Category: Blog

Information and stories related to all types of animals.

Dog Food Recall

Greetings,

You’re getting this email alert because you signed up on our website and asked to be notified of dog food recalls.

Stratford Care USA, Inc of Odessa, Florida is voluntarily recallingmultiple brands of Omega-3 supplements due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin A.
 

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for dogs but high levels can cause health issues, depending on the length of exposure.
 

For full details, please visit this link: Stratford Care USA recalls Omega-3 supplements

This specific product is not currently reviewed on The Dog Food Advisor. It therefore doesn’t appear on our lists of most recommended brands, which you can view here.

Please be sure to forward this email alert to other dog owners.

If you’ve changed your mind about getting lifesaving recall alerts, no worries. There’s an “unsubscribe” link below.

Stay safe,

Andrew 

Editor
The Dog Food Advisor

Saving Good Dogs From Bad Dog Food

Dog Food Recall

Greetings, 

You’re getting this email alert because you signed up on our website and asked to be notified of dog food recalls.

NestlĂ© Purina PetCare Company has expanded its voluntary recall of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental (PPVD EL) prescription dry dog food to two additional product lots, which precede the production dates of the previously recalled lots. 

The expansion follows an investigation prompted by Purina that uncovered new information about a production error from a U.S. supplier made regarding this specific formula only and which resulted in potentially elevated levels of vitamin D.

The lots are:

UPC code: 38100 19190 – 8lb Product code: 2213 1082 (NEW)
UPC code: 38100 19192 – 20lb Product code: 2214 1082 (NEW)

No other Purina pet care products are affected.

For full details of the original recall please visit this link:

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental recalled.

This specific product is not currently reviewed on The Dog Food Advisor.

It therefore doesn’t appear on ourlists of most recommended dog foods, which you can view here.

Please be sure to forward this email alert to other dog owners.

If you’ve changed your mind about getting lifesaving recall alerts, no worries. There’s an “unsubscribe” link below.

Stay safe,

Andrew 

Editor
The Dog Food Advisor

Saving Good Dogs From Bad Dog Food

More on treats from The Dog Food Advisor.

Hello,

I hope you and your dogs all had wonderful weeks. It’s nearly the weekend and so time for our Friday email.

If you’ve not seen these emails before, they’re just a quick round-up of things we think are useful, informative, or maybe just entertaining. 

You might get a list of products we like, helpful or amusing things we’ve spotted in the news, or money-saving opportunities. No reviews or lists are or will be paid for by dog food manufacturers or retailers.

Today we bring you March’s round-up of dog treats, as chosen by our writer Sophie. If you missed the first list in February, a) you can see it on our Best Dog Treats page and b) here’s a little explanation…

We can’t rate dog treats like we rate dog food as they aren’t regulated in the same way. Also, treats aren’t dog food — they’re in addition to a complete diet, not part of one.

Plus treats are treats! So some can be a little naughty, in small doses, although we try to avoid any with nasty unnatural ingredients.

Here’s Sophie’s selection for March:

Fruitables Pumpkin & Blueberry Flavor

Sophie says: “These baked treats contain nutritious superfoods and no artificial colors or flavors. The recipe is made with zero wheat, corn, or soy and each treat is under eight calories.”

Lord Jameson Confetti Cake

“Include your pooch in the celebrations with Confetti Cake treats. Made with 100% organic and vegan ingredients including spinach, coconut, turmeric, and peanut butter. They’re also certified gluten-free.”

V-Dog Wiggle Biscuits – Blueberry

“V-Dog has crafted these plant-based dog treats using organic ingredients. Made in the USA, the blueberry treats are ideal for dogs with sensitivities thanks to the nutritionally dense buckwheat flour.”

Einstein Pets Luau Time Cleverly Crafted Dog Treats

“Luau Time treats might contain exotic ingredients such as pineapple but the recipe is actually sourced and made in the USA. You won’t find any artificial nasties either — just low-calorie, oven-baked goodness with extra fiber and Omega 3.”

Merrick Power Bites

“The number one ingredient in these natural treats is real, deboned beef. They’re grain-free, high in protein and the omega fatty acids are great for promoting skin and coat health.”

Treats that are healty

Some think I’m crazy one friend in particular, my “doggie bags” really are for the dogs if it’s something I know they will eat and is healthy. I top their kibble with Fresh Pet if I don’t have meat left over. I’ll put bone broth, flax seed, hemp seed and other healthy things which, Trixie our Border Collie will usually eat, no problem. Rudy however is much more particular. He will stop eating no matter what it is. Mahi Mahi for example, if he’s full that’s it.

