Pet Cold Weather Tips...

Brrrr…it’s cold outside!

The following guidelines will help you protect your companion animals when the mercury dips.

1. Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.

2. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

3. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm—dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.

4. Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.

5. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.

6. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

7. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

8. Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him—and his fur—in tip-top shape.

9. Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center more information.

10. Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_coldweathertips

Holiday Decorations...

Deck the Halls...

...but do it Safely!

For many of us, ‘tis the season to decorate our homes with live Christmas trees and holiday greenery. But did you know that some of these yuletide traditions can be hazardous to your pet’s health?

Lovely lilies are commonly used in holiday floral arrangements, but many varieties—including tiger, Asian, Japanese show, stargazer and the Casablanca—can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested.

Bag the boughs of holly and live mistletoe. Sure, they add a nice touch to your holiday décor, but holly can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy if eaten by your pet. And should he sample mistletoe, he could suffer gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic.

Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria—and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.

If you suspect that your animal companion has eaten a potentially toxic substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for round-the-clock telephone assistance. A fee may apply.

For more holiday safety tips, don’t miss this video hosted by our very own Dr. Steven Hansen, a board-certified toxicologist and Senior Vice President, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=media_newsalert113007#3

Pet Holiday Gift?

Thinking of surprising the family with a new pet for the holidays?

The ASPCA would like to help you do it the right way. Check out their holiday video to help you determine whether you should give a pet—and where you should adopt from.

Now Playing: A Holiday Message from the ASPCA
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=media_newsalert113007#1

Thanks to DAWG!

Many thanks to the wonderful folks at DAWG, the Dallas Agility Working Group, for choosing Companions For Life as their 2007 Charity of The Year. DAWG recently awarded CFL with a

$ 1,000 donation toward our humane education efforts!

Thank you Valerie and everyone at DAWG!

Holiday Reminder...

PET HEALTH ALERT:
NO SWEETS FOR THE SWEET THIS THANKSGIVING

For many people, overindulging in holiday goodies may result in a few extra pounds—but the consequences for our animal companions are much greater if they accidentally ingest cookies, candy or baked goods containing chocolate. In any form ranging from one-ounce baking squares to hand-dipped truffles, chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both methylxanthines that can cause stimulation of the central nervous system, an increase in heart rate and tremors. Clinical signs—vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hyperactivity, and increased thirst, urination and heart rate—can be seen with the ingestion of as little as two ounces of baking chocolate by a ten-pound dog.

And while sugar-free sweets may be a healthier choice for you, gum or candies made with xylitol can make your pets ill. Dogs who’ve ingested significant amounts may develop a sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination and seizures. Data from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) also appears to point to a link between xylitol ingestion and liver failure in dogs.

Please take care this holiday season to keep all candy out of your pets' reach—and don't let them in the kitchen unsupervised if you’re baking with chocolate. If you suspect your pet may have eaten chocolate or candies containing xylitol, or any other potentially poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the APCC's emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for round-the-clock telephone assistance. For more information on poison prevention, visit APCC online.

PetEdge Recalls ProDental Toothpaste...

PetEdge is voluntarily recalling Top Performance brand ProDental Toothpaste with Toothbrush kit because the toothpaste could contain diethylene glycol.

Only one product, which comes in two flavors, is affected:


Top Performance® ProDental Toothpaste with Toothbrush kit 1.4 oz.,

Item No. TP128
Beef flavor: UPC 721343128151
Mint flavor: UPC 721343128564

Diethylene glycol can cause headaches and illness, or in high doses, renal failure or death. Diethylene glycol is found in antifreeze and other solvents.The company has received no reports of any illnesses associated with this product and is recalling it out of an abundance of caution.

We ask that you immediately discard any ProDental 1.4 oz. Toothpaste (of either flavor) that you may have on hand and inform us of the quantity of discarded items by completing and returning the Product Destruction Log. We will provide a merchandise credit for the discarded product as soon as possible.
If you have questions or need further information, please contact us at 888-211-8706 or at mailto:questions@petedge.com?subject=Product Recall.
PetEdge appreciates your assistance with this voluntary recall and regrets any inconvenience this recall may cause.

Very truly yours,

PetEdge

Be Aware!

Hartz Recalls...

