In this episode of LA LAW: Spay or Neuter Your Pet!

Upwards of 70,000 dogs and cats are euthanized each year in the Los Angeles City Shelters alone (that figure does not include all other surrounding LA County shelters) - at an annual cost to the city of approximately $2million. Late last month, LA took a step towards reducing those numbers when Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa signed into law a requirement for all cats and dogs* in LA to be sterilized by the time they're four months old. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to $500 or 40 hours of community service.

LA isn't the first city to take this step. In fact, a statewide bill called California Healthy Pets Act (AB1634) was proposed and approved in the State Assembly in June last year. These measures are intended to reduce the $250 million spent by California taxpayers each year to put down half a million unwanted animals. Los Angeles follows in the steps of Santa Cruz County, who became one of the first counties in California to mandate spaying and neutering of pets a dozen years ago. According to officials, this has increased adoption rates because there fewer strays and unwanted litters has eased overcrowding in shelters, meaning animals can be sheltered longer thereby increasing their chances of finding a home.

Other cities and counties around the country have adopted similar measures - San Francisco has significantly reduced the number of pit bull terriers and pit bull mixes abandoned and euthanized in their city after the city implemented a law that requires pit bulls to be sterilized. Palm Beach County in Florida also recently enacted a "spay or pay" mandatory sterilization law to reduce the number of animals being euthanized due to overcrowding in the tri-county area shelters.

Across the nation in the last year, over 32 counties or cities have considered compulsory spay/neuter ordinances, while 4 states considered state-wide mandatory sterilization laws. None passed at the State level, but similar legislation is expected to go before those 4 states again soon.

Mandatory sterilization is a controversial topic, with breeders baulking at increased regulation and some pet owners bristling at being forced to be responsible. But as we pointed out in a recent post encouraging pet sterilization - the numbers stack up: three to four million animals are being euthanized across this country every year, unnecessarily and at great cost to the tax payer. Compulsory pet sterilization laws may just reduce those numbers and make it easier for pets in shelters to find homes.

* Obviously there are some exemptions to these laws: for example, animals that have competed in shows or competitions, guide dogs, animals used by police agencies and those belonging to professional breeders would be exempt from these requirements.

Happy Friday!

One of our resident bloggers here has long been a fan of the LOLCATS phenomenon, and can frequently be found sniggering quietly to herself - if not dissolving into outright giggles - at the latest posts on the I Can Has Cheezburger site (you have to read this article if you're new to this whole deal - particularly if you have any investment in grammatical correctness). In fact you may have seen her sneaking one of their pictures into a recent post on this site....

Now imagine her delight to find a companion site featuring "LOLDOGS and cute puppy pictures" - I Has a Hot Dog!!!

Productivity has gone the way of the dinosaurs for today... Happy browsing!

Lost pet?

Few things can be more heart rending for a pet owner than when their beloved furry companion goes missing. We've all been that person wandering disconsolately around the neighborhood, posting flyers and calling their name at all hours, in the forlorn hope that they're stuck in a tree or hiding under a bush - never wanting to give up in case they run out of hiding a minute after you've closed the door; not wanting to entertain the possibility for a minute that this time they may never come home.

Unfortunately, of the approximately 6-8 million animals a year that enter shelters in the US, the HSUS estimates that only between 30% of dogs and just 2-5% of cats are reclaimed from shelters by their owners each year. The huge discrepancy between the percentage of dogs and cats being reclaimed may have to do with the fact that more dogs wear collars and license tags.

It goes without saying that it's important to train your pet to stay in the house or yard, but things happen - doors or gates are left open, something spooks a pet outside and causes them to bolt... Even inside pets sometimes get out and these pets are even less likely to find their way home because they are less likely to be tagged, or to know their neighborhood well.

There are things every pet's family can do to reduce the chances of losing your pet, but if they do wander off or get out here are some things you can do to increase the chances of them being found.

