Benefits of Oats for Dogs and Cats

Randy Kidd, DVM, PhD

Oats are always at the top of my list of recommended herbs. More formally known as Avena sativa, inexpensive and readily available oats have a long list of benefits, from simply nutritional to curative for many conditions. It's not surprising that oats have a long history of adding to our animal's health, as well as our own, whether taken internally or applied directly to the skin.

Here are some benefits of oats that you should know about and just a few of the reasons why I like to recommend them:

• Organic oats are inexpensive and readily available at health food and grocery stores. This makes it very easy to add oats to your pet's food, and/or to make up any number of oat-y concoctions to improve your pet's health.
• There are plenty of good, ready-made products that contain oats. Popular oat-containing products include: shampoos, conditioners, topical applications for skin conditions, and capsules and tinctures for a more concentrated dose of the healing essences of oats.
• Oats are nutritionally beneficial, and their healing powers can be utilized by applying oaten teas or poultices directly to the skin.
• To get the inner benefits of herbal oats all you have to do is cook some oatmeal and add it to your pet's food. Or, if you want to add even more oat power, there are tinctures and capsules available.

Adding oats to a pet's diet is a simple way to impart many nutritional benefits. Besides nutritional benefits, many other benefits, from nervine to disease treatment, can be realized, too. First, let's take a closer look at some of the many health benefits associated with oats when they are simply added to a pet's diet. 

Nutritive - Simply put, oats are nutritious, being naturally high in "good" nutrients and low in "bad" ones.

Oats are high in:

• Protein (interestingly, wild oats contain from 27-37% protein while cultivated varieties average about 17%). According to the World Health Organization, oat protein is equivalent in quality to soy protein. So, equal to meat, milk and egg protein.
• Soluble fiber (the fiber that helps keep cholesterol levels low)
• Levels of iron, manganese, zinc, and B vitamins (pantothenic acid, B5, and folate, B9)

Oats are low in:

• Gluten (some is present, but not nearly as much as in wheat)
• Genetically Modified Organisms (so far, oats are not grown using GMO)

Nervine - Oats are considered a nervine, an herbal compound that acts as a general nerve tonic, calming the nerves when necessary, stimulating their activity when needed. Oats are used for treating a variety of nervous disorders.

Herbal - Oats benefit several body organs and systems, including: skin, nervous system, stomach, spleen, lungs, and the urinary and reproductive systems. Herbal qualities of oats include:

• Antispasmodic
• Cardiac
• Diuretic
• Emollient
• Nervine
• Stimulant

Antitumor - Oats contains the antitumor compound b-sitosterol.

Digestive - Acting as a digestive aid to calm the intestinal tract.

Hormonal - Used to achieve hormonal balance. Also used as a uterine tonic.

Oats are also cholesterol lowering and reportedly good for treating a wide variety of diseases in humans and animals, including: inflammatory conditions, mental or physical exhaustion, depression, dyspepsia, insomnia, fevers, sexual dysfunctions and as a tonic during menopause or after parturition.

Oats can also be beneficial when applied externally (topically). Remember that an animal's skin is its largest organ, and there is an active absorption of many substances, thus adding whole-body benefits from external applications of oats. These unique health benefits can include:

• Anti-inflammatory and Calming - soothes itchiness and eczema, thus helping calm the animal while he heals.
• Healing - High levels of minerals and vitamins in the seeds may help with skin healing.

Here are some tips on how to use oats topically:

• Shampoos - Oatmeal shampoos are readily available in most pet product outlets, and many have added healing herbs. These shampoos are generally mild, calming, anti-itch, anti-inflammatory, and healing for the skin. You can make your own oatmeal shampoo, too. It's nothing more than a colloidal suspension of oats, after they've been soaked in water, with something added to cleanse the pet's hair and skin and perhaps something else added to moisturize and/or treat the skin.
• Soak - For more anti-itch and anti-inflammatory actions, consider a soak. Commercial soaks are available or, again, you can make your own. Put a handful of oatmeal in a nylon sock and attach the sock over the bathtub tap. Fill the tub to desired level with water filtered through the oats. Let the pet soak in the tub for 15 to 20 minutes (or for however long they will sit still). Rinse well and dry. Remember, pets prefer tepid water, and cannot tolerate really hot baths.
• Dry "Shampoo" - to help dry oily-itchy skin. Roast some ground or rolled oats until slightly browned. When they have cooled to room temperature, work them into the pet's hair so they come into contact with the skin. Let stand for about 15-30 minutes, then comb out. Try this on a small area first, as some hair coats don't lend themselves well to this type of application.
• Oat Poultice - For "hot spots" or other localized skin irritations, make a slurry of ground oats and water, wrap the slurry in cheese cloth or a tea bag (available from health food stores). Or, soak a clean washcloth in the mixture, and apply as a poultice directly to the affected area. Leave on for 15 minutes or so (or as long as the pet will tolerate it). Repeat several times a day. Healing herbs such as calendula, chamomile, or lavender can be added to the original mixture to further enhance healing.