Trixie eats pumpkin seeds, almonds, sunflower seeds (de shelled ) of course. Rudy I have to put the sunflower seeds, hemp hearts, whatever in his kibble or cottage or Greek yogurt and he might eat a little.

When people say they don’t feed their dogs people food I tell people all the time I’ve never heard of a wolf going in to buy some kibble. On the other hand if your eating processed lunch meat, food, whatever than at least give them good kibble.

I used to make homemade treats for them because Allie who has been gone awhile was allergic to everything. They were absolutely yummy! Everything organic and nothing you wouldn’t eat yourself. I can’t cook but those I did.

Have a great weekend and be safe

Loving these stories. I recently signed up to receive these e-mails. This one sang to me. I am a full believer in someone who has less giving more to their dog/cat because they truly are their world.

My dogs are fed well, clean food and I try not to spend the most on their kibble or topping just because I can. Nope, my comment to those that say they don’t feed their dog human food is – “I’ve never heard of a wolf going to the store to buy some kibble.”

Dogs are Omnivorous Cats are Carnivores look it up. And if you’re feed your dog processed cheese, meat or anything else, kibble is probably better. You don’t have to spend a lot to feed your four legged friend well or even just good.

I really got of track but feeding yourself and your best friend just takes some thought and love.

Enjoy this heart touching story

Happy Wednesday!

I met a man on the train last week. Carl was a homeless amputee wheelchair user and had with him a beautiful, sweet-natured Staffy called Ghost.

Carl had cuts and bruises on his face, the result of the fight he put up when someone tried to steal Ghost. 

He risked his own safety, possibly his life, to save his best friend. It wasn’t the only sacrifice he’d made for Ghost.

I couldn’t help but notice how healthy and well fed Ghost looked. Carl said he’d often gone without food for two days so his dog could eat.

Dogs come in countless shapes, sizes, and personalities — as do good dog parents.

You can take a billionaire and a homeless person and each will love their dog as much as the other.

But my heart really goes out to those people who make hefty financial sacrifices to feed and care for their dogs.

An American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) survey back in 2017 found nearly 50 million households in the US had at least one dog.

Of those, more than half had a total annual income of less than $59,000 — and 13% earned less than $20,000. The median household income that year was $60,336.

That’s millions of people on below-average incomes spending a big chunk of their paycheck on their dogs.

Ok, the data may be a bit old, but I doubt things have changed much — other than everything is a lot more expensive now!

The good news is, you don’t need to be a billionaire, or even an average earner, to feed your dog good food.

We’ve warned how misleading the word ‘premium’ can be on labels. Well, the same goes for price tags.

Just because a dog food is expensive, it doesn’t necessarily make it good — and there are plenty of more affordable brands that we rate really highly.

That’s why we listed the Best Budget-Friendly Dog Foods for 2023.

We want you to know, even in these tough times, you can give your dog a healthy diet — as well as a whole lot of love.

Which, of course, is free.

Until next time,

Andrew

Editor
The Dog Food Advisor
Saving Good Dogs From Bad Dog Food
 

P.S. If you decide you’re in the wrong place, no worries. You’ll find a full unsubscribe link in the footer of this email. Or if you only want to get recall alerts and nothing else, click here.

P.P.S. Need help choosing dog food? Check out The Advisor’s Best Dog Foods page. There, you’ll find our most recommended brands in each of 39 different categories. 


P.P.P.S. Did someone forward this email to you? Get FREE lifesaving recall alerts by email. No spam ever. Cancel anytime.

Dogs licking……

We have had eight dogs now, and none of them licked, except for Rudy. He can’t help himself! If he wants to bite your nose, lick your face or stick his tongue in your ear. He’s going to do it. The good part is he’s a small dog, he has a dry tongue and it’s not like getting licked by Trixie, the Border Collie..

When this article from pet MD showed up in my e-mail I had to post it because it explains a lot of things. For example, the way our dogs lick and why are they licking. When Allie would lick a wall I know it’s because she didn’t feel good. Something was wrong nervousness, anxiety, whatever. Rudy licks you because he’s happy. He loves you. He’ll also grab your ankles. Most people don’t find that amusing but in many ways it’s just what he does although he can also do it as a warning when he is not quite sure about you. He will also put his mouth around your hand. If you aren’t trying to assist me, because I’m in a wheelchair, it’s just a friendly warning most everyone knows it and teases him letting him know “I’m going to give your mom a hug”.

Read the article and leave your thoughts.

Why Dogs Lick Everything

Although licking can be harmless in some cases, it can also signal an issue, whether it’s heath or behavior related.