• License them - this ensures that if the local animal control picks them up, you are registered as their family and your pet can easily be returned to you instead of being put in the pound or - worse still, euthanized. There is a fee, but you can rest assured that the small cost of licensing your pet not only helps fund the county shelters but will pay dividends if your pet ever is lost.
• Collars with ID tags and/or contact details. Your pet's name and a contact phone number might be all that's needed for someone who has found your little truant to be able to reunite you both. According to Pets911, you can even get cute collars embroidered with your phone number so if the tag comes off, you can still be contacted!
• Microchip them - This is a painless procedure where a small microchip is inserted under your pet's skin - usually between the shoulder blades, where they can't scratch it out - most vets and shelters can then simply scan found animals (a bit like at the grocery store) to retrieve important ownership and contact information. The great thing about the microchips is that your pet can never lose theirs or slip out of it, like a collar. Microchipping is actually the law in some countries, like Australia.

There are a number of great services that have been established to help distraught people find their missing pets, which greatly improve the chances of a reunion by increasing coverage. These services will post flyers, contact shelters, even cold call all your neighbors (make sure the service is exempt from no-call lists if they offer this as a service - you want to make sure that call gets through). Here are a few that we found:

• Pet Club of America - offers Petfinders, the largest non-profit lost and found service in the United States and Canada. They have a lost/found database and a 24 hour 1800 number (800) 666-5678) and their services include contacting any facility that takes in lost animals in a 60 mile radius as well as guaranteeing payment to vets if your pet is found injured and in need of care.
• Missing Pet Partnership - these guys are a national non profit and it looks like they have a national database of pet detectives to whom they will refer you to find your pet.
• Find Toto - essentially looks like a calldown service. They have various package options (with associated costs) depending on how broadly you want (or can afford) to spread the search, and they maintain a lost pets database in case someone finds your pet and contacts them.
• Finding Paws - this is a San Francisco Bay area service, but they do cover from Fresno to the Oregon border with their intensive area search service. In addition to helping you search, they offer microchipping, creation of flyers/posters and direct mailings.

Hopefully you'll never have need of one of these services though - take sensible precautions to minimise the risk of losing your pet, and make sure you've licensed, tagged and chipped them so they can be more easily identified! A few minutes now could save you time and heartache in the future.

Pet Accessories - NOT Pets As Accessories!

Recently MSN Shopping highlighted an editor's pick of pet accessories, from colorful collars and leashes, to pet beds and dog houses, to clothing and toys. There really is no limit these days to what you can buy for your pet to make them more comfortable, fashionable or to keep them entertained - you can stick to the functional and unadorned, or you can go haute couture and completely impractical!

Some people love to coordinate their pet's look with their own, with a happy tartan leash that matches their new belt for example, while others stick doggedly to a more utilitarian look such as reinforced nylon or plain leather.

Many people dress their pets to protect them from the elements (like with this great 'horse blanket' just for dogs).

Even people who wouldn't normally think of putting a coat on their pet or buying them jewelry tend to get a bit carried away over the holidays, enthusiastically dressing their hapless animal companions up as fairies, reindeer, pumpkins and the like. Dressing your pets up can be a bit of harmless fun at holidays, as long as the animal will tolerate it and is ultimately comfortable and safe - the Humane Society of the US recommends making sure any clothes you put on your pet don't constrain movement, vision, hearing or ability to breathe. They also recommend checking pet costumes for parts that can be chewed off and choked on.

Thanks to many Hollywood celebrities like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears, these days pet fashion is a growth industry, particularly for small dog garments. Unfortunately these celebrities also appear to consider their pets more fashion accessories than companion animals, toting them around in designer carry bags to industry events and posing with them for the paparazzi .

Not all celebrities treat their pets this way, but the high degree of visibility afforded Paris' and Britney's dolled-up doggies creates a real danger - that of impressionable people wanting a pet not because they want a lifetime animal companion, but because it's "hot" right now.

What happens when Chihuahuas are no longer de rigueur because Paris or Britney decide they don't want the hassle of their furry friends any more? Or when the teen who begged for a Paris-type Pooch can't be bothered to look after it when the responsibility of pet ownership gets in the way of their lifestyle? When celebrities or other influential people use their pets as accessories it trivializes the pet ownership experience and contributes to the idea that pets are merely conveniences, to be discarded when they're no longer fun or fashionable. This sort of mindset leads to unwanted pets finding themselves in shelters looking for homes or even being euthanized unnecessarily.