The Hartz Mountain Corporation Recalls Vitamin Care for Cats Because of Possible Health Risk

SECAUCUS, NJ (November 2, 2007) - The Hartz Mountain Corporation is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of Hartz Vitamin Care for Cats due to concerns that one or more bottles within the lot may have been potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Hartz is fully cooperating with the US Food and Drug Administration in this voluntary recall.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, all of whom are at particular risk from exposure and should avoid handling these products.

Salmonella symptoms may include fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea in both cats and humans. Anyone experiencing the symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek immediate medical attention. Owners of cats exhibiting these symptoms should also seek veterinary assistance.

The product involved is:
3600 bottles of Hartz Vitamin Care for Cats
lot code SZ-16371
UPC number 32700-97701
which was manufactured by a third party manufacturer, UFAC (USA), Inc., in Baconton, Georgia. While normal testing conducted by Hartz and UFAC has not revealed the presence of Salmonella in any Hartz products, sampling conducted by the FDA did detect the presence of Salmonella. Hartz is aggressively investigating the source of the problem.
Consumers can contact Hartz at 1-800-275-1414 with any questions they may have and to obtain reimbursement for purchased product.

Go to: http://www.hartz.com/About%20Hartz/prCatVitRecall.asp

Pet Halloween Tips

NO SCAREDY CATS
(OR DOGS!)
THIS HALLOWEEN

Top 10 Safety Tips:

Happy Halloween, pet parents!

As October 31 approaches, the ASPCA would like to offer some common-sense cautions that’ll keep your pets safe and stress-free this time of year:

No tricks, no treats: That bowlful of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms can be very dangerous for dogs and cats, and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed.

Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don’t put your dog or cat in costume unless you know he or she loves it (yup, some pets are real hams!). For companion animals who prefer wearing their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume can cause undue stress.

If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn’t annoying or unsafe. It should not restrict the animal’s movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe or bark. Keep a lookout for small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces on the costume that your pet could choke on.

Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, yet they can produce gastrointestinal upset should pets ingest them. Intestinal blockage could even occur if large pieces are consumed.

For our complete list of Halloween safety tips, visit ASPCA.org. And please remember, if you suspect that your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance—around Halloween or any time of year—please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Pet Emergency Kit

WEEK 3

In celebration of National Disaster Preparedness Month, Companions For Life is continuing our series of short weekly articles to guide you through preparing your pets - and your family - for a disaster.

WEEK 3 -Pet Emergency kit

One of the most important things you can do to prepare your pet for an emergency is to make a Pet Emergency Kit. Keep your kit in a safe place where it is easily accessible in a crisis. Should an evacuation be ordered, you’ll have everything you need in one handy place. You can just grab it and go.

So what should you include in your kit? Start with a medium size contained, waterproof is best, and include the following:

-Pet Food. Dry food, canned, food, and supplements. For dry food, free sample packs from pet supply stores work well. If you feed your pet canned food, don’t forget to include a spare can opener. It is also a good idea to include some paper plates or disposable bowls.

-Water. In a disaster, bottled water may be all there is and our pets, like us, need water to survive.

-Cat litter. Cats must have litter. You can store extra in a large storage bag inside a shoe box in your kit. The shoe box can double as a disposable litter box.

-Leashes. An extra leash can come in handy. A harness is a good idea, too. Even the best behaved pet may be frightened during a disaster and a harness can provide extra safety.

-Collars and Identification. Your pet should wear a collar with rabies tag and identification at all times, but if your pet is prone to losing his collar or has allergies that prevent him from wearing it, an extra collar with duplicate identification tags should be included in your kit.

-Medicines. If your pet take prescription medicines, make sure you have a supply of those drugs in your kit, along with the basics – flea treatment and heartworm preventative.

-First Aid Kit. Be sure to include a first aid kit for your pet. Specially designed first aid kits for pets are available online from a variety of sources, or from your area Red Cross.

-A photo of your pet along with current vaccination records, information on any medical conditions, and microchip registration papers. These should be stored in a waterproof baggie inside your kit. Be sure you have your pet’s name, your name, and your contact information, as well as a description of any unusual identifying marks on your pet, written on the back of the photo.

-Your vet’s name and phone number, as well as a list of boarding facilities and kennels in the area.

Preparing an emergency kit for your pet takes only minutes, but in a crisis it will make all the difference!

Look for our 4th and last installment shortly. Well discuss a few final tips for preparing not just your pet, but your family as well!