Behavioral Issues

If your pup doesn’t seem to favor licking just one thing, it’s likely a self-soothing behavior or a compulsive habit. This habit did not start overnight and will not go away quickly. It’s also important to realize that if your dog licks everything, they have also been using licking as a way to communicate to you.

Some dogs lick habitually out of boredom. You can help prevent this type of habit from developing by providing your dog lots of stimulation and exercise throughout the day.

Try playing fetch outside or going for a walk or run with your pup. Additionally, kennel-training your pup while you are away from home for brief periods can keep them from licking objects in your home that could lead to destructive behavior or ingestion of dangerous objects.

If you are having other behavioral issues with your dog, seek assistance from your veterinarian to help rule out potential causes. If you feel your dog’s licking has become uncontrollable, it is important to recognize it early on to avoid other problems, as it can be a sign of separation anxiety.

Because such behavior can lead to destructive or harmful outcomes, you and your veterinarian can discuss options such as reaching out to professional trainers or an animal behaviorist who can thoroughly evaluate your pet.

Health Issues

When a dog licks everything, it can also be a sign of infection or gastrointestinal upset. Having your dog checked out by your vet can help you determine if there is an underlying health issue.

If you ignore your dog’s licking behavior, it can lead to self-trauma, secondary infections, or unwanted, destructive behaviors. Always speak with your veterinarian if you think your dog is showing signs of an infection, as they may need treatment.

Why Dogs Lick Specific Things

If your dog likes to lick certain things, or they like licking people or other animals, here are some potential reasons behind the behavior.

People

Dogs instinctively lick and groom themselves. Just as mother dogs will lick and clean their pups, some dogs feel the need to lick their favorite person in the world. Whether it’s a sign of respect or love for you or the left-behind crumbs from your lunch, your dog finds comfort in licking you.

Your dog may also discover that your skin tastes salty from your sweat after a gym session, so they will want to lick it. They also know that licking you will get your attention, so many dogs will lick you to distract you from whatever else you are focused on so you can pet them.

Sometimes it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of licking, so it’s good to check with your veterinarian to rule out other issues.

Air

Your dog licking at the air does not always come after smelling freshly baked cookies. Dogs can start to lick their lips in anticipation of a meal or a treat.

Excessive licking at the air, however, can be the result of a neurologic or compulsive disorder. If your pet has not been evaluated recently by your veterinarian, take them for a physical exam. Your veterinarian will be able to rule out any neurologic diseases as well as dental pain or dental disease, as licking the air can be a sign of discomfort.

Couches/Furniture

Although it may seem gross, sweat from you or food from a late-night snack can be left behind in the furniture, leaving a wonderful treat your dog can find and enjoy later. Dogs will also lick furniture to explore their surroundings and survey the area for any new activity.

Keeping your furniture clear of crumbs and cleaning the surfaces can help prevent your furniture from being soaked in saliva.

If your dog’s furniture licking appears to be a continuous, compulsive activity, try offering fun and tasty toys or interactive games to keep your dog busy and so they can’t destroy your couch or other furniture. Daily exercise can also burn excess energy that pets may have at the end of the day.

Flooring or Carpet

Dogs may lick the floor or carpet to clean up a mess, but it can lead to destructive behavior where your dog is eating or destroying things. Licking the floor can also become a compulsive habit.

Keep your dog entertained and stimulated throughout the day to ensure they do not resort to licking and possibly chewing the floor. Offer lots of playtime and chew toys as alternatives if your dog is fascinated by carpet. Keep the floor clean and clear of foods or objects, which could be toxic to your dog or result in an obstruction.

Have your veterinarian examine your dog regularly to rule out diseases as well.

Their Toys

Does your dog suddenly seem fascinated with licking their toys? Although some toys have a tasty covering, some dogs will lick their toys for a soothing sensation, especially after they are reunited with a favorite toy.

Finding comfort in familiar toys and surroundings can bring dogs a sense of calmness. Therefore, licking their toys in moderation is typically not a sign of any deeper issue.

Each Other (Other Dogs’ Ears, Eyes, Mouths, etc.)

Some dogs will lick their furry best friend for various reasons, including:

  • Comfort/communication with their companion
  • Exploring
  • Sign of infection (e.g., ear infection, conjunctivitis, gingivitis)

Dogs licking other dogs can be sweet and cute. However, it should be avoided in excess, as it can also lead to other problems. By introducing bacteria from one dog to another, it can lead to new infections. It is best to not let the licking be in excess, as it can lead to further irritation of infections.

Their Own Paws/Tails/Backs/Legs/Lips/Groin Area

Does your furry friend spend the day licking their feet, or an immense amount of time taking care of self-hygiene?

