Health Products For People & Pets

FDA Issues Alert On Pet Insulin Product Used For Dog & Cat Diabetes

Product used to treat diabetes in dogs and cats may have formulation problems.

Posted: November 5, 2009, 5 a.m. EST

Veterinarians and pet owners are being warned to closely monitor dogs and cats receiving Vetsulin because the product may have varying amounts of crystalline zinc insulin in the formulation, according to an alert sent out Monday by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine.

Vetsulin, which is manufactured by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, is used to treat diabetes in animals

Because the product is out of specification, there could be a delay in insulin action and overall longer duration of insulin activity, according to the FDA. Products having significant problems with stability can affect the management of chronic diseases. Unstable insulin products can result in unpredictable fluctuations in the glucose levels of diabetic patients, the FDA noted in its alert.

Veterinarians and pet owners are urged to monitor patients for any changes in onset or duration of activity, or for any signs of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. The classic signs of hyperglycemia include increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss and lethargy. The classic signs of hypoglycemia include disorientation, unsteadiness, weakness, lethargy and seizures.

The FDA said that while Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health is working with them to resolve the issue, supplies may be limited. Therefore, the FDA is suggesting that pet owners talk to their veterinarians about transitioning their diabetic pets to other insulin products.

Article from Dog Channel

Cancer Fighting Kit For Cats

Feline Cancer Fighting Kit - Cats

About Cat Cancer

If your cat has cancer, the best way to handle it is to take action. Learn all you can about your cat's form of cancer. Find out how to give her the best possible care.

We suggest you talk to your vet about the various treatments available. For some types of cancers, conventional treatments are quite effective.

Alternative remedies can also be very effective in treating cat cancer. These treatments - including our cancer-fighting kit - can be used on their own, or to support conventional cancer treatments.

Our Cat Cancer Fighting Kit is an essential part of any treatment plan for cat cancer. Containing both ES Clear and NuPet Feline Granular Greens, our Cancer Fighting Kit will:

• Give your cat the best possible chance of beating cancer
• Keep your cat as comfortable and pain-free as possible

What is ES Clear for Cat Cancer?

ES clear was formulated by a leading naturopathic vet. The herbs in ES Clear have been used for centuries in traditional medicine. They have been show to:

• Slow the growth of cancerous tumors
• Reduce or prevent the spread of cancer to surrounding cells
• Strengthen a cat's immune system

What are Nu-Pet Feline Granular Greens

Granular Greens are an excellent companion product for ES Clear. This grouping of grasses, antioxidants and vitamins:

• Help to protect against free radicals that can cause cellular damage to your cat
• Ensure that your cat's diet is supplemented in the time when her body needs it the most

Will the cancer-fighting kit cure my cat's cancer?

There is no sure-fire cure for cancer, in cats or in humans. So for us to claim that this kit will cure your cat's cancer would be irresponsible.

What we can state with confidence, is that the herbs in ES Clear have shown excellent results in treating cat cancer - especially when combined with Nu-Pet Feline Granular Greens. You can use this kit alone, or in combination with traditional cancer treatments.

Keep your cat's immune system strong and you will help reduce the risk that your cat's cancer will spread to healthy tissue. You will also help keep your cat comfortable and happy.

Our customers have the final word...

"My cat has cancer. I was planning to have her put down as soon as she started showing signs of pain, so she wouldn't have to suffer. About two months ago, I thought it was getting close. She didn't seem to be hurting exactly, but she was very low in energy. I decided I had nothing to loose by trying your cancer-fighting kit, and I'm really glad I did. My cat's energy levels have gone way up. She's eating again, and back to her old self. I know she's not "cured" exactly, but at least she's much more comfortable." Nicole, Lakeview CA

"I have a sweet Tom named (wait for it) Tom! Unfortunately, he has liver cancer. About a year ago, the vet only gave him a few months to live. I thought I owed it to Tom to give him the best chance possible. It was the least I could do considering the years of joy he's given me! I started Tom on your cancer fighting kit, and a year later he's still hanging in there. In fact, he still seems happy and playful. Thank you for this wonderful product." Connie, Oliver BC

Two great cancer-fighting products: ES Clear and Nu-Pet Feline Antioxidant

• Our two best cancer-fighting products
• Ingredients proven to reduce tumors
• Natural, powerful antioxidants
• Strengthens cat's immune system
• Aids in healing process
• Helps slow or stop cancer from spreading
• Reduces pain and discomfort
• Restores energy levels

Kit contains:
1 bottle of ES Clear = 100mL/3.4oz
1 jar of Granular Greens = 8.5oz

Tips For A Harm Free, Healthy Holiday Season With Your Pet

Around Thanksgiving and the holidays, time is usually spent visiting with family and friends, with the inevitable hustle and bustle of the season.

People are streaming into the house, providing loving cuddles for your pet and often good food (but perhaps not good for them)! Be sure to have a plan for your pet ready before your guests arrive.

Kitchen & Food Safety

Pets have very sensitive noses and can pick up scents before a human can, so don’t be surprised when you have four paws under you while cooking.

Though your pet may just be waiting for a snack to fall from a plate or bowl, it is dangerous for pets to be in the kitchen with sharp utensils and hot surfaces around. Pets can unfortunately receive burns from hot dishes and drippings accidentally spilled on the floor.

Use a baby gate or seclude your pet from cooking areas while you are cooking dinner.

Just Say No to Scraps

Most holiday human food is very rich and never a good idea to feed to your pets, but there are times when Fluffy or Fido seem to get a table scrap or two in their paws. Turkey and ham bones are bad for pets because of their sharp edges and the splinters that they produce, which can cause serious digestive damage. Try giving your pet an irresistible toy instead to keep their mind distracted from turkey dinner.

Not only are bones bad for pets, but drippings as well. Turkey and ham drippings can cause digestive upset in animals, leading to symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Also, an ice cube is a fun way to keep your pet distracted; they will see it is from the refrigerator and will think they are getting something special without the side effects of human food.

To promote healthy digestion, try Digestive Support™ and to promote healthy, firm stool formation, try RuniPoo Relief™.

Banish Bad Behavior

In addition to digestive problems, you should resist feeding pets turkey tidbits to manage behavioral issues, as well. Though it is tempting, treats can cause unsatisfactory behavior for more dinners to come, as dinnertime begging can be a hard habit to break in pets.

Begging for food may be cute with you and your family, but when guests are in the house, it becomes bothersome and embarrassing. Before dinner, try to tell your guests not to feed your pet under the table, and keep an eye on little ones that can’t help but give in to sad pet eyes.

You may want to seclude your pet into their own separate room around dinnertime. To promote good behavior, leave your pet with snacks and toys and even some music playing in the background. Before the holidays, try scheduling your pet for obedience classes to help ensure good behavior for your guests on Thanksgiving.

Also, keep in mind that increased activity and traffic in the house may upset your pet’s demeanor and disrupt your pets’ routine. Continue to keep your pets on the same feeding and exercise schedule during the holidays to help promote a relaxed atmosphere.

To support behavior modification efforts, try Problem Pet Solution

Question:
"My puppy is 8 months old and has been sick on and off since Thanksgiving. The vet seems to think that our puppy is not able to digest his food. He is currently on four meds. Each time we switched his food, we did it slowly and properly, and only change one thing at a time, as you would with a food allergy. We are really worried that he is more sick than we realize and that he is missing out on a lot of good nutrition that he needs as a puppy - regardless of the type of food we give him. We're afraid he's going to have more health issues when he becomes a full grown dog. Help!"
– Carleen

Answer:
We recommend Digestive Support™, a 100% herbal remedy specially formulated to help pets who suffer from chronic digestive conditions. Digestive Support contains three carefully chosen herbs in therapeutic dosage to soothe and protect the digestive system.

Also try RuniPoo Relief™, a 100% herbal remedy that promotes firm stool formation and healthy bowel functioning, plus soothes the stomach. You can use these remedies together with the medicine that the vet has given him quite safely.

The PetAlive team

Veterex - Give your pet the nutrients they need for a strong healthy body!

Veterex is a multi-nutrient complex designed for your pet. Your pet will love the great tasting beef flavored chewable wafers. Veterex has been formulated to provide a comprehensive blend of vitamins, chelated minerals, antioxidants and essential fatty acids for your dog.

Benefits

• Antioxidant Support
• Aids in Joint Support
• Helps Weight Management
• Provides Essential Vitamins and Minerals
• Helps to Protect and Shine Coat

Instructions

Weight	Amount
Up to 20 lbs	1 wafer daily
21 – 60 lbs	2 wafer daily
61 – 100 lbs	3 wafer daily
Over 100 lbs	4 wafer daily

Order Veterex Today!

Helping Your Dog Or Cat Cope With Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious condition that if left untreated can compromise the cardiovascular system, vision, and mobility and will eventually result in death.  While the reality of the disease can be frightening it is important to remember that diabetes is not a death sentence.  There are many well known treatments that can ensure that your pet enjoys the highest possible quality of life while avoiding some of the more serious side effects of diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats are quite similar to those in humans which is why animals are also diagnosed as type-1 (insulin dependent) or type-2 diabetics (associated with diabetes). 

Understanding the symptoms and treatment options available will allow you to help your pet cope with diabetes.

Symptoms

Diabetic symptoms typically present gradually over the course of a few weeks.  It is easy to miss the symptoms but especially for older pets it is important to note the following symptoms:

Sudden weight loss or weight gain
Excessive drinking and/or urination
Drastic changes in appetite
Vision problems or cataracts
Weak limbs
Thinning of the skin
Dehydration

If you notice one or more of these symptoms it is advisable to seek medical treatment immediately.  As diabetes progresses, animals will seem weak and fragile, especially if they start metabolizing body fat for survival.  Thinning skin and dehydration are symptoms of the later stages of diabetes and very serious health complications are likely to follow which is why you should immediately visit the vet.

Diabetes Treatments

As research regarding the progression of diabetes continues to mount, it should come as no surprise that there are various treatment options available.  Diet, medications, and insulin treatments are the most common forms of treatment and will be discussed further.

Diet

In many cases, diabetes can be regulated through diet alone.  Diabetes is a condition wherein not enough insulin is produced to metabolize the sugars in our blood.  These excess sugars are then responsible for the majority of the ill effects associated with diabetes.  As such, regulating blood sugar through a low carbohydrate diet can be enough to manage the disease.  In fact, in studies involving cats changing to a low carbohydrate diet was enough to manage diabetes and in some cases put the cats into remission.