Companions for Life encourages people to reject this kind of "disposable pet" mentality - any decision to buy or adopt a pet needs to be taken more seriously than whether or not they'll match your outfit. Pet ownership is a responsibility and a lifetime commitment, to some degree like deciding to have a child - there are costs and inconveniences that you need to be aware of, but the reward of unconditional love and companionship that a lifetime pet offers is worth more than any designer outfit.

So before you rush out to get your very own Tinkerbell think about what you really want and why you want it, and if you just want to be like Britney or have Paris' latest look then invest in some bling of the inanimate kind - it's much easier to switch out when the next fad comes along.

(image courtesy of http://entertainment.msn.com)

How Spaying or Neutering helps reduce "disposable pets"

Wouldn't you love to live in a world where there was a loving, lifetime home for every animal in a shelter? We certainly would! But right now, according to the Humane Society of the US, pet overpopulation is a bigger issue than most people think.

Between 6 and 8 million dogs and cats enter a shelter every year, and only about half of those actually find a home. The rest are euthanized. These aren't just street strays, a full quarter of dogs in shelters are pure bred!

By spaying or neutering your pet, you can have an impact on pet over population and also on your pet's health! And let's be honest - it's not that much fun to have to endure the nightly caterwauling of a Siamese cat in heat, or to handle all those amorous neighborhood dogs when walking your pooch when she's "in the mood".

Remember too, that pet overpopulation isn't limited to dogs and cats - we know from personal experience how fast two rabbits can become twenty (true story!) - and how hard it can be to find homes for your pet's litter.

If you are concerned about cost, the HSUS notes that "Humane societies work with veterinarians to offer subsidized and affordable spay and neuter services" - so your pet can have the best possible care for the lowest possible cost.

You can download a fact sheet by the ASPCA on spaying and neutering from the Companions for Life website in English or Spanish.

And last but not least, why not enter your pet into the HSUS Spay Day USA Photo Contest? It's a great way to win prizes as well as spreading the message about the benefits of spaying or neutering pets!

If I Didn’t Have Animals

I could walk around the yard barefoot in safety.

My house could be carpeted instead of tiled and laminated.

All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture, and cars would be free of hair.

When the doorbell rings, it wouldn’t sound like a kennel.

When the doorbell rings, I could get to the door without wading through fuzzy bodies who beat me there.

I could sit on the couch and my bed the way I wanted, without taking into consideration how much space several fur bodies would need to get comfortable.

I would have money…and no guilt to go on a real vacation.

I would not be on a first-name basis with the veterinarian, as I put his yet unborn grandkids through college.

The most used words in my vocabulary would not be out, sit, down, come, no, stay, and leave him/her/it ALONE.

My house would not be cordoned off into zones with baby gates or barriers.

My house would not look like a day care center, toys everywhere.

My pockets would not contain things like poop bags, treats and an extra leash.

I would no longer have to spell the words B-A-L-L, F-R-I-S-B-E-E, W-A-L-K, T-R-E-A-T,
B-I-K-E, G-O, & R-I-D-E.

I would not have as many leaves INSIDE my house as outside.

I would not look strangely at people who think having ONE animal ties them down too much.

I’d look forward to spring and the rainy season instead of dreading “mud” season.

I would not have to answer the question, “Why do you have so many animals?” from people who will never have the joy in their lives of knowing they are loved unconditionally by someone as close to an angel as they will ever get.

How empty my life would be...

Author Unknown

(picture courtesy of www.icanhascheezburger.com)

Pedigree Dog Adoption Drive 2008

At the Westminster Dog Show in New York earlier this month Pedigree, a long-time sponsor of the show, kicked off their annual dog adoption drive. They have a fully integrated campaign to promote the adoption drive including eloquent print and TV ads, a website (www.dogsrule.com) and a pop-up dog store/adoption center in Times square that sells “dogs rule” merchandise, the proceeds of which all go to the newly established Pedigree Adoption Drive Foundation (a non-profit).

