Thursday, July 1, 2010

Cat owners: Iams recalls canned cat food

The Procter & Gamble Co. is recalling Iams ProActive Health canned cat and kitten food in 3-ounce and 5.5-ounce cans that expire September 2011 to June 2012.

Tests have shown the food contains insufficient levels of Vitamin B1, which is essential to feline health. Cats that eat only this canned food are at risk of developing thiamin deficiency. Symptoms include loss of appetite, salivation, vomiting, weight loss, downward curving of the neck, wobbly gait, falling, circling and seizures. Typically, thiamin deficiency can be reversed.

For more information or a product refund, call the company toll-free at 877-340-8826.

Pet food recall: Discontinue using Natural Balance dog food

The ASPCA is advising pet parents to immediately discontinue the use of Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food with the "best by" date of June 17, 2011, in 5- and 28-lb. bags.

The manufacturer has announced a voluntary recall due to potential Salmonella contamination. No illnesses have been reported, and the Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food with the aforementioned "best by" date is the only product affected. Pet parents should avoid direct contact and wash their hands thoroughly after handling any potentially contaminated food.

Pet donations: How to help Gulf families hurt by oil spill

Animal Rescue New Orleans is looking for donations so families who lost their jobs since the oil disaster in the Gulf don't also have to lose their pets. People are calling the ARNO hotlines saying they can no longer afford their pets. ARNO is a no-kill shelter.

"The shelters are beyond full,'' according to the ARNO website.

They're requesting people to sponsor families' pets through their Pet Retention Program for $25 a month so families can keep their pets. "We provide whatever the pet needs, i.e. food, medical care (maintenance and extraordinary), transportation to and from the vet, dog houses, and even a carrier to make sure they have provisions to evacuate with the pet. The caseworker assigned to the family stays assigned to that family to assure that care is consistent and to know of social services they might need for the human members of the family.''

Winner of World's Ugliest Dog Competition

Princess Abby Francis, a Chihuahua, won the World's Ugliest Dog Competition at the 22nd annual contest held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California. World's Ugliest Dog Competition

3 new breeds accepted by AKC

The American Kennel Club is adding the Cane Corso, Icelandic Sheepdog and Leonberger as the 165th, 166th, and 167th AKC recognized breeds. Photos of new AKC breeds

The Icelandic Sheepdog will join the herding group while both the Cane Corso and Leonberger will join the working Group.

The new breeds became eligible for AKC registration on June 1, 2010 and are eligible for competition in their respective groups at conformation shows held on and after June 30, 2010.

Pet Safety during July 4 Celebrations

Please consider your pets' safety during Fourth of July revelry. Pets should be left at home during fireworks displays, but even animals that are left indoors can be frightened terribly by the hiss, boom and pop.

If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety.

Animals left outside can escape a fenced yard and become lost in the terror of the moment.

Animal shelters across the country are accustomed to an annual increase in lost dogs and cats because of fireworks season, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

If the sound of fireworks is inevitable, leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep (pets) company while you're attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations. Or better yet, have someone stay with your pets while you are enjoying the outside activities.