Medications

There are a number of medications on the market that can ameliorate the effects of diabetes.  Glipizide is an oral medication that stimulates the production and release of insulin so that blood sugars can be metabolized more effectively.  These drugs are typically only effective for pets diagnosed with type-2 diabetes and have some negative side effects so are recommended by veterinarians in very specific cases only.

Insulin Injections

As with humans coping with type-1 diabetes, many pets have no other treatment options than insulin injections.  Combined with better diet, insulin injections can help stabilize blood sugar levels thereby preventing the development of diabetic symptoms.  The course of treatment is carefully determined by your veterinarian.  Insulin injections are easy and safe to deliver and may be the best available treatment for your pet.

Canine Mellit for Dog Diabetes

Feline Mellit for Cat Diabetes

Natural Eczema Remedies For Dry, Itchy, Inflamed Skin With Crusty Lesions/Bumps On Cats And Dogs

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition that refers to inflammation of the skin. It is also known as dermatitis and is characterized by itching and dry, scaly red patches. Not only does eczema cause tremendous discomfort for an animal and it can also often result in unexpected flare-ups triggered by allergic reactions, fleas or environmental factors. This condition affects both cats and dogs of all breeds and is most common in animals with sensitive skin.

With most types of eczema the following symptoms may be noted with regards to your pet:

• Itching that may range from moderate to severe in certain areas
• Lesions on areas of skin that become sparsely haired (back of the paws, abdomen, muzzle, and lips).
• Inflamed areas that may bleed when scratched or ooze watery fluids
• Blistering
• Cracked, painful skin

• Persistent scratching of a particular area
• Persistent licking of a particular area
• The appearance of a red, painful-looking sores, often overnight.

• Scaly, rough or oozing areas on the skin, usually accompanied by hair loss.

Related conditions include:

• Flea-bite Dermatitis (Caused by flea saliva residue on your pet’s skin)

• Allergic contact dermatitis (your pet’s delayed hypersensitivity to allergens such as bleach, fertilizers, carpet cleaners and flea collars)

• Atopic dermatitis (an allergic-type reaction that is accompanied by wheezing, asthma, and very dry skin).
• Seborrheic dermatitis (yellow, greasy scales like dandruff on the skin of certain breeds – especially those with wrinkles or folds).
• Autosensitization dermatitis (itchy rash that occurs in response to an intense inflammatory process somewhere else on the body, especially fungal infections).
• Lichen simplex chronicus (rash caused by long-term scratching of an area producing thickened skin).
• Pyotraumatic dermatitis (Often referred to as a “hot spot” - red, moist, hairless, painful-looking sore that appears suddenly. Often, this licking and scratching goes on at night, so the sudden appearance of the sore can be an unpleasant surprise)
• Canine acral lick dermatitis (a fairly common skin condition in dogs. Affected dogs usually spend a considerable part of their day licking at one particular spot on one leg. An infected, wound eventually arises at the site).
• Canine sarcoptic mange (an extremely irritating condition caused by the Sarcoptes mite most often affecting a dog's abdomen, chest, legs, and ears)
• Feline notoedric mange (similar to canine sarcoptic mange, Notoedres cati is a microscopic mite that infests the skin of cats typically affecting the ears, face, and neck).

What causes Eczema?

The exact cause of eczema is not known. Researchers believe that hereditary factors as well as a malfunction within the immune system may contribute to the cause of eczema. Certain factors or triggers may also be responsible for the outbreaks of eczema and these include:

• Irritants or substances such as household cleaners or detergents and chemicals
• Allergens such as plant pollens and any number of pollutants
• Sensitivity to certain foods (particularly dairy) as well as chemical food additives, preservatives and colorings
• Changes in temperature or humidity
• Stress

• Hot weather and an animal’s perspiration (especially if they have folds in the skin that trap fungus or bacteria)
• Flea Saliva
• Fungal Infections

Diagnosing Eczema

Generally, eczema is diagnosed based on the history and appearance of the rash. Your vet will inspect the affected area and if possible, the exact type of eczema or skin condition is identified, although this can be difficult. Some skin tests can be performed to help identify the problem. If allergic eczema is suspected a 'patch' test can also be performed where a small amount of the allergen is rubbed onto your pet’s skin and the skin is monitored for 2-5 days for a reaction.

Help for Eczema

Although, there is no cure for eczema a combination of conventional medications, natural therapies and modifying your lifestyle can help.

If your pet’s eczema results from flea bites, action should be taken to rid the home of fleas. Corticosteroids such as injectable dexamethasone and oral antibiotics may be given to calm the itching and inflammation – however these medications may have side effects. ‘Hot spots’ need prompt attention to prevent bacterial infection.

Be aware that topical steroids can have significant side effects and most topical steroid creams need to be prescribed by a health care provider.

Natural remedies

Many herbal and homeopathic remedies have been formulated with specific ingredients to help lessen inflammation and soothe itchy, ‘angry and agitated’ skin. Herbs such as Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile) is widely used as a gentle cleansing, anti-inflammatory and soothing herb.

Galium aperine (Cleavers) is a cleansing tonic helping to expel toxins from the body and therefore assist in the treatment of chronic skin conditions such as eczema and allergic dermatitis. Calendula officinalis (Marigold), Hamamelis virginianum (Witchhazel) and Graphites can reduce swelling and are well-regarded as effective natural remedies to soothe itchiness while promoting skin health and skin support.

Tips For Eczema Prone Skin

Control your pet’s fleas regularly! This is key in the battle against dermatitis.

If you bath your pets – do not bath them too often. Make sure you use a natural, gentle shampoo – and always dry them off properly.

Never use human perfumes, moisturizers or talc on your pet’s skin. Treat other rashes, especially fungal infections, even though they may not seem related and watch out for infection.

Avoid dressing your pet in clothing: the skin needs to ‘breathe’ and in the case of dermatitis related to allergies or triggers, some detergents may be at fault for your pet’s irritated skin.

Keep your pet’s nails short to avoid scratching or rubbing the itchy area

Get more info on PetAlive Allergy Itch Ease - temporarily relieves skin allergies and itch

Get More Info. on PetAlive Skin and Coat Tonic for Healthy Skin and a Glossy Coat in Pets

How To Deal With A Dog Or Cat That Has Diarrhea

Just like any member of our family, pets get sick.  In fact, one of the most common reasons for seeking the assistance of a veterinarian is diarrhea and as such this article will discuss a few tips for dealing with a pet that suffers from this problem.  Some pets will regularly have issues with diarrhea while others may develop the condition as an acute symptom to some other kind of gastrointestinal problem.  Even if diarrhea is a one time problem, it is still likely associated with other stomach issues so understanding the causes and some treatments for diarrhea should help you and your pet cope.

Causes of Pet Diarrhea

In the most scientific sense, the main cause of diarrhea is the accumulation of dissolved substances in the intestine that causes excess water to be drawn into the intestine.  This may occur because food isn't absorbed properly or because electrolytes are increasingly secreted into the intestine or some combination of the two factors.  Unfortunately, understanding these underlying causes gives you little information about how to prevent or deal with pet diarrhea when it occurs.  Moreover, diarrhea may be a sign of a much more serious condition in the intestines or gastrointestinal tract. 

Here are a few common causes of pet diarrhea that may help you understand what your pet is going through:

Changes in diet
Reactions to medical treatments
Viruses, bacteria, or parasites
Food-borne toxins

Should your pet have suffered from sudden onset diarrhea, consider the above causes and try to determine if these may be the reason for the condition.  However, if your pet is suffering from diarrhea and you cannot determine a reasonable cause, don't hesitate to visit your veterinarian.  Some infections or parasites may pose a serious risk to your pet's overall health and should be treated immediately.

Treatments for Diarrhea

You've visited your veterinarian or determined that your pet's diarrhea doesn't pose a significant risk and you're looking for some natural remedies.  The following list gives a few ideas to help you treat your pet's diarrhea.

Plantaeris

Available for cats and dogs, plantaeris is an effective treatment for diarrhea that is natural and works quickly by helping to regulate your pet's intestinal functions.  As a side benefit, plantaeris boosts immune system functioning.

Calcium Montmorillonite

Also known as edible detox clay, this pure form of calcium can be given to your pet in food or water.  Using between a ½ and 1 teaspoon of calcium montmorillonite can help stop diarrhea by absorbing excess liquids in the intestines.  Be sure to give your pet plenty of water in order to prevent dehydration.

Yuuca Root

Yucca root is a natural supplement that has been shown to be safe for reducing inflammation in the intestines and can help to reduce pain associated with diarrhea.

Remember, while these natural remedies can help you and your pet cope with diarrhea, it is important not to overlook the main causes for the condition.  If your pet is suffering from ongoing diarrhea or appears to have other symptoms, visit your vet immediately.

Recommended products: Feline Plantaeris for Cat Diarrhea or Canine Plantaeris for Dog Diarrhea

Clean Your Pet's Teeth Without Going To The Vet - The Natural Way

Research has indicated that the number one health problem diagnosed by veterinarians in dogs and cats is oral disease.

Bacteria accumulation can lead to oral disease and increase the risk for disease in other organs, such as the heart, liver and kidneys, according to research.

100% All Natural and safe for all breeds of dogs and cats!!!

"Mouth infections can lead to serious problems in the gums and other parts of the body, including the heart, so it's important to give your dog's teeth and mouth special attention." -- American Kennel Club

Simply use our Spray or Gell on pet's teeth and the active natural ingredients will remove plaque and tarter, kill bacteria, heal gums, and eliminate bad breath!

To start your pet on the road to better health order your bottle of spray or gel today!

1.Are Petzlife oral care products safe for my pet? Yes! All the ingredients in both products are 100% natural with the main ingredient being grapefruit seed extract making them safe for all breeds of cats and dogs.

2. What is the difference between the two products? The difference between the two products is in the application, the ingredients are the same in both products and the gel has a gelling agent to help coat the teeth. Note: please go to our directions page for additional information and see why you would want to use both products.

