Monthly Archives: June 2013
Product Review – Thundershirt
Thundershirt is a product for dogs that promises much and delivers even more. It is a shirt for dogs that is used to help an overexcited or anxiety ridden dog. It claims to help a dog who gets frightened of thunder storms separation anxiety, excessive barking, over anxious when guests come to visit, and an overall hyperactive dog that has not responded to any other treatment.
For us, Sasha had severe separation anxiety, was hyper active and used to shiver and shake and hide during thunder storms. She used to whimper and whine and would pace, pant and bark and chew when we would leave her alone for any longer than 10 minutes.
Thundershirt comes in sizes xxsmall to xx large. They should fit snugly, they are made of stretchy cotton material with velcro for keeping it on your dog.
I will say that this shirt has been a miracle. Sasha does not get upset when we leave, during storms she stays calm (and has even fallen asleep, I am sharing pictures). She does not whimper and whine anymore. She hardly barks and she is an all round happier, playful dog.
If your dog is suffering, think about using this product. If you are using it when there is a storm, try to put it on about a half hour before the storm starts. It usually helps to keep it on for that amount of time.
Here is a video list that explains much better than I can about what the Thundershirt does. They even released a Thundershirt for cats.
Final Verdict: If your dog has anxiety of any kind and needs something to help them, rather than put them on medication, try this product. It is wonderful and I can’t imagine not having this and using it. It is for sale on wag.com . Try it and I am sure you won’t be disappointed.
Sasha before the storm, feeling anxious, then Sasha during the storm. It was thundering like crazy and she was sound asleep:
Recipe Friday – Turkey Yummy Meatballs for Dogs
These treats are very simple to make and are sure to make your dog beg for more! Remember to feed in moderation.
Ingredients:
- 1 Pound ground turkey
- 3/4 Cup cooked brown rice
- 3/4 Cup cooked broccoli, chopped
- 1/2 Teaspoon finely chopped oregano
- Butter
Directions:
1.Mix together all the ingredients in a bowl.
2.Roll into large meatballs, there should be enough for between 10-20. All depends on the size of your dog.
3. Fry them in a pan with butter on medium heat until done.
Store in refrigerator for up to one week, freeze any leftovers.
Dog Food Recall – Robert Abady Recalls Abady Frozen Dog Foods
Here is the information on this recall:
June 19, 2013 – The Robert Abady Company of Poughkeepsie, New York, has announced it is voluntarily recalling two of their frozen dog food products due to contamination with Salmonella bacteria.
Where Were the Products Sold?
The affected dog foods were distributed in retail stores and kennels in the following states:
- Connecticut
- New York
- New Jersey
- Massachusetts
The company claims there have been no reports of pet or human illness reported to date.
What’s Being Recalled?
The recalled products include…
- Abady Frozen High Stress/High Performance Dog Food (3 lbs)
- Abady Frozen Growth Formula for Puppies of the Large and Giant Breed (3 1bs)
The affected dog foods were packaged in uncoded frozen 3 pound chubs.
About Salmonella
Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping
- Fever
Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.
Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.
Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
What to Do?
Consumers who have purchased the affected products should discard them or return them to the place of purchase.
Those with questions may contact the Robert Abady Dog Food Company at 845-473-1900 or 877-992-2239.
You can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.
Or go to http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.
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Recipe Friday – Peanut Butter Banana Doggie Treats
Here are some yummy treats for your pup.
Ingredients:
- 1 Banana, peeled
- 1 Cup oat flour
- 2/3 Cup rolled oats
- 1/2 Cup dried parsley
- 3 Tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 Egg, beaten
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. Put banana in a large bowl and use a spoon or potato masher to mash it thoroughly.
3. Add oat flour, oats, parsley, peanut butter, and egg and stir well to combine. Set aside for 5 minutes.
4. Roll mixture into 24 balls, using about 1 tablespoon dough for each.
5. Transfer each ball to a large parchment paper-lined baking sheet as done. Use the back of a spoon or the heel of your hand to press each ball into a (1 1/2 to 2 inch) coin.
6. Bake until firm and deep golden brown on the bottom, 40 to 45 minutes. Set aside to let cool completely.
7. It’s best to store these in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Or, freeze them to give to your dog later; just be sure to thaw the treats before serving.
