most people believe cats purr when they are content or happy. While cats do purr when they are content, researchers attempting to uncover the answer to this 3,000-year-old mystery are finding the answer more complicated than previously thought. All domestic cats purr, as well as many wild cats, like pumas, ocelots, lions and cheetahs. Purring can occur in a variety of situations. When cats purr in the presence of other unknown cats or kittens, the behavior may serve to convey submissiveness or a friendly greeting. While it is true that cats purr contentedly while on their pet parent’s lap, they also purr when they give birth, when they are frightened, severely injured and even while dying. Because kitties clearly cannot be content in all these situations, contentment or friendliness cannot be the only reason they purr.

So why else would they purr?

Perhaps it is helpful to look at purring in the context of natural selection. Natural selection tells us that a particular behavior or trait will persist from generation to generation only if it is beneficial to an animal’s survival. For purring to exist in both domestic and wild cats, there must be something vital about the behavior. Purring is created by the vibration of the cat’s larynx and diaphragm, and therefore requires an expense of energy. If a kitty is sick, they would not use precious energy to purr unless there was a very good benefit.

Researchers have found certain types of purrs are meant to communicate with their people. In 2009, researchers discovered a high-pitched cry, similar to that of a human infant, embedded in the purrs of cats soliciting food. They were using the purr to signal their human caretakers that they needed something. Those sneaky kitties!

I’m sure you have heard the expression that “cats have nine lives”. Similarly, veterinarians have an old saying that if you put a cat who has broken bones in a room with other cats, the breaks will heal. In fact, cats are amazing self-healers: they have fewer post-operative complications than dogs, have a lower incidence of bone and joint disease than dogs, and 90% of cats survive high-rise falls – I’m talking falls from 5 story buildings! (Robinson, et. al 1976) What could possibly account for these facts?

One theory is that the purr has healing properties. Researchers have found that vibrations in the frequency range between 25 and 50 hertz promote bone strength, stimulate healing of fractures, provide pain relief, and help heal tendons and muscles. In 2001, National Geographic reported a study where chickens grew stronger bones after been placed on a vibrating plate for 20 minutes daily. Bioacoustic researchers have recently studied purring in 47 cats, both wild and domestic. They studied the frequency, pitch, loudness and duration of purring in relation to the cat’s behavior, and guess what they found? The domestic house cat purrs in the range of 25 and 50 Hz: the exact range associated with healing properties such as increased bone density.

Maybe this has something to do with a cat’s uncanny ability to “heal by association”. Perhaps purring is part of the reason why, when we fall ill, having a cat sit on our laps can actually make us feel better. Whether it is simply the comfort of having a friend nearby, or whether it’s the vibrational frequencies of your kitty’s rumble, the joy of a cat purring on your lap is priceless.

Whatever the reason, I encourage you to take care of your cat. Keep him happy and purring and you’ll likely both lead healthier and happier lives.
To ensure that your cat is fed the purrfect food - get it here at: www.pipschoice.com click on Cat