3. How do these two great new products work? The ingredients mix with your pet's saliva when applied on your pet's teeth and completely coats your pet’s teeth and mouth. This process kills harmful bacteria and loosens plaque and tarter.

4. How long will it take for my pet's teeth to be white? The results with your pet will depend on how closely you follow the directions, the age of your pet, and the current condition of your pet's teeth. You should notice a disappearance of tarter and plaque between the tooth and the gum line and a reduction in redness within the first few weeks of application. If there is a large build-up of plaque the last area that will disappear is toward the center of the tooth.

5. My pet has bad breath will these products help? Yes! In most cases bad breath (halitosis) is caused by bacteria living in your pet's mouth.  PetzLife Oral spray and gel are specially formulated to kill bacteria on contact, so as your pet's mouth becomes healthier breath becomes fresher.

6. Are there any side effects? None! The only thing you will notice is that your pet will lick their lips repeatedly after you spray and after application. This natural reaction helps coat your pet’s teeth and gums.

7. I just had my pet’s teeth cleaned why should I use anything else? Now is an especially important time to use our uniquely formulated products. Your Veterinarian scales under the pet’s gum-line and in most cases this area does not immediately seal back to your pet's teeth. By using PetzLife Oral care products you kill the bacteria that could enter directly into your pet's bloodstream. You will also notice that redness will disappear sooner and with normal maintenance, either spraying or brushing, you most likely will not need to return for another cleaning!

9. Will I save money by using them? Yes! The costs of taking you’re pet to the Vet. are increasing at an alarming rate. One of our satisfied customers said he couldn't get by with under $200 every time he went to the vet. Another cat owner paid $500 for a root canal! In some states scaling your dogs teeth could cost over $400! If they save you only one trip to the Vet. you are $$$'s ahead!

10. What should I do if I really like them? First of all, congratulate yourself for giving your pet one of the most important health aids in the world, then tell everyone you know that has a pet about these amazing products, and make sure you get a bottle as a gift for all those cat and dog lovers on your gift list!

Learn more about PetzLife Oral Care Products

Common Symptoms Of Cat Respiratory Infections

About respiratory problems in cats

Many cats – especially very young and older cats – are prone to catching upper respiratory infections, similar to colds in humans. These tend to be highly contagious, so it’s best to keep an infected cat away from others (if possible).

Respiratory infections can be hard on kittens and elderly cats, occasionally resulting in death. And even for otherwise healthy and strong cats, respiratory infections are very unpleasant – just as a cold or flu is unpleasant to you. So it’s a good idea to get treatment, if only to ease your cat’s symptoms.

Common symptoms cat respiratory infections

It’s quite easy to tell when your cat is suffering from an upper-respiratory infection. Look for these symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• "Rattling" breath, husky purring
• Snoring
• Reduced energy levels

Can Respiratory Aid help?

The herbal extracts in Respiratory Aid have been carefully combined to provide the ultimate in relief to your cat’s breathing problems and other symptoms:

• Fights infections
• Builds your cat’s natural defenses
• Opens cat’s airways, allows easier breathing
• Fights all symptoms of upper-respiratory infection
• Helps prevent spread of infection to other cats
• Helps prevent reoccurrence of infection
• Improves cat’s comfort and disposition
• Doctor-formulated, vet-approved
• Safe and natural

We believe – and our customers agree – that Respiratory Aid is the best formula available for treating upper respiratory infections in cats. If your cat is prone to such infections, give it a try. Your cat will thank you!

Our customers have the last word…

"I used Respiratory Aid on my cat Trig, the sweetest cat ever. She seemed to be bouncing from one cold to another. Respiratory Aid has really helped her. She rarely gets colds any more, and when she does, she’s not as troubled by them. Please feel free to use this email as a testimonial." Ashley, Cleveland OH

For cat breathing problems and respiratory infections

• Helps fight upper-respiratory infections in cats
• Clears nose of congestion, eases breathing
• Strengthens cat’s immune system
• Treats colds, bronchitis and similar conditions
• Promotes healthy lungs and sinuses
• Doctor-formulated, vet-approved
• All natural ingredients

I have several cats, and whenever one of them gets an upper-respiratory infection, they all end up with it. Last time there was a break-out, I ordered your Respiratory Aid and used it on all my cats. In no time at all, they were all better. Since then, I've continued using it and there have been no further outbreaks! I'm definitely going to be ordering more of this great product!
—Louise, Manchester NH

Effective relief from cat respiratory problems. Order today!

Helping Your Pets 'Go Green' - Feeding Healthy & Keep Them Safe

As many pet owners are adopting a more sustainable, natural lifestyle, it makes sense that they're bringing their canines, felines, and other pets on board, too. And why not? Our pets are exposed to just as many pesticides and toxins in the environment as we are! Read on for simple tips you can use for healthier, happier and greener pets!

 

It's no longer considered "granola" or "tree hugging" to go green, and the trend has even begun crossing into pet territory. While definitions vary, being green can simply mean making conscious choices to be more environmentally responsible.

Since we ultimately make health and lifestyle decisions for our pets, it is therefore up to us to make the best choices, from the foods they eat to cleansers for their skin and fur.
 
The Bowl That Feeds Them
Just as many people have turned in their disposable plastic water bottles for reusable bottles made of stainless steel or other non-porous materials for fear of BPA and other chemicals, pet owners too should consider trading in Fido or Fluffy's drinking and/or food bowls.

The National Institute of Health advises that it is possible for plastic chemicals to seep into the food or water via the bowl, particularly if the surface is scratched or if the bowl is put into the microwave. From the mild to the serious, toxins can increase the chance of cancer, compromised immune functioning, and other health problems.

The best options include bowls made of stainless steel, ceramic, stoneware, or porcelain. Always be sure that painted bowls are covered using only lead-free glaze. All of these choices are less porous than plastic, so not only are they free of dangerous chemicals, but they also harbor less bacteria, are easier to keep clean, and more sanitary.
 
And be sure to fill that bowl with healthy food! In addition to your pet not receiving adequate nutrients, they can develop serious health problems by eating food of poor quality.
 
Common problems reported among both dogs and cats are urinary tract infections problems, as many pet foods have an overabundance of certain minerals that can cause stones and blockages in the urinary system, according to the Animal Protection Institute.

Other conditions that have been linked to low quality food and insufficient diet are hypothyroidism, prostate and urinary conditions, liver troubles and a wide range of digestive problems. Pets can develop heart disease as a result of a deficiency in certain amino acids.

Try to avoid foods that list any type of "byproducts" in their ingredients, and go by the "first four" rule: high quality, nutrition-rich pet food should not have grains listed as one of the top four ingredients on the packaging. Instead, your first four ingredients should be meats and high-quality protein sources.

Controlling your pet's diet and nutritional intake is one of the most important ways to help maintain health and happiness throughout their life.
 
Digestive Support is used to help promote healthy digestion

Immunity and Liver Support is used to help promote a healthy immune system and liver functioning

 

The Chemicals That Clean & De-Flea Them
While pet owners must be sure to keep their pets free of pests to help prevent against heartworm, Lyme disease and other health conditions caused by insects, it is possible to cut down on the exposure of chemicals to our animals.

For both bathing and managing fleas and ticks, there are many natural solutions available. Natural remedies also provide a gentler alternative to support your pet's immune system, eliminate toxins and maintain overall health and well-being. A highly effective herb such as Carduus marianus (Milk Thistle) supports liver functioning and the removal of toxins. Homeopathic ingredients such as Crotalus hor., China, Ferrum phos. and Aconite support the immune system, liver and red blood cells.

German Chamomile is one such herb that has been used for centuries to soothe and cleanse the skin. Marigold also works well as it has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and helps to prevent infection with its anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. Other herbs such as cleavers and witch hazel have also shown to be beneficial to skin health and have strong soothing and restorative properties.

For Dogs

BeFree Flea Shampoo is a cleansing shampoo to help deter fleas, flies and mosquitoes for dogs

Manage Mites Shampoo is a cleansing herbal shampoo to promote healthy skin in dogs.

Manage Mite Spray is a cleansing skin spray to promote healthy skin in dogs

 

For Cats

Clean-Cat Shampoo w/ Chamomile is a non-irritating, calming cleansing shampoo formulated for cats

Panleuk-Free is a homeopathic remedy that protects the feline immune system

 

The Toys That Entertain Them
Since we cannot be with our pets 24/7, we often don't think twice about tossing them a chew toy to help them pass the time and decrease separation anxiety. However, while we may inspect a toy for bells and breakables that could potentially be choking hazards, when was the last time you inspected a toy to see where it was made? Many inexpensive toys are manufactured in China, and after the pet food scares of recent years, you should possibly reconsider buying a potentially dangerous toy from there.

In addition to where it was manufactured and the chemicals in plastic toys, painted toys pose the potential for lead toxicity. Rawhide toys are often treated with formaldehyde and recent laboratory testing even found high levels of carcinogenic chromium in catnip toys.

To avoid compromising your pet's health for the sake of fun, consider making your own toys using natural materials like cotton and catnip, choose organic toys or those stamped by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

The same care should be taken when choosing beds, collars, and other miscellaneous items that your pet may come in constant contact with.

As with everything, don't stress too much if your pet has been living in a plastic world. It's never too late to help your pet achieve better health!

 

Visit PetLane for Safe, Healthy, Fun and Affordable Toys for Dogs and Cats!

 

Question:
“Hi, I recently purchased your UTI-Free for my 2 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback, Mary. She is about 82 pounds. After looking at the dosage, I am not sure how to proceed. A while back, Mary was urinating in her sleep. I took a urine sample to my vet (non-homeopath) and the vet said there were crystals… I am hoping to resolve the bladder/urinary tract issues she may have and it seems like the UTI-Free might be right. Should I use the every 30 minute dosage to start, or should I go to the maintenance dosage?”
– Susan K.

 

Answer:
Hi Susan,
You're right to choose UTI-Free, which contains homeopathic ingredients to temporarily relieve frequent urination, bladder discomfort, and urine leakage to improve bladder and urinary tract health in your dog. With regards to dosage, we do recommend an initial dose.

 

In addition, we would also recommend our Immunity & Liver Support, which contains a combination of selected herbs known for their ability to cleanse and purify the system, promote vitality and balance and keep your pet healthy and strong.

