Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Consumer Warning: chicken jerky products for dogs (China)

FDA Issues Dog Treats Warning

November 18, 2011 — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an important bulletin warning consumers that chicken jerky products (also marketed as chicken tenders, strips or treats) may be associated with serious illness in dogs.
Over the past 12 months, the FDA has observed an increase in the number of complaints regarding canine illnesses associated with consumption of chicken jerky products imported from China.
These complaints have been reported to the government by both dog owners and veterinarians.
FDA had previously issued a cautionary warning regarding chicken jerky products in September 2007 and a Preliminary Animal Health Notification later on in December of 2008.
Unfortunately, so far, scientists have not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses. The FDA continues to conduct extensive chemical and microbial testing but has this farnot identified a contaminant.

What to Watch For

Chicken jerky products should never be considered a substitute for a balanced diet. These treats should are intended to be fed only occasionally — and in small quantities.
The FDA is advising consumers who still choose to feed their dogs chicken jerky to monitor their animals closely for any or all of the following signs that may occur within hours to days of feeding these products including:
  • Decreased appetite
  • Decreased activity
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
  • Increased water consumption
  • Increased urination
Blood tests may indicate kidney failure. And urine tests may show Fanconi syndrome (increased blood sugar). Although most dogs are likely to recover, some deaths have been reported.

What to Do

If a dog shows any of these signs, the FDA urges consumers tostop feeding the suspected products immediately.
Owners should consult a veterinarian if signs or symptoms are severe or persist more than 24 hours.
So, take precautions. And be sure to tell everyone you know.
You can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Friday, November 11, 2011

Happy Veteran's Day!


Hug a hero!  (or take your hero to hug Veteran)

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Duke Needs a Home!

Here is some info about him:  Loving home needed for a wonderful dog named Duke. He's sweet, lovable, and very pretty. He's a medium-size lab mix about 6 yrs old. Needs a fenced yard to run. He needs a new home because he isn't getting the attention he deserves.  He has no special food requirements or other needs except for a loving, forever home.  See his adorable pictures below.  Please contact LeAnne Siggelkov at (308) 539-0251.


Seeing-Eye-Goose Befriends Blind Dog

4.25.2011
Take a gander at this animal odd couple!


A blind Boxer named Baks has gotten a whole new lease on life thanks to a good samaritan goose named Buttons. Yes, you read that right. This is not a joke.

Baks has been taken under the 'wing' of Buttons, a four-year-old goose who now leads her vision-impaired pal around everywhere either by hanging onto him with her neck, or by honking to tell him which way to go. How hilarious is that?!

Owner Renata Kursa of Lublin, Poland, was heartbroken when poor lil' Bak was left blind after an accident last year. But gradually Buttons got him up on his feet and starting walking him around. They're inseparable now - they even chase the postman together,' Kursa tells the Telegraph UK.

Go Buttons! What's good for the goose is also apparently good for...the...boxer.