Here are more tips on other ways to use oats for better pet health:

• Oat Tea - Use about a tablespoon of organic oats, steep for 15-20 minutes in a cup of hot water. Pour enough of the tea over the pet's food to moisten it. Use several times a week for its beneficial effects on the nervous and intestinal systems.
• Oatmeal for Breakfast - Increase fiber intake and make use of oat's medicinal qualities by mixing cooked oatmeal into pet food several times a week. Start out with small amounts and increase to about a tablespoonful or so for every 10-20 pounds of animal.
• Grow Your Own Crop - Oats are easy to grow, indoors or out. Simply stick some organic seeds in the ground (in a pot or tray if growing them indoors), add water and sunlight, and wait a few weeks until the stems are a couple of inches tall. Let your pet eat from the crop, or harvest with scissors and mix the cut leaves into his food. Oat sprouts are also easy to grow, and some critters like them better than grasses. Oats are sometimes marketed, while in seed form, as "Cat Grass", grown and fed to cats as a treats or as an aid to digestion.
• Medicinal Oats - Tinctures, capsules containing oats and other forms of "medicinal" oats (Avena sativa) can be used for a variety of conditions. Check with your holistic vet for proper uses and dosages.
• Flower Essences (Bach Flowers®) - Wild oats, a different species of oats from the cultivated ones, is a remedy used to help restore direction and nervous energies.
• Homeopathic - Avena sativa is a minor remedy that may be indicated for the animal suffering from nervous exhaustion, sexual debility, or nervous tremors. Check with your homeopathic practitioner for more on how oats are used in homeopathy for pets.

Well, those are some of the amazing properties that nature gives us in oats. You'll want to use organically grown (wild) oats, whether for dietary or topical use, as the nutritive values of organically grown oats are much higher than commercially produced crops, and you don't run the potential risk of pesticide or herbicide residue. Plus, organic farming methods are good for the environment.

DANGEROUS FOOD FOR DOGS

(Mac, a dog mommy found sitting aimlessly at our backlane. Mommy took him in and posted in MDDB and many other pet blogs so that his owner can find him. It has been some days later that Mac's family called and it was nice that Mac got reunited with his human daddy, mommy and brothers. During his few days I shared my treats with him, Mac loves it...  well, Mac I hope you will not forget me.)

Who can resist those big brown eyes and cute doggie grin? Can a little reward from the table really hurt your dog? Well, that depends on what it is and what's in it. A chip with guacamole can cause your dog some real problems. In fact, there's a lot of people food your dog should never eat. And, it's not just because of weight. Some foods are downright dangerous for dogs - and some of these common foods may surprise you.



Avocado

No matter how good you think the guacamole is, you shouldn't give it to your dog. Avocados contain a substance called persin. It’s harmless for humans who aren't allergic. But large amounts can be toxic to dogs. If you happen to be growing avocados at home, keep your dog away from the plants. Persin is in the leaves, seed, and bark, as well as in the fruit.



Alcohol

Beer, liquor, wine, foods containing alcohol - none of it's good for your dog. That's because alcohol has the same effect on a dog's liver and brain that it has on humans. But it takes far less to do its damage. Just a little can cause vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, problems with coordination, difficulty breathing, coma, even death. And the smaller the dog, the greater the effect.



Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic in all forms -- powdered, raw, cooked, or dehydrated -- can destroy a dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia. That can happen even with the onion powder found in some baby food. An occasional small dose is probably OK. But just eating a large quantity once or eating smaller amounts regularly can cause poisoning. Symptoms of anemia include weakness, vomiting, little interest in food, dullness, and breathlessness.



Coffee, Tea, and Other Caffeine

Caffeine in large enough quantities can be fatal for a dog. And, there is no antidote. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, fits, and bleeding. In addition to tea and coffee - including beans and grounds - caffeine can be found in cocoa, chocolate, colas, and stimulant drinks such as Red Bull. It's also in some cold medicines and pain killers.



Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins have often been used as treats for dogs. But it's not a good idea. Although it isn't clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. And just a small amount can make a dog ill. Repeated vomiting is an early sign. Within a day, the dog will become lethargic and depressed. The best prevention is to keep grapes and raisins off counters and other places your dog can reach.



Milk and Other Dairy Products

On a hot day, it may be tempting to share your ice cream cone with your dog. But if your dog could, it would thank you for not doing so. Milk and milk-based products can cause diarrhea and other digestive upset as well as set up food allergies (which often manifest as itchiness).



Macadamia Nuts

Dogs should not eat macadamia nuts or foods containing macadamia nuts because they can be fatal. As few as 6 raw or roasted macadamia nuts can make a dog ill. Symptoms of poisoning include muscle tremors, weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters, vomiting, elevated body temperature, and rapid heart rate. Eating chocolate with the nuts will make symptoms worse, possibly leading to death.



Candy and Gum

Candy, gum, toothpaste, baked goods, and some diet foods are sweetened with xylitol. Xylitol can cause an increase in the insulin circulating through your dog's body. That can cause your dog's blood sugar to drop and can also cause liver failure. Initial symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination. Eventually, the dog may have seizures. Liver failure can occur within just a few days.



Chocolate

Most people know that chocolate is bad for dogs. The toxic agent in chocolate is theobromine. It's in all kinds of chocolate, even white chocolate. The most dangerous kinds, though, are dark chocolate, chocolate mulch, and unsweetened baking chocolate. Eating chocolate, even just licking the icing bowl, can cause a dog to vomit, have diarrhea, and be excessively thirsty. It can also cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and death.



Fat Trimmings and Bones

Table scraps often contain meat fat that a human didn't eat and bones. Both are dangerous for dogs. Fat trimmed from meat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause pancreatitis in dogs. And, although it seems natural to give a dog a bone, a dog can choke on it. Bones can also splinter and cause an obstruction or lacerations of your dog's digestive system. It's best to just forget about the doggie bag.



Persimmons, Peaches, and Plums

The problem with these fruits is the seeds or pits. The seeds from persimmons can cause inflammation of the small intestine in dogs. They can also cause intestinal obstruction. Obstruction is also a possibility if a dog eats the pit from a peach or plum. Plus, peach and plum pits contain cyanide, which is poisonous to both humans and dogs. The difference is humans know not to eat them. Dogs don't.



Raw Eggs

There are two problems with giving your dog raw eggs. The first is the possibility of food poisoning from bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. The second is that an enzyme in raw eggs interferes with the absorption of a particular B vitamin. This can cause skin problems as well as problems with your dog's coat if raw eggs are fed for a long time.


Raw Meat and Fish

Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that causes food poisoning. In addition, certain kinds of fish such as salmon, trout, shad, or sturgeon can contain a parasite that causes "fish disease." If not treated, the disease can be fatal within 2 weeks. The first signs of illness are vomiting, fever, and big lymph nodes. Thoroughly cooking the fish will kill the parasite and protect your dog.


Salt

It's not a good idea to share salty foods like chips or pretzels with your dog. Eating too much salt can cause excessive thirst and urination and lead to sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms of too much salt include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, and seizures. It may even cause death.


Sugary Foods and Drinks

Too much sugar can do the same thing to dogs that it does to humans. It can lead to obesity, dental problems, and even diabetes.


Yeast Dough

Before it's baked, bread dough needs to rise. And, that's exactly what it would do in your dog's stomach if your dog ate it. As it swells inside, the yeast dough can stretch the dog's abdomen and cause severe pain. In addition, when the yeast ferments the dough to make it rise, it produces alcohol that can lead to alcohol poisoning.



Your Medicine 
Reaction to a drug commonly prescribed for humans is the most common cause of poisoning in dogs. Just as you would do for your children, keep all medicines out of your dog's reach. And, never give your dog any over-the-counter medicine unless told to do so by your vet. Ingredients such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are common in pain relievers and cold medicine. And, they can be deadly for your dog.

Kitchen Pantry: No Dogs AllowedMany other items commonly found on kitchen shelves can harm your dog. For instance, baking powder and baking soda are both highly toxic. So are nutmeg and other spices. Keeping food items high enough to be out of your dog's reach and keeping pantry doors closed will help protect your dog from serious food-related illness.




If Your Dog Eats What It Shouldn't 
Dogs explore with their mouth. And, no matter how cautious you are, it's possible your dog can find and swallow what it shouldn't. It's a smart idea to always keep the number of your local vet and the closest emergency animal clinic. And, if you think your dog has consumed something that's toxic, call for emergency help at once.



What Dogs Can Eat
You can ensure your dog has a healthy, well-balanced diet by asking your vet to recommend a quality dog food. A well-designed dog food gives your pet all the nutrients it needs for an active and healthy life. But that doesn't mean you can't sometimes give your dog human food as a special treat - as long as portions are limited, and the foods are cooked, pure, and not fatty or heavily seasoned. See the next few slides for some tasty suggestions. But if you’re looking to human food as a meal replacement, talk to your vet about amounts and frequency.


Safe: Lean MeatsMost dogs are fine eating lean cuts of meat that have been thoroughly cooked. Be sure to remove all visible fat - including the skin on poultry. Also be sure that there are no bones in the meat before you give it to your dog.


Safe: Some Fresh FruitsSlices of apples, oranges, bananas, and watermelon make tasty treats for your dog. Be sure to remove any seeds first, though. Seeds, stems, and leaves can cause serious problems.


Safe: Some VegetablesYour dog can have a healthy snack of carrot sticks, green beans, cucumber slices, or zucchini slices. Even a plain baked potato is OK. Be sure, though, not to let your dog eat any raw potatoes or any potato plants it might have access to in your garden.


Safe: Cooked White Rice and PastaDogs may enjoy plain white rice or pasta after it's cooked. And, a serving of plain white rice with some boiled chicken can sometimes provide welcome relief from gastrointestinal upset.



Dogs and Chocolate: Get the Facts

Most of us have heard that chocolate can make dogs sick. But how serious is the risk?
By Salynn Boyles
WebMD Pet Health Feature
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/dogs-and-chocolate-get-the-facts

If your canine companion is more family member than pet, you may be in the habit of sharing the foods your family loves with him.
Although some people foods are fine in moderation, this is definitely not the case with chocolate.
Chocolate can sicken and even kill dogs, and it is one of the most common causes of canine poisoning, veterinarians tell WebMD.

Veterinarian Michelle DeHaven says the worst case of chocolate poisoning she ever saw happened when some owners fed their eight-pound poodle a pound of chocolate on his birthday.
“We had to treat the dog with fluids and anti-seizure medication for five days," says DeHaven, who practices in Smyrna, Ga. "Every time we stopped the meds he would start seizuring again. You wouldn’t feed a kid a pound of chocolate, but they fed it to a small dog.”

No amount of chocolate is OK for your dog to consume. Dark chocolate and baker’s chocolate are riskiest; milk and white chocolate pose a much less serious risk.
What Makes Chocolate Poisonous to Dogs?

Chocolate is made from cocoa, and cocoa beans contain caffeine and a related chemical compound called theobromine, which is the real danger.
The problem is that dogs metabolize theobromine much more slowly than humans, Denver veterinarian Kevin Fitzgerald, PhD, tells WebMD.
“The buzz we get from eating chocolate may last 20 to 40 minutes, but for dogs it lasts many hours,” he says. “After 17 hours, half of the theobromine a dog has ingested is still in the system.”

Theobromine is also toxic to cats, but there are very few reported cases of theobromine poisoning in felines because they rarely eat chocolate.
Dogs, on the other hand, will eat just about anything.
Even small amounts of chocolate can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Truly toxic amounts can induce hyperactivity, tremors, high blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, seizures, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest.

 
Dogs and Chocolate: How Much is Too Much?

The more theobromine a cocoa product contains, the more poisonous it is to your dog.
Unsweetened bakers chocolate contains about 390 milligrams of theobromine per ounce -- about 10 times more than milk chocolate and more than twice as much as semi-sweet chocolate. White chocolate contains very little theobromine.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, one ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight is potentially lethal.

But the real danger lies with dark chocolate. Merck warns that deaths have been reported with theobromine doses as low as 115 milligrams per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight.
So 20 ounces of milk chocolate, 10 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate, and just 2.25 ounces of baking chocolate could potentially kill a 22-pound dog, Fitzgerald says.
Serious toxic reactions can occur with ingestion of about 100 to 150 milligrams of theobromine per kilogram of body weight.

 
That means:
A 9-pound dog could be expected to show symptoms of chocolate toxicity after eating 1 ounce of baking chocolate, 3 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate, or 9 ounces of milk chocolate.
A 27-pound dog might have such symptoms after eating 3 ounces of baking chocolate, 9 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate, and 27 ounces of milk chocolate.
A 63-pound dog might exhibit symptoms after eating 7 ounces of baking chocolate, 21 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate, or 63 ounces of milk chocolate.

“In 27 years of practice, I’ve seen two dogs die from eating chocolate,” says Fitzgerald, who appears regularly on Animal Planet’s hit show Emergency Vets. “Both were under 20 pounds, both were elderly and both ate baking chocolate in very large amounts.”
Although most people would not eat a 4-ounce bar of bitter-tasting baking chocolate, this is not true of dogs, he says.
“Dogs experience the world through tasting it, and they are gorgers,” he says. “Baking chocolate tastes good to them.”

 
Your Dog Ate Chocolate: Now What?

DeHaven, who owns Cumberland Animal Clinic in Smyrna, says she typically gets two to three calls a month from owners whose dogs have eaten chocolate.

When an owner calls, she asks how much and what kind of chocolate the dog has eaten and the dog’s weight.
“If a 60-pound golden retriever eats a bag of Hershey’s kisses, there isn’t too much to worry about,” she says. “The dog will probably have a stomachache, but not much else.”
After eating a potentially toxic dose of chocolate, dogs typically develop diarrhea and start vomiting.

If the dog isn't vomiting on its own, the vet may advise inducing vomiting immediately to keep as much theobromine as possible from entering the system.
One method is giving the dog a one-to-one solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. But DeHaven says that treatment is now discouraged because it can cause esophageal ulcers.
She recommends syrup of ipecac, which induces vomiting.

When a dog shows signs of hyperactivity and agitation or is having seizures, the faster you get it to the vet the better. But there is no specific antidote for chocolate poisoning.
Fluids are typically given along with intravenous drugs to limit seizures and protect the heart.
Symptoms of theobromine poisoning generally occur within four to 24 hours after chocolate is consumed.



 
Cocoa Shell Mulch: A Little-Known Danger

Most people don’t realize it, but those increasingly popular cocoa shell mulches used for landscaping can also pose a serious risk to dogs in the same way that chocolate does.

Terry and Dawn Hall found out the hard way several years ago when their beloved 105-pound chocolate lab ‘Moose’ died after eating just eight ounces of cocoa shell mulch used to landscape their Minneapolis yard.

The death prompted the couple to contact Minnesota state senator Scott Dibble, who sponsored a bill to require cocoa mulch sellers to warn customers of the potential danger to dogs. His bill was approved by the Legislature, but vetoed by the governor.

“It is my understanding that theobromine can be removed from cocoa mulch pretty easily, and that some manufacturers do this and others do not,” Dibble tells WebMD. “But right now there is no way for the consumer to know if the mulch they are buying has been treated.”

 

HEARTGARD for Dogs? Why?

When to Give Heartgard to Dogs

By Rena Sherwood

Heartgard is the brand name of the anti-parasitic medication ivermectin made by Merial. There is also a version called Heartgard Plus, which is a combination of ivermectin and pyrantel. These chewable tablets are given as a preventative to heartworms. According to Merial, they should be given once a month every month, but only if the dog is free of adult heartworms.

Australian Shepard Mix

Heartgard does not kill adult heartworms. Before starting a dog on Heartgard, the dog needs to have a heartworm test. Only melosomine dihydrochloride kills adults.

Function

According to "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook," heartworm larvae that are in their second and third moults (called the L3 and L4 stages) can be killed by Heartgard. During this time, they live in the dog's bloodstream and not the heart, where Heartgard cannot reach.

Administration

Give one tablet as directed once per month. More than that and the dog will get ill. Because of the meaty flavor, dogs eat it voluntarily.

After Treatment

If a dog has been successfully treated for adult heartworms, "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" points out they should not be given Heartguard until 4 or 5 weeks later. This gives the dog's bodies a chance to recover from the strong melosomine dihydrochloride.

Misconception

Dogs can become infected with heartworms over the winter, so Heartgard should be given every month.

Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease is a serious illness that can rob your dog of its health and even its life.
Heartworm larvae are transmitted by infected mosquitoes that bite the dog and deposit heartworm larvae on the dog's skin. The larvae migrate through the tissue and into the bloodstream of the dog where they continue developing. By the time clinical signs of heartworm disease appear, the disease can already be in its advanced stages.
Heartworms spend their adult lives in the right side of the heart and the large blood vessels that connect the heart to the lungs. The adult worms block the heart and major blood vessels leading from the heart to the lungs, liver, and kidneys and can grow up to 12 inches long.

Why shouldn't I wait and see if my dog develops heartworm disease? Can't my veterinarian just treat it?

It's important to understand that heartworm disease has usually reached an advanced stage by the time your dog shows signs of illness, and it is possible that the dog may never show signs of an infection. Treatment is risky, expensive, and may not be effective. The approved treatment involves the use of a product containing arsenic, your dog will be kept inactive during treatment, and you will have to keep your dog inactive for weeks afterward – and despite these measures, treatment may not be successful.

How does my dog get heartworms?

Heartworms Transmission

A mosquito bites an animal that is already infected and ingests immature heartworms, called microfilariae, circulating in the animal's blood. The mosquito becomes infected. The microfilariae develop to the next stage and become larvae.

An uninfected puppy or adult dog is infected by larvae deposited by a bite from the infected mosquito. The American Heartworm Society reports that virtually 100% of dogs exposed to infective larvae become infected³

In dogs without heartworm protection, the heartworm larvae continue to mature and develop, migrating through the tissues and reaching the heart and pulmonary arteries. Larvae become adult heartworms within 6 months of infection.

Adult heartworms grow up to 12 inches long and reproduce. Infected dogs infect more mosquitoes, which can then infect additional dogs.

IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION: HEARTGARD is well tolerated. All dogs should be tested for heartworm infection before starting a preventive program. Following the use of HEARTGARD, digestive and neurological side effects have rarely been reported. For more information, contact your veterinarian. 

PETFOOD RECALL

Pet Carousel Recalls Pig Ear, Cow Hoof Dog Treats Because of Possible Salmonella Contamination

By Bill Hendrick

WebMD Pet Health News

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/news/20091210/pet-treats-recalled-on-salmonella-fears

Dec. 10, 2009 -- A California pet food maker has issued a nationwide recall of all varieties of its popular “pig ears” and “cow hooves” dog treats because the products may be contaminated with salmonella, a bacterium that can cause serious illness in animals and people.

Pet Carousel Inc. of Sanger, Calif., announced the recall following two statements from the FDA in November warning that certain dog snacks made by the company might be contaminated with salmonella.

Pet Carousel says the FDA found positive results for salmonella in tests of pig ears and beef hoof products.

The pig ear products, distributed nationwide, were packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight, Pork Tasteez, and Pet Carousel. The beef hooves were packaged under the names Choo Hooves, Dentley’s, Doggie Delight, and Pet Carousel.

The company warns that people can contract salmonella poisoning by handling dry pet food and pet treats, “especially if [people] have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the treats or any surfaces exposed to those products.”

It says healthy people infected with salmonella may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, and sometimes more serious problems, including arterial infections.

They report that pets with salmonella may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain.

The company says healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans and warns people whose pets have consumed any of the affected products to contact their veterinarians if their animals have become sick.

The FDA said Nov. 10 that it had warned dog owners that pig ears and cow hooves made by company, “both plain and stuffed,” might be contaminated with salmonella.

The warning was issued after routine FDA testing in a sample of the manufacturer’s pig ear dog treats, which triggered an inspection of the company’s plant.

The FDA says the affected treats were sold nationally through retail stores and over the Internet. The agency also says the retail chains PetSmart, Pet Food Express, and Petco had posted formal notices on their web pages and offered refunds or exchanges for any of the affected foods.

“Salmonella can cause gastroenteritis in dogs, including symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea,” the FDA says in its warning. “Some dogs will shed salmonella in their stools without ever showing any symptoms of illness. If any stool clings to an infected dog’s coat near the anus (not unusual with long-haired breeds), the salmonella can be spread to other parts of the coat by licking, and then transferred to anyone who pets, or is licked by, the dog.”

The FDA’s warning on Nov. 10 followed an alert issued Nov. 5.

Pet Carousel says it issued a news release “out of an abundance of caution and concern for public safety.”

The FDA says it detected salmonella in Pet Carousel products in September, prompting an inspection of the company’s facilities, during which salmonella was found in beef hooves, pig ears, and in the manufacturing environment.

The affected pig ear products were packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight, Pork Tasteez, and Pet Carousel, item number:

• 18100-P Bulk      
• 18016-P 10-pk red mesh bag 
• 18120-P 20-pk red mesh bag.

The affected beef hooves were packaged under the brand names Choo Hooves, Dentley’s, Doggie Delight, and Pet Carousel, item number:

• 1506-K 5 lb. bulk
• 1507-K 10 lb. bulk
• 1520-K 20 lb. bulk
• 12125-T 10-pk vinyl bag
• 12110-T 10-pk, vinyl bag
• 12111-T 10-pk, vinyl bag
• 12122-T 10 lb., bulk
• 1503-K 3-pk, vinyl bag
• 1510-K 10-pk ,vinyl bag
• 1405-S 5 lb., bulk
• 1408-S 10-pk, vinyl bag
• 1410-S 10 lb., bulk
• 1420-S 20 lb., bulk
• 90058-H Cheese/& Bacon Stuffed Hoof, bulk
• 90056-H Peanut Butter Stuffed Hoof, bulk
• 17005-R Rope toy with Hooves

Tainted Pet Food Linked to Rare Salmonella Infection

By Katrina Woznicki

(Extract from WebMD Pet Health News)

http://pets.webmd.com/news/20100809/tainted-pet-food-linked-to-rare-salmonella-infection

Aug. 9, 2010 -- Pet food can be a source of salmonella infection, and millions of families, particularly young children, may be at risk of becoming sick if pet food is not properly handled and stored in the home, according to research conducted by the CDC and several state departments of health.

Human salmonella infections linked to dry pet food had not been reported prior to a three-year outbreak in 2006-2008. Overall, Salmonella enterica causes 1.4 million illnesses and 400 deaths every year nationwide. Although the most common source of human infection is ingestion of contaminated water or food, infection can also occur through direct or indirect contact with pets.

One type of Salmonella enterica is called Salmonella Schwarzengrund, which is not common and accounts for only 0.4% of all human salmonella infections per year. Federal and state researchers examined a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Schwarzengrund that occurred from 2006 to 2008. They conducted one case-controlled study to evaluate household exposures to pet food and a second study to examine the risk factors for transmitting salmonella among children. In the United States, 37% of households have dogs and 32% have cats, and many pets are fed dry pet food, which includes animal ingredients such as liver, beef, or fish.

Researchers compared households where there was a case of infection to geographically matched households where there was no infection.Participants were interviewed and also filled out questionnaires about their contact with animals, use of pet food, brand of pet food used, and pet-feeding practices.

FDA to Fido: Dog Bones Not Safe

Broken Teeth, Internal Injuries, Even Death Among Risks Posed by Dog Bones

By Bill Hendrick

WebMD Pet Health News

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/news/20100427/fda_to_fido_dog_bones_not_safe

April 27, 2010 -- Pet owners commonly give their dogs bones as a reward, but the FDA says in a new consumer warning that it’s not good for dogs to chew on bones because they can cause serious injury or even death.

“Some people think it’s safe to give dogs large bones, like those from a ham or a roast,” Carmela Stamper, DVM, a veterinarian in the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, says in an FDA Consumer Update. “Bones are unsafe no matter what their size. Giving your dog a bone may make your pet a candidate for a trip to your veterinarian’s office later, possible emergency surgery, or even death.”

Stamper says pet owners should throw away bones from meals and make sure dogs can’t sniff out and find discarded bones. She suggests putting bones in the trash immediately, or out of the dog’s reach until you have a chance to dispose of them safely.

And when you’re walking Fido around the neighborhood, pay attention to what the dog sniffs and “steer him away from any objects lying in the grass.”

The new warning lists 10 reasons why it’s a bad idea to give bones to your dogs:

1. Broken Teeth. Bones can break teeth, requiring expensive veterinary dentistry.
2. Mouth or tongue injuries. Bones can break and become sharp, causing bloody, messy injuries also requiring treatment by a vet.
3. Bone gets looped around your dog’s lower jaw. This can be frightening or painful for your dog, and potentially costly because a veterinarian’s help is usually required.
4. Bone gets stuck in esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that food travels through to reach the stomach. If a bone gets stuck here, your dog may gag and drool. Removal of the bone can be difficult, requiring endoscopic equipment or a complicated surgery. If the bone is not removed promptly, the esophagus may rupture and cause a life-threatening infection in the chest cavity.
5. Bone gets stuck in windpipe. This happens if your dog accidentally inhales a small piece of bone and can be an emergency if your pet has trouble breathing. When this happens, the FDA says, get the dog to the vet immediately.
6. Bone gets stuck in stomach. The bone may be too big to pass out of the stomach and into the intestines. When this happens, invasive surgery or an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy may be required. An endoscopy is a procedure in which a veterinarian uses a long, flexible tube with a built-in camera to find the bone and then remove it with special grabbing tools.
7. Bone gets stuck in intestines. This causes an intestinal blockage, requiring prompt surgery.
8. Constipation due to bone fragments. Dogs may have a hard time passing bone fragments, because they are sharp and can scrape the inside of the large intestine or rectum as they move toward the outside world. This can cause severe pain and may require a trip to the vet.
9. Severe bleeding from the rectum. When this happens, it’s not only messy but dangerous for your pet, which will need to see a veterinarian.
10. Peritonitis. This is a hard-to-treat bacterial infection of the abdomen, caused by bone fragments poking holes in the dog’s stomach or intestines. Aggressive and expensive care is needed to manage this problem. Left untreated, peritonitis is fatal.

TICKS & DOGS

The Dangers of Ticks to You and Your Dog

By Jenna Stregowski, RVT

Ticks are an indisputably dreaded enemy – none of us wants to find a tick on our dogs, other pets or ourselves. Besides the obvious “ick” factor, ticks are bad news because they may transmit diseases and even cause anemia or paralysis. As a dog owner, there are some basics you should know about the risks, prevention and removal of ticks. With proper knowledge, you can help protect your dog from the threat of ticks.

Ticks are parasitic arthropods that feed on the blood of their hosts. They are attracted to warmth and motion, often seeking out mammals – including dogs. Ticks tend to hide out in tall grass or plants in wooded areas waiting for prospective hosts. Once a host is found, the tick climbs on and attaches its mouthparts into the skin, beginning the blood meal. Once locked in place, the tick will not detach until its meal is complete. It may continue to feed for several hours to days, depending on the type of tick.

On dogs, ticks often attach themselves in crevices and/or areas with little to no hair – typically in and around the ears, the areas where the insides of the legs meet the body, between the toes, and within skin folds. Most species of ticks go through four life stages - eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adults. All stages beyond eggs will attach to a host for a blood meal (and must do so on order to mature). Depending on species, the life span of a tick can be several months to years, and female adults can lay hundreds to thousands of eggs at a time.

Dog ticks (http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/pets/guineafowltickphotos.htm)

  

The Dangers of Ticks

Though they are known vectors of disease, not all ticks transmit disease – in fact, many ticks do not even carry diseases. However, the threat of disease is always present where ticks are concerned, and these risks should always be taken seriously. Most tick-borne diseases will take several hours to transmit to a host, so the sooner a tick is located and removed, the lower the risk of disease. The symptoms of most tick-borne diseases include fever and lethargy, though some can also cause weakness, lameness, joint swelling and/or anemia. Signs may take days, weeks or months to appear. Some ticks can cause a temporary condition called “tick paralysis,” which is manifested by a gradual onset of difficulty walking that may develop into paralysis. These signs typically begin to resolve after tick is removed. If you notice these or any other signs of illness in your dog, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible so that proper testing and necessary treatments can begin. The following are some of the most common tick-borne diseases:

• Lyme disease
• Ehrlichiosis
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Anaplasmosis
• Babesiosis 

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/pets/guineafowltickphotos.htm

Finding and Removing Ticks from Your Dog

To search for ticks on your dog, run your hands all over the body, paying close attention to the ears neck, skin folds and other crevices. You may prefer to wear latex gloves. Closely examine any raised areas closely by parting the hair, making sure you are in a very well-lit area (you can even use a flashlight). Depending on species and life stage, a tick may be as small as a pencil point or as large as a lima bean (when engorged). If you live in an area where ticks are prevalent, or your dog spends a lot of time in high grasses or wooded areas, you should check for ticks once or twice a day. If you find an embedded tick, be sure to remove it promptly. Here’s how:

1. Wear latex gloves to protect yourself. Use a pair of tweezers or a specially-designed tick removal tool to grasp the tick at the point of attachment. This should be done as close to the skin as possible.
   