Dog will lick themselves for grooming needs, but it can also be a sign of allergies or other skin conditions, especially if the area is reddened, missing hair, or appears abnormal in any way. If you notice these signs, reach out to your veterinarian, as they could be signs of dermatitis or skin inflammation.

The most common skin infections are caused by an allergen in the environment, which leads to further skin infections that require treatment. Your vet will prescribe oral medications if needed or may recommend placing an e-collar or “cone of shame” on your dog to avoid further irritation to infected or itchy areas.

If your dog is consistently licking an area but you do n

Dog food recall February 9 from Dog Food Advisor

Greetings, 

NestlĂ© Purina PetCare Company is voluntarily recalling select lots of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental (PPVD EL) prescriptiondry dog food due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for dogs but high levels can cause health issues, depending on the length of exposure.

For full details, please visit this link:

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental recalled.

Holiday Tinsel

From our friends at PetMD

Holiday Pet Safety Hazard: Tinsel

Profile picture for user Dr. Sandra Mitchell

Written by:Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVPPUBLISHED: NOVEMBER 16, 2018FacebookTwitterPinterest

By Dr. Sandra Mitchell, DVM

It is Christmastime, and the clinic is decked out with seasonal decorations, Christmas cards are displayed on the walls, and carols are playing in the waiting room. However, one couple that’s waiting looks anything but happy, and their cat looks downright depressed. Socks was a 12-week-old kitten who had been vomiting for several days and was then lethargic and unable to keep even water down. Socks had indeed eaten some tinsel which had become stuck throughout his intestinal track.

Sadly, this is a very common holiday experience for most veterinarians. Cats and dogs—particularly younger animals—are inquisitive, and the holiday season brings all kinds of new things into the household, from trees and decorations to packaging and new foods. All of these have their own inherent dangers, but none are as common of a pet safety risk as tinsel.

What Is Tinsel?

Tinsel refers to the strands of shiny plastic or metallic decorations that mimic bits of ice that many of us love to use on our trees and wreaths. Sometimes it comes as individual strands, and other times, it comes in longer ropes.

Silver used to be the “standard” color, but in recent years, gold, blue, red and green tinsel has become increasingly popular. These strands are difficult to chew and do not break down in the intestinal tract. They are surprisingly strong and can become lodged in places such as under the tongue or within the stomach or intestine.

How Is This Dangerous?

Tinsel is incredibly dangerous to both dogs and cats—as well as other household pets who might see fit to play with it. Often, the animal starts out playing with the shiny tinsel, which shimmers and moves with the lightest touch.

This exploration then involves the mouth—and then the animal winds up actually eating it. For some, it will head down the “wrong pipe”—causing them to choke and cough.  With luck, they are able to actually cough it up and out—eliminating the problem. For others, though, the tinsel is actually swallowed and heads down into the intestinal tract.

What If Your Pet Swallows Tinsel?

So, what happens after it is swallowed? If we are really lucky, nothing—and your pet simply has some shiny poop a few days later. However, if the tinsel gets hung up anywhere along the way—under the tongue, balled up within the stomach, or strung out in the intestinal tract—we have a problem, Houston.

This is a situation referred to by veterinarians as a “foreign body”—something stuck in the intestinal tract that doesn’t belong there. Many times, this triggers vomiting and a reduced appetite. Because it can occur a few hours to a few days after the tinsel was ingested, owners often no longer remember what the pet ate that may be causing a problem. Once the tinsel has been swallowed, we really don’t have a lot of choice except to wait and watch for any signs of illness. Some animals will only have mild signs, making the owners thing that she just ate something that didn’t sit quite right. Other pets will be markedly ill.

My Pet Is Sick. Now What?

The sooner we see your pet after they have become ill, the better we can help—so don’t waste any time if you think your animal may have eaten tinsel.

Once they are showing signs of illness, we will usually do some testing, including an exam, radiographs and sometimes an ultrasound. If we confirm or strongly suspect a foreign body, most times, surgery is required.

Our goal is to go in and find and remove the tinsel as quickly as possible, before it can cause more mischief—and repair any damage that it did while moving through the intestines, which sometimes can be quite severe. 

How Do I Keep My Pet Safe?

The whole process of removing tinsel sounds horrible—how do you prevent this from happening to your pet? Personally, I simply do not include tinsel in my Christmas decorations. My animals are not able to eat something that isn’t even in my house.

However, if this decoration is an important part of your holiday rituals, consider using the rope-like tinsel, which is harder for the animals to eat in any quantity.  Placing any tinsel you use—whether the rope form or the strand form—up quite high and out of the reach of your pets is helpful.

