Arthur Dogswell recalls cat chicken jerky treats, FDA says

..From NBC News..

By JoNel Aleccia, NBC News

One of the nation's leading manufacturers of pet treats has issued a voluntary recall of chicken breast treats because of the potential to cause health problems in cats. The recall follows reports of more than 1,800 dogs in the U.S. sickened or killed after eating chicken jerky treats from China.
Arthur Dogswell LLC issued a recall late Friday for its Catswell Brand VitaKitty Chicken Breast with Flaxseed and Vitamins treats because of potential contamination with high levels of propylene gylcol. High levels of propylene glycol in the treats could result in serious in serious injury to cats, according to the notice posted by the federal Food and Drug Administration.

The Los Angeles-based firm is voluntarily recalling 1,051 cartons of the treats packed as either 10 or 50 packages per case of the Catswell Brand VitaKitty with Chicken Breast with Flaxseed and Vitamins, the company said in a press release.
Health effects could include inducing anemia and making cells more  susceptible to oxidative damage. The company said no illnesses have been reported to date.
However, Arthur Dogswell LLC also produces chicken jerky pet treats made in China for dogs, which have been linked to more than 1,800 illnesses and deaths in the United States. Friday's recall is the first associated with chicken jerky pet treats since the FDA issued a third warning about the products last November.

The VitaKitty treats were distributed nationwide via retail stores and mail order from April 13th through June 14th, 2012.
This product is packaged in a re-sealable 2 ounce orange plastic bag with a clear window. The VitaKitty Chicken Breast with Flaxseed and Vitamins lot codes affected are as follows: SEW12CH032701/03c and SEW12CH032702/03c with a best before date of 09/10/13 and 09/11/13, respectively (UPC code 8 84244 00057 2). Lot codes can be found on the bottom right backside of the package.

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The "Dos" of Safe, Pet Friendly Boating

 

With boating season in high gear it's a good time for a little refresher on pet friendly boating to ensure your little one is safe. Before hitting the high seas with your pet it's important to plan ahead and always keep the best interests of your four-legged friend in mind. Boating with your pet can be a wonderful and bonding experience or a not so pleasant one. It's all function of proper planning and preparation. Be sure to take these necessary provisions to ensure that your pet's boat cruise is a happy and safe one. Identification Tag: Make sure your pet has a collar with an identification tag. Include contact information, marina address and slip number. Familiarization with the Boat: It is best to gradually introduce your pet to your boat and the water. Let your pet explore the boat while it is docked before going out on the water. Turn on the engine and let them get used to its sound, smell, and feel while the boat is docked. Then, take your pet out on small cruises and gradually build up to longer cruises. Safe & Easy Boat Access: Provide a special pet ramp for your pet to get on and off the boat. This not only includes from the dock to the boat but also from the water to the boat. Pets weigh much more wet than dry and it can be very difficult to lift them back into your boat after a swim. Flotation Device: A personal flotation device (a.k.a. life jacket) can also ensure safety while on the water. Not all pets can swim (including some dogs). Even if your pet is a good swimmer, getting tossed overboard can put any animal into a panic. In addition, your pet could suffer from exhaustion or hypothermia. Many pets also fall into the water from the dock or while trying to get from the dock to the boat. Having your pet equipped with a flotation device with a lifting handle makes retrieving your pet much easier and safer. Help your pet get used to the PFD by first practicing at home for short periods of time. Start by putting the PFD on your pet and let them walk around with it on. The next step is to let your pet swim with it on for a short period. It's a new experience for your pet so it's important for them to get used to it before the boat trip. Proper Hydration & Staying Cool: Pets do not sweat, so keep an eye out for heavy panting or drool and a rapid heart beat. Protect pets from heat by providing some shade on the boat, providing plenty of water and keeping the deck cool to protect paw pads. Bring along a travel water bowl and fresh water. It is critical to hydrate pets before they get into the water. Otherwise, they will drink the natural water and may get sick. Going Potty: A big challenge of boating with your pet is making provisions so that they can go to the bathroom. Bringing along your cat's litter box and securing it inside the cabin is a good solution for your feline friends. Dogs, however, are a bigger challenge. If your boat trip does not allow for regular land stops for your dog to do their business, then provisions must be made so that they can relieve themselves on the boat. A portable dog potty that simulates grass is an excellent solution. We recommend the Pup-Head Portable Dog Potty. Health Records: If your boating destination is a marina or place that you're not familiar with, be sure to bring along a copy of vaccination and health records. Some places may require proof of immunization before letting pets explore on land. Call Ahead: While most marinas and parks welcome pets, there are some that aren't pet friendly. Be sure to call ahead before arriving on shore. Info provided by:  TripsWithPets.com is the #1 online resource for pet travel. It was named BEST pet travel site by Consumer Reports! TripsWithPets.com offers resources to ensure pets are welcome, happy, and safe when traveling. The website features a directory of pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the U.S. and Canada, airline & car rental pet policies, dog friendly beaches, search by route, pet travel tips, pet travel supplies, along with other pet travel resources.

Alaska Town: Feline Mayor Is the Cat's Pajamas

The mayor of a sleepy Alaska town is feline fine.
The part-Manx cat clawed his way onto the political scene of Talkeetna, Alaska, through a write-in campaign shortly after he was born 15 years ago.
KTUU-TV reported ( http://bit.ly/LYvzBV ) Friday that residents didn't like the mayoral candidates years ago, so they encouraged enough people to elect Stubbs as a write-in candidate. The town has nearly 900 residents.

Sandy Bubar/AP Photo

 

Sandy Bubar/AP Photo

Mayor Stubbs is a 15-year-old yellow cat who has been overseeing the town since shortly after he was born.

Although his position is honorary, Stubbs' popularity is real. His election earned him enough press to catapult the town at the base of Mount McKinley into a tourist destination.
Residents say they're happy that their stubby-tailed mayor is promoting tourism. The general store where Stubbs hangs out says it gets dozens of tourists a day asking for him.

Will Pet Ownership Decline in the Future?

I recently came across an article from petbusiness.com that discussed the role of retail stores and investing in future generations. The article expresses concern about how kids grow up today with technology and gaming, and if that trend will impact pet ownership.

It is an interesting read, especially expressing the concern about the future of pet retail shops and their role in the pet industry.

Better Pet? Dog or Cat?

The Cats Vs Dogs controversy has gone on for thousands of years, ever since they were domesticated. Which makes the best pet? The answer depends largely on the owner's personality and requirements for animal companionship. We have owned both and have made a few observations based on our experiences.

Dogs are intensely loyal to the people who feed them. They can be hostile to perceived "invaders," and a goodly number of them have shown a willingness to put their own lives on the line to protect their owners. The downside to this behavior is that they demand lots of attention. An owner can sit and scratch a dog's ears for hours and still receive a hurt look from the animal when it's time to do something else. Cats, although also attention seekers, seem much more aloof and independent. Just don't expect them to be there for you if a burglar breaks in. An intelligent, well trained dog makes a great hiking companion. Cats couldn't care less. This is why the owner's preferences are an important part of the Cats Vs Dogs debate.

Cats are complete carnivores, and can digest only meat. (You may have seen a cat eating green grass, but that was probably because its stomach was already upset by something else.) Dogs, like people, are omnivores able to metabolize a variety of foods. The difference is in the body chemistry of the two species. The bottom line when considering Cats Vs Dogs is this: although some dogs may develop a taste for some cat foods, the two types of food are not interchangeable.

The biggest factor in choosing between Cats Vs Dogs may be the environment of the prospective owner. Do not try to keep a large dog in a small apartment, even if the landlord allows it. You will all be miserable as a result. Cat urine smells worse than dog urine, is more likely to occur indoors and must be dealt with. Dogs are not adept at hunting mice, so rodent control is generally left up to cats, who will also catch lizards, birds and young rabbits. In a rural setting, however, be aware that cats are susceptible to being picked off by owls (yes, owls) and other predators.

 

Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.

A Touch of Exotic In Your Home

Ever dreamed of snorkelling in Thailand? Diving off the Australian Great Barrier Reef? Experiences like these are truly mesmerising. The range of aquatic life on view is quite breathtaking. Well now you can encounter a variety of tropical creatures from the comfort of your own home. Keeping tropical fish in a domestic setting is becoming an increasingly popular hobby. Since the Disney Pixar animation Finding Nemo hit box offices in 2003, clownfish worldwide achieved above and beyond celebrity status.  While these fascinating and strikingly marked fish have certainly raised the profile of tropical species as pets, they are not necessarily ideal for the beginner. Guppies, mollies and neon tetras are among the most popular species kept and much more suitable for those who have little to no experience in keeping such animals.

Considering it?

These creatures are ideal for those looking for a relatively low maintenance yet rewarding pet or hobby. If you are looking to keep a selection of species it is a good idea to first research which varieties are at ease in the company of others. Corydoras catfish or rainbowfish for example will happily cohabite with others. The latter is known to develop bold colouring when reaching adulthood making it a valuable addition to your tank. A handful of species are known for their aggressive nature and are usually kept in a solitary environment. Certain variations of Cichlids for instance can display very territorial behaviour and it is recommended that these particular types are not placed with certain other tropical fish.

The size of tank you should purchase will depend on the number of tropical fish you are planning on housing. Recommendations usually state that every one inch long fish in your tank should have roughly twelve square inches of surface area.

Generally, tropical fish require a consistent water temperature of between 25c-27c (70f-80f). It is advised that you allow around three to four days for making any necessary adjustments in order to maintain the correct temperature before introducing your fish to their new home.

Regarding diet, small amounts of tropical fish food given once to three times a day is usually ample. It is worth noting however that for the first two weeks, the filter needs time to adjust therefore a small amount of food once every two days is recommended.

Plants and other Fish Tank Accessories make a valuable addition to any aquarium. Providing your new fish with stimulating objects to explore and engage with will enable you to observe the behaviour that makes them such a popular household addition.

Pet Industry Spending

How much do you spend on your pets? The American Pet Products Association (APPA) publishes industry trends in regards to how much is spent on your animals.

SPENDING

The following spending statistics are gathered by APPA from various market reseach sources and are not included in the organization's bi-annual National Pet Owners Survey.


Total U.S. Pet Industry Expenditures
Year Billion

2012 $52.87 Estimate

2011 $50.96 Actual

2010 $48.35 2009 $45.5

2008 $43.2

2007 $41.2
2006 $38.5
2005 $36.32004 $34.42003 $32.42002 $29.52001 $28.51998 $231996 $211994 $17

Estimated 2012 Sales within the U.S. Market

For 2012, it estimated that $52.87 billion will be spent on our pets in the U.S.
Estimated Breakdown:
Food $20.46 billion
Supplies/OTC Medicine $12.56 billion
Vet Care $13.59 billion
Live animal purchases $2.15 billion
Pet Services: grooming & boarding $4.11 billion

Actual Sales within the U.S. Market in 2011

In 2011, $50.96 billion was spent on our pets in the U.S.

Breakdown:
Food $19.85 billion
Supplies/OTC Medicine $11.77 billionVet Care $13.41 billion
Live animal purchases $2.14 billion
Pet Services: grooming & boarding $3.79 billion

“5 Rules for Finding a Pet Friendly Nanny

I came across a recent post www.findananny.net about the 5 rules for finding a pet nanny. Some interesting things to consider. Check out the article for some great tips.

Health Benefits of Pets

HEALTH BENEFITS

• Pets Help to Lower Blood Pressure A recent study at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that people with hypertension who adopted a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did those who did not own a pet. (Dr. Karen Allen, State University of New York at Buffalo)
• Pets Help to Reduce Stress Walking with a pet helps to sooth nerves and offers instant relaxation. Studies conducted worldwide have shown that the impact of a stressful situation is lesser on pet owners, especially males, than on those who do not own a pet. (Josephine M. Wills, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, United Kingdom)
• Pets Help to Prevent Heart Disease Because pets provide people with faithful companionship, research shows they may also provide their owners with greater psychological stability, thus a measure of protection from heart disease. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)
• Pets Help to Lower Health Care Costs People with pets actually make fewer doctor visits, especially for non-serious medical conditions. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)
• Pets Help to Fight Depression Pets help fight depression and loneliness, promoting an interest in life. When seniors face adversity or trauma, affection from pets takes on great meaning. Their bonding behavior can foster a sense of security. (Between Pets and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship)