Pet Food Recall: April 2013

Pet Food Recall: April 2013

Photo by anneh632 Foter.com CC BY-SA

PRESS RELEASE

 

For Immediate Release April 3,2013

Contact: David Bogner

Ph:(866)922--‐9222

E--‐mail:info@bravorawdiet.com

www.bravorawdiet.com

Bravo! Issues a Voluntary Recall for Three Raw Frozen Food Diet for Dogs and Cats Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk Manchester, CT–

Bravo! Is voluntarily recalling three of its raw diet frozen foods for dogs and cats: 5 lb tubes of Bravo! Chicken Balance product item code 21--‐405 with “best used by” dates of 3_6_15 and 3_12_15; 2 lb Bravo! Chicken Blend product item code 21--‐102 with the “best used by” date of 3_21_15 and 5 lb. bags of Bravo! Beef Blend Burgers product item code 51--‐508 with the “best used by” dates of 3_21_15 and 3_22_15, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

This recall is being issued out of an abundance of caution, as while these products tested negative for pathogens by an independent third party prior to distribution, they were run on the same day or an adjacent day to a product that tested positive for pathogens.

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Photos: Adorable Pets Celebrate Easter

These pets think they are the Easter Bunny

Happy Easter to you from Paws For Reaction and these super cute festive pets!



Photo by DaPuglet  Foter.com  CC BY-SA

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RABBIT FACT!

Photo by Abdulmajeed Al.mutawee twitter.com
almutawee Foter.com CC BY-NC-SA

If you don’t think a rabbit is a big commitment think again- rabbits have an average life span of 10 years.

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#RabbitFact!

CAT FACT!

Photo by danmachold Foter.com CC BY-NC-SA

Do you have a mouthy cat? It’s probably all your fault- the more you talk to your feline friend, the more it will speak to you. Meow!

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#CatFact

Photos: Cute Bunny Rabbits Celebrate Easter

Celebrate Easter with these adorable bunny rabbits

Have a great Easter weekend from Paws For Reaction!

Photo by Sharon Taylor Photography of Kettering Foter.com CC BY-NC-ND


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CAT & DOG FACT!

Photo by Flóra Foter.com CC BY

You’ve heard the phrase “it’s raining cats and dogs.” This quirky, clichéd remark originated in seventeenth-century England. During heavy rainstorms stray animals would drown and could be seen floating down the streets making it look as though it had been “raining cats and dogs.” Disturbing!

 

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#CatFact #DogFact

The Importance of Walking your Dog

The wonderful walk: Spring is here and exercising with your dog is in season
By Stacey Gonzalez

Photo by h.koppdelaney Foter.com CC BY-ND

Spring is here and finally you can start spending more quality time outside with your canine companion. Exercise is one of the key ingredients in giving your dog a happy and healthy life. It is in a dogs nature to travel and walking your dog is one of the best and more common ways to get your dog to burn off energy. But some dogs need more physical and mental stimulation than others. Getting to know your dog is crucial when it comes to physical activity and can help tone muscle, combat obesity and stop destructive behaviour all together.

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Photo by Mourner Foter.com CC BY-NC

 

 

 

CAT FACT!

Phosphorescent feline Photo by xalamay Foter.com CC BY-NC-ND

Glowing and gross! Cat urine glows in the dark when a black light shines on it. If you think your cat has had an accident inside the home, turn on that black light and find the spot!

 

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#CatFact!

DOG FACT!

Photo by DogBono.com Foter.com CC BY

It’s a canine commandment! Dogs are mentioned 14 times in the Bible. Praise the woof!

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#DogFact!

DOG FACT!

Dog fact

Photo by Mdk572 Foter.com CC BY

According to the Guinness Book of World Records the dog who lived the longest life was Bluey, an Australian Cattle Dog that lived to be 29 years old.


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#DogFact!

Are Eggs Good for Pets?

Easter inspired treats: are eggs good snacks for pets?

By Stacey Gonzalez

Photo by ginnerobot Foter.com CC BY-SA

Easter is in season and painting eggs is all the rage. Don’t be fooled, eggs are more than just the pretty and decorative symbols of this spring holiday. Eggs are full of protein and nutrients that are great for people. But are eggs good for pets?

The general rule is to avoid raw egg when feeding this treat to any dog, cat or small mammal pet. Those pets all have similar reactions to uncooked egg. Some snakes and other reptiles will eat whole eggs but it is important that reptile owners do a lot of research before feeding an egg to their pet.

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Dog Toy of the Month: Silly Bums- March 2013

Dogs get cheeky: these adorable toys have junk in the trunk!
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Photo by Stacey Gonzalez Copyright©

No need to call animal control- this is a bum that your dog can sink its teeth into without worrying about the consequences.

Romp! Silly Bums are adorable stuffed teasers and are great for dogs of all sizes. These toys will even entertain dog owners. Go ahead and say it. “My dog has some junk in the trunk!”

These toys are modeled after the butt ends of animal. Silly Bums animals that are available are horses, skunks and my personal favorite the great Canadian beaver. Pups will enjoy this plush toy even more since it has a squeaker inside and it even crinkles.

Photo by Stacey Gonzalez Copyright©

This toy is not intended as a chew toy for strong and aggressive chewers- it is a plush toy. Try a Kong or similar toy as a teething chew. This is a toy for playful dogs who love to have fun. The layer of crinkle gives the dog a new texture as he chews through the toy and the tail and legs make it fun to tug on and flip around.

This well rounded toy also has everything that dogs love. There’s no ‘butts’ about it- Silly Bums are a fun and cheeky toy for both pets and pet parents. Plant your butt down and watch your dog’s tail wag as he plays with his Silly Bums for hours!

Dog Fact!

Dog Fact
 

Photo by one.juniper Foter.com CC BY-NC

100 different St. Bernard puppies were used to make the movie Beethoven's 2nd due to how quickly the breed grows and matures.




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#DogFact!

Pet of the Month: Lola

Pet of the month: little Lola enjoys her play time with her best friend
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Photo by LeeAnn McIntyre

Little Lola was a stray cat who wandered into the middle of the road one night and was rescued by a young girl who then gave that cat to her cousin. Lola now lives in her forever home with her best friend- a Jack Russell Terrier named Oliver. Lola loves to jump over Oliver and play with his toys. She loves sitting by the window and waiting for her family to come home from work. Lola is very quiet, timid and has never quite found her voice. When she meows it is very quiet and soft. Her fur is a fair buff colour and very soft. She spends most of her time sitting on the stairs waiting for pets from her people. But don’t be fooled- she loves to bug her best friend when no one is looking and often gets caught jumping right over him.

Photo by Stacey Gonzalez Copyright©

Photo by Stacey Gonzalez Copyright©

 

All About the Irish: Popular Pet Names & Irish Pet Names

It's all about the Irish: put aside popular pet names of 2012 and try something a little more Irish
By Stacey McIntyre-Gonzalez

Photo by Ilja Foter.com CC BY-NC-SA

Bella, Bailey, Max, and Chloe are the trendiest pet names in North America right now and Katniss is of course on its way up the ranks. But on this Oh greenest of days, I’d like to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by suggesting some great Irish pet names to shake things up. Forget about Lucky or Shamus- these unique Irish names may be perfect for a pet. This is my top 10 list of Irish pet names, along with the top 10 pet names of 2012 according to the annual report published by Veterinary Pet Insurance.

My Top 10 Irish Pet Names

1. Morrissey- does your dog love the water? If so this moniker is a superb Irish name as it means ‘choice of the sea.’
2. Kennedy- a perfect match for tough pets, the Irish name Kennedy means ‘helmet headed.’
3. Sweeney- set aside any thoughts of the evil Sweeney Todd, the Irish name Sweeney means ‘little hero.’
4. Brady- a perfect Irish name for upbeat pets, Brady means ‘spirited.’
5. Collins- this name is believed to mean ‘young warrior’ and could be a great name for a puppy or kitten.
6. Vevila- just for calm dogs, the Irish name Vevila means ‘harmony’
7. Madden- this name means ‘small dog’ so it’s fitting for a canine companion.
8. Nolan- is your pet a super-star? Because the Irish name Nolan means ‘famous.’
9. Regan- if your pet rules the home then Regan is the perfect Irish name- it means ‘little king.’
10. Flanagan- do you have a dog with a ‘red’ or ‘ruddy’ coat? If so Flanagan is the perfect Irish name for your pooch.

Photos: Happy St. Patrick's Day to You and your Pets!

Happy St. Patrick's Day to you and your pets!

Check out these festive pets and have a green day! 

Photo by rainy city Foter.com CC BY-ND


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DOG FACT!

Dog fact

Photo by jessleecuizon Foter.com CC BY-NC-ND

The only sweat-glands a dog has are located between the paw pads.



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#DogFact

CAT FACT!

Cat fact

Photo by Doug88888 Foter.com CC BY-NC-SA

Black cats are a symbol of good luck in Great Britain. 



















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#CatFact

Pet Food Recall: March 2013 *UPDATED*

Pet Food Recall: March 2013 *UPDATED*

Photo by  BuzzFarmers Foter.com CC BY

PRESS RELEASE

Iams Withdraws Shakeables Brand Dog Treats

by Mike Sagman

March 2013 – According to a news bulletin just discovered by our staff and published by PetSmart on its website some time earlier this month.

“Proctor and Gamble has issued a voluntary market withdrawal of Iams Shakeables Turkey and Lamb Dog Treats with certain ‘Impacted Lot Numbers’ listed below. These treats are being voluntarily withdrawn due to potential for mold growth.”

According to the retailer, no other products are affected. Proctor and Gamble claims it has not received any reports of human or pet illnesses.

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Cat Treat of the Month: March 2013

This month’s featured cat treat is purrrfectly pure and healthy

Photo by Sergiu Bacioiu Foter.com CC BY-NC

Cats go crazy for the fresh, pure taste of PureBites® Ocean Whitefish Freeze Dried Cat Treats. Each bite is packed full of flavour and aromas sealed in by the freeze drying process. This makes these treats highly palatable for your feline family member.

The Ocean Whitefish is low in calories but great for the cat’s skin and coat. These tasty treats are healthy enough to feed to any life stage. Kittens will love these all natural treats and they are perfectly sized to be great training tools.

Dog Treat of the Month: March 2013

Featured dog treat for March is puppy approved

Photo by halfrain Foter.com CC BY-SA

You just brought your puppy home and have to choose a treat for the first time. The pet store can be a confusing place with way too many endless options. Puppy owners must be more careful when selecting something new to introduce to their dogs tummy.

When choosing a treat for a puppy it is important to select a healthy option. A puppy’s stomach can be sensitive and Wellness® Just for Puppy Mini Soft Treats have natural ingredients that are palatable and highly digestible.

Interesting & Strange Artwork Inspired by Cats

Creative cats: interesting and strange art inspired by felines

13 Steps Photo by chooyutshing Foter.com CC BY-NC-SA


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Cat Breed of the Month: Abyssinian - March 2013

Abyssinian is a cunning and clever feline

By Stacey Gonzalez

Photo by John Morton Foter.com CC BY-SA

The exotic looking Abyssinian cat breed is in the top five most popular pedigree cats registered with the Cat Fanciers Association. These social and affectionate felines are clever and make great companions for pet owners who love to play with their animals.

A pure breed Abyssinian is easy to spot. It is slender but muscular with long legs. Its ears and tail are slightly larger and longer than the average cat. The distinctive M shape marking on the forehead of the Abyssinian is the proof staring you in the face. They are beautiful creatures that come in a variety of colours- from reddish browns to silver- but they all have that majestic, worldly look to them.
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Photo by FurLined Foter.com CC BY-NC-SA

Check out the featured dog breed for March 2013

Odd & Strange Dog Inspired Artwork

Odd and strange dog inspired artwork

Photo by Drkangeltex Foter.com CC BY-NC-SA


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California's Popular 'Dog TV' Now Available in Israel

Follow the paw prints: California’s popular ‘Dog TV’ travels all the way to Israel

Photo by thegardenbuzz Foter.com CC BY-ND

Launched in San Diego last year ‘Dog TV’ is a television channel designed just for dogs that can now be seen all over California. Now ‘Dog TV’ has branched out all the way to pet parents in Israel.

The channels purpose is to entertain the canine viewers and keep them calm and content all day while no one is home. The programs featured on ‘Dog TV’ run up to six minutes and contain no footage or sounds that will stress out or frighten the pooch. 

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Pet Food Recall: March 2013

Pet Food Recall: March 2013

Photo by  BuzzFarmers Foter.com CC BY

PRESS RELEASE

Diggin' Your Dog Recalls Strippin' Chicks Pet Treats Distributed in Colorado and Nevada Due to Possible Salmonella Hazard

Contact
Consumer:
1-775-742-7295
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 7, 2013 - Diggin' Your Dog™ announced today that they are voluntarily withdrawing one lot of its Strippin' Chicks™ Pet Treats produced on 8-30-12 because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The sample was obtained in Colorado and the company has accounted for its distribution in Colorado of this lot.

