HOW SAFE IS YOUR PET'S FOOD?

The first half of 2012 has been full of news about pet food recalls and even some bad news about contamination involving pet treats.  This has been going on for years but it appears to be increasing in frequency now.  Is there anything you can do to protect your pet from being exposed to these contaminants?  If your pet has been exposed, can you do anything to help your pet?  Are you, yourself,  in any potential danger from these contaminants?

Unfortunately, this is a good news/bad news situation because the answer to all 3 of those questions is...YES!

Helpful Buckeye has a lot of very helpful information for our readers about the food you are feeding your pets.  So much information, in fact, that it would be far too much for one issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats.  Therefore, the overall subject of pet nutrition will be best divided into these groups: 

1) How Safe Is Your Pet's Food?
2) What's For Dinner?
3) What Shouldn't Be For Dinner?

The second and third parts will be presented as we move further into summer.  Be sure to tell your pet-owning friends about these upcoming topics because this stuff is of interest to ALL pet owners.  Stay tuned!

Pet Food Safety

Part of your responsibility as a pet parent is to help protect your pet from potentially harmful products. While it is nearly impossible to ensure that your pet will never come in contact with recalled pet food or treats, you can help to reduce your pet's risk. Also remember to practice good hygiene with your pets' food and bowls.


An updated list of recalled pet food products can be found at the web site link at the end of this article.


Latest News: A recall of dry pet food from Diamond Pet Foods and other companies triggered by Salmonella infections in people who came in contact with pet food is expanding in the U.S. and Canada. The Humane Society of the United States will continue to follow the situation and post each new recall on the above-mentioned web link. Return to this site for regular updates and share the information with your friends and family.


Tips for protecting your pets from contaminated food and treats:


1. Check our list of recalled foods and treats regularly for the latest information on items that have been recalled. You may also want to join our online community to receive information about recalls via the Pet of the Week e-newsletter. In addition, the FDA website is a helpful tool that provides updated information for all product recalls.


2. If your pet's food or treats are recalled (see list) , immediately stop feeding the product to your pet. Recalled products may be returned to the store where they were purchased for a full refund or thrown away in a secure area not accessible to animals. If you have questions about recalled food or treats or require additional information contact the company that manufactures the product.


3. If your pet may have consumed a recalled product, consult your veterinarian, even if your pet does not appear to have any symptoms.


4. If your pet has become ill or died because of a recalled food or treat, please report it to The FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator in your state.

Adapted from: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/facts/pet_food_safety.html#Recalled_pet_food_and_treats

Tainted pet food can make pet, owner sick

By Michelle Marshall

In April, Diamond Pet Foods announced a voluntary recall on three brands of pet food because of concerns the food was contaminated with Salmonella. In May, two more recalls involving several brands of dry dog and cat foods were issued. The latest recall includes foods that were distributed in Missouri. Some of the recalled foods include Diamond Naturals Small Breed Lamb and Rice Formula, Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul, Canidae, Taste of the Wild and Kirkland. For a complete list of involved foods, production dates and areas of distribution, go to http://www.diamondpetrecall.com/ .


The main concern with this recall is pet owners who become ill after touching the pet food, cross-contamination of their own food with products that touched the affected pet food, or direct contact with an infected pet. According to a May 11 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, confirmed outbreak cases have been documented in Alabama (1), Connecticut (1), Michigan (1), Missouri (3), North Carolina (3), New Jersey (1), Ohio (2), Pennsylvania (2) and Virginia (1). Five people were hospitalized. One Canadian case was reported by the Public Health Agency of Canada.


Symptoms of Salmonella infection in people can include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or cramps, and diarrhea (often with blood) lasting more than three days. Symptoms in animals are similar and include loss or lack of appetite and lethargy. Pets can be infected with Salmonella but show no symptoms. Unaffected pets might still shed the bacteria in their feces and serve as a source of infection to other animals and humans.


If you suspect your pets have been eating any of the foods involved, stop feeding and handling the food. Wrap any unused food in a closed plastic bag, secure the top and place it in a sealed trash container to prevent any other animals, including wild animals, from eating it. Use gloves to clean any surfaces or containers that might have contacted the food.

Salmonella can be shed in the feces of pets for 4-6 weeks after infection, so use caution when cleaning up after your pet. All stools from a suspect animal should be immediately picked up and disposed of in a secure container. Family members should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water after handling any potentially contaminated surfaces or pets.


Other recommendations for avoiding cross-contamination with pet products include feeding your pet in a room other than the kitchen, washing pet bowls and scoops with soap and hot water regularly, and not washing these items in kitchen sinks or bathtubs. Do not use the pet's feeding bowl as a scooping utensil — use a clean, dedicated scoop or cup.

If you are concerned that you or your pet have been affected by or exposed to Salmonella, contact your physician or veterinarian. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are needed to prevent potential complications.

Adapted from:

http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2012/may/27/tainted-pet-food-can-make-pet-owner-sick/

Tainted Dog Food Sickens 14 People

Salmonella in Diamond Pet Foods

by Mary Rothschild

Fourteen people have been sickened with Salmonella infantis infections in a 9-state outbreak linked to dog food. At least five of the individuals have been hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


The CDC reported recently that multiple brands of Diamond Pet Foods dry dog food - including several that have been recalled in recent days - are the likely source of the human illnesses, either through contact with the contaminated food or through handling an animal that has eaten the tainted kibble. The dog food was produced at a single manufacturing plant in South Carolina.



How many dogs may also have been sickened was not mentioned in the CDC report. In some recall notices, Diamond Pet Foods has claimed that no dog illnesses have been reported. Those recall alerts from the company did not reveal that human cases of infection were being investigated.



According to the CDC, routine tests by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development first detected Salmonella in an unopened bag of Diamond Pet Foods Naturals Lamb Meal & Rice dry dog food on April 2.



PulseNet, the national surveillance system for foodborne illnesses, then spotted several cases of human Salmonella infantis infections with a genetic fingerprint identical to that found in the dog food, the CDC said.



The outbreak strain of Salmonella infantis was isolated from an opened bag of Diamond Brand Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul Adult Light Formula dry dog food, found in the household of an ill person in Ohio. The outbreak strain was also isolated in samples taken from an unopened bag of the dog food obtained from an Ohio retail store.



A sample of Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food collected by the Food and Drug Administration during an inspection at the South Carolina production plant yielded Salmonella, the CDC said.



Seven of 10 outbreak victims interviewed said they had contact with a dog during the week before they became ill. Of five people who could remember the type of dog food they had handled, four said it was a Diamond Pet Foods brand.



Missouri and North Carolina each confirmed 3 cases related to the dog food outbreak. Ohio reported two cases while Alabama, Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey , Pennsylvania and Virginia each reported single cases.


The first onset of human illness reported was Oct. 8, 2011 and the most recent illness onset was April 22 -- more than two weeks after the first pet food recall. The case patients range in age from 1 to 82 years old with a median age of 48. Seventy-seven percent of the ill people are female.



Diamond Pet Foods recalled certain batches of its Naturals Lamb Meal & Rice dry dog food on April 6 as a "precautionary measure" and stated then that "no illnesses have been reported and no other Diamond manufactured products are affected." That was four days after the Michigan test results.



Then a second recall was announced April 26 for certain production codes of Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul Adult Light formula dry dog food. This time, the recall alert stated more narrowly that "no dog illnesses" had been reported.



On April 30, the company expanded the recall to include Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food and again said there were no reports of dog illnesses related to the product. No mention was made of human infections in the recall announcement.



"There have been numerous human outbreaks linked to pet food," said food safety attorney Bill Marler, managing partner at Marler Clark (publisher of Food Safety News). "It again shows how important food safety is, both to your pet and your family."



According to the CDC, dogs and cats infected with Salmonella usually have diarrhea and may seem lethargic, but they also can carry the infection and not appear to be sick. Humans can become ill by touching infected animals, contaminated food, or objects and surfaces such as food bowls, especially if they do not thoroughly wash their hands after the contacts.



The CDC offered this advice for pet owners:

- Consumers should check their homes for recalled dog food products and discard them promptly. Consumers with questions about recalled dog food may contact Diamond Pet Foods at telephone number 800-442-0402 or visit http://www.diamondpetrecall.com/ .



- Follow the tips listed on Salmonella from Dry Pet Food and Treats to help prevent an infection with Salmonella from handling dry pet food and treats.



- People who think they might have become ill after contact with dry pet food or with an animal that has eaten dry pet food should consult their health care providers. Infants, older adults, and persons with impaired immune systems are more likely than others to develop severe illness.



- People who think their animal might have become ill after eating dry pet food should consult their veterinary-care providers.



Additional information for pet owners can be found here.

Adapted from: http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2012/05/salmonella-tainted-dog-food-sickens-14-people/

More Aflatoxin-Related Dog Food Recalls Revealed

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted two dog food recall notices on its website Wednesday, including one dated Dec. 12 and an "updated" alert dated Dec. 14.


Both recalls of dry dog food were the result of elevated levels of aflatoxin, caused by a fungus on grains such as corn that in significant quantities can cause liver damage in pets. These recalls are apparently related to the Dec. 7 announcement by manufacturer Cargill Animal Nutrition that it was pulling dry dog food off the market because of excess amounts of aflatoxin.

Aflatoxin, which cannot exceed 20 parts per billion under FDA standards, has been found in levels above that in dog food produced at Cargill's plant in LeCompte, LA and in Iams puppy food manufactured by Proctor and Gamble in Henderson, N.C. Advanced Animal Nutrition recalled its Dog Power food, also for elevated aflatoxins.

All the companies have said that, to date, no illnesses or adverse affects have been reported in connection with the recalled dog food, but did not explain why dog food was on the market for more than a year before it was tested for aflatoxins.

O'Neal's Feeders Supply of DeRidder, LA, said it has recalled dry Arrow Brand dog food manufactured over an entire year -- between Dec. 1, 2010, and Dec. 1, 2011 -- because it contains corn detected to have higher than acceptable levels of aflatoxin.

O'Neals said the recall applies only to dog food distributed in Louisiana and Texas with packaging date codes lot numbers 4K0341 through 4K0365 and 04K1001 through 4K1325.

It said retailers have already been instructed to remove the following affected brands and products from store shelves:


-- ARROWBRAND 21% Dog Chunks SKU #807 40 lb. bag



-- ARROWBRAND Super Proeaux Dog Food SKU #812 40 lb. bag



-- ARROWBRAND Professional Formula Dog Food SKU #814 50 lb. bag



Consumers may return the recalled dog food - in opened or unopened packages - to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information contact 800-256-2769 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.


Petrus Feed and Seed Stores, in what was described as an updated alert, said it has recalled its dry dog food - 21% Protein Dog Food in 40 lb Petrus Feed bags because the product was manufactured with corn that tested above acceptable levels for aflatoxin.



The company said the affected products were manufactured by Cargill in LeCompte, LA between Dec. 1, 2010 and Dec. 1, 2011.


The recall is only for 21% Dog Food, packaged in 40 lb. Petrus Feed bags, with the packaging date codes (lot numbers) 4K1011 through 4K1307. Updated lot numbers are 4K1011 through 4K1335. The affected dry dog food was distributed in Petrus Feed and Seed in Alexandria, LA.



Consumers may return the recalled dog food - whether in opened or unopened packages - to their place of purchase for a full refund. For more information contact 318-443-2259, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.



Both companies advised that pets that have consumed any of the recalled products and exhibit symptoms of illness including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, vomiting, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, or diarrhea should be seen by a veterinarian.

Adapted from: http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2011/12/more-aflatoxin-related-dog-food-recalls-revealed/

Nearly all U.S. pet food contains ingredients from China, other countries: Animals in the News

By Donna J. Miller

The "buy local" food slogan so popular with environmentalists may catch on with people shopping for pet food.


"Avoid the newest products on the shelves and buy made-in-the-USA pet food," veterinarian Brian Forsgren said recently at a news conference called by U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown to publicize the death of a Westlake dog that died after eating chicken jerky made in China.


The Food and Drug Administration has received several hundred complaints since 2007 from pet owners whose dogs suffered serious or fatal kidney damage after eating chicken treats. But the agency's scientists, although they've previously found pet food products that contained harmful contaminants from China, have not been able to identify a toxin and link the jerky treats to the illnesses.


Meanwhile, Forsgren, Brown and the Westlake dog owner urge pet owners to avoid products made overseas. But is it possible to buy totally made-in-the-U.S.A pet food?


Chicken breasts "are not produced domestically in sufficient quantity to meet demand," said Kurt Gallagher, director of communications for the Pet Food Institute, which represents 98 percent of U.S. pet food companies. "In China, consumers prefer to eat dark meat chicken and other cuts, so white meat chicken breasts are available for making quality dog treats."


And other pet food ingredients are only available from foreign sources, including certain vitamins, amino acids, minerals and micronutrients, he said.


Interestingly, the only significant supply of vitamin C worldwide, which is also taken as a daily supplement by people around the globe, is China," Gallagher said in an email.


"It would be difficult to purchase a pet food that is made from 100 percent U.S. ingredients."


Senator Brown and U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich have called on the FDA to recall the jerky treats; step up its search for toxins in them and other pet food; hold U.S. companies accountable for the quality of their overseas ingredients; and improve communications with the public about potential threats.


"Would a consumer who goes to the store to purchase dog treats have any way of knowing that a particular product is under review other than scouring the FDA's website?" Brown wrote in a letter to the agency.


While the senator awaits a response, veterinarians and pet owners can learn more at the American Veterinary Medical Association's user-friendly site; avma.org/petfoodsafety/recalls .

Adapted from: http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2012/02/_animals_in_the_news_82.html.
 

FDA Sets New Priorities for Foods and Veterinary Medicine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently released the Foods and Veterinary Medicine Program's Final Strategic Plan for 2012 to 2016.


The plan highlights seven strategic "program goals" to better orient the U.S. food supply toward science-based food safety and labeling standards. It also includes nearly 100 initiatives to help achieve those goals.
The goals, as outlined in the plan, are to:


1. Establish science-based preventive control standards across the farm-to-table continuum.


The FVM Program will aim to set preventive standards against foodborne illness and intentional contamination for every link in the chain between growing and eating. This includes standards for production, processing, distribution, storage, transportation and marketing. Looking to the future, the program will continue to evaluate its standards and research improvements by working with industry experts.



2. Achieve high rates of compliance with preventive control standards domestically and internationally.



The program suggests inspectors be empowered to assess facilities more thoroughly on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the nature of the processes under inspection, the inherent risk of the food produced there, and the facility's food safety record.



3. Strengthen scientific leadership, capacity, and partnership to support public health and animal health decision making.


The program aims to foster "a culture of collaboration" with other research and health agencies in government, academia and private industry -- both domestic and foreign -- to expand each others' scientific capabilities.



4. Provide accurate and useful information so consumers can choose a healthier diet and reduce the risk of chronic disease and obesity.



The program hopes to work with industry and consumer groups to improve the nutritional information on not only human food products, but animal foods as well. The end goal is to allow consumers the ability to make healthier decisions about their diet (or their pet's).



5. Encourage food product reformulation and safe production of dietary supplements.



The program plans to use its influence and regulatory tools to help promote production of healthier foods and improve safety oversights on dietary supplements.



6. Improve detection of and response to foodborne outbreaks and contamination incidents.



Recognizing that preventive methods cannot protect against every contamination event in a complex food system, the program will encourage new advancements in detection and containment.



7. Advance animal drug safety and effectiveness.



In an effort to encourage safe and effective use of animal drugs, the program will work to reduce the use of unapproved animal drugs and the overuse or abuse of legal drugs. Furthermore, the program will promote information on the "appropriate, judicious" use of medically important antibiotics in farm animals.


The mission to establish preventive strategies for the food system stems from new goals set forth by Congress in the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011.



The FVM issued its final plan after first issuing a draft of it on Sept. 30, 2011, which then opened a 30-day commenting period. According to the FVM, the final plan was published after the program carefully reviewed and considered comments it received.

Adapted from:

http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2012/04/fda-issues-2012-2016-plan-for-the-foods-and-veterinary-medicine-program/

U.S.-made dog treats are far safer

By Julie Damron

Where dog treats are made can make a difference.


China has been in the news again the past few weeks related to problems with a dog food product. (In 2006, China was responsible for the melamine contamination of the food additives/extenders known as wheat gluten and rice protein concentrate. This triggered a nationwide recall of several dog food items from a variety of manufactures.) This time the item of concern is chicken jerky treats.


As of November 2011, the Food and Drug Administration is warning pet owners that chicken jerky food products that are imported from China may cause a Fanconi-like syndrome in dogs who routinely consume them. Fanconi's syndrome is a disease that affects the kidneys, causing them to leak glucose and electrolytes into the urine. Symptoms of this illness include drinking a lot of water, urinating a lot or more frequently, decreased energy, diminished appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting.


In these dogs, there is a high sugar level in the urine with or without an elevated protein level in the urine and/or an electrolyte imbalance termed metabolic acidosis. These dogs have a normal blood glucose, so they are not considered diabetic despite the fact that they have an elevated level of glucose in the urine.


There may also be elevations in the blood kidney levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. If left untreated, renal failure can develop, and death is possible.


Problems were first identified in 2006, around the time of the melamine food contamination issue. In 2010, there were 50 reports of an association of Fanconi-like syndrome potentially connected to chicken jerky treats from China. In 2011, there were more than 70 reports. Most of the original cases occurred in Canada, but now there are animals becoming ill in the United States. To date there hasn't been a specific causal link or contaminant identified, according to the FDA. Currently they are "testing multiple different chemical and microbiological contaminants. They are continuing to test for possible contaminants."


This week the FDA has announced it is now analyzing products upon import for melamine and diethylene glycol because of an increase in complaints for problems related to chicken jerky. There have been 467 reports placed with the FDA since they issued a warning in November. The alert this fall was the third regarding chicken treat products from China.


Until more is known, the FDA has made the following recommendations:


» Chicken jerky products should not be substituted for a balanced diet and are intended to be fed occasionally in small quantities.


» Consumers that feed chicken jerky products to their dogs should monitor for symptoms of decreased energy, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, increased water consumption, and increased urination.


» Discontinue the products at the first occurrence of such problems.


» Report any triggering food product to the FDA.


» Seek immediate veterinary care if symptoms are severe or persist for more than 24 hours.


I encourage all of my clients to only purchase products that are made in the United States. Our country's food safety requirements are much more strict than the laws in other countries. I also encourage pet owners to limit treats to less than 15 percent of the overall calorie intact for their canines. Please keep in mind that raw or cooked vegetables such as carrots, green beans and broccoli make wonderful treats, especially for those canines that are struggling to lose weight. Don't use food to show love to your pet. Interact with them, cuddle them or take them for a walk. Both of you will benefit from the time together.

Adapted from: http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120218/A_LIFE1202/202180303/-1/a_life

You'd perhaps think that, with all the advancements in technology, the safe production of food products would be an easy goal.  But, there are several variables that make that equation go haywire from time to time.  In any mass-produced product, there can and will be accidents along the way.  Then, you can throw in the notion of toxins getting into the production process, whether again by accident or outright negligence.  When you think about all the food that needs to be produced and handled to feed the billions of people on the planet, plus all the pet food that needs to be produced for the hundreds of millions of pets around the world, it only stands to reason that problems will arise.  The companies that produce all that food operate under fairly strict regulations, especially in the USA, and are the first line of defense against a contamination.  Then, the FDA is the giant in the background, trying to watch everything related to the food production process. 

Being very careful about what type of food you buy for your pet, talking with your veterinarian about how to evaluate those choices, and remembering to practice good hygiene when handling your pet's food will help you keep your risk of a problem at a very low level.  In today's environment, that's about as good as you can hope for.
 
SPORTS NEWS

The LA Dodgers took 2 of 3 games vs. the Chicago White Sox, one of the hot teams in the American League, to remain the team with the overall best record.  Even though we lost 2 games to the LA Angels, our record during interleague play is much better than it has been for 7 years.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have played like they can win the NBA title; however, the Miami Heat will have something to say about that, after going ahead, 2 games to 1, in the series.

PERSONAL STUFF

Even though this isn't one of my "Big Three" events for 2012, a bike ride this week here in Flagstaff will definitely go toward getting me ready for the first one on my list...my assault on Vail Pass, up in the Colorado Rockies next month.  I've done this one before and it involves a climb of 7 miles from 7000 ft. up to 9500 ft.  Desperado plans to meet me at the turnaround at the top, share a "light" snack, then watch as I scurry back down the mountain on my way home.  She already has a celebratory event scheduled for that afternoon at one of our favorite watering holes.

After 13 years of planting flowers outdoors here in Flagstaff, I may have finally hit on just the right combination of planting time and choice of plants.  At this early stage of our growing season, my flowers and herbs look better than ever!  Must be some good karma in the air....

Following certain events this past week, my new favorite numbers are 180 and 160...good numbers to have around and I can live with them.

Desperado and Helpful Buckeye have a close friend who will turn 92 this week and we are hosting a birthday party for him.  It's impressive for anyone to make it to that age, but to still be as sharp as he is makes even more of an impression.

~~The goal of this blog is to provide general information and advice to help you be a better pet owner and to have a more rewarding relationship with your pet. This blog does not intend to replace the professional one-on-one care your pet receives from a practicing veterinarian. When in doubt about your pet's health, always visit a veterinarian.~~

TO LABOR OR NOT ON LABOR DAY....

Most of us will enjoy at least a part of the Labor Day weekend kicking back and relaxing.  Labor Day was established as a holiday to recognize all American workers and their contribution to our nation's accomplishments.  Of course, there are workers who are classified as "essential" and they may be working over the weekend so that "essential" services are not interrupted. 

Another type of "worker" that almost never catches a break is the Service Dog.  Service Dogs will most likely be working all three days of this holiday weekend, taking care of their human friends in many ways.  Follow this heart-warming story of Billy Ma as he meets his Service Dog:

On a sweltering morning in July, the service dogs are pacing in their cages while the lucky dozen children who have made it off the assistance dog waiting list were making their way to the first day of training camp. Some with wheelchairs or walkers, others leaning on their parents, the kids have traveled from as far as California to the Canine Assistants headquarters north of Atlanta.  One of the younger recipients is 11-year-old Billy Ma, a smiling boy with glasses from Columbus, Ohio. He was born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a devastating genetic disease that causes progressive muscle deterioration. Doctors say he will stop walking in a couple of years, and the disease will eventually attack his heart and lungs so a service dog will become increasingly helpful -- and necessary -- in his life.

Read the rest of this first installment during which Billy is making progress toward when he will meet his own personal Service Dog: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/09/02/matching-service-dogs-with-children/ 
Helpful Buckeye will keep readers updated as Billy meets his dog and the training begins.  In the meantime, you can read more about Canine Assistants at: http://www.canineassistants.org/

Half of our readers report that they have at least 1 cat in their household.  Of those cat owners, about 2/3 say their cat stays indoors.  The other half of households not having a cat say that 1/3 might consider getting one.  Remember to answer all of this week's poll questions in the column to the left.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

1) A couple of weeks ago, Helpful Buckeye presented a long list of Questions & Answers about Salmonella and the national concerns over contamination resulting from these bacteria.  The American Veterinary Medical Association (which originated that list) has also released this podcast with some further information on staying safe from Salmonella: http://www.avmamedia.org/display.asp?sid=203&tid=207&NAME=Salmonella:_What_You_Need_to_Know

2) The ASPCA is concerned about your pet's "Back To School Blues".  This can easily happen after the family pet has spent most of every day over the summer with the children and then is left alone when school starts.  See what the ASPCA has to say about this problem:

Conquering Your Pet’s Back-to-School Blues

As the summer light fades into fall, pets across the country are adjusting to new routines as their family members go back to work or school. What were once carefree days cruising around the park or swimming in the creek are now spent sitting by the front door waiting for busy pet parents to come home.

But what if your pet doesn’t adjust peacefully to this new reality? It’s not an uncommon problem—after all, cats and dogs are particularly vulnerable to any change in their schedules, and they thrive on stimulation. With nothing to do, pets are forced to find ways to entertain themselves, which may include excessive barking or meowing, gnawing on shoes, raiding the garbage, eating houseplants and scratching furniture.
Here are some common signs that your pet may be having a hard time saying goodbye to summer:

- Urinating and defecating in the house
- Incessant barking and howling
- Chewing and digging
- Attempting to escape the house or yard
- Pacing without pause

But all is not lost! Our behaviorists have some great advice for keeping your pet’s "back-to-school blues" at bay:
- Start small by desensitizing your pooch to the cause of his anxiety. Introduce several short periods of separation, and then gradually increase time spent apart.
- Help your dog associate being alone with something good such as a tasty treat. Every time you leave the house, give your dog a food-dispensing toy—the Kong is one of our favorites, but there are plenty of others.
- Please don’t scold your dog if he doesn’t adjust quickly. If you punish him, he may become more upset and the problem could get worse.
- Be patient, and work with your pet until he feels comfortable and enjoys spending time alone.

3) The Humane Society of the United States is maintaining an up-to-date web site that keeps track of pet food and treats recalls.  You might want to earmark this site as one of your "favorites": http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/facts/pet_food_safety.html#Recalled_pet_food_and_treats 

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Pet Medicine - Is It Safe To Order Online?


In an age where all of your pet's necessities can be purchased online, it only seems natural that its medication should be available through the click of a mouse. While a multitude of online pharmacies provide a convenient and often inexpensive way to obtain prescriptions you'd normally purchase at the vet's office, many veterinarians warn against using them.

Risk #1: Pharmacy Could be Selling Counterfeit or Inferior Medicine

A major concern for most veterinarians is the source of the medications sold by online pharmacies. "Many online pharmacies are not well regulated," said Dr. Michael Farber, Practice Owner and Chief of Staff at West Chelsea Veterinary. "Not all of these sites are licensed to sell drugs. Some sites are not based within the United States, so many of the medications they're selling are foreign-made or bootleg, and may not be exactly what has been prescribed by the vet."

Counterfeit products, expired products, and "products replaced with lesser products under the same name or category" may put your pet's health at risk, warned Farber.

Risk #2: Even High Quality Products Can Degrade During Shipping

Quality control also worries many veterinarians when their clients purchase medication from online sources. "There is no real quality control that I'm aware of with most online pharmacies," said Dr. Alan Stewart, Internal Medicine Specialist at San Francisco Veterinary Specialists. "When medications are shipped under the correct conditions, they're safe to use, but medicines shipped improperly in extreme hot or extreme cold may become damaged."

Smarter Bargain Hunting

If you still want to buy online -- either for convenience or price -- there are ways to help protect yourself. "Make sure [the online pharmacy] is U.S.-based," said Farber. "You should also be sure that the pharmacy is willing to honor the manufacturer's guarantee. If the pharmacy is only willing to guarantee the product themselves, and not through the manufacturer, they may not be selling the drug legally."
Though professionals advise against using most online pharmacies for prescription medication, flea and tick medications, as well as heartworm medications may be safer to purchase online than other prescriptions, according to Stewart.
You can also consider seeking out alternative local providers. For example, rare medications, or those not regularly stocked by veterinarians can be obtained by specialized pet pharmacies, like Best Pet Rx in New York City, suggests Farber.

Pet owners looking for better prices may opt to purchase their pet's medications from places like Costco or Walgreen's. "I'm usually comfortable [with sending patients] to these places for medication," said Stewart. "They usually have some sort of deal." Another important factor to consider, says Stewart, is that the majority of medication prescribed to pets is made for humans. These medications may be obtained from any trusted pharmacy and may also offer more competitive pricing.

NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS

1) Cats are the most popular pet in the United States, outnumbering dogs 82 million to 72 million. Yet cats are only half as likely as their canine counterparts to visit the veterinarian. There are a number of reasons for this, including the fact that cats are better at hiding illness or injury than dogs. Another reason is that cats can make visits to the veterinarian downright unpleasant. But it doesn’t have to be that way.  Listen to this podcast, provided by the AVMA, for some helpful suggestions on how to make your cat's visit to your veterinarian a little more tolerable: http://www.avmamedia.org/display.asp?sid=282&NAME=Stress-Free_Veterinary_Visits_for_Cats 

Cats aren't the only pets to be reluctant to see the veterinarian.  Check out this dog:

2) OK, be honest, how many of you allow your dogs to sleep with you in your bed?  Read some of the pros and cons for allowing this to happen:

In the darkest hours of Bruce Sallan's divorce when he didn't want to get out of bed, his two dogs were there jumping on the mattress and licking his face. And when his worries kept him awake at night, the big black German Shepherd mix and the Pointer mix with brown and white spots were there then too, lying beside him on top of the covers.  "Petting one of my dogs was almost like a way I'd calm myself down and fall asleep," says Sallan, a writer and radio host in California. But then he met and married Debbie, who had a dog of her own but suffered from allergies and liked her furniture free of dirt and hair. She was adamant: "No dogs in bed."  "He would have his dog on the bed and there would be dog hair on my pillow and I'd be sneezing," Debbie says. The solution? She spent several hundred dollars on plush beds for all three dogs and ultimately, everyone was happy.


The Stats


Some pet owners may be sheepish to admit it, but Sallan is far from alone. A 2007 survey of more than 2,500 pet owners by the American Pet Products Association found 43 percent of dogs slept in a person's bed at night, a steady increase from 34 percent a decade ago.  So is there anything wrong with pets in the bed? Like Bruce and Debbie, vets and animal trainers have strong opinions on the subject.


The Pros


Sleeping in the same bed has strong emotional benefits for you and your pooch.


1. It's comforting to both the owners and the animals. The company of pets have been proven to lower blood pressure, stress and reduce feelings of loneliness. According to veterinarian Ira Roth, director of the Community Practice Clinic at University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, having them close to you at night only magnifies those benefits, whether the animal is at the foot of the bed or under the covers.


Illinois dog owner Jamie Hand agrees with that assessment. "Rocky likes to cuddle, and he always has to be right next to me," referring to her Jack Russell Terrier mix who is very content sleeping in his owner's bed. "If I roll away from him, he scoots over so he's right next to my torso again. This doesn't disrupt my sleep at all. In fact, it's quite comforting to feel him snuggling up against me."

2. It can deepen the bond between dog and owner. New York City dog trainer Sarah Westcott, owner of Doggie Academy, always gave her dogs their own beds. But then she adopted Hank, a lab who kept to himself.   "Out of the blue one day, I put him in bed and he curled up next to me," Westcott says. Everything changed after that. "Whatever he's doing, even when he's a hyper maniac, if I invite him in bed he settles right down."


3. It can give nervous dogs more confidence. Sherry Bedard, an animal trainer and behaviorist in Montreal and author of "Sherry's Secret Dictionary, A Guide to your Dog" believes that the assurance boost of sharing the bed with their owners can "help the dog cope with everyday functions such as going out for a walk in public or meeting strangers."


The Cons


From health reasons to relationships concerns, there are strong arguments against sharing the bed.


1. It can intensify allergies. Your airways are more susceptible to irritants at night, partly because when you're lying down, you're closer to the ground, where particles settle. Multiply that by plus or minus 8 hours and that's a lot of exposure, says Frank S. Virant, MD, an allergy and asthma specialist in Seattle. Plus, pet dander and fur stays on the pillow long after the animal has left the room. If you find yourself sniffling or wheezing, the pet should leave the bedroom, Virant says.


2. It can amp up human/canine power struggles. Orlando dog trainer Todd Langston, owner of Pack Life K-9 Behavior Solutions believes that giving the dog the highest, most comfortable spot in the house sends the message that he is the leader of the pack. "Many of these dogs will even growl at their owners if they wake them in the middle of the night or snap at them if they try to get them off the bed," says Langston.


Westcott realized that she had this problem on her hands when her dog Hank began growling at her boyfriend Vinny, when he tried to get in bed. "Immediately I said OK, we can't have that. First and foremost this is mine and Vinny's bed. Hank was no longer allowed in bed until I had some time to work with him," Westcott tells Paw Nation. "I would invite him on the bed and say 'Up' and I'd give him chicken, and I'd say 'Off' and give him chicken. After working with him and really teaching him that it's not a terrible thing to be told to get off the bed, he willingly got off."


3. Noisy or pushy dogs can keep you from getting a good night's rest. In a 2001 study by the Mayo Clinic, more than half of pet owners seeking treatment for sleep disorders said their pets disturbed their sleep every night because of snoring, needing to go outside or hogging the bed.   "Having a pet that constantly moves around in bed or prevents you from sleeping in your preferred position can diminish the quality of your sleep affecting your daytime mood, focus, memory and concentration," says New York dog trainer Sheryl Matthys, author of "Leashes and Lovers: What Your Dog Can Teach You About Love, Life, and Happiness."


Matthys speaks from experience. She and her husband used to fight for bed space with two greyhounds, leading to many nights of "trying to shift around the long furry bodies in the middle of our bed." Ultimately she opted for comfy dog beds. "Although I do miss cuddling with our dogs, I have to admit I'm more refreshed in the morning," Matthys says.


4. It can cause arguments between couples. "I can tell you stories about fighting with a German Shepherd for room on my ex-boyfriend's full-size bed," says Christie Hyde, a public relations professional from Daytona Beach. "Apparently I was expected to sleep curled in a ball at the top of the bed."


Hyde's concerns weren't only about her discomfort but also about what bringing the dog into the bed meant to her relationship. When the long-distance boyfriend came to stay at her house, Hyde kept her pit-bull mix, Amber, out of the bedroom. "When he started inviting Amber to join us in bed -- and she would crawl right in between us -- I knew our relationship was heading in the wrong direction. We got to spend so little time together, I didn't care to share that much of it with our dogs," Hyde says.


So the dog stayed, and the boyfriend went.

This report was adapted from: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/07/27/should-you-sleep-with-your-dog-the-pros-and-cons-of-sharing-the/ 

Then, you read a review of a particular dog breed, such as this one about Italian Greyhounds:

Personality: "Italian Greyhounds are homebodies and bed warmers first," says Lynette Coyner, corresponding secretary of the Italian Greyhound Club of America, "but do enjoy car rides, outings and even hiking.

...and it's easy to see that even informative breed facts can be an influence.  This Italian Greyhound information comes from: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/08/31/italian-greyhound-101/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-w%7Cdl6%7Csec3_lnk2%7C167570 

PRODUCTS OF THE WEEK

1) Not only do professional dog trainers recommend giving your dog his own crate, but many of us find that crating our dogs gives us peace of mind and keeps our dogs calm and secure when we're gone. There's just one big downfall: They can be so unattractive!  Fortunately, there are plenty of options on the market that merge function and fashion in a way that perfectly suits our sensibilities. Which one would look best in your home?  The folks at Paw Nation offer some interesting choices at: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/09/01/dog-crates-to-suit-every-home/   Click on the arrow to view all 9 crate models.

Some of these crates are pretty fancy and...quite expensive.

2) Another pet product for the pet owner with a few extra dollars to spend would be an elevated pet feeder.  Some dogs and cats have difficulty bending downward to a dish as they get older and arthritic joints start acting up.  These elevated pet feeders would help eliminate that problem in addition to being a stylistic modification to the standard couple of bowls: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/08/27/elevated-pet-feeders-to-fit-every-home/  Click on the arrow to view all 10 of the options.

Again, most of these are in the expensive range.

GENERAL INTEREST

1) A new pet resort is now open beside Disney World in Florida.  From its description, it must be among the largest pet boarding facilities in the USA.  As with the accessories listed above, the prices listed aren't cheap but the convenience for pet owners just might make it a success.  Read all about it at: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/09/01/pet-resort-near-disney-opens-today/ 

2) A 10-year old Pomeranian whose owner became incapacitated enjoyed the experience of an "extreme" makeover.  Check out the before and after photos: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/09/01/pet-resort-near-disney-opens-today/ 

3) For those of you with a little time on your hands, skim through the "Top 100 Dog photos of 2009"...as advertised by this web site: http://www.petplace.com/picture-viewer.aspx?lid=389 

Some of them are pretty cool...while others are sort of ho-hum....

4) Since we're dealing with numbers, what would you add to a list of "Top 10 Smartest Dog Breeds?"  A popular dog trainer was asked that question and here is his answer: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/08/25/top-10-smartest-dog-breeds/ 

From The New Yorker:

5) For those of you who have sent e-mails asking about guidelines for how to cut your dog's nails, here is a nice series of photos illustrating the proper technique: http://www.petplace.com/picture-viewer.aspx?lid=402&imageIndex=0 

SPORTS NEWS

The Ohio State Buckeyes got off to a good start for the season with an impressive performance by our QB, a Heisman Trophy contender.  The action shifts into high gear this week as the Miami Hurricanes visit the "Horseshoe" in Columbus.  Miami also won big this past week and is looking to improve their national ranking with an upset of the Buckeyes.  Helpful Buckeye tried to negotiate a repeat of a friendly bet before the season started...but the other side "chickened-out" even though the terms were the same as last year's when his team was actually ranked higher than the Buckeyes in the pre-season.  Something about big belt buckles and a cowboy shirt that was too tight around the throat....

Say it isn't so, Cowpoke....

The Pittsburgh Steelers are down to QBs #3 and #4 for the start of their season.  We've had to rely on our defense in the past...and this will have to be more of the same.

PERSONAL STUFF

Our good friends Barbara and Don, back in Richmond, VA, lost their 14-year old dog, Angus, a week ago.  Our sentiments go out cross-country to the Old Dominion. 

Helpful Buckeye usually sees a lot of tarantula spiders (males) crossing the paths of my bike routes during the first 2 weeks of October.  Well, the news is that I saw 2 of them this past Thursday, the 2nd of September!  Whether this has any meaning for our weather patterns this fall and winter remains to be seen.

