The FDA has posted guidelines on their website for safe handling of pet food. These recommendations were posted in response to an outbreak of illness in humans, tied to the recent recall of 2 varieties of dog food produced by Mars PetCare. The recall was announced when the FDA found Salmonella in a sample of food after routine testing. The multi-state outbreak of illness in humans is being investigated by CDC, FDA and state health departments.
Salmonella is not a common contaminant of properly processed dry or canned pet food. It is most likely to be found in raw meat diets. However, if pet food is contaminated, everyday handling of the food, scoops and bowls could allow humans in the household to become infected. Pets that consume tainted food may not become ill, but may shed Salmonella in their feces, which could contaminate the environment.
Read the guidelines on the FDA site to learn how to protect yourself and your family from illness.
Much of the United States is experiencing extreme heat conditions right now. Make sure to protect your pets from intense heat, as heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency.
Pets should never be taken in the car while you run errands, unless the temperature is below 70 degrees and you are going to leave the windows at least partiallly open.
If your pet spends most of the day outdoors, make sure that there is plenty of shade and plenty of water. If possible, it would be best to move your pet indoors to a basement or climate-controlled garage if you can't leave your pet inside the main house. Another option is to purchase a crate or kennel box and put your pet inside the house in this crate.
Don't take your dog running with you, especially if your weather is not only hot, but humid too. Your dog cools down by panting and is incapable of cooling enough during exercise in hot, humid weather. Be mindful of how your pet is acting while playing outdoors as well and save play time for early in the morning or later in the evening.
If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke, contact your veterinarian immediately! This is a real emergency. Damage to the vital organs is irreversible if the heat stroke progresses too far before treatment begins.
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Did you know that there are about 2,000 dogs accompanying United States soldiers? These dogs are specifically trained for military duty. In the Middle East many are being used to sniff bombs and warn their handlers by stopping and staring at the device or suspicious scent.
These military dogs are doing a job that their sensitive noses are specifically designed for. The dogs are also trained in protection and in how to subdue an individual on command. It is estimated that each dog has about a $25,000 investment in it prior to being ready to go to war. These dogs are cared for by army veterinarians or even medics that have received special training to care for these dogs out in the field.
Read more about some of these dogs on MSNBC, through our Pet News link.
Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Jacqueline C. Neilson wants pet owners and veterinarians to understand the importance of pet behavior. Behavioral issues are the most common reason that pets die each year. Pet owners should work closely with their veterinarian to address problem behaviors before they ruin the relationship between owner and pet. Dr. Neilson is encouraging additional education for veterinary students regarding normal and abnormal pet behavior.
New test available to determine the likely breed makeup of mixed breed dogs may help identify behaviors specific to certain breeds and medical concerns.
There are diseases and cancers that are more likely to occur in certain breeds and understanding the makeup of mixed breed dogs may help us screen for these diseases earlier, making treatment much more successful.
Sally the Saluki, a dog rescued from the Kuwaiti desert, is a candidate for a new type of limb replacement. Researchers at Colorado State University's veterinary school are going to attempt the insertion of an artificial limb into the remainder of Sally's severed leg. This new type of prosthesis may offer options not only for pets that require the removal of a limb, but also for humans that have lost limbs. The prosthesis is actually inserted into the bone and new bone grows around it. The challenge will be replacing muscles and skin to cover the prosthesis. Researchers are working to raise the funds necessary to cover the expense of Sally's treatment.
If the treatment is not successful, Sally will likely do just fine with only three limbs.
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Make sure your pets are protected from parasites like heartworms. Heartworms are transmitted to unprotected pets through the bite of a mosquito. Easy to use monthly medications can be obtained from your veterinarian.
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