2. Be very careful not to squeeze the body of the tick, as this may cause bacteria and disease containing materials to be injected into the site.
   
3. Pull the tick straight out from the skin slowly and steadily (without twisting or turning). Some of your dog’s skin may come off with the tick, but this is normal. If bleeding occurs, apply light pressure to the area.
   
4. Once removed, the tick should be handled carefully. While some people prefer to flush ticks down the toilet, saving the tick for further identification is a good idea. Place the tick in a small airtight container (like a pill vial or jar). You may wish to add some rubbing alcohol to the container. Label the container with the date and store in case future illness occurs, as identification may become necessary.
   
5. If part of the tick’s head still appears to be embedded, use the tweezers to gently pull it out. If some of the head cannot be removed, do not become alarmed. This should fall off eventually and rarely causes complications.
   
6. After tick removal, clean your dog’s skin at the bite area with mild soap and water. Watch this spot for several days in case of further irritation or infection. If the area does not clear up in a few days, contact your veterinarian.

There are really no shortcuts that can make a tick release itself from its host – a tick will not voluntarily detach until its meal is complete. DO NOT apply hot matches, nail polish, petroleum jelly, alcohol or other chemicals to the site. These methods are not affective and can actually be harmful to your dog.

Tick Prevention for Dogs

The best way to protect your dog from the hazards of ticks is to keep them from attaching to your dog in the first place. As stated earlier, routine checks should be done to search for ticks on your dog. Finding them before they attach is helpful, but this is not the most accurate method of prevention. To reduce the number of ticks hiding out in your yard, keep grass mowed and plants neatly trimmed. You may also choose to treat outdoor areas with pesticides, but be sure to use a substance that is safe for dogs and preferably environmentally-friendly. One of the most effective ways to keep ticks off your dog is to directly apply a tick prevention product specifically designed for dogs. Topical products like Frontline, Revolution, Advantix, and bioSpot are designed to be applied monthly to prevent ticks. Another option is a tick collar, such as the Preventic collar. Some products are available over-the-counter while others require a prescription. Though approved for use on dogs, be aware that these products contain toxic components and should ALWAYS be used according to the directions. Do not use extra amounts of a product or apply more than one at the same time. Take note that most of these products are highly toxic to cats. Talk to your veterinarian about the best options for your dog’s lifestyle. Also be aware that not all products will work for every dog, so a bit of trial and error may be in order. With the proper knowledge, you can help defeat the dreaded tick and protect your dog, your family and yourself from the dangers of tick-borne diseases.

DOG BREEDS (learn about them 1st before you decide to get one)

Before you start learning about the personalities and traits of the many dog breeds, here are some points you should consider when deciding which dog is perfect for you:

Your Dogs Temperament

Your dogs temperament should match yours. Don't choose a breed that is highly energetic if you're a couch potato. On the other hand, if you want a dog that will follow you everywhere around the house and who is always ready for a game of fetch or tug of war then you should consider a dog that is highly active and always has a lot of energy, instead of one of the lethargic breeds.

Large or Small Dog

You don't have to have own a large house to own a large dog (although a tiny apartment isn't going to be big enough for one of the giant breeds). If you can take him outside for a good hour of two of exercise every day... a large dog can live in a small house or apartment just fine.

Keep in mind that large dogs are more expensive to keep. They eat more food, which costs you more money. Tick and flea preventives cost more for large dogs, as do other mediations.

When large dogs eliminate, they eliminate a lot more than small dogs - more goes in and more comes out - of large breeds. Which is something to keep in mind if your dog will live inside - especially if you live in a high rise apartment and he will have to be litter box trained (there's always going to be more to clean up).

Do You Have Time To Exercise Your Dog?

All dogs should get as much exercise as possible - a good walk and a run everyday. But most small dog breeds, for example Toy dogs such as Pugs, Maltese or Yorkshire Terriers, will get the majority of their required exercise needs just be walking, running and playing around indoors.

Some breeds have so much energy and are so active that if you don't give them a sufficient workout everyday - a long walk and hard run - their pent up energy will quite likely manifest itself in destructive behavior.

So if you don't have time to walk your dog everyday choose a breed who doesn't have high exercise requirements. All of the breeds who require high amounts of exercise make terrific jogging, hiking, and ridding companions. So if you want your dog to accompany you on long runs choose one of these highly active breeds built for endurance and as much exercise as you can throw at them - they'll love you for it.

Do You Have Children?

Most all dogs will get along well with children if they are raised with them. However, some breeds have a protective streak in them and may naturally become aggressive towards children around meal time (although this should not be tolerated), or aggressive to strange children. They possibly will not see the children as being higher then themselves in the "pack order" and may try to dominate them.

Some dogs will put up with little children who pull their ears or poke them in the eyes, while others will not and map nip or bite back in defense.

So if you want a dog who is excellent with children avoid breeds which may have a dominance streak or that have short tempers.

Less or More Time Consuming

Dogs with short coats require virtually no grooming, just a brush and wipe down every so often. Pet dogs with long coats require either regular clipping (every eight weeks or so) and a brush once or twice per week. Show dogs, or dogs with long coats, require daily brushing. If you don't brush your dogs long coat regularly it will tangle and matt. No only can it hurt your dog if he has tangled, matted hair, but it will become dirty and he will look shaggy and ugly if you don't regularly groom his coat.

So keep in mind that if you choose a breed with a long coat you will need to get it clipped regularly if you want to avoid brushing it so much, or if you choose to keep it long or even medium length you will have to brush it everyday.

Dogs with short coats also have another advantage. It's easier to find ticks and fleas on their body. You probably spend eight times as long searching for fleas and ticks on a dog with a long coat than you do on a dog with a short coat.

If you don't want to be vacuuming the house every day, then don't buy a high shedding breed. If you own a high shedding dog you will find hair everywhere! Including on your clothes, on your furniture, in your bed, and even in your food. Additionally dogs that have a high shedding rate need to be groomed more often to brush out the dead hair.

Are You Allergic To Dander?

It isn't the dog hair that causes allergies - it's the dander! Dogs continually shed dander, or dead skin flakes, from their bodies. When this dander is airborne you can inhale it and it may cause an allergic reaction (itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing or wheezing). If you have allergies to dander, and still want a pet dog, then you should consider one of the low shedding dog breeds because they produce less dander. Some of these breeds include the Poodle, Maltese, Bichon Frise, Bedlington Terrier and Chinese Crested just to name a few. Choose a breed which is rated "Low" for shedding if you have allergies. To be on the safe side, check the breed you are thinking of owning doesn't cause you to have an allergic reaction by spending several hours around a dog of that breed before you purchase one!

Intelligent And Easy To Train

Every breed can be trained to learn almost every command. However, some breeds learn a lot faster than others - making them a lot easier to train. These highly intelligent breeds pick up a command after only about five or six exposures, they more often respond on the first time you give the command, and they remember commands even if they aren't practiced often. They also learn commands even when the trainer is inexperienced and makes mistakes.

So if you don't have a lot of the time to spend dog training, or you are impatient and get frustrated easily, choose a breed which has a high easy of training rating.

Protection

Dogs can either serve as watchdogs or guard dogs. A watchdogs job is to bark and raise the alarm when a stranger enters your property. Many small dog breeds make great watch dogs. Whereas a guard dog's job is to look intimidating and protect his family if the situation arises.

These are the important factors to consider when making a decision about which dog is for you. With these points in mind, browse through the dog breed profiles and discover which dog will be a perfect match for you.

Affenpinscher

Afghan Hound

Airedale Terrier

Akita

Alaskan Malamute

Standard American Eskimo Dog

Miniature American Eskimo Dog

Toy American Eskimo Dog

American Foxhound

American Staffordshire Terrier

American Water Spaniel

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Shepherd

Australian Terrier

Basenji

Basset Hound

Beagle

Bearded Collie

Beauceron

Bedlington Terrier

Belgian Malinois

Belgian Sheepdog

Belgian Tervuren

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bichon Frise

Black and Tan Coonhound

Black Russian Terrier

Bloodhound

Border Collie

Border Terrier

Borzoi

Boston Terrier

Bouvier des Flandres

Boxer

Briard

Brittany

Brussels Griffon

Bulldog

Bullmastiff

Bull Terrier

Cairn Terrier

Canaan Dog

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Chihuahua

Chinese Crested

Chinese Shar-Pei

Chow Chow

Clumber Spaniel

Cocker Spaniel

Collie

Curly-Coated Retriever

Dachshund

Dalmatian

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Doberman Pinscher

Dogue de Bordeaux

English Cocker Spaniel

English Foxhound

English Setter

English Springer Spaniel

English Toy Spaniel

Field Spaniel

Finnish Spitz

Flat-Coated Retriever

French Bulldog

German Pinscher

German Shepherd Dog

German Shorthaired Pointer

German Wirehaired Pointer

Giant Schnauzer

Glen of Imaal Terrier

Golden Retriever

Gordon Setter

Great Dane

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Great Pyrenees

Greyhound

Harrier

Havanese

Ibizan Hound

Irish Setter

Irish Terrier

Irish Water Spaniel

Irish Wolfhound

Italian Greyhound

Jack Russell Terrier

Japanese Chin

Keeshond

Kerry Blue Terrier

Komondor

Kuvasz

Labrador Retriever

Lakeland Terrier

Lhasa Apso

Lowchen

Maltese

Standard Manchester Terrier

Mastiff

Miniature Bull Terrier

Miniature Pinscher

Miniature Poodle

Miniature Schnauzer

Neapolitan Mastiff

Newfoundland

Norfolk Terrier

Norwegian Elkhound

Norwich Terrier

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Old English Sheepdog

Otterhound

Papillon

Parson Russell Terrier

Pekingese

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

Pharaoh Hound

Plott

Pointer

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Pomeranian

Portuguese Water Dog

Pug

Puli

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rottweiler

Saint Bernard

Saluki

Samoyed

Schipperke

Scottish Deerhound

Scottish Terrier

Sealyham Terrier

Shetland Sheepdog

Shiba Inu

Shih Tzu

Siberian Husky

Silky Terrier

Skye Terrier

Smooth Fox Terrier

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Spinone Italiano

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Standard Poodle

Standard Schnauzer

Sussex Spaniel

Swedish Vallhund

Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan Spaniel

Tibetan Terrier

Toy Fox Terrier

Toy Manchester Terrier

Toy Poodle

Vizsla

Weimaraner

Welsh Springer Spaniel

Welsh Terrier

West Highland White Terrier

Whippet

Wire Fox Terrier

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Yorkshire Terrier