 

We would also recommend that you feed your dog a natural, raw diet without preservatives, colorants or additives to boost the immune system. There are many pet food stores which carry raw unprocessed food, and give your pet plenty of fresh, clean water daily to flush out unwanted toxins and avoid dehydration. - The PetAlive Team

ProZyme Plus - All Natural Enzyme Dietary Supplement For Dogs And Cats

Prozyme Plus 300g Powder for Dogs and Cats

ProZyme Plus has the same all-natural enzymes as ProZyme Original but in a lactose-free formula. While this change does not affect the potency of our enzyme blend, it has proven helpful to animals with more sensitive digestive systems.

Top veterinarians and breeders agree, adding ProZyme to your pet’s food helps them get the maximum nutrition possible. Most pet foods are processed for shelf life. As a result many of the food nutrients become chemically trapped and pass through the digestive system. ProZyme formula’s unique blend of plant derived enzymes help unlock food nutrients and enhance metabolic absorption.

ProZyme is uniquely formulated to release nutrients where metabolic absorption take place — in the small intestine. ProZyme contains no added vitamins or minerals that could upset the balance of pet food nutrition or create the risk of harmful, excessive vitamin supplementation. In addition, ProZyme does not get absorbed into the blood stream, making it safe to use with prescribed medications.

Experts have attested to the effectiveness of ProZyme in hundreds of best selling animal wellness books. Veterinarians have used the product successfully for over 30 years. Put ProZyme into your animal’s dietary plan and discover a noticeable difference in as little as 2 weeks!

Features
Plant-derived enzymes Vegan formula Unlocks food nutrients to improve digestion	Does not interfere with medications Palatable, easy to use
Benefits
Enhances nutrient absorption Provides more energy Provides shiny coat Reduces skin problems Reduces excessive shedding	Reduces flatulence Reduces bloating Reduces stool eating Minimizes weight issues

Learn more about ProZyme Plus

Toilet Cleaners!Floor Cleaners!Surface Cleaners!All Poison To Your Dog and Cat

Love Your Pet? Lock Up Your Poisons!

by Laura Pasten, D.V.M.

 

Plants, pennies, and Pine-Sol cleaner. What do these three substances have in common? They represent three of the greatest dangers to pets. 90% of all the toxic substances ingested by pets and reported to the Poison Control Centers happened inside the home – not outside! This article will discuss both home toxins and their pet-friendly alternatives.

 

Most household cleaners can be dangerous and often lethal to your pets. Two cleaners most accused of causing serious toxic reactions are Pine-Oil cleaners (like Pine-sol) and Lysol. These types of products are linked to diarrhea, fainting, kidney and liver damage. Minimal exposure such as your animal walking across a recently cleaned floor and then licking its paws can be enough to cause devastating results. Petlane offers a variety of safe, non toxic, environmentally and pet friendly cleaning products for dogs and cats.

 

Your plants could be lethal! In my opinion, the two plants which have caused the greatest number of veterinary emergencies are the Azalea and Easter Lilly. They cause severe kidney failure, vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness, depression of the central nervous system and death. Others include: Dieffenbachia (dumbcane), Rhododendron, Philodendron and Elephant Ears, Castor Beans, Aloe Vera, English Ivy, Mountain Laurel, Japanese Yew, and Daffodil and Iris bulbs. 

 

Pennies can cost thousands! Veterinarians often have to surgically remove pennies ingested by their animals. The major contributor to toxicity is – zinc. If the penny sits in your pet’s stomach, the zinc leaks into the red blood cells, causing severe anemia and kidney problems. This has become a greater problem since pennies minted after 1982 are 99.2% zinc. Pennies minted earlier have only five percent zinc.

 

EMERGENCY NUMBERS 

 

If you believe your pet has consumed a toxic substance, seek help immediately. Keep these emergency numbers in a prominent place:

 

- National Animal Poison Control 1-800-548-2423 (costs $30 per phone call)

 

- Animal Poison Control Center 1-900-680-0000 (costs $20 for the first 5 minutes, $2.95 each additional minute)

 

- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (24-hour emergency info of all types 1-888-426-4435 (888-4ANI-HELP)

 

PetLane carries a variety of Safe Cleaners for your Dogs and Cats. Do yourself and your pet a favor and don't use items that could poison them!!

 

Pet Friendly Toilet Bowl Cleaner - Dog using your toilet bowl as her personal water dish? Keep your dog's

favorite "water bowl" clean with an allnatural cleaning product that is safe for your pet,will not harm the environment, and will leave your bowl sparkling clean. Free of phosphates, chlorine, petroleum and chemicals, this cleaner works effectively against the hardest water stains and leaves a fresh cedar oil smell. Product is 100% biodegradable and comes in a recyclable container. 24 fl. oz.

 

Pet Friendly Floor Cleaner - Enjoy beautiful floors with a cleaner that is safe for your pet and the environment.

 

Fresh Wave Vacuum Pearls - Add one capful of our totally natural, plant based Fresh Wave Vacuum Cleaner Pearls to your bag and eliminate the smells your vacuum cleaner leaves behind.   4.5 oz. bottle

 

Pet Friendly Ice Melt - Our Pet Friendly Ice Melt is completely safe for your pet and the environment because it melts the ice without using salt!   Most commercial ice melting products are salt based. Although the foot pads of dogs and cats seem fairly tough, salt is very irritating to them. Pets also ingest the ice melt as they lick their paws, or eat it directly off the ground. Eating small quantities of the salt can make an animal ill; ingesting large quantities can result in seizures, coma, and even death.   8 lb. bottle

 

Pet Friendly Surface Cleaner - Keep your pet's path clean with an all-natural cleaning product that is safe for both your pet and the environment.  Cat's often use your counters as their highway and then lick their paws, and transfer  the chemicals in your cleaning product.   If you put fruit or vegetables on your counter you want to be sure to clean them with a chemical free product.  We have it.  Our Pet Friendly Surface Cleaner is good for all of us. This cleaner is free of phosphates, chlorine, petroleum and chemicals. Appropriate for most surfaces. Product is 100% biodegradable and comes in a recyclable container. 22 fl. oz.

 

Pet Laundry - Pet beds, towels, etc. can have a really unique odor. This environmentally friendly detergent has a special enzyme formulation designed to remove pet odors.  You can use it on your laundry as well, it will leave it  smelling fresh and clean. Detergent is 100% biodegradable. 20 fl. oz.

What is Canine Arthritis? Does Your Dog Suffer From Stiff Joints?

Dogs frequently suffer from arthritis. If your pet has this disease, his joints will become inflamed (swollen) and painful as the cartilage and connective tissues of his joints slowly break down.

Warning signs that your dog is suffering from arthritis include a reluctance to stand up or climb stairs. Other telltale signs of canine arthritis include:

• Your dog favors one side of his body
• Limping, especially when he first gets up
• Swollen joints (especially the hips)
• Reduced appetite
• Aversion to being touched or petted
• Your dog loses interest in activities he previously enjoyed: running, swimming, playing, etc.

Large breeds of dogs tend to suffer from arthritis more often than smaller breeds. This is probably due simply to the extra weight and stress on the joints of larger breeds. What’s less clear is why purebred dogs – particularly males – suffer from canine arthritis more often than mixed breeds.

How Nupro Joint Support Supplement Helps

Nupro is made with fresh quality health food ingredients that are human-grade, not animal-grade. It contains a full range of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and essential fatty acids in their natural raw forms. The specific joint support ingreedients are:

• Glucosamine Complex (500 mg. per scoop) is a special formula that is an easily absorbed natural substance that stimulates the production of proteoglycans which help to maintain the health and resiliency of connective tissues and restores the damaged cells of cartilage tissue. Glucosamine complex helps promote the synovial fluid that lubricates the joints.
• MSM (300 mg. per scoop) is a natural source of bioavailable sulfur, essential for the growth and repair of tendons, cartilage and other connective tissues. MSM is also an anti-inflammatory agent.
• Ester-C Chelated Mineral Blend (300 mg. per scoop) boosts the absorption of the glucosamine complex and MSM and promotes collagen formation.

Customer Testimonial
Hello,
I was thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with you on the phone today. I would like to let you know a little bit about my experience with Nupro. I have a 13 year old Miniature Schnauzer, Schnoppie, that I have had her entire life (my first child). About 3 years ago she was stricken with terrible arthritis, with horrible shakes, with periods of time that she couldn't move and I knew she was very uncomfortable. My husband and I had to have that serious discussion about her quality of life. After the tears and the realization we started looking and hoping for an alternative. We were introduced to Nupro through a breeder that we purchased a Giant Schnauzer from. Part of the agreement in purchasing this dog was to keep him on the Nupro. We started Schnoppie on your product following the instructions on the dosage. Within a month her shaking had subsided, she was a lot more lively, her arthritis seemed to be much better. This was everything we had hoped for but, we received more with the Nupro product. Schnoppie had a new layer of thick soft hair growing, her skin had always been itchy and dry, not anymore, and her beautiftil little eyes that had been so cloudy and sad were suddenly alert, clear and happy.

Schnoppie is still an older dog that needs special attention (mostly love). However, I knew she is a much happier dog by the way she looks and her excitement for life. Grady, our three year old Giant Schnauzer, has been on your product all of his life. He is the most healthy, shiny, fit animal you will ever see. We love our animals and want you to know how much we appreciate your product that keeps them at their best.
A very happy customer
Shauna

Hello,
I just wanted to take a moment to say 'thank you'. I ordered the Nupro Joint Support for my 5 year old rottie girl, Sable, a few weeks ago. I belong to a yahoo group and many there told me this is amazing. Sable is a 5 yo rottie who sadly was kept indoors her whole life (never saw the light of day). She is a big girl, at 100 pounds (down from 110 when we got her the day after this past Thanksgiving). Her back end was very underdeveloped due to lack of excercise. She had been having alot of problems getting up (very stiff) and sometimes when up on the couch, when she shifted positions, she would yelp. Also, she had been sleeping up in bed with us, but had not been able to get up there for a while now (and would not allow you to help her, growled if you touched her back end.) Also, we had gotten a new pup and she really would growl and snap at him if he came near her, especially that back end.