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Photos: St. Patrick's Day Dogs

Cute and crazy dogs dressed up for some St. Patrick's Day fun
Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Photo by DaPuglet Foter.com CC BY-SA

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#DOG & #CAT #FACT!

Dog and cat fact

Photo by Amarand Agasi Foter.com CC BY-NC-SA

March 3^rd is “What if Cats and Dogs had Opposable Thumbs Day.” The holiday was created by Thomas Roy and his wife Ruth. Thomas Roy was an actor and he and his wife created 85 holidays since 1987.

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#DogFact #CatFact

#Dog #Breed of the #Month: #Akita - #March 2013

The Akita dog breed is loyal beyond belief
By Stacey Gonzalez

Photo by gomagoti Foter.com CC BY-SA

Brave, bold and fiercely loyal the Japanese Akita is a great companion for experienced dog owners. With a little patience and a lot of training an Akita can be a valuable addition to your family, happily participating in your day to day activities right by your side.

The Akita is a working dog that can weigh anywhere between 70 to 130 pounds. Declared a national treasure in Japan the Akita dog is famous around the world thanks to one canine named Hachiko.

Hachiko was an Akita who greeted his master every day at the train station after work. One day Hachiko’s master passed away while on the job and his loyal dog waited for him relentlessly. He continued to return to that spot and wait for his master every day until poor Hachiko died on March 8, 1935.

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Photo by aldenchadwick Foter.com CC BY

Check out the featured cat breed for the month of March

#Bringing #Home the #Bunny: #New #Rabbit #Owner #Shopping #List

Bringing Home the Bunny: shopping list
By Stacey Gonzalez

Photo by pictographic Foter.com CC BY

Bringing Home the Bunny is a seven-part blog series about what to expect when becoming a new rabbit owner.

The last part of my series for new rabbit owners is a quick checklist of items you need to welcome your new pet into your home.

I hope this helped you prepare for your new rabbit friend. Rabbits are so diverse and with so many sizes, breeds and personalities out they can be a great new edition to your family.

Shopping List

-Large multi-level cage

-Water bottle

-Bedding

-Hay

-Pelleted rabbit diet

-Chew toys

-Corner litter pan

-Exercise pen or pet-fence

-Hiding house

-Hay manger

-Food dish/manger

-Pet safe cage disinfecting cleaner

-Poop scoop

#Bringing #Home the #Bunny: #Common #Illnesses & #Symptoms

Bringing Home the Bunny
By Stacey Gonzalez

Photo by Robobobobo Foter.com  CC BY-SA

Bringing Home the Bunny is a seven-part blog series about what to expect when becoming a new rabbit owner.
 

Common illnesses and symptoms

When bringing a new bunny home it is important to make a veterinarian appointment as soon as possible. Annual vet appointments are also important in maintaining a happy and healthy rabbit.

Common signs of illness in rabbits include bare patches of fur, sneezing, discharge from the nose or eyes, diarrhea, decrease in appetite, drop in weight, lethargy, head tilt, shaking and decreased activity. Cloudy, sunken or swollen eyes can also be linked to a bigger problem. Difficulty urinating or blood in the urine could be a sign of kidney issues or a urinary tract infection. The most common diseases and illnesses in rabbits are overgrown teeth, upper respiratory infections, gastrointestinal complications, parasites, uterine cancer, kidney disease, and heart disease.

Most indoor rabbits live longer and healthier lives. The average life span of a rabbit is nine to 12 years for dwarf breeds and seven to nine years for medium breeds. It is possible to vaccinate a rabbit although it is not as common as doing so with a dog or cat. Testing for the parasite Encephalitozoon cuniculi is recommended by most vets, especially if your rabbit has had access to wild rabbits. It is also recommended that rabbit owners see a small animal veterinarian so that their furry family member gets the best care.

Rabbit’s size can vary by breed but most medium breeds weigh in at four to eight pounds. Dwarf breeds tend to weigh three pounds or less. Giant rabbit breeds exist weighing in at 10 to 12 pounds or more. Since rabbits will gorge on food it is important to make sure your rabbit doesn’t become obese. Providing lots of hay, a healthy, portioned diet and plenty of activity can help achieve that.