PetSmart Recalls More Dog Treats...

PetSmart Pulls Pet N’ Shape
Chik ‘N Rings Dog Treats
From Shelves

Last week, PetSmart pulled various Smokehouse brand chicken and duck dog treats from their shelves as a precautionary measure. The company pulled these treats in response to American Veterinary Medical Association’s warning about various treat products from China due to complaints from pet owners about ill dogs.

PetSmart has also pulled Pet n’ Shape Chik n’ Rings dog treats from their shelves as a precaution. When we spoke to PetSmart last week, there was no word about a Pet n’ Shape treat being pulled off shelves last week.

In a Sun-Sentinel article dated September 20, it was mentioned that Pet n’ Shape treats were pulled off shelves also.

We spoke to a Pet n’ Shape spokesperson, and he confirmed that PetSmart did pull Pet n’ Shape Chik n’ Rings off shelves. He said the California-based company wasn’t actually aware of PetSmart’s move until they read the Sun-Sentinel article from yesterday. He was uncertain when PetSmart pulled their product off of their shelves.

http://www.itchmo.com/petsmart-pulls-pet-n-shape-chik-n-rings-dog-treats-from-shelves-3002

http://www.petnshape.com/index.html

Be Aware!

PETAPALOOZA – September 29 – 1:00 to 5:00

PETAPALOOZA – September 29 – 1:00 to 5:00

Just across from City Veterinary Center – 2727 Oak Lawn Ave.

On Saturday, September 29th, City Pet Companies will host Petapalooza, a community event for pets and their owners. Petapalooza is now in its 2nd year and will be bigger and better than ever. Please join us for an afternoon of fun with the animals.

Activities planned to include: stupid dog tricks, best dressed contest, Mr. and Ms. K9 Dallas. Ricochet K9 presents tricks, stunts and entertainment as seen on Letterman and Leno. Also, on-site micro-chipping and behavioral advice from City Vet staff will be offered.

Metroplex Animal Coalition and Companions for Life will present information regarding spay/neuter programs. These programs are vital to the reduction of the unwanted pet population and offer an alternative to the termination of dogs and cats in municipal animal shelters and humane societies.

All-Natural pet food vendors including: Big Bark Bakery, Chilly Dawgs, Innova , California Naturals, Solid Gold, Canidae, Nature’s Variety, Merrick , Natural Balance and Eagle Pack.

Adoptions: Dog and cat adoptions will be available through Paws In the City

Silent Auction benefiting:

Metroplex Animal Coalition www.metroplexanimalcoalition.com

Auction items include box seats to the Cowboys and Stars, gift baskets from All natural pet food companies, art, prizes and more.

PLEASE MAKE PLANS TO JOIN US.

Bravo Recalls Dog and Cat Poultry Products...

Bravo! Issues Nationwide Recall of Select Poultry Products for Dogs and Cats

Bravo! announces a voluntary recall of select tubes of three of its poultry products for cats and dogs. The pet food is being recalled because two of the products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, while the other product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Recalled Pet Food:
Product: Bravo Original Formula Chicken Blend frozen raw food
Product Numbers: 21-102, 21-105, 21-110
Sizes: 2 pound, 5 pound and 10 pound tubes
Batch ID code (on hang tag): 236
Reason for Recall: Salmonella, Listeria

Product: Bravo Original Formula Turkey Blend frozen raw food
Product Numbers: 31-102, 31-105, 31-110
Sizes: 2 pound, 5 pound and 10 pound tubes
Batch ID code (on hang tag): 236
Reason for Recall: Listeria

Product: Bravo Basic Formula Finely Ground Chicken frozen raw food
Product Number: 21-212
Size: 2 pound tube
Batch ID Code (on hang tag): 226
Reason for Recall: Salmonella, Listeria

http://www.bravorawdiet.com/recallinfo.html

PetSmart Recalls Dog Treats...

As of this morning, PetSmart has pulled various Smokehouse Brand dog treats off of their shelves. There have been reports of pets becoming ill after eating the treats, and as a precaution, PetSmart has removed the products. There has been no formal recall as of yet.

Here is what the PetSmart corporate office released to the PetSmart stores:

“Today the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) issued a media alert warning some treat products from China may be a potential threat to pets due to ’several complaints from pet owners and veterinarians of illness in dogs.’ No deaths have been reported at this time. The symptoms of pets reported sick were vomiting, lethargy and anorexia. To date, testing by the FDA and PetSmart Techinical Services has ruled out melamine contamination that might be making pets sick.