I started her on the Nupro a little over two weeks ago and to say the difference in her is amazing is an understatement! She is back up in bed with us at night, gets up with no problems, have not heard any crying and best of all, she is PLAYING with the puppy! Even grabbing toys and making him chase her! And RUNNING around the backyard like a little puppy! I was in tears the first time I saw her do that!! And as if that weren't enough, she had a bad case of dandruff......ALL GONE!

I have put my other two on it (2 yo rottie boy, and 16 week old rottie pup). They LOVE IT! I wish I had know about this product before. I had a rottie boy with pretty severe h/d and I know this would have helped him.

Anyway, thank you for helping me to help my sweet girl to enjoy life again (and also for giving my other two a great way to stay in good shape!) I would recommend your product to anyone without hesitation. As a matter of fact, I still belong to a group about canine bone cancer. I am sure many would be interested in adding this product to their pets diets, as being a tripod can really mess with their joints.

Thank you again,
Mary,Essex, MA

Joint Support Supplement - Large Breed

Joint Support all natural dog supplement 30oz

This all natural dog joint support supplement is not just for senior dogs or those with arthritis! The active athletes, show dogs, working dogs, police and search and rescue canines, sled dogs, hunting dogs, AND large breed dogs, as well, will profit from having glucosamine in their diet. The combination of Nupro's raw formula with the added extras make for a superior product from which all adult dogs will benefit. 1 container = 5lb/use for a 40lb dog or heavier

Joint Support Supplement - Small Breed

Joint Support all natural dog supplement

This all natural dog joint support supplement is not just for senior dogs or those with arthritis! The active athletes, show dogs, working dogs, police and search and rescue canines, sled dogs, hunting dogs, AND large breed dogs, as well, will profit from having glucosamine in their diet. The combination of Nupro's raw formula with the added extras make for a superior product from which all adult dogs will benefit. 1 container = 30oz/use for a 40lb dog or lighter

Health Benefits of Salmon Oil For Dogs

Pet Nutrition Products Healthy Skin and Heart Salmon Oil for dogs contains natural Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil of the highest quality, purity and potency. This daily supplement is rich in Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids including DHA and EPA.

Salmon Oil should be used in your dog's diet to supply Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA. These supplements are important to your dog's health for many reasons including skin and coat health, joint health, eye health, heart and vascular health, and metabolic health. It will also increase the strength of their immune system, raise their energy levels, and increase their overall well-being.

When purchasing a Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil supplement, make sure you are purchasing Marine Stewardship Council Certified Wild Alaskan Salmon. Contains no heavy metals or PCB's. NO Artificial Colors, Flavors, Yeast, Starch or Gluten! Each bottle comes with a squeeze top. A pump top applicator is also included with each order.

Benefits

• Healthy skin and coat
• Strong immune system
• Vascular and heart health
• Helps support general vitality
• Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certified Salmon

"Fish Oil is a great natural source of the essential Omega-3 Fatty Acids, EPA and DHA. These Fatty Acids are essential in maintaining your dogs' healthy skin, coat and vascular health." - Dr. Melissa

"I love the product!"
"I love the product ,fish oil pills, they work great and they do the job. My dogs coat is healthy and shinny and looks wonderful. Mostly since my dog has skin and fur problems this really helps. Since my dog is on fish oil pills for the rest of his life ,he's only 2, we will be ordering from you a lot. Fish oil pills are expensive here and your price is a little lower than half the price here...Even with shipping! Thanks so much." - Sherry S.

Learn more about Salmon Oil For Dogs

 

What Is In An Ear Cleanser For Dogs and Cats? All Natural Ear Cleanser

Most veterinary ear cleansers tend to sting a dog´s ears with their potent chemical ingredients. These cleaners have a synthetic smell to them that is often as unappealing as the ingredients they contain.

Many cleaning solutions rely on antibiotics, steroids and fungicidal ingredients to keep the ears clean.

The overuse of these artificial cleaning solutions can strip the ear canal of it´s normal protective wax and can predispose your pet to developing a resistant infection.

The Natural Vet Blends Difference:

Our All Natural Ear Cleanser is formulated with certified organic ingredients to provide an alternative for pet owners that don´t want to use synthetic commercial ear cleaners.

Natural Vet Blends Ear Cleanser is a premium botanical ear cleaning solution formulated with ALL NATURAL ingredients to help keep your pets ears smelling fresh and clean.

This VETERINARY FORMULA is designed to gently clean the ears without using harsh chemicals, steroids or antibiotics. Our mild cleaning solution promotes a healthy ear canal environment and leaves the ears smelling great!!!

How has Ear Cleanser helped others?

“Cleo, my 8 year old Cocker Spaniel has had bad ears since she was a puppy, since I´ve started using your Natural Ear Cleaner I´ve noticed a real improvement in the way her ears smell. ”

—Cooper, Green Bay

“I found the ear cleaner really helped get out a lot of dirt from deep inside my dog´s ears. He doesn´t mind me cleaning his ears anymore, I think the other stuff I was using stung his ears. Thanks for the great product. ”

—Gary, Calgary

All Natural Ear Cleanser Benefits:

• Natural Certified Organic Ingredients
  
• 100% Biodegradable
  
• Does Not Contain: Steroid, Alcohol, Diethanolamine (DEA), Sulfates or Glycol
  
• Veterinary Formulated and Tested
  
• Leaves Ear Smelling Great
  
• Designed for Pets with Sensitive Skin and Allergies
  
• Animal Cruelty Free

Order Natural Vet Blends All Natural Ear Cleanser For Dogs & Cats

Skin, Coat & Joint Daily Supplement With OMEGA 3-6-9 Fatty Acids For Dogs & Cats

What is the NVB Skin, Coat and Joint Formula?

Natural Vet Blends Skin Coat and Joint Formula is designed to provide an easy way to supplement your pet´s diet with a great tasting source of Omega Fatty Acids(3-6-9), Antioxidants and Vitamin E.

Simply mix the directed amount in with your pet´s regular food on a daily basis. Simple support!!!

This great tasting VETERINARY FORMULA is created with ALL NATURAL, human grade ingredients to support optimal skin, coat and joint health.

Why Use NVB Skin, Coat and Joint Daily Dietary Supplement?

Omega Fatty Acids, Antioxidants and Vitamin E play an integral role in the normal healthy function of many areas of your pet´s body. In particular the maintenance of healthy skin, coat and joint function depends on these ingredients being found in diet.

Unfortunately many pet foods fall far short in providing adequate amounts of these important ingredients.

Omega 3 and 6 Fatty acids in particular are essential as dogs and cats are unable to synthesize them naturally.

Ensure your pet gets the nutrition they need and help prevent future health complications by making Natural Vet Blends Skin, Coat, and Joint Formula a regular part of every meal.

How has Natural Vet Blends Skin, Coat, and Joint Formula helped others?

“I began giving my older Lab the Skin, Coat and Joint formula every day for his arthritis. He seems more comfortable and goes on longer walks now. I've also just started the Hip and Joint Chewables... at this rate I hope I can keep up. ”

—Mark D. Glendale, AZ

“My cat Kobe was diagnosed with seasonal allergies this spring, my vet told me about your product. I was using it with the medication my vet gave me, after just 3 weeks I was able to stop giving the medication and continued with the supplement. The result has been fantastic, my cat loves it on her food and she is not itching any more.”

—Amy K. Boston

What are the Ingredients?

Natural Vet Blends Skin, Coat, and Joint Formula contains the following ingredients:

• Canola Oil: A good source of Omega Fatty Acids, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Monounsaturated Fatty Acids. Does NOT contain Trans Fats or Cholesterol.
• Cold Pressed Hemp Seed Oil: A naturally balanced source of Omega Fatty Acids, and and Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA). A source of powerful antioxidants.
• Natural Chicken Flavouring: Simply Great Taste.
• Rosemary Extract: A natural preservative.

Learn More About Natural Vet Blends Skin, Coat & Joint Daily Supplement

Natural Treatment For Dog & Cat Skin Problems (Sores,Eczeme,Rashes,Dry Skin,Itchy Skin)

There's nothing worse than discovering a skin condition on your dog. First, you should consult a vet. But many of our customers come to us after finding that conventional products just don't provide adequate results.

Here's the problem - conventional products only confront the symptoms, and not the real source of your dog's skin condition. Look at it this way: if you see a warning light in your car saying low gas - would you confront the symptom and disable the warning light? Or would you confront the source of the problem and fill up your gas tank?

We believe in helping our dogs improve their health naturally, using state-of-the-art technology combined with methods proven over thousands of years.

Skin conditions are some of the most common problems in dogs. Approximately 20-25% of American family pets have skin conditions, including:

• Sores
• Eczema
• Rashes
• Infections
• Cuts
• Dry skin
• Itchy skin

These conditions can be caused by anything from infection of open bleeds to persistent biting or scratching. Often, a skin problem will start out as nothing more than a minor annoyance. But if left unchecked, they can become incredibly serious. If you've noticed a skin condition on your dog, it's important to take him to a veterinarian immediately.

But when it comes to canine skin problems, many veterinarians are now recognizing the need for holistic treatment. Unlike conventional products which can actually compromise your dog's immune system, Derma-IonX™ works with your dog's skin to help it repair itself naturally.

Derma-IonX™ is the only organic mineral complex that can help your dog conquer his skin problems quickly and effectively. The signature blend of minerals, combined with new oligotherapeutic therapy technology, makes it the most comprehensive pet skin product on the market.

What is Feline Arthritis?

Feline Old Timer for Feline Arthritis

Feline arthritis is any inflammation of the joints including a breakdown in the cartilage cushioning the joints. Cats may become more sensitive to exercise, walking up and down stairs and being touched. Cat arthritis has a variety of causes including previous bone injury, infections, autoimmune diseases and old age. A veterinary examination is critical in identifying the problem. Correct body weight and regular exercise are both key to cat arthritis treatment. Also, remember to keep your cat in a warm, quiet corner at home with a firm, orthopedic foam bed. Try to ensure your cat does not have to go up and down stairs, as this will aggravate the condition. The use of herbs such as those found in Feline Old Timer is recommended to ease the symptoms of cat arthritis, and also to improve the immune system.

Common Symptoms of Cat Arthritis

• Weakness
• Limb swelling
• Stiffness and pain in the joints
• Lameness
• Joint dysfunction

Cat arthritis can be debilitating to cats of any age; even a loving pat can be painful. Feline Old Timer is an herbal tonic which helps reduce joint inflammation, restore damaged cartilage and improve the immune system

Purchase Feline Arthritis - Old Timer Medicine For Cat Arthritis

All About Skin Cancer In Dogs

Cancer is an uncontrolled malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal cell division. Cancer can spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or the blood stream. Generally speaking, cancer is usually associated with the organ it affects and termed as such. Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in dogs and along with cancer of the mammary glands it forms nearly 58% of all cancers in dogs.

Carcinoma and sarcoma, the two out of the four major types of cancer, are the ones that normally occur in the skin of a dog that need to be differentiated for treatment purposes. Skin cancer usually affects four different types of cells and is divided into four categories as such.

* Epithelial tumors are associated with the skin, skin glands and hair follicles.
* Mesenchyme tumors are cancers resulting from cells that support fat, connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves.
* Round cell tumors include cancer of the external sex organs, mast cell tumors and plasma cell tumors.
* Melanomas are cancer of the cells responsible for pigment in the skin.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. Carcinoma is a term that denotes to a cancer that initially starts in the cells and surrounds an organ completely. Another form of carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, grows gradually and does not normally spread to other parts of the body.

Another common form of skin cancer is associated with mast cells that control coagulation of blood and permeability of blood vessels. Mast cell tumors are usually malignant and arise from connective tissue. Allergic reactions may activate mast cell in a manner that any genetic or environmental predisposition can result in transforming these cells into a cancerous state.

The symptoms of liver cancer in dogs and cancers associated with other organs bring about symptoms like diarrhea, appetite loss, seizures, weight loss and certain immune mediated ailments. Waiting for clinical symptoms of skin cancer, however, can often result in delay in treatment.

Detecting signs of skin cancer requires regular examination of the skin of your dog, preferably at monthly intervals. Take a close look at the skin beneath the hair and look for any new growth, change in color and increase in size of any previous growth. Tumors that bleed easily or lesions and abrasions that do not heal even after treatment should be reported to a veterinarian immediately. Similarly a swelling in the breast tissue or a discharge oozing out of nipples too requires immediate attention of a specialist. Make sure that you check the entire body including the base of the tail.

Treatment of skin cancer is similar to treatment of other types of cancer. Depending upon the stage to which the cancer has developed, chemotherapy, radiation and/or surgical excision of tumor are the three such options.

Apart from ensuring a healthy and a natural diet, all that you can do to prevent skin cancer is not to expose your dog to known carcinogens. Dogs that have a family history of skin cancer, especially mast cell tumors, are more predisposed to develop skin cancer from exposure to allergens due to the hereditary genetic defects. Exposure to sun, which is a major reason behind feline cancer of the skin, can be equally risky for dogs with a light colored skin.

 

Get More Info. on PetAlive C-Caps Formula for Prevention and Treatment of Cancer in Pets Get More Info. on PetAlive DetoxPlus to Prevent Toxin Buildup in Pets

How To Manage Biting Dogs

Playful dog biting by young puppies is a common phenomenon. But when the same situation occurs in adult dogs, it can result in serious consequences. Biting is a part of basic aggressive dog behavior. It arises from an inherent attribute of dogs to dominate a pack.

Wild dogs use biting as a tool to assert their dominance over other dogs within the pack. Even within a litter of puppies around the mother, it is common to see some pups trying to assert dominance and biting each other. Dogs tend to bite without provocation only when they start assuming the family as the pack and see a situation where they feel that can dominate and become the ‘alpha’ dog.

While any type of aggressive dog behavior is difficult to tolerate, dog biting assumes more significance in the light of the problems that are associated with it. In many cases, dog biting arises out of fear or when a dog finds him in an inescapable situation. If this behavior is not corrected in its early stages, dog aggression may assume unmanageable proportions.

Young puppies that are less than six weeks old seldom bite hard and are not able to break skin. However, these are the initial signs of an aggressive dog and should not be ignored as playful behavior. In fact, having moved to a new environment, the puppy is trying to assess his status in the new ‘pack’ to understand to what extent he can dominate the family.

Under no circumstances should puppies be allowed to bite playfully at human skin. Puppies that are young may also feel compelled to bite due to teething. Their mouths need stimulation, which is provided by biting. In such cases, provide chew sticks and bones for the puppy to chew on.

If your puppy has not spent enough time with the litter, he probably has not learned not to bite playfully. The natural way to check this habit is to yelp just as another puppy would in case he is bitten and withdraw from play. If this does not work try the following after every time he bites:

* Isolate in a crate for a couple of minutes.
* Hit gently on the nose.
* Spray some water lightly.

The puppy should also be trained to socialize. The more he gets used to strangers, in the house as well as outside, the better it is. Initially, put the puppy on leash when some one comes to deliver something or meet you. Let him sniff and get acquainted with the stranger. Also let your puppy interact with children as much as possible. Puppies brought up among only adults tend to snap and bite children.

Healthy and matured dogs do not normally bite humans but the potential exists. If your dog is prone to biting humans or neighboring animals, the best course of action is to first get him checked for any underlying disease. Consulting a veterinarian is the right way to rule that out medicals conditions that are causing discomfort.

If medical conditions have been ruled out, then dog biting may require some re-training. Dog aggression usually arises from dominance and territorial related aggression or out of fear. Try telling all strangers coming to your house to keep away from the dog house and his bed.

If you observe that it is fear that makes your dog bite, try to identify the fear factors and take corrective measures by insulating him from them.

Get More Info. on PetAlive Aggression Formula for Stressed and Aggressive Pets

Article courtesty of PetAlive

Help Your Pet Beat The Summer Heat

With the thermometer rising to incredible extremes this summer, it is vital that pet owners take some extra precautions to ensure their pets stay cool.

Never Leave Your Pet in the Car
According to the Humane Society of the United States, the temperature inside a car can skyrocket rapidly. “On an 85 degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within ten minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees.” Every year, numerous pets die in cars because their owners left them in a hot car for "only a few minutes." 
 
Make Sure Pets Always Have Access to Fresh Water
Hot, sweaty humans can drink a sports drink if they want to quickly replenish their electrolytes. Animals are dependent solely on water to keep themselves hydrated and their electrolytes in balance. Providing your animal a cool, shaded retreat and constant access to water are the two best ways to prevent heatstroke and possibly death. 
 
Exercise Pets at Dusk or Dawn
With the temperature rising, it is important to exercise your pet in the early morning or late evening – not in the afternoon during the heat of the day. And be sure to adjust your pet’s exercise in accordance with the temperature. On hot days for example, you may need to forgo your usual five-mile run in exchange for an early-morning romp at the local dog park. You also need to consider the type of terrain. While grass and dirt provide comfortable and cool footing year-round, sand and asphalt can get hot enough to burn your pet’s feet.
 
Provide Pets Shelter From the Sun and Heat
Even animals that normally spend their time outside should be brought inside on hot days (a dog house does not provide sufficient protection). If your pets are left alone during the day, I recommend designating one room of your house as the “cool” room. Install a portable air conditioning unit or window air conditioner in that room and set it for about 75-80 degrees. Prop the door open wide enough that your animals can come and go at will, but not so wide that all your cool air escapes. Keeping one room cool provides your pets with a place to go when they need to cool down without simultaneously wrecking havoc with your electric bill.

Deluxe Crate Fan - Keep your pet cool in the warm weather! This two speed fan creates a   refreshing air flow into your pet's crate while forcing the warm air out.  Retractable arms allow the fan to be hung on a cage, crate or pet carrier, so you can keep your pet cool at home and on the go.  Fan features a thermostatic control that automatically activates fan when a preset temperature is reached.  Powered by four "C" batteries (not included).

Why Isn't Life's Abundance Dog & Cat Food Organic?

Over the past 6 years this is the most frequently asked question I would say people have. Most people have it in their minds that organic is always best.  We asked Dr Jane Bicks, formulator of HealthyPetNet products this question.  Here is her answer....

I would love to have an all organic food as long as it fit my mission statement. My mission is to formulate and produce food with the best nutrition I can give to a dog and cat.

Unfortunately, organic meats are still hard to come by. Just go to your supermarket and you will see the small section of organic meats. The price is high because there simply are not enough organic meats produced yet.

I can't find enough HIGH QUALITY organic meats for my formula every week. (We sell millions of pounds of food). You see, the best cuts of the organic meats go to the supermarkets and health food stores. The left overs (the trims) can be used for pet food. While the meat would be organic it would be the "throw away" parts such as the tendons, ligaments, and visa versa. Muscle meat and organ meat deliver optimum nutrition, not the later. Using organic meats today would violate my mission statement.

If you look at the label of organic foods you will notice that they contain large amounts of carbohydrates. While I believe that carbohydrates are necessary in a well formulated diet, the organic foods use more than I deem acceptable. They have to use carbohydrates to keep the cost down and to add some protein (carbohydrates have protein) because they can't get enough meat protein. I must have a fixed formula which means that the ingredients (type, amount) will never vary from bag to bag or can to can. Many dogs and cats will get GI upsets if amounts or types of ingredients change. Organic foods have non fixed formulas because they have to take what they can get.

I understand the importance of organic ingredients and embrace it. If you look at my Instinctive Choice you will see that I have a portion of organic chicken. Unfortunately there is not very much CONSISTENT organic chicken to use and unfortunately not enough for my entire formula.

IN SUMMARY: My mission is to give the dog and cat the best nutrition I know how to. Using organic ingredients would be a plus, above and beyond the excellent nutrition. It will take a few more years before organic becomes more available.

Dr. Jane

Click Herer to learn more about Life's Abundance Dog and Cat Food

Keeping Your Dog & Cat Safe From Toxins In The Home

We often get calls and emails from concerned dog and cat parents that their dog is licking uncontrollably or is losing hair all of a sudden or they are sick and no one can figure out why. The first thing I ask is if anything has changed inside or outside of their homes or if they are using any new products. Dogs and cats love to explore, taste, rub against and roll around in all sorts of things—many of which contain harmful toxins. Their sense of smell is thousands of times greater than ours so while we may think something has a slight hint of fragrance they are overloaded from the smell. When you scrub your floor your dog or cat oftentimes runs across it when it's still wet (at least that's happened in my house a million times) and then will lick their paws to clean them and ingest harsh chemicals which can eventually lead to death. Items to be careful of inside the home are Wall/floor/toilet bowl cleaners, bleach, detergents, rust removers, metal polish, drain cleaners, ammonia, oven cleaners, furniture polish, floor wax and all those lovely air fresheners (just think of what they are doing to you too!).