Those are the basics of rabbit care. But remember- every rabbit is different. Each rabbit will have different needs and personalities. It is important to spend a lot of time with your pet and get to know it. Monitor it closely to discover its likes and dislikes as well as its wants and needs. The last part of this blog series is titled Bringing Home the Bunny: New Rabbit Owner Shopping List This list contains all that you will need for your new rabbit pet and a few extras that will make your rabbit's life happy and fulfilled.

#Bringing #Home the #Bunny: #Proper #Care & #Socialization

Bringing Home the Bunny

By Stacey Gonzalez

Photo by Cloudtail Foter.com CC BY-NC-ND

Bringing Home the Bunny is a seven-part blog series about what to expect when becoming a new rabbit owner.

Proper care and socializing 

The first thing you will need to do is get your rabbit used to you. Start by feeding your rabbit treats by hand. Let the pet smell you then slowly pet the rabbit going with the fur- never against it.

Remember all pets can bite. Rabbits are not known to bite but they can when they feel threatened, insecure or are suffering from hormonal issues. Once the bunny feels comfortable with you slowly, but confidently pick it up. Be gentle, but also make sure that the rabbit is secure in your arms by supporting its whole body. Support its hind end and hold its body against yours. Be very careful with the rabbit's hind end- holding a rabbit wrong can give it severe back issues that can be painful and expensive to treat.

Some rabbits like their lower jaw stroked. They will want to play with objects by pushing, tugging and flipping them. Most rabbits will flip a food dish with a ridge around the edge. Rabbits often play alone, but can be very interactive with their owners and will often run circles around them. It is important to supervise and playtime rabbits have with children, dogs, and cats.

The fear of injury isn’t the only concern- rabbits are prey animals and can be ‘scared to death’ by loud noises or any extremely threatening actions made towards them. Rabbits communicate with their pet parents using ear placement and body language so getting to know your bunny is key. Rabbits should never under any circumstances be picked up by their ears.

Taking precautions when handling rabbits is just the first step in making sure your rabbit lives a healthy lifestyle. Even the healthiest of pets can get sick or develop cancer. Some issues and symptoms are more common than others. To learn more read on to the next article Bringing Home the Bunny: Common Illnesses and Symptoms.

#Bringing #Home the #Bunny: #Food & #Nutrition

Bringing Home the Bunny
By Stacey Gonzalez

Photo by jemoström photo Foter.com CC BY-NC-ND

Bringing Home the Bunny is a seven-part blog series about what to expect when becoming a new rabbit owner.

 Food and nutrition

Rabbits are herbivores and should not be fed meat. Hay is an important part of their diet. If the bunny is less than a year old it should be fed alfalfa hay which is rich in protein and calcium. Rabbits over a year old should eat timothy hay.

Always purchase pet-friendly hay at the local pet store- some hay from farms is unclean or treated with pesticides. Hay should always be available to the pet, either loose in the habitat or in a hay manger.

It is recommended that a rabbit always has a pelleted diet available to them. Pellet diets are made to be rich in nutrients and will ensure that the rabbit has a balanced diet. Mixed diets work better as treats since rabbits will often pick through and only eat the parts they like.

Rabbits have a tendency to overeat just like dogs, so it is important to limit food to only healthy amounts. Rabbits under seven months can burn off a lot of calories, but once they pass that age their food consumption should be monitored to keep the pet from becoming obese. Fruits and vegetables can be offered every day, while pre-packaged treats should be offered sparingly and should never exceed ten percent of the pet’s diet.

Dark, leafy greens are great for rabbits. For treats try kale, bok choy, carrot tops, collard greens or romaine lettuce. Some rabbits under the age of 12 months get diarrhea from greens. Fruits like the tops of strawberry, raisins, apple, and melons make good treats as well. Vegetables such as carrots, cucumber, celery, peas, and zucchini are safe to feed your rabbit. Foods to avoid are chocolate, salt, beans, nuts, and sugar. Rabbits should be given clean, fresh water twice a day in their water bottle so that it is always available to them. Your rabbit should never consume its bedding.

Its time for the fun stuff! Loving your bunny will involve handling the animal. It is natural to want to nurture the pet by holding it but there are right and wrong ways of doing things, highlighted here in Bringing Home the Bunny: Proper Care and Socializing.