For now, we’re going to take the precautionary measure to pull this product from the shelves and contain it in the backroom. Our experts will continue to monitor the situation, analyze samples for a variety of possible problems and ask the vendor to test additonal product. Because of the relatively small number of complaints at this point, we’re not issuing a recall. We’ll provide timely updates as more information becomes available.”

Here is the SKU list of the Smokehouse Brand dog treats that have been pulled off of PetSmart shelves:

7856525052 5108696 Chicken Chips 1lb.
7856525053 5108692 Chicken Chips 8oz.
7856525092 5108693 Chicken Poppers 8oz.
7856525093 5108698 Chicken Poppers 1lb.
7856525134 5108691 Chicken Tenders 8oz.
7856525137 5126536 Chicken *** Tender Snacks 1lb.
7856525138 5126535 Chicken Tenders 2lb.
7856584255 5126702 Duck *** Tenders 8oz.
7856584256 5126534 Duck *** Tenders 1lb.
7856584257 5126532 Duck Chips 1lb.
7856584258 5126531 Duck and Sweet Potato 1lb.
7856585808 5108695 Chicken Tenders 1lb.




















http://www.itchmo.com/smokehouse-brand-dog-treats-pulled-from-petsmart-shelves-2869
http://www.avma.org/press/media_alerts/070914_jerky_treats.asp

Be Aware!

Preparing Your Pet For Disaster, Installment #2

In celebration of National Disaster Preparedness Month, Companions For Life is continuing our series of short weekly articles to guide you through preparing your pets - and your family - for a disaster.

**************************************

Week #2 – Identifying Available Resources

Now that you have your family plan and know where your personal meeting places will be and who is responsible for children and pets, you need to put together a list of phone numbers and resources you’ll need. You don’t want to waste time trying to find a phone book or searching the web in the event of a disaster. You need to know what city/county/state officials are what precautions to take, whether to shelter in place or prepare for evacuation, where the local shelters are, and you need to be able to let others know where you are.

Start by making a list of phone number of people and agencies that you would want to communicate with in the event of an emergency. Be sure to include family, close friends and neighbors, family doctor, banks, employers, schools, as well as police, fire, ambulance, and poison control. Don’t forget your vet, a list of area emergency animal clinics (if you live in the Dallas area, the Metroplex Animal Coalition website has already prepared a list - http://www.metroplexanimalcoalition.com/helpfulInfo/emergencyInfo.html), the animal poison control center, local boarding facilities and kennels, and your area animal control agencies (in the Metroplex, you can find a complete list on the C+C Pets Magazine website at http://www.ccpets.com/shelters.htm.

Find out which local TV and Radio station you will turn to and pre-program them into a battery operated radio or television if possible (radio news and talk stations are usually great resources as disasters develop). Get a weather radio – many now alert not only to weather related warnings, but also for Amber alerts, law enforcement warnings, nuclear and radiological hazard warnings, earthquakes, and civil dangers.

Take the time now to find and bookmark the websites for your city and county emergency operations centers and your state office of emergency management. Familiarize yourself with your state’s evacuation plan, find out if your state has a SART (State Animal Resource Team), check your State Veterinary Medical Association website, and don’t forget to bookmark national emergency websites, too.

Below are some links to get you started -

Dallas disaster resources:

Dallas County Office of Emergency Management:
http://www.dallascounty.org/department/osem/osem_intro.html
City of Dallas Office of Emergency Management
http://www.dallascityhall.com/oem/index.html
Red Cross Dallas Chapter
http://www.redcrossdallas.org/

Texas disaster resources:

Texas Governor’s Division of Emergency Management - http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/index.htm
Texas Evacuation Plan - http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/downloadableforms.htm
Texas Extension Disaster Education Network – http://texashelp.tamu.edu/
Texas State Animal Resource Team - http://www.txsart.org/
Texas Veterinary Medical Association http://www.tvma.org/

National disaster resources:

FEMA – http://www.fema.gov/
Department of Homeland Security - http://www.dhs.gov/index.shtm
National Weather Service - http://www.nws.noaa.gov/

Be informed – in knowledge is power.