Now let's move outside the home. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are a major source of environmental toxins. A study at the School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, revealed that the exposure to lawns treated with herbicides four or more times a year doubled a dog’s risk of canine lymphoma.  The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association reported that, when exposed to chemically treated lawns, some breeds of dogs were four to seven times more likely to suffer from bladder cancer.  How many times have you spilled antifreeze in the driveway? Antifreeze has a sweet taste that animals love and can be fatal in a dose as small as 1 teaspoon because it is made with ethylene glycol. Also, de-icing salts used to melt snow and ice on your walkways and driveway can irritate paws and can be poisonous if licked off. Wash and dry your pet’s paws as soon as they come in from the outside.

These are just a few of many things to watch out for that you may not even give a second thought to when purchasing. When choosing cleaning products look for items that are labeled pet and child safe (yes, babies love to lick their hands too when they come into contact with anything) to make sure you are keeping your family safe.  Trilogy carries an excellent line of environmentally friendly cleaning products that you can feel good about using. Although our cleaning products are industrial-strength, they are safe for use in the home. Additionally, these products represent the latest in microbial technology, with friendly bacteria that eliminate the organic wastes that cause odor, rather than just masking the smell.

Life’s Abundance Wellness Food Supplement for Dogs

Great news, everyone! Dr Jane Bicks has developed another new and improved formula for our line of premium health products for companion animals!

As a holistic veterinarian and product formulator, Dr Bicks is particularly excited to introduce to you this new and improved formulation -- the Life’s Abundance Wellness Food Supplement for Dogs. This formula replaces our Advanced Daily Supplement for Dogs. These food supplements create a new benchmark of nutrition for our products, which is part of the reason why they now are included under the Life’s Abundance brand.

Dr Jane truly believes that the Life’s Abundance Wellness Food Supplement for Dogs will be one of our most popular pet products.

Drawing from my decades of experience as a holistic veterinarian and incorporating the latest veterinary science, we have formulated a new and improved approach to add to the overall nutritional intake of dogs. The perfect complement to a healthy diet, Life’s Abundance Wellness Food Supplement for Dogs is formulated with a broad array of naturally nutritious ingredients from real food to help maintain overall health.

Please visit the web site for more information about the new Life’s Abundance Wellness Food Supplement for Dogs. You’ll find detailed information about the wholesome ingredients, including liver, cranberries, carrots, eggs, alfalfa, tomatoes and pineapple! Delicious and nutritious, it’s guaranteed to satisfy.

And, like all of our superior-quality canine supplements, these delicious compressed tablets are scored in-half for easy splitting. And with a tantalizing liver flavor, dogs will be clamoring for more when it comes time for their supplements.

Popular Sago Palm Plant Is Toxic to Pets

Daydreaming of a sandy beach and a breeze shimmying through the palm trees? Paradise, right? Not so fast, says Fido. Though palm trees evoke relaxation of the highest order, Sago palm (Cycas revolute)—a stocky member of the Cycad family of plants—is downright dangerous to our furry companions.

According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) in Urbana, IL, pet poisonings from the increasingly popular plant are on the rise. Since 2003, the Center has seen an increase in cases of Sago palm and Cycad poisonings by more than 200 percent. APCC data also reveals that 50 percent to 75 percent of those cases resulted in fatalities.

A native of Southern Japan, Sago palm has been a common addition to outdoor landscaping in sunny climes, but in recent years, has also emerged as a trendy houseplant in northern states. Though attractive with its dark green leaves and hairy trunk, the plant is highly toxic to cats and dogs. Common signs of Sago palm poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, depression, seizures and liver failure.

“Many pet parents may not be familiar with the toxic effects of Cycad palms, and assume the only poisonous portions are the seeds or nuts,” says Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, veterinary toxicologist and APCC Vice President. “But all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.”

As always, pet parents should guard against any mishaps and prevent their furry beloveds from coming into contact with Sago palm plants by placing them out of reach. Or consider a nontoxic alternative to brighten your home and keep the dog days of summer cool and carefree.

Poisonous Food and Plants to Cats and Dogs

Here are some of the most poisonous foods and plants to dogs and cats.....

Foods to Avoid
- Onions, onion powder
- Chocolate (baker's, semi-sweet, milk, dark)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Yeast dough
- Coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate covered espresso beans)
- Tea (caffeine)
- Salt
- Macadamia nuts
- Hops (used in home beer brewing)
- Tomato leaves and stems (green parts)
- Potato leaves and stems (green parts)
- Rhubarb leaves
- Avocados (toxic to birds, mice, rabbits, horses, cattle, and dairy goats)
- Moldy foods

The 3 most common poisons are -

Chocolate. Toxicity depends on the size of the pet, the type of chocolate consumed (darker chocolate is more dangerous than lighter chocolate), and the amount of chocolate that is eaten. Severe intoxication with chocolate can lead to irregular heart rhythms and death. Many dogs seem to find chocolate just as delicious as we humans do. Sadly, for dogs chocolate can be much worse than a guilty pleasure.

Rat and mouse poisons (rodenticides). Even small amounts of rodenticide can be deadly to cats and dogs. The most commonly used rodenticides cause internal bleeding. There is an antidote, but it must be administered rapidly to prevent severe illness or death

Chewing gum. This is a relatively new player in the world of pet poisons. Not all chewing gum is toxic. However, several popular brands contain a sweetener called xylitol. Xylitol can cause dangerously low blood sugar in dogs. It also has been linked to liver damage.

Click Here for a List of Plants to Avoid

What You Need To Know About Pets & Hot Weather

Today marks the official start of summer—and although many parts of the country got a preview last week of the hot weather to come, we’d like to remind you that dogs and cats can suffer from the same problems that humans do—overheating, dehydration and even sunburn—when the mercury rises. By taking these simple precautions from ASPCA experts, you can keep your animal companions happy and healthy:

- When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog stand on hot asphalt. His or her body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.

- Good grooming can stave off summer skin problems, especially for dogs with heavy coats. Shaving the hair to a one-inch length—never down to the skin, please, which robs Rover of protection from the sun—helps prevent overheating. Cats should be brushed often.

- Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.

- Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle—overheating can be fatal! Even with the windows open, a parked automobile can quickly become a furnace. Parking in the shade offers little protection, as the sun constantly shifts during the day.

- Stay alert for signs of overheating in pets. These include excessive panting and drooling and mild weakness, along with an elevated body temperature. Please take a few moments to read our complete list of Hot Weather Tips—it just might save your pet’s life! Article compliments of ASPCA

How to prepare and care for your pet while traveling

Summer is a popular travel season for many families, and furry friends are often a great factor to weigh-in when in making get-away plans. Whether pets travel along with their owner or find alternate housing during time away, there are many things to consider regarding pets’ overall health, comfort, and safety.   

Traveling with pets can pose many changes in environment, which can result in disturbances in a dog or cat’s delicate system such as digestive upsets and changes in mood. Taking some time to plan for a pet’s comfort can greatly enhance its travel experience, and eliminate some potential pitfalls.

Whether an itinerary involves a plane or car, many of the same tips for care apply. Before making arrangements, ensure that vaccinations, health certificates, and identification tags are up-to-date, and that the pet has a full supply of necessary medications. Compile a simple first aid kit with minor wound care supplies, anti-diarrhea and digestive remedies, and emergency phone numbers. Natural remedies can also be used to provide excellent support for many common conditions, without side effects.

Take care of grooming issues before travel, such as bathing and trimming nails, in case facilities are not available for use. Also be sure to evaluate your pet’s current state of health, addressing any minor or potential problems well in advance.

Many animals become uncomfortable in unfamiliar environments, so minimizing disturbances or providing reassurance throughout the journey can be very helpful in easing anxiety or curbing aggression, which may result from fear of the unknown. Bring along a favorite toy or feeding dish.

You can also make use of natural remedies to provide additional support for mood imbalances commonly experienced during travel. Many herbal and homeopathic ingredients are well known for their ability to provide effective relief without creating dependency or side effects.

If traveling by car, take a few short rides to acclimate the dog or cat to the experience. Cats are often best suited to travel in a crate, and dogs are often well inclined to them, as well. Allow time for breaks and walks in the travel schedule, allowing the animal to stretch and exercise. This too can help with easing the stress of a new environment. Try to feed the pet its largest meal in the evening or upon reaching the destination to ease digestive discomfort or motion sickness. Keep in mind the perishableness of wet food, and acclimate the dog or cat to eating dry food a few days before departure to help minimize stomach upsets. Consider supplementing its diet with natural digestive support remedies to maintain health during travel.

When traveling by plane, always confirm pet regulations well in advance so that preparations can be made as necessary. Take into consideration the climate differences and try to book a flight in the early morning or in the evening, whenever weather is more comfortable. Also, consult with a vet for proper feeding instructions based on your pet’s age, size, time and distance of the flight. Generally, traveling on an empty stomach is best. The day of travel, arrive at the airport early to allow your pet to exercise and adapt to the crate.

If boarding the animal is unavoidable, thoroughly research the best options for doing so. As summer is a very popular time of travel, booking reservations well in advance is often a necessity. In addition, since your pet will be exposed to other animals and potential illnesses, consider supplementing its diet with an immunity-boosting remedy to support systemic health. Also, try and plan for possible ill health scenarios, and have remedies on-hand or available to give to caretakers in case they are needed. When possible, leave the pet with friends or family, in an environment they are familiar and comfortable staying in. 

When a pet is away from home, be sure to perform a daily health check (or advise its caretaker to do so). Monitor and evaluate appetite, energy, and overall disposition. Also look out for unusual discharges from the nose and eyes, as well as scratching, biting, itching, changes in elimination, or unfamiliar lumps or bumps. While preventative health precautions are always best, early detection of a problem is the next best thing.

My vet referred us to [Easy Travel Solution] for the car, which has been very effective for my cat. Thanks for your great service! It is always a pleasure to deal with your staff!" - Neville K.

