September 28, 2012 -- TARGET DOG FOOD RECALL

WE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL MESSAGE FROM ASHWORTH ANIMAL VETERINARY HOSPITAL--(this is Miss Scarlett's vet) so please take seriously won't you?

Boots and Barkley Bully Sticks Dog Treats Recall

September 21, 2012 – Kasel Associated Industries of Denver, CO is voluntarily recalling its Boots and Barkley American Beef Bully Sticks product because it may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The event was reported by the FDA in a news release dated September 21, 2012.
According to the FDA bulletin:

Salmonella can sicken animals that eat these products and humans are at risk for salmonella poisoning from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the pet 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 and 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 symptoms 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 any of these signs, please contact your veterinarian.

According to the bulletin, the affected American Beef Bully Sticks were distributed nationwide through Target retail stores from April through September 2012.

What Products Are Being Recalled?

The product is sold in a clear plastic bag containing six bully sticks each and are marked with bar code number 647263899189.

The manufacturer is recalling all lot numbers because the following lot codes tested positive through analysis by the State of Colorado Department of Agriculture:

• BESTBY20APR2014DEN
• BESTBY01JUN2014DEN
• BESTBY23JUN2014DEN
• BESTBY23SEP2014DEN

No illnesses have been reported to date in animals or humans in connection with this problem.

What to Do?

Consumers are urged to return the recalled product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Those with questions may contact Kasel Associated Industries at 1-800-218-4417 Monday thru Friday from 7am to 5pm MDT.
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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September 21, 2012 - Optional Pet Insurance

September 4th, I blogged about pet insurance versus cost of major surgery. I got busy and searched for some information. This quote (online) is from Trupanion and should only be used as a guideline. Each pet owner must do their own research on such an important issue as pet insurance. At any rate--I FOUND IT INTERESTING AND SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT...

Dog Insurance

The unfortunate fact is that one in two pets will experience a major healthcare crisis during its lifetime¹. It is more common than ever for dogs to develop cancer, diabetes, hip dysplasia and other major health conditions. But now with advances in veterinary care, injured and sick dogs can all be treated more efficiently and effectively than ever before.

While these heath concerns will always be emotionally draining for the pet owner, the strain is compounded by the financial toll that comes with advanced veterinary care. Dog insurance can help lessen the financial strain felt in these situations by providing coverage for necessary treatments.

Trupanion offers pet insurance for your dog that is simple and easy to use. There are no payout limits and no restrictions on the care required for your dog. Monthly dog insurance premiums are determined by your location, and your dog’s breed and age at time of enrollment.

¹Source: Survey: "Trupanion's Use of Addressable Minds," April 2010, conducted for Trupanion pet insurance provider by Onufrey Group LLC

The High Cost of Dog Accidents & Illnesses
Real-Life Examples	Cost Without Coverage	Trupanion Would Cover:
		With a $0 Deductible	With a $500 Deductible	With a $1000 Deductible
Ingesting foreign body	$7,552	$6,797	$6,347	$5,897
Vomiting & diarrhea	$1,767	$1,590	$1,140	$690
Broken leg	$3,856	$3,470	$3,030	$2,570
Ear infection	$4,253	$3,828	$3,378	$2,928
Diabetes	$8,550	$7,695	$7,245	$6,795

Scarlett O'Hara
$28.08

Deductible Information NONE

Edit Pet Age/Breed  - COCKER SPANIEL

 3 YEARS OLD

$28.08/mo

Your core policy includes:

·         Accidents

·         Illnesses

·         Hereditary¹ Conditions

·         Congenital Conditions

·         Diagnostic Tests

·         Surgeries

·         Medications

·         Hospital Stays

·         Veterinary Supplements

What is not covered?

·         Routine care

·         Veterinary exam fees

·         Pre-existing conditions

·         Applicable sales tax

No Lifetime Limit
Trupanion has no limits per claim, per incident, or per year and no lifetime payout limit. Our pet insurance covers all diagnostic tests, surgeries, and medications if your pet becomes sick or injured. This includes hereditary and congenital disorders, and chronic or recurring conditions.

September 4, 2012 - PET SURGERY versus PET INSURANCE

Facebook is always filled with the pros and cons of being a pet owner. They go from one extreme to the next...There are the Michael Vick's in this world, along with the careless, unloving owners who abuse their animals. I occasionally see pets I think look lost or feel helpless. The newspapers are full of pets being set on fire, beaten, or beaten to death. I frankly cannot stand to watch the ARL commercials on television because I would run right out and take them home with me. People can be ignorant about the REAL responsibilities of being a pet owner.

Now let's talk about the other extreme...veterinary bills, food, treats, bathing supplies, haircuts, etc., etc., etc. Miss Scarlett is not what we consider to be an inexpensive pet. She has a nervous tummy so she has to have a special diet purchased only through a veterinary clinic. She has long and luxurious ears that never seem to get enough air to them.That makes her prone for ear infection; of which we are struggling with right now. I made a trip to Ashworth Road Veterinary Animal Hospital, where Jessica had medication ready for me to begin treatment.

In addition, Miss Scarlett is a sophisticated Cocker Spaniel and requires a "special haircut." Her groomer, LuAnn, at PetSmart is the only person we allow to touch a hair on her head. They have a special bond and LuAnn is so, so very good to her. That means leave her a nice tip to show our appreciation. And don't forget the cost of vaccinations, boarding if you are going to be going on vacation and cannot take your pet, dog tags, trainer, and anything else I might have missed.

Here are the 10 most expensive surgeries (ranked by frequency) that cost pet owners more than thousands of dollars in the year 2010...YIKES! You need to ask yourself: "What am I willing to spend on my pet"?

Torn Knee Ligament/Cartilage	$1,578
Intestinal – Foreign Object	$1,967
Stomach – Foreign Object	$1,502
Intervertebral Disc Disease	$3,282
Stomach Torsion/Bloat	$2,509
Broken Leg (Plate)	$1,586
Laryngeal Paralysis	$2,042
Tumor of the Throat	$1,677
Ear Canal Surgery – Ablation	$1,285
Ruptured Bile Duct	$2,245

So now let's talk about pet insurance...how expensive is it and where do I go to find it? I would begin with your insurance representative you use for your car or home--if they carry it, and can write a policy, add it to your "Bundled Insurance"--who knows, they might even give you a discount.