05.19.12

                                SUMMER SAFETY TIPS + REMINDERS

With the upcoming holiday + the start of summer, I thought it would be a good time to talk about  "pet safety" with a few tips + reminders.

There are number of  toys for pets that are designed to keep them cools like "hyrdo toys" in the shape of balls and bones.  You just soak in cold water + can freeze them.  As you pet chews on the toy it releases cold water to help keep them hydrated.

Cooling bandanas are another way to keep your pets cool.  Soak in cold water + freeze + when you are ready for a walk with your pet, just put on the bandana + it will keep them cool for quite some time.

You can also make refreshing, healthy  treats by mixing peanut butter, banana, honey + yogurt (or whatever your pet likes) + freezing in ice cube trays.  They LOVE these special treats.

Always bring your pet's water bottle filled with cold water + ice when boating or for trips to the dog park or beach + with our heat + humidity, even on short walks.

A life vest is as important for your pet's as it is for you.  Boating pets should always be
secured in a life vest + for those dogs that love the water, it's a good idea for the dog beach as well.

Dogs sweat differently than humans.  We sweat through our pores, pets sweat through their paw pads + tongue.  So when you see your dog panting this is how they release heat.  Many of our customers cut their dog's hair short in the summer, that's ok... but we do not recommend shaving them as their fur or hair acts as a "coolant" in the the summer. 

And believe it or not, our pets can  sunburn.  A natural pet sunscreen is a must for lite colored + short haired dogs or dogs that have been cut shorter for the summer.  Don't forget to apply to their nose + ears. 

And last but not least... NEVER EVER leave your pet in a vehicle with the windows cracked while your run errands.  The temperature in a car can escalate within minutes + can end tragically for your pet.

05.09.12

Two Solids Gold Products Added to Recall List.

http://truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/solid-gold-pet-food-recall.html



05.05.12/4:00pm

Here is a link for the latest recall information. 

http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-recall/diamond-dog-food-recall-summary/




05.05.12/13:30am

           IMPORTANT VOLUNTARY RECALL INFORMATION 
          ON DIAMOND DRY CANINE + DRY FELINE FOODS

 

 

It is challenging to keep up with the ongoing e-mail from the manufacturer + distributors on the recalls.  I will continue to monitor my email on a "hourly" basis in order to relay up-to-the-minute information.  The voluntary recall is based on "potential salmonella". Please note that the voluntary recall is for both Diamond dry dog + dry cat food.

                               Pet Parents
            For answers to your questions + information on how
to return products you are required to call the below hotline numbers.

Diamond: 866.918.8756
8am - 6pm EST
Monday - Sunday or www.diamondpetrecall.com

Wellpet: 877.227.9587
8am - 6pm EST Monday - Friday
9am - 5pm Saturday/Sunday

Natural Balance: 800.829.4493
8am - 5pm EST or www.naturalbalanceinc.com

Canidae: 800.398.1600
Press 1 for Consumer Service.
9am - 5pm PST

            The following brands have issued a voluntary recall. 
            More information will be following as it is released.

Diamond Pet Dry Dog Food Brands

To determine if what you have is  affected, you should check the production codes on the back of bags that  have a number "2" or a "3" in the 9th or 10th digit and an "X" in the 11th digit.  The best-before dates for the recalled brands are December 9, 2012 through April 7, 2013. 

• Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul - All skus
• Country Value - All Skus
• Diamond - All Skus
• Diamond Naturals - All Skus
• Premium Edge - All Skus
• Professional - All Skus
• Taste of the Wild - All Skus

The below Wellness sku with a Best by Date of January 9, 10, & 11th  2013:

Wellness Complete Health® Super5Mix® Large Breed Puppy, 15 and 30 lb. bags and 5 oz. samples with best by dates of JAN 9 2013 through JAN 11 2013

 Please note that no salmonella cases have been reported on Wellpet. They are recalling for the safety of the pet and the pet parent.