With the Labor Day weekend being the "unofficial" end of summer, relax to the sounds of the Beach Boys and one of their all-time summer classics:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6Hryc5t2wQ 

~~The goal of this blog is to provide general information and advice to help you be a better pet owner and to have a more rewarding relationship with your pet. This blog does not intend to replace the professional one-on-one care your pet receives from a practicing veterinarian. When in doubt about your pet's health, always visit a veterinarian.~~

SALMONELLA IN THE NEWS....

Considering some of the pet food product recalls due to possible Salmonella contamination in the last few weeks, Helpful Buckeye told our readers last week that there would be a detailed update on this topic very soon.  Well, soon is right now!  More on Salmonella later in this issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats. 

Thanks again for all the e-mails and comments on the recent 2-part article on snake bites.  Who would have thought it would have prompted that much response?  It just goes to show that...you never know!

About half of our respondents feel they are now able to handle a snake bite situation involving their pet...and that's great.  Only 10% of you work in a business that allows employees to bring their dogs to work.  Remember to answer this week's poll questions in the column to the left.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

The only item of relevant news this week is another notice of a pet food product recall due to possible Salmonella contamination.  As reported by the American Veterinary Medical Association, Merrick Pet Care, Inc. has even further extended it previous recall to include include "ALL LOTS of its 10-ounce bags of "Beef Filet Squares" for Dogs and "Texas Hold’em" pet treats."



Products affected:


Beef Filet Squares for Dogs, Item #60016, all lots


Texas Hold’ems pet treats, Item #60016, all lots

Merrick Pet Care, Inc. has recalled a total of 169 cases of its 10 oz. Beef Filet Squares for Dogs pet treats because of the risk that the product is contaminated with Salmonella. No illnesses have been reported to date. Consumers can return the unused portions of this product for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F 8:00 - 5:00 (Central).

This is not necessarily an indictment of the folks at Merrick, but rather an informative update for pet owners of current concerns surrounding the ramifications pertaining to Salmonella contamination affecting both humans and their pets.

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

There's been a lot of media coverage lately on pet food recalls due to possible or confirmed Salmonella contamination. In addition, a manuscript recently published in the journal Pediatrics reported on 79 cases of human Salmonella infection from 2006-2008 associated with contaminated dry dog and cat food – this is the first report of human illnesses linked to dry pet foods.
 
Salmonella are bacteria. The Salmonella consist of a range of very closely related bacteria, many of which cause disease in humans and animals.   Salmonella enterica is a group of bacteria including Salmonella typhi (which is the cause of typhoid fever) and Salmonella enteriditis (this current form of intestinal infection).  In the last 20 years or so, S. Enteritidis has become the single most common cause of food poisoning in the United States. S. Enteritidis is particularly adept at infecting chicken flocks without causing visible disease, and spreading from hen to hen rapidly. Many people have blamed the recent increase in the rise of S. Enteritidis infections on the use of mass production chicken farms. When tens or hundreds of thousands of chickens live together, die together, and are processed together a Salmonella infection can rapidly spread throughout the whole food chain. A compounding factor is that chickens from a single farm may be distributed over many cities, and even states, and hence Salmonella infections can be rapidly dispersed through millions of people.

Helpful Buckeye is not trying to make bacteriologists out of all our readers but this summary gives you a little background on the causative agent behind this current new story.  Below are answers to the questions the AVMA has received about this issue.


Q:Why does it seem there are more foods being recalled recently due to Salmonella? Does this mean that pet foods aren't safe?

A:There are several potential reasons for this. One potential reason is that the large-scale, melamine-related pet food recall of 2007 increased public and media awareness of and sensitivity to pet food safety concerns. Another potential reason is the increased vigilance of the manufacturers and the federal government regarding Salmonella and other public health concerns, leading to increased surveillance and reporting. A third, and very important, potential reason is the recent launch of an early detection reporting system – the Reportable Food Registry – that requires and allows immediate reporting of safety problems with food and animal feed (including pet food), instead of relying on inspection to identify problems. According to a July 2010 FDA press release, the registry has been very successful in identifying at-risk foods.

And no, this is not an indication that pet foods are unsafe. Considering that the majority of these recalls have been precautionary and no illnesses have been reported, these recalls may indicate that they are preventing illness by catching the problems earlier.

Q:Are certain types of pet foods more likely to be contaminated with Salmonella?

A:No pet food is immune from the possibility of Salmonella contamination. There is evidence, however, that feeding raw foods, such as raw meat and eggs, increases the risk of Salmonella infection and shedding of the bacteria (leading to possible infection of other animals and of people). Regardless of the type of food you choose to feed your pet, proper precautions should be taken to protect your family's health.

Q:How can pet food become contaminated with Salmonella?

A:Because pet foods and treats contain animal-origin products, they are at risk of contamination with Salmonella, E. coli, and other organisms. In general, these products are cooked to temperatures that will kill these organisms – however, if a contaminated additive (a flavoring, for example) is added to the food after cooking or if the food comes in contact with contaminated materials, the food will be contaminated. There are many safeguards in place to minimize the risk of contamination during the manufacturing process, but using caution when handling these foods is always recommended.

Q:How can pet food infect me or my pet with Salmonella?

A:Salmonella infection, like many other food-borne infections, usually occurs after the bacteria are ingested – this can occur by eating or drinking contaminated products, or by coming into contact with contaminated products and then touching your mouth, face or food. The organism enters your gastrointestinal tract and causes disease.

Q:Are certain people at higher risk of infection with Salmonella from contaminated food?

A:Yes. People whose immune systems are compromised (by chronic disease, drug therapy, cancer, etc.) are at high risk of infection if exposed to Salmonella, as are old and very young people. In the recent study in Pediatrics, almost one-half of the infections occurred in children aged 2 years or younger.

Q:How would I know if my pet had a Salmonella infection?

A:Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have a decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. However, not all pets carrying Salmonella will appear sick. Apparently well but infected animals can be carriers and may infect other animals or humans, particularly through exposure to their feces. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these signs, please contact your veterinarian.

Q:How would I know if I had a Salmonella infection?

A:People infected with Salmonella often develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12-72 hours after infection. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your physician.

Q:What can I do to prevent getting Salmonella from pet food products or treats?

A:Luckily, common sense measures are effective in minimizing your risk of infection. These measures are particularly important if you feed your pet raw foods of animal origin (eg, raw beef, chicken or eggs), including raw treats such as raw hides and pig ear chews.

• Safe handling of all pet foods and treats

1. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling any pet food or treats 
2. Don't allow your children to handle the food; or, if you choose to let them handle the pet food or treats, make sure they thoroughly wash their hands (under your direct supervision) afterwards.

• Do not allow immunocompromised, very young, or elderly people to handle pet food and treats; or, if they handle the products, they should thoroughly wash their hands immediately after handling the products.

• Keep all pet foods and treats away from your family's food.

• Do not prepare pet foods in the same area or with the same equipment/utensils you use to prepare human foods.

• Do not allow pets on countertops or other areas where human food is prepared.

• In the Pediatrics manuscript, feeding pets in the kitchen was identified as an important source of infection. If it is possible for you to feed your pet in an area other than your kitchen, you may wish to consider doing so. If it is not an option, or if you choose to feed your pet in the kitchen, feed your pet as far away from human food preparation areas as possible and follow the other guidelines above.

The AVMA in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control, is also releasing this instructive information for those of you who have reptiles (snakes, turtles, lizards) and/or amphibians (frogs, salamanders) as pets.  This doesn't mean amphibian and reptile owners should get rid of their pets. What it does mean is that amphibian and reptile owners should take precautions to protect themselves and their families. Simple, common sense measures can significantly reduce your risk of amphibian- or reptile-associated Salmonella infection.  If you have any contact with a reptile or amphibian, read the whole report at: http://www.avma.org/public_health/salmonella/amphibians.asp 
 
Amidst all the news stories about the hundreds of millions of eggs being recalled due the possibility of Salmonella contamination, our readers will now have a better understanding of a Salmonella infection...for them and/or their pets.  And, now that you understand the concerns about Salmonella, your next decision may be whether or not to combine these 2 images:

NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS

Dog lovers, beware: Taking man's best friend for a ride could be risky.

Nearly 60% of dog owners have driven while distracted by their pets as passengers, according to a new survey by auto club AAA. Only 17% — about one in six — ever use animal restraints, which can prevent pets from being a distraction and protect them and other occupants in a crash, the survey finds.


In crashes, unrestrained dogs pose an unintended threat to the driver and other passengers, says Jennifer Huebner-Davidson, manager of traffic safety programs at AAA.

So says Larry Copeland, writer for USA Today, in a recent article: http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/pets/2010-08-17-dogs-cars-drivers_N.htm  

The article finishes with the question, "Where does Fido sit in your car?"  How you answer the question may determine whether or not you'll be involved in an accident due to your dog not being properly restrained.  Some pet restraint products are available at: http://www.barkbuckleup.com/Products.asp 
Statistics about dog-related distractions aren't available, but news reports highlight the risks:
- In June 2009, two people were killed in a head-on collision when a dog jumped in his owner's lap, causing him to veer his motor home into oncoming traffic.

- In April 2010, a Minnesota man lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a utility pole when his dog started vomiting on him.

- Horror author Stephen King was badly injured in 1999 while walking along the shoulder of a road in Maine, when he was hit by a minivan whose driver was trying to control an unrestrained Rottweiler.

PRODUCTS OF THE WEEK

Sometimes Helpful Buckeye sees no new or interesting pet products on the market.  Other times, there are too many to list here.  This week is one of those "too many" weeks...so, here is a sampling of what's available.

1) This is actually a product for humans (kids) but you'll see the connection: http://www2.pulsetv.com/prodinfo.asp?number=5301  This one is the dog and there is a cat also.

2) Anything with a name like "Fun Ball" has to be worth the price of admission, right?  Check it out at: http://www.petproductadvisor.com/store/mc/everlasting-fun-ball.aspx?utm_source=dogcrazynews001et&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ZogoflexFunBall&utm_content=DC-20100818&email=kfwash@aol.com 

3) Some dogs seem to leave hair everywhere.  Take a look at Yowza, from Bissell, as demonstrated in this video: http://www.petproductadvisor.com/store/mc/bissell-yowza.aspx?utm_source=dogcrazynews001et&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BisellYowza&utm_content=DC-20100819-2&email=kfwash@aol.com 

4) The ASPCA Store announces some good "Summer Fun!" sales on their web site: http://www.aspcaonlinestore.com/index.php?categoryID=113?utm_source=newsalert_082010&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsalert_082010 

GENERAL INTEREST

1) Have any of you ever wanted to offer your dog something cool and refreshing during these "dog days" of late summer?  Here's an idea that might appeal to you (and your pooch): http://www.dogchannel.com/dog-videos/cooking-with-dogchannel/party-pupsicles.aspx  Click on the video....
It only requires a banana, some orange juice, and some yogurt...sounds good to me!

2) The town council of a small city in England has decided to do something "different" to make dog owners clean up after their pets.  A town employee goes around the area spray-painting a bright green color on piles of dog droppings in order to call attention to their problem. City officials seem to think it is working: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-11023913

3) Maru The Cat seems to be all the rage in Japan...for his joy of jumping in and out of boxes.  Watch this video and see if you are enthralled: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/08/20/cute-animal-video-maru-the-cat-pounces-in-slo-mo/ 

4) The ASPCA is putting together their calendar for 2011 and is offering pet lovers the chance to vote on 4 finalists to choose which will appear on the cover of the calendar.  You need to vote by September 3rd, so go to:  http://www.aspca.org/news/2011-calendar-cover-contest.html  and cast your vote.  Helpful Buckeye is supporting Daisy....

SPORTS NEWS

Nothing new this week.  The Steelers won another meaningless pre-season game by beating the team with the much less obnoxious Manning.  The Cardinals play Monday night.



PERSONAL STUFF

Helpful Buckeye has come up with the unofficial Quadathlon of northern Arizona, which includes 4 different tests of endurance that are a favorite challenge for local bicyclists and hikers...let's call them the "Crown Jewels" of workouts in the Flagstaff area.  My goal is to get all 4 of these accomplished within 2 months.  The first leg of this event was taken care of 10 days ago by the 56-mile, round trip to Mormon Lake and back.  Weather permitting, the 2nd leg will happen this week.  More on this next week....

H.L. Mencken, noted newspaper writer from Baltimore, wrote that: "A puritan is a person who is haunted by the fear that someone somewhere is having fun."  No doubt, that puritan will be haunted this week when Helpful Buckeye hits the trail....

~~The goal of this blog is to provide general information and advice to help you be a better pet owner and to have a more rewarding relationship with your pet. This blog does not intend to replace the professional one-on-one care your pet receives from a practicing veterinarian. When in doubt about your pet's health, always visit a veterinarian.~~