Keep in mind that cats will enjoy climbing the Christmas tree, so you may not even be able to place it high enough in the tree to avoid those curious paws!

So, what happened with Socks, the sick kitten at the start of our story? After an extensive surgery, tinsel was removed from his stomach and three different places in his intestine. Fortunately, however, he was able to make a full recovery and was back home with his owners in time to celebrate the New Year!

Rain in California…..it happens.

Modeling the rain attire for the best dressed is Jordy . Looking stunning in this bright yellow rain coat with the hood covering so that he has no interruption searching the smells.

In the second photo we see Jordy taking in the fresh clean surroundings during a break in the rain. (Image not uploading)

Ladies, you’re going to have to get in line Jordy is a Yorky, 5 lbs and 2 years He is living with his human, Marilyn in his forever home in Huntington Beach.

Today is about cats. I haven’t had one since I was 19. The sticker is from PetMd. Leave a comment let me know your thoughts.

Do Cats Burp?

Profile picture for user Dr. Stephanie Betbeze

Written by:Stephanie Betbeze, DVMPUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 21, 2021FacebookTwitterPinterest

Many people burp after eating a large meal or drinking a beverage. Dogs also routinely burp after drinking a lot of water on a hot summer day. But can cats burp? And if they can, does it mean something is wrong?

Here’s what you should know about cat burping and what you should do if your cat burps.

Is It Normal for a Cat to Burp?

In a short answer, no. Cats are normally not going to let out a loud belch while lying on the couch after finishing supper. Burping in cats is uncommon and rarely seen on a daily basis.

Cats primarily breathe from their nose, so excess air entering their gastrointestinal tract is relatively uncommon compared to other species.

Why Do Cats Burp?

Any gastrointestinal upset, which many cats are prone to developing, could lead to abnormal sounds. Health issues such as sensitive stomach, hairballs, acid reflux, and indigestion can increase the chances of hearing a burp from your frisky feline.

Burping can also be a sign of esophagitis, or inflammation in your cat’s esophagus due to gastrointestinal upset. Esophagitis can occur from the administration of oral medications, as the hard substance can literally scratch your cat’s esophagus as the medication slides down to their stomach.

Although rare, cats can also swallow excess air when treats are given or medication is administered, and this can result in a burp.

If you think your cat is exhibiting persistent digestive symptoms, they could have feline inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a group of diseases that can affect your cat’s digestive system. It’s characterized by inflammation throughout the GI tract. The exact type of disease depends on where the inflammation occurs. Cats with IBD may have other symptoms besides burping, including losing weight, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of energy (lethargy), blood in their stool, and a loss of interest in food.

Burping can also be the result of anesthetic procedure, where muscles involved in digestion are temporarily affected. This cause is very unlikely but could be possible following a surgical or anesthetic event. The burping should resolve quickly as the anesthetic wears off.

When Should You Be Concerned About Cat Burping?

If your cat burps every now and then, even if they have gone years without burping, it may not be anything to worry about. There is not always an underlying issue that causes your cat to burp. Burping can occur whenever your cat swallows excess air. A burping sound heard once every now and then is probably fine to monitor at home.

Some cats may be more prone to burping if their habits or daily activities result in consuming excess air. But if you think your cat is trying to burp the ABCs, or they are making a similar sound in excess, seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

Any symptom in addition to frequent burping, such as nasal congestion, hacking, or gagging excessively, is an indication that your cat has an underlying issue that needs to be treated.  

What Should You Do If Your Cat Is Burping?

If your cat is burping frequently, has any trouble breathing, or is exhibiting gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting or diarrhea, call your veterinarian as soon as possible so they can examine your cat to rule out anything serious.

Try recording a video of your cat making the burping sound or any other unusual sounds so you can show your veterinarian. As we know, pets are unlikely to show their symptom on arrival to the vet office!

If your cat recently underwent a medical procedure or was recently diagnosed and treated for any reason, check with your veterinarian if the burp frequency changes around the time of the procedure or when medication was started.

If your cat’s burping is due to esophagitis following the administration of oral medications, they may need additional medication to help their esophagus lining heal.

Cats suffering from IBD benefit from a high-quality diet that offers maximum nutrient density and is easily digestible. A great diet helps in producing normal bowel movement frequency and consistency while eliminating common causes of gastric irritation or stomach upset. Your veterinarian can help carefully select a great diet specific to your pet’s needs.

It is important to offer water with meals and when giving medications to avoid excess air from being swallowed. Additionally, if your cat is scarfing food down at each meal, you can attempt to feed several smaller meals throughout the day to avoid excess air being swallowed. Also consider a puzzle bowl to extend the amount of time spent eating each meal.