Next week - Preparing Your Pet Emergency Kit

Preparing Your Pets For Disaster, Installment #1

In celebration of National Disaster Preparedness Month, Companions For Life has created a series of short weekly articles to guide you through preparing your pets - and your family - for a disaster.

**********************************************

Week #1 - Developing An Evacuation Plan.

Prepare an evacuation plan now. Don’t wait until you need one. Take a few minutes now to decide where you will go should you need to evacuate.

Disasters can strike at any time. Where will you be? At work? School? Who will get your pets out?

If you’re away from home when an evacuation is ordered, you likely won’t be allowed back in. Be sure your family knows where to meet if they can’t get home, and make sure a trusted neighbor or friend has access to what they need to get into your home and can get your pets – and knows where to go to meet you.

Will you meet your family members at your place of employment or your spouses? A local hotel? A family member’s home? What if the evacuation order encompasses those places also? Have a secondary location to fall back on. Keep in mind, communication is limited during a disaster. You may not be able to reach your family members by phone. That's when having an evacuation plan in place will really pay off!

Think through all the possibilities, put your plan in writing, and be sure each member of the family knows and understands where to go and who is responsible for the animals. It will only take a few moments, but will be invaluable in a crisis.

Don't think you need a plan? Even an inland area like the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex can be threatened - by fires, floods, biological weapons, nuclear power plant malfunctions, toxic train derailments, tornadoes, and more.

Next week - Identifying available resources.

Texas New Anti-Tethering Law Begins 9/1/7

Effective September 1, all laws passed by the Texas Legislature this spring will go into effect, including many that will improve the lives of animals in Texas. Among them is HB 1411, which addresses the UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT OF DOGS, commonly known as the chaining or tethering of dogs. In general, it is now against the law to leave a dog chained up between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.; for longer than 3 hours; when the temperature is below 32 degrees; or during a heat advisory or tornado warning.

The new law also addresses the length of a restraint—at least 10 feet or fives times the length of the dog—and the types of collars that cannot be used.

If you know of someone who is violating this new law, contact Animal Services or call 911 immediately. YOU can make a difference in the quality of life for a neglected dog. For a printable copy of the entire law, click here.

The dog in this picture? She's been chained in East Texas all her life, but thanks to some hard-working local rescuers, she'll soon be safe in the arms of Homeward Bound Animal Rescue and looking for a new family who'll help her start life over.

Wal-Mart still selling recalled cat food...

Special Kitty cat food:








...There is still more recalled cat food on shelves in another Wal-Mart store. A TV news team in Alabama went to the Clanton Wal-Mart and found dozens of Special Kitty Pouches just like the ones McComber had purchased.


Initially, the product code checks out as safe, but if the sticker is peeled off, there is another product code underneath. The original UPC code underneath the sticker matches the ones on the pet food recall list.

Because the stickers are over the recalled product code, the items can be purchased by consumers. The news investigator left one of the stickers off of the packages. When the cashier scanned the label on the package, it said do not sell and the cashier would not let him purchase it.

Calls were made to Menu Foods and Wal-Mart in regards to the recalled cat food still on shelves. Wal-Mart issued a statement: “We have worked with our supplier to investigate the concerns raised by WSFA 12 News. Menu Foods, the manufacturer of Special Kitty products, assures us that the products currently available in Wal-Mart stores are, indeed, safe.” A spokeswoman for Wal-Mart said the problem is with the packaging, and not the product. In regards to the packaging problems, she said Menu Foods would have to answer that question. There has been no comment from Menu Foods.


Be Aware!





http://www.itchmo.com/more-recalled-menu-foods-pet-food-found-in-wal-mart-2463

Urban Coyotes - A Warning

Coyote's don't just prowl the open prairies and dry grasslands of rural Texas. They are adapting to, and thriving in, urban and suburban areas all across the country - including the Metroplex. Last week one was one spotted near Ohio Drive and Plano Parkway, just north of Hillcrest and Frankford. It was a daylight sighting - unusual, but not uncommon. The coyote wasn't more than 5 feet from the road, hunting in the foot-tall grass. Traffic was whizzing by on both sides of her and it never fazed her. This is an area surrounded by residential subdivisions, retail, and a couple of auto dealers - definitely not rural. A few months back another was spotted in a residential area not far from a local high school and just a few miles away. That spotting was made around 7 a.m.