Dog Food Recall – Once again, Natura, EVO, California Naturals, Innova and other dry dog foods
This is disturbing, yet another recall due to salmonella has been issued for EVO, California Naturals, Innova, as well as other brands. Read on please:
June 18, 2013 – Natura Pet Products of Fremont, Nebraska, has today announced it is voluntarily recalling specific lots of dry pet food because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.
The recall includes specific lots of these brands…
- Innova
- EVO
- California Natural
- Healthwise
- Karma
- Mother Nature
No canned food is affected by this announcement.
The news of the event has been confirmed in a news release posted by the FDA.
What Products Are Recalled?
Where Were They Distributed?
The affected products are sold in bags through…
- Veterinary clinics
- Select pet specialty retailers
- Online in the USA and Canada
About Salmonella
Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping
- Fever
Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.
Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.
Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
These products were packaged in a single production facility. During routine FDA testing, a single lot tested positive for the presence of Salmonella.
There have been no reports of pet or human illness associated with this product. In an abundance of caution, Natura is voluntarily recalling all products with expiration dates prior to June 10, 2014.
What to Do?
Consumers who have purchased the specific dry pet foods listed should discard them.
For further information or a product replacement or refund, call Natura toll free at 800-224-6123, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM CT.
You can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.
Or go to http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.
Get Critical Dog Food Recall Alerts
Delivered to You by Email
Get dog food recall alerts delivered right to your Inbox the moment we become aware of them. Subscribe to The Dog Food Advisor’s Dog Food Recall Alert email notification list now.
Recipe Friday – Yogurt Bone Shaped Berry Parfait For Dogs
This is a great, cool treat for your doggies. One thing to mention, use Greek yogurt for a layer on the bottom, to make them easier to manage and give a thicker texture. (It does not freeze as well as the regular yogurt, so if you want them to be hard frozen do not use any Greek yogurt). You don’t have to use a bone shaped cookie cutter, anything will do, but the bone shape makes it cute for your dog. This recipe makes one dog bone treat, so if you want to make more, double or triple the recipe.
Ingredients:
- ~1 tablespoon of Greek Yogurt
- ~1 tablespoon of Plain Yogurt
- ~2 teaspoon of fresh blackberries juice (=3 pieces of blackberries)
- 4 x-small pieces of strawberries
- 1 teaspoon of oats (you can use organic, gluten free oats for those dogs with allergies.)
Directions
Use a Bone cookie cutter as a mold. Place it on a flat surface. I used a plate.
1. Pour into the mold ~ 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt.* Freeze it for about an hour. (or more depending on how hard you might want to try to make the treat. Remember, it does not freeze as well as the regular yogurt, so you might just want to use regular yogurt for the whole recipe).
2. Pour ~2 teaspoons of the fresh blackberries juice. Smashed blackberries can be added too. Freeze it for about 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Place little pieces of strawberries.
4. Pour ~1 tablespoon of plain yogurt. Freeze it for 20 minutes.
5. Place the oats on top. Freeze it for another 10-15 minutes.
You can cut this up into four pieces and give as a treat throughout the day. Remember to feed in moderation, and hopefully your pup will enjoy!
Product Review – Omega Paw Mouse Pom Pom
The Omega Paw Mouse Pom Pom toy promises hours of fun for your cat with a pom pom ball on a spring and a carpet layer on the base that the cat can pounce on. It claims that it will become your cat’s “favorite playmate”.
I bought this for Isis and set it down for her to play with. It sat there for two days without being touched, just looked at and passed by for other toys. I then put some catnip on it because that normally gets her interested in playing. Even with that, she wouldn’t go near it.
Finally, about two weeks after I brought it into the house, she started to play with it. It did not take long for her to kick the majority of the fuzz off the ball on the spring. As for pouncing on the base carpet, that never happened. She did try to chew and swallow the carpet though. After her eating a bit of it and then throwing it back up, I took the toy away and threw it in the garbage. Luckily the price was such that I didn’t mind wasting that money.
Final verdict: Do not buy this toy. I think it was more of a health hazard for her than anything else. She didn’t play with the toy unless I was playing with it and wiggling the spring. Even then, she didn’t play with it for long, and it ended up losing most of the fuzz (this was after playing with it for maybe a half hour total).
I was very disappointed in this toy and I wrote to the company to tell them what happened and how Isis ate some of the carpeting and threw it back up. I have yet to hear from them, and I will not get my hopes up that they will respond back.
If after all this you would still like to purchase this toy, it is on sale on wag.com.
Steer clear of this toy!
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