Pedigree notes that over 4 million dogs enter shelters every year, for various reasons including when their owners move or get divorced - about half of these dogs are eventually euthanized because the shelters just can’t find homes for them. Pedigree offers free food for a month to anyone who adopts a shelter dog, and they encourage informed decision making and responsible pet ownership on their site with these great articles:

• Things to consider
• Questions to ask
• Responsible dog ownership
• Socializing your dog
• Free adoption guide (PDF file)

Pedigree also promote volunteer opportunities on their site, and helps people find shelters near them. They even have a section featuring happy-ending adoption stories!

Are you thinking of adopting a pet?
Many of these concepts apply to adopting other pets as well as dogs. Visit the Companions for Life website to find articles and links to help you evaluate if you’re ready to adopt a homeless animal, as well as cat-specific adoption information and videos to help you effectively introduce your new cat or dog into the family.

Are you a shelter helping to find animals a new home?
Companions for Life has developed a follow-up program to help shelters systematically check on the well-being of those companion animals who have been placed in a home, without compromising their existing resources. "Analyzing Adoptions" is a concise, simple, and proven program that helps you ensure effective follow-ups with minimal time and training. Check out our website for more information!

The Companions for Life adoptions library page also has useful articles and links to information that can help you more effectively “market” the pets you have for adoption and increase your adoption rates.

Happy adopting!

February Is Pet Dental Health Month!

Many pet owners regularly walk and groom their pets, have them vaccinated every year and wouldn’t dream of forgetting to feed them, but they frequently neglect their pets' dental health. It’s easy to notice if your pet is limping or bleeding but, because most dental issues aren’t obvious, by the time the problem is noticed and the animal is taken to the vet for treatment, it’s a big deal.

This type of inadvertent neglect can have a big impact on an animal's health and well being, to say nothing of the unnecessary costs incurred by pet owners to address conditions caused or exacerbated by dental issues that could have been avoided with a bit of preventative care. As in humans, poor pet dental care can cause bad breath, bleeding and inflammation of the gums, receding gums, and loss of teeth. In addition, the health of your pet’s mouth can have an effect on their overall health too – periodontal disease, which is the most common dental problem for dogs and cats in the US, can introduce bacteria and toxins into the animal’s bloodstream which can cause damage to internal organs, or even organ failure! An article published online by the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine estimates that over 70-80% of cats and dogs develop gum disease by the time they are three.

Regular checkups can do more than just prevent or treat plaque, gum disease and decay in your pet’s mouth. Serious conditions like organ damage, fractured teeth and mouth tumors (particularly common in cats, and often caught too late because of a lack of regular care) can be diagnosed early and therefore treated more successfully, with regular dental attention.

The California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) recommends taking your pet in for a regular dental check at least once a year, and to take your pet into the vet immediately if you notice swollen, receding or bleeding gums; a change in eating habits, increased drooling or bad breath.

It’s true - pet dental care is more expensive than a quick visit for vaccinations, and may involve them staying at the vet’s for the day for examination/treatment under anesthetic – but delaying or neglecting regular dental care is false economy. Paying for an annual checkup to ensure your pet’s oral health can save you time and money and heartache in the long run. You may also want to consider pet health insurance, which can help offset the cost of your animal’s dental exam or treatment. So what’s stopping you? Make that appointment today!

Sites referenced for this post:
http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vsr/dentistry/dentalcare.htm
http://www.cat-world.com.au/PeriodontalDiseaseInCats.htm
http://www.emaxhealth.com/116/20407.html
http://www.emaxhealth.com/116/20639.html

The Starfish Story, or Why We Do What We Do

The Starfish Story
adapted from The Star Thrower
by Loren Eiseley
1907 - 1977

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "I made a difference to that one!"

New Partnership

CFL President Rebecca Poling was recently appointed to the City of Dallas Animal Shelter Commission, an advisory board overseeing the Dallas Animal Services department and the new Adoption Center. Rebecca will be chairing the Commission's Education Committee. CFL looks forward to working closely with the Education Committee to bring humane education to the children of Dallas.

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.]