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/

Dog Food Calculator

http://www.pipschoice.com/go/dog-food-calculator

See how it pays to feed your dog the best!

Dog Food - for the pampered dog

Delivered fresh http://www.pipschoice.com/

Cat Food - for the pampered cat!

Delivered fresh to your door. http://www.pipschoice.com/ Your cat deserves the best!

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.

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/