The below Natural Balance Skus:

5 LB Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison Dog; Best By Date: December 12, 2012; December 13, 2012; March 12, 2013

15 LB Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison Dog; Best By Date: December 12, 2012; December 13, 2012; December 14, 2012; March 5, 2013; March 6, 2013

28 LB Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison Dog; Best By Date: December 12, 2012; December 13, 2012; December 14, 2012; March 5, 2013; March 6, 2013; March 7, 2013; March 8, 2013; March 12, 2013

5 LB Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog; Best By Date: December 10, 2012; December 21, 2012; December 22, 2012

15 LB Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog; Best By Date: December 10, 2012; December 21, 2012; December 22, 2012

28 LB Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog; Best By Date: December 10, 2012; December 21, 2012; December 22, 2012

5 LB Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Bison Dog; Best By Date: December 17, 2012; December 18, 2012; December 28, 2012; December 29, 2012

15 LB Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Bison Dog; Best By Date: December 9, 2012; December 17, 2012; December 18, 2012; December 28, 2012; December 29, 2012

28 LB Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Bison Dog; Best By Date: December 9, 2012; December 17, 2012; December 18, 2012; December 28, 2012; December 29, 2012

5 LB Natural Balance Vegetarian Dog; Best By Date: December 9, 2012

28 LB Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog Large Breed Bites; Best By Date: December 12, 2012; December 20, 2012; December 21, 2012 

5 LB Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog Small Breed Bites; Best By Date: December 21, 2012

12.5 LB Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog Small Breed Bites; Best By Date: December 21, 2012

Please note that no salmonella cases have been reported on Natural Balance. They are recalling for the safety of the pet and the pet parent.

The below Canidae skus with production codes that have both a number "3" in the 9th or 10th digit and an "X" in the 11th digit with a best before dates of December 9, 2012, through January 31, 2013 which are being recalled.

Canidae Dog, All Life Stages
Canidae Dog, Chicken Meal & Rice
Canidae Dog, Lamb Meal & Rice
Canidae Dog, Platinum

A message from Canidae: 

It is with regret that we are reporting a voluntary recall on a limited production run of CANIDAE dry dog food produced out of the Diamond Pet Foods South Carolina plant. Even though not one of our products have been tested positive for Salmonella, it is out of pure precaution that this product is being removed from the market place. We are working diligently to make this process as seamless as possible for you, our retailers and consumers.

Following is an example of how to read the production code and best before date: 

Production Code                              Best Before Date

FDE0104R5 3X TS                              10 - January - 2013        

The recall affects only products distributed in the following Eastern U.S. states which were manufactured at the Diamond Pet Food Gaston, South Carolina plant. Further distribution to other pet food channels may occur:

Florida, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee

 

   
                              CHICKEN TREATS FROM CHINA 
                LINKED WITH FANCONI-LIKE SYMPTOMS


As if we did not have enough with the food recall several years ago, there has been an increase of complaints to the FDA since November of 2011 about illnesses in dogs due to consumption of chicken treats. The products involved are imported from China + include chicken jerky, tenders, strips + treats.

Be aware of the symptoms associated with these products. Decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes in the blood; increased water consumption and/or increased urination. Testing may indicate kidney problems, including Fanconi-like symptoms. Many dogs recover, however, some reports to the FDA have involved dogs that have died.

To date, there has not a mandatory recall. Why? Because the exact contaminant has not been detected + the FDA cannot require a recall based on complaints alone.

Should your pet exhibit the symptoms mentioned, contact your vet immediately + report the instance to the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator in your state.

As you are aware, Pawprint Essentials prides itself on providing the healthiest canine + feline diets + treats.  We have never carried any pet foods made in China, however, we have carried a few "requested" treats that are made in China. In light of continuing health concerns surrounding pet products made in China, we will no longer carry any treats made in China.

We have always been vigilant in researching to find the healthiest + safest products for our pet friends + will continue to do so with even more vigor. You have trusted your pets health to Pawprint Essentials + we will make certain that we continue to earn that trust. 


                              I RESCUED A HUMAN TODAY

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life. She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.

Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.