"Pet Alive is the only product line I trust for my animals. I use your remedies for all my cats and dogs and have just added RuniPoo Relief to my collection. I just wanted to let you know that once again I am not disappointed. RuniPoo Relief is just as effective as all your other products." -Tammi Berera

"Our vet recommended your Muscle & Joint Support caps and we have seen a big change. She means so much to us and we are very grateful to PetAlive for this great product!" -Jeff R.

For comfort and relief of common troubles during travel:

• EasyTravel Solution™ Make pet journeys a pleasant and easy experience for owners and pets
• Flatulence Preventer™ Promote digestive health and reduce common gas and unpleasant smells
• Muscle and Joint Support™ Support healthy muscles, joints and bones naturally
• Natural Moves for Pets™ For regular bowels and digestive system
• Digestive Support™ Herbal digestive tonic supports healthy digestion in pets
• Problem Pet Solution™ Support good behavior and maximize training efforts
• Respo-K™ Support respiratory and immune system functioning
• RuniPoo Relief™ Supports healthy digestion and bowel functioning
• Performance Plus™ Support brain functioning & physical performance while promoting health & energy
• PetCalm™ Effective tonic for pet nervous system and harmony
• Aggression Formula™ Discourage routine restlessness and promote soothed behavior

To boost immunity and promote overall health before and after travel or boarding:

• KC-Defense™ Support respiratory health, clear throat and a strong immune system 
• Immunity & Liver Support™ Herbal tonic to support healthy immune system and liver functioning
• DetoxPlus™ Supports the body’s natural ability to eliminate waste and toxins, and promote systemic health
• Parvo-K™ Support digestive harmony and normal fluid balance
• Parasite Dr.™ Support digestive health and integrity
• PetHeal™ Support health in connective tissues, soft tissue, tendons, muscles & bones
• Ring-Ex™ Support normal levels of dermal fungus and promote skin health
• Skin and Coat Tonic™ Restore shine to coats and promote healthy skin
• TF-Defense™ Support iron absorption and red blood cell integrity
• Vi-Pro Plus™ Support a healthy digestive system and maintain firm stools

Buy Flint River Ranch Dog & Cat Food - No Shipping or Tax

Buy Flint River Ranch Dog or Cat Food with No Shipping or Tax!  Flint River Ranch brings the goodness of oven-baking to your dog and cat food in highly digestible, very palatable, concentrated foods.  As a food is concentrated, you can feed less and maintain the proper nutritional value for your pet.  We use only the good stuff - all ingredients are human-grade quality and come from USDA plants and mills.  Flint River Ranch does not add any chemicals preservatives or animal byproducts to any of its foods.

Flint River Ranch Dog Food and Treats are available in Flint River Ranch Original Dog & Puppy Food, Flint River Ranch Trout and Sweet Potato Dog Food, Flint River Ranch Lamb, Millet and Rice Dog Food, Flint River Ranch Senior Dog Food, Flint River Ranch Senior Plus Dog Food and Flint River Ranch Dry Water Dog Food which is a healthy alternative to canned dog food.  Flint River Ranch Cat Food is available in Flint River Ranch Original Cat & Kitten Food, Flint River Ranch Hairball Cat Food and Flint River Ranch Lite Cat Food.

Buy Flint River Ranch Dog or Cat Food

The Truth About Dogs and Cats

Today, many studies are being conducted  on the connection between our ancestral and contemporary diets. As it turns out, most of us have deviated far from what our ancestors ate. In this respect, the same goes for cats and dogs. Just like us, most of our pets are not eating the diets that are meant for them.

So, it is possible that we are unknowingly sabotaging our pets’ health?

If you want to know the truth about cats and dogs, read on.

Dogs . . .
This may not come as a surprise, but dogs are historically scavengers and are primarily meat eaters. In fact, a natural diet included bones, chunks of carcass, fish guts, animal guts and heads, rotten greens and fruits, and eventually discarded human food.

Sounds appetizing, doesn’t it? That explains why your dog will eat any and everything in your garbage can if given the chance. In fact, the major contributing factor in the domestication of dogs was their attraction—way back to the beginning of civilized mankind—to whatever food was available at human garbage dumps. Eventually, the tamer wolves that were the least threatened by human beings, over tens of thousands of years, became our companions and evolved into doghood.

Dogs truly function better as carnivores and should have plenty of meat protein, which provides the building blocks of good health. While a small to moderate amount of carbohydrates can play a secondary role in a dog’s diet, Dr. Jane suggests feeding only highly digestible carbohydrates such as brown rice. Excessive and/or poorly digestible carbohydrates as in cereal based dog foods with only hints of meat are not recommended.

Cats ...
If you have watched a National Geographic episode and witnessed how large cats eat in the wild, you know everything you need to know about a cat’s most basic needs. All cats chase and devour different kinds of prey, which supplies them with abundant protein, fat, some pre-digested flora or grasses and moisture contained in the meats.

Though cats became domestic much the same way dogs did and have also been subjected to omnivorous diets, they’ve managed to retain their original need for protein even more than dogs.

This explains their relatively short intestine, requirement for specific animal protein constituents such as taurine and their inexorable craving to jump on moving prey. The hunter is still in them. Cats unequivocally require meat in their diets and we as owners shouldn’t compromise this need.

Mars Candy Kills?

I was recently cruising the internet and came across the title Mars Candy Kills.  Well since 99% of American has a sweet tooth I thought I better check out this link.  It states that that candymaker Mars, Inc.—creator of M&M's, Snickers, Twix, Dove, Three Musketeers, Starburst, Skittles, and other candies—funds deadly animal tests, even though there are more reliable human studies and not one of the tests is required by law. Mars' top competitor, Hershey's, has pledged not to fund or conduct experiments on animals. Being an animal lover, I see no reason to still test on animals and wanted to share this with you.  If you would like to send a quick note to Mars urging the company to join its rival Hershey's in pledging not to test on animals please go directly to their website here

Help! My Cat Is Overweight? What Should I Feed Him?

Dear Dr. Jane: My cat is about 10 pounds too fat! What should I do?

Dr Jane's Answer: Unfortunately, most weight reduction foods focus on weight loss but not on sound health. These foods are formulated to deliver a diet of low protein, low fat, low calories and high fiber. While one would think that cat owners would be content with the weight loss, if there is any, they generally discard the diet food because of the consequences: itching and scratching, dandruff, excessive shedding, dull brittle coats, insatiable hunger, changes in personality and overall lack in vitality. Since older cats are generally the victims of this food, one must be concerned about their already-frail immune systems. Unless your cat is extremely obese and/or under veterinarian orders to lose weight, the alternatives are: 1. Increase Daily Exercise  2. Feed a High Quality Food like Life's Abundance Health Food for Cats 

Most owners of obese cats seek out a diet, light or senior food hoping that this will be the key to weight loss. Unfortunately, in most cases, a cat becomes obese simply because he is over fed. Since every nugget contains calories, some more then others, the key to a slim waist line for a kitty is to measure the amount of food being fed. Since every food contains different amounts of calories and is metabolized differently, one must follow the feeding directions for the selected food and then lower the amount if necessary. If the food is decreased by 25% and the kitty is not loosing any weight, then changing to a weight loss food may be necessary. A cat doesn't have to stay on that weight loss food forever. Once a waistline returns, the cat can be changed back to regular food. Measure out the food and don't free feed. Spread its allotted amount of food into two to three meals per day.

Dr Jane Bicks is the product formulator for HealthyPetNet products.  Read Dr Jane's Bio

Natural & Organic Flea Shampoo - Get Rid of Dog Fleas!

Are Fleas and Ticks an issue this Spring? Help eliminate them the Natural Way with Botanical Dog's Products!  Free Shipping on orders over $39

Dog Fleas - The helpful hints that can help treat your pet

• You can stop flea problems without using pesticides.
• Fleas have been called "the bane of every dog and cat owner." If you feel that way, here are some common sense ways of getting flea problems under control:
• Wash your pet's bedding regularly. It's a common place for flea eggs to develop and hatch.
• Flea comb your pet as often as necessary.
• Try a flea trap. Studies have found they catch between 10 and 95 percent of the fleas in a room.
• Vacuum often. Vacuuming can remove over 95 percent of the fleas in an area.
• If your pet brings fleas in from outdoors, consider using flea-eating nematodes (tiny worms) in areas where your pet spends lots of time.

Here are some of the problems caused by insecticides commonly used on pets:

• Imidacloprid (often sold as Advantage) is toxic to animal nervous systems, causes damage to DNA (the genetic material in living cells), and increased pregnancy loss (miscarriage) in laboratory tests.
• Fipronil (often sold as Frontline) disrupts hormone function, is classified fipronil as a carcinogen (a chemical that can cause cancer), and lingers on pets for about two months.

Botanical Dog Neem Dream Dog Shampoo-a non chemical alternative.....

Excellant as a Non -Chemical Shampoo and also As a Mange Shampoo(Neem Oil is very effective at killing mange mites)

Botanical Dogs Neem Dream shampoo was specially formulated, to wash away your pet skin problems and to provide a safe alternative to chemical based products. Also soothes Flea bite Dermatitis.

-Neem Oil is a has antibacterial and antiseptic proprieties
-Soothes skin from irritations.
-Eucalyptus act as a natural pet deodorizer

View the complete line of Botanical Dog's Natural Flea and Tick Control

CAUTION! Flea Product! Pro Meris Alert

SO FAR 7 DOGS ENDED UP IN NEED OF VETERINARY CARE AFTER USE OF THIS DRUG.

ERR ON THE SIDE OF CAUTION. (see email below!)
PLEASE CONSIDER NATURAL ALTERNATIVES THAT YOU CAN USE, INSTEAD OF THIS DRUG. WE ARE NOT SURE IF IT WAS A BAD BATCH OR IF THIS IS A SERIOUS REACTION TO THE MEDICINE ITSELF!

The following message is extremely worrisome.  If you don’t have a pet, please pass this on to anyone you know you may have a cat or dog….it’s very important.

“This is Jo and this is a very important message to my family & friends who have dogs or cats and to alert you to the hazard of using a new Flea & Tick Preventative called ProMeris.

This is a new product designed to be a more effective product than other flea/tick treatments that was just released this year. It is available thru a vet and not currently online. I got ProMeris this week for my 7 dogs (6 Huskies & 1 Golden-Airedale), and the results were debilitating for nearly all of them - including me. Since my incