What Kind of Pet

So...I wanted to write some specialty posts...research...on specific pets.  If you could get any kind of pet you wanted...what would it be??  Is there any kind of pet you are curious about??  Let me know and I will do some research and post blogs about them.  I would like this blog to cover a wide variety of animals.  So let me know what you would like to see.

 

Pet Treats

 

 

There has been a lot of concern lately regarding imported pet treats.  I’ve been doing a little research on this issue.  Most of the concern is regarding chicken jerky treats processed overseas.  There have been thousands of pet illnesses reported after feeding these treats to pets.  Over 360 dogs and one cat have died.  The common factor in these illnesses and deaths is the fact that the owners fed their pets’ chicken jerky treats. 

The FDA was asked in 2007 to investigate the instances.  The most recent report published by the FDA states “No specific products have been recalled. However, if the FDA identifies the cause, or a recall is initiated, the Agency will notify the public.”  They also state “The FDA is reminding pet owners that jerky pet treats are not necessary for pets to have a fully balanced diet, so eliminating them will not harm pets. Commercially produced pet food, which is very safe, contains all of the nutrients that pets need.” 

I’ve also done some research on how products are labeled.  What are the requirements for something to be labeled as ‘Made in the USA’?  What does it mean when something is labeled as ‘Distributed by’ or ‘Manufactured by’??  Here is what I found out. 

 

In order to be labeled as ‘Made in the USA’, a product must be “all or virtually all” made in the U.S.  They must also be advertised or sold in the U.S.  The only products where the amount of the product that was made in the U.S. must be disclosed are automobiles, textile, wool, and fur products. 

Products labeled as ‘manufactured for’ or ‘distributed by’ are products made by one company for another company.  An example of this would be private label items, such as the Hy-Vee Brand dog treats.  The company listed on the label is the company that is responsible for any issues with that product.

Now what I think is of a great concern is that even if a product is manufactured in the U.S., not all ingredients have to come from the U.S.  The labeling rules do not say that country of origin for each ingredient must be listed.  Therefore, the ingredients could come from anywhere, but as long as the product is made in the U.S., it can be labeled as such.  So there is no guarantee that your treats are 100% free of foreign ingredients unless you find out who manufactures the treats and can find out from them where their ingredients come from.

Let me also state that foreign pet treats can come from many different countries, none of which have the strict quality standards of the FDA.  The US has also had its fair share of issues.  So…What can you do to make sure your pets are safe??  Be aware of where the treats you choose to give your pets are made…this means all ingredients. 

Seeing as I work for the company, I have to put in a plug for Hy-Vee Brand pet food and treats.  They are manufactured in the US by a company called Propet, LLC.  They use locally grown materials in their food and treats, so we can be assured that they are 100% Made in the USA.

 

 

One way to be absolutely sure that your pets are getting healthy treats is to make your own.  This is easier that it sounds, and really not that time consuming. 

We have a volunteer that makes Aunt Kat’s treats for our rescue dogs and as a fundraiser for our rescue.  She has experimented with making her own Chicken Jerky.  Here is her recipe:

Aunt Kat’s Chicken Jerky

·        Boneless chicken breast (wait for the big sale)

·        Slice about ¼” thick.
·        Place flat on cookie sheet that has been sprayed with nonstick product.
·        You can sprinkle with a little salt or spice that your dogs like.
·        Bake 200 -250 degrees for 2.5 – 3 hours.  Take out earlier if oven is cooking too fast.
·        Cool and place in container in refrigerator.  Will last 2 weeks if you are lucky. (depends on doggie dosage)

 

These have been tested and approved by our rescue & sanctuary dogs.  J

If you feel that the food or treat you have given your pet is responsible for causing their illness, the FDA has provided information on How to Report a Pet Food Complaint.  This page will tell you exactly what information the FDA will need in order to investigate your claim.

Always remember though…a Treat is just that…a Treat.  They are not meant to be the main staple of your pets diet and should be given out in moderation.

Be Well & Be Happy,

Pet~Pourri

Holiday Stress & Pets

 The Holidays are just around the corner.  The hustle and bustle of the season of shopping, wrapping, visiting, and eating will begin.  I thought this might be a good time to remind you to consider your pets during your holiday planning. 

The big one is….no matter just how cute that puppy (or kitten, or birdie, or bunny, etc…) in the window is…the holiday season is NOT the time to bring a new pet into your family.  If you really want to get your loved one a pet, get them a gift certificate for the value of the pet.  Then your loved one will be able to pick out exactly what they want.  You could also put together an ‘adoption kit’ with items a new pet owner will need. 

 

One thing to consider is the number of pets in shelters and rescues looking for new homes.  Many shelters and rescues offer gift certificates.  You could also think about fostering a pet.  That way you can see the amount of time and attention they will need before actually adopting one yourself. 

You should also wait till all the activity settles down so that the pet can be introduced into the home in a calm, normal situation.  Your new pet is already going to be stressed about being introduced into a new home, imagine the added stress of all the holiday activities in your home.  Don’t deny it, you are also stressed out during that time of year.  Wait to bring home your new bundle of joy until after the holidays are over.

 

If you already have pets in your home, you will also need to consider their safety and stress level the holidays provide for them.  I can’t tell you how many times Merlin, my cat, knocked over my Christmas tree before I finally bolted it to a board.  I lived in an apartment and only had a 4’ tree, but he loved to climb up inside the branches, which made it even more top heavy and over it would go.  I also had to keep my precious and fragile ornaments off the tree or they wouldn’t last. 

 

When we got a larger tree, after Merlin passed away, my rescue dogs loved to walk under it.  All the lower branches were covered with dog fur.  I had to make sure not to hang any of my fragile or precious ornaments on the lower branches because of this.  So my recommendation is to anchor your tree in some manner.

If you have cats, Do Not Put Tinsel on your tree.  Cats will play with it and eat it.  If they eat the tinsel, it could cause a blockage in their intestines.  I’ve heard many a horror story of cats and tinsel, so please if you have a cat, don’t use tinsel on your tree.  Imagine this getting caught up in your cats intestines…(caution…if this does happen to your cat, do not pull the tinsel out.  It could get tangled in their intestines.  Take your cat to the vet to have it removed safely).

If you will be having guests staying at your home, please ask them not to leave any kind of medication laying open in their suitcase or anywhere your pets can get into it.  There are many emergency vet visits over the holidays with pets having eaten a guests medication.  Also make sure you show them where you keep your pet approved treats and advise them how often your pets are given treats.  I told you in my Halloween Blog to make sure and keep any candy out of your pets reach.  Supervise children while they are eating candy to make sure your pet does not help themselves.  Also please advise your guests not to feed your pets from the table.  You can make sure your pet gets an extra treat for the holidays, but please ask your guests to refrain. 

 

If you decorate your house with real mistletoe and Holly, please make sure they are in places where your pets cannot get to them.  These are poisonous to pets.  Holly can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  Mistletoe can cause cardiovascular problems and gastrointestinal problems.  Lilies and Poinsettias are also toxic to your pets.

 

Remember the movie, Christmas Vacation??  Remember the cat that ate the Christmas tree lights??  Enough Said…

 

You should also watch alcoholic beverages around your pets.  One of my dogs, Mirage, actually got drunk at a party we attended one summer.  We were all sitting outside and I was drinking a glass of wine.  I would set it down beside my chair while eating and visiting.  I kept thinking, darn, I’m drinking this fast.  Then I notice Mirage helping herself to my glass.  She quite literally could not walk straight.  We carried her up the stairs and she wobbled around stumbling.  She had to lean on the wall to walk down the hallway.  We were laughing because it was so funny…until she got very sick.  Poor baby was sick the whole next day.  She couldn’t stand the smell of wine after that though.  Our vet told us she could have had alcohol poisoning.  So be very careful with your pets and alcohol.

 

It might also be helpful to have a room where you can put your pets when things get a little too stressful for them.  Give them some quiet time throughout the holiday season. 

Here’s hoping you have a very safe and happy Holiday Season.

Be Well & Be Happy,

Pet~Pourri