And the Coyote's aren't alone. There are foxes, falcons, and owls hunting right in our neighborhoods. Even if you don't see them, they are there. And they don't think twice about snatching a small dog or cat for a meal, or even attacking a larger dog if they feel threatened. Everyone needs to realize this and be aware. Cat owners need to keep their cats indoors, particularly at night, in the early morning, and as the sun begins to set. Dog owners need to be especially vigilant about keeping small dogs inside or on a leash at all times. Not just because we have leash laws, but because coyotes have been known to scale fences as tall as 5' or 6'. Wildlife experts tell us that many animals their owners think became lost, were really taken by coyotes. Be vigilant and your pet will not become an urban coyote's next meal.

Resources for More Information:

If you are considering making your indoor/outdoor cat an indoor cat, the Humane Society of the United States has some helpful information on their website at:
http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/humane_society_magazines_and_newsletters/all_animals/volume_4_issue_1_spring_2002/a_safe_cat_is_a_happy_cat_and_your_cat_is_only_safe_indoors.html

For more information on coyotes and foxes in urban areas, the DFW Wildlife Coalition has posted a fact sheet from Fund For Animals on their website at:
http://dfwwildlife.org/resources/fs_co10_foxes.pdf

Learn more about coyotes in our area by reading the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department's recent press release containing information from their experts:
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20070319c

For more information on animal welfare topics, visit http://www.companionsforlife.org/

Wal-Mart: Bestro Chick Jerky Strips

Wal-Mart Removes
Bestro Chicken
Jerky Strips
After Dog Death

Wal-Mart Removes Bestro Chicken Jerky Strips After Dog Death

Wal-Mart has quietly pulled the made in China dog treat from its stores named Bestro Chicken Jerky Strips. There has been no announcement to the public as of yet. It is also uncertain of how many tainted bags of treats there may still be out among consumers.

A recall has not been issued. There has not been any information on FDA’s website. Wal-Mart has told consumers if they have purchased Bestro Chicken Jerky Strips, they can return them for a full refund.

http://www.itchmo.com/wal-mart-removes-bestro-chicken-jerky-strips-after-dog-death-2321

Be Aware!

Evacuating With Pets - Resources & Information

NOAA's National Hurricane Center is monitoring the season's first hurricane as it continues to strengthen and impacts the Caribbean islands. Hurricane Dean has just been upgraded to a Category 3 hurricane and continues it's approach to the Gulf of Mexico, now projected for Tuesday or Wednesday.

Please keep in mind that the State of Texas hurricane evacuation plan directs that people will be allowed to evacuate with their pets. Please urge everyone you know to take their pets with them if they leave. We must heed the lessons learned after Katrina.

If you have friends or family along the Texas Coast or in the Houston area that may need to evacuate with their pets, here is a list of resources that may help them prepare:

State of Texas Emergency Portal

Pets Allowed Hotels

Department of Homeland Security's Preparing Your Pets For Disaster

Please remind anyone evacuating with a pet to along a photo of their pet, vet records, microchip registrations, identification tags, collars, leashes, prescriptions medicines and a pet carrier or wire kennel.

[Note: If an evacuation is ordered for Harris County, the flood of evacuees with pets needing shelter will put great demand on the animal welfare system in the Metroplex. We will post needs for volunteers and/or donations here as we get word of them, so check back often if you would like to help.]

Take Action -- Fight Cruelty...

REPORT ANIMAL CRUELTY:
Animal cruelty is not only wrong—it is against the law in every state in this country! Animal abuse can also be part of a pattern of other violent acts within families and society. Abuse of any kind should be reported to the appropriate authorities immediately.
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_report

State Anti-Cruelty Investigatory-Arrest Powers
Ever wonder why the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement officers have the power to arrest, but the animal cruelty investigators in your town don’t? You can find out who has the power to investigate and arrest instances of animal cruelty in your state—and what they can and cannot do—via our comprehensive chart. Simply click on your state to learn more, or download the complete list of all states
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_investigate

FIGHT CRUELTY: Protect Your Pet
Don't let your pet be the victim of a cruel act! The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center receives many calls from owners whose animals were maliciously poisoned—sometimes right in their own backyards. APCC has provided the following tips to prevent this from happening to your animal companions:
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_protectyourpet

Cruelty Glossary
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_crueltyglossary

Talking to Kids About Animal Cruelty
From cats to canaries, from Dobermans to dachshunds, our pets often seem to know how we feel. They comfort us when we're hurt, and make us happy when we're sad. They share our joy, and stay by our side when times are bad. But, sometimes, some people are mean to animals. How do you explain this to a child? http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_kidsandcruelty

Dog Fighting: What You Can Do
Although dog fighting is illegal in all 50 states and carries a felony charge in most, there are still a few states in which it is not taken as seriously. If you live in a state where dog fighting is a misdemeanor, write to your legislators and ask them to make this crime a felony. Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center to find out what the penalty for dog fighting is in your state and how to contact your legislators.
Do your kids have questions about dog fighting? Visit our children’s website, ASPCA Animaland, for information about dog fighting that’s written especially for kids.
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_dogfighting

Online Cruelty
To report websites that display acts of cruelty to animals, please contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice.
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_onlinecruelty

LOBBY FOR ANIMALS

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lobby_home

It’s Not Wrong to Do the Right Thing!

Dogs In Pickups - It's NOT Safe...

...And, it's NOT legal!

Dogs who are riding in the backs of pickup trucks may look like they're having fun. But they're not safe. When you transport your dog in the open bed of your pickup, you endanger both your dog and other motorists.

If your truck hits a bump, or if you step on the brakes suddenly or swerve to avoid an obstacle, your dog can easily be thrown from the truck bed and onto the road. Chances are, this will injure or kill your dog. But even if it doesn't, being struck by another vehicle probably will. And other drivers may cause an accident by swerving to avoid hitting your dog.

Effective in 2005, Section 7.3.5 of the Dallas City Code makes it illegal to transport dogs in the open bed of any moving pickup, flatbed, or similar vehicle unless the dog is in a carrier.

An estimated 100,00 dogs die every year as a result of falling or jumping off pickup trucks. Don't let your dog be one of them!

Natural Balance Recalls Food Due To Botulism Risk

Natural Balance has announced that it is recalling it’s Natural Balance Eatables for Dogs due to a supplier’s recall. The affected formulas include 15oz cans of: Irish Stew, Hobo Chili, Chinese Take-Out and Southern Style Dumplin’s with Gravy. The supplier, Castleberry Foods, found one instance of botulism in improperly sealed cans of human food.(hot dog chili sauce)

The recall information was only sent to subscribers of their newsletters. This information is not yet available on the Natural Balance website.

Full recall details below:

Natural Balance was informed at 2:45 pm by our USDA manufacturer, Castleberry Foods, in Augusta, GA, that they are doing a voluntary recall on all 15 oz edible foods for humans as well as our Natural Balance Eatables for Dogs (Irish Stew, Hobo Chili, Chinese Take-Out and Southern Style Dumplin’s with Gravy).

This voluntary recall is from one reported case of botulism in Castleberry’s human edible Hot Dog Chili Sauce. Botulism is generally due to an improperly sealed can or a can that has become damaged, thus letting air inside.

Natural Balance checks all of its cans for any kind of leakage, puffiness or damage before they are shipped, and we have found none. However, to comply with our manufacturer, we are asking that you discontinue use and return Eatables for Dogs to your store for a full refund. We will give you more information as we get it.

Update: The FDA also just announced the recall expansion.

Be Aware!

Animal Sense Speaker Series: August 2nd./6:30p

Companions For Life
~ Animal Sense Speaker Series ~

Next Event:
Thursday, August 2nd, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Dallas, Tx 75244

~ Featured Program ~

Dogs, Cats & Urban Wildlife
Presented by
Bonnie Bradshaw, President & Founder of 9-1-1 Wildlife
Texas Master Naturalist & Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator

Pet owners are much more likely than others to encounter urban wildlife.
Bonnie will teach us what to do and who to call when this happens.
She’ll also tell us how to solve common wildlife problems,
such as ducks in swimming pools, armadillos destroying lawns,
squirrels in attics, and skunks under decks.
She’ll also explain why cottontail rabbits,
opossums and other wildlife are thriving in our neighborhoods,
and why feeding wildlife can be harmful to them.

Please join us! Everyone is welcome!
A $5 donation in advance, or $10 at the door reserves your place!
Complimentary refreshments and great door prizes are included.

Seating is limited, so reserve your spot now at
http://www.companionsforlife.org/ – just click on Animal Sense!

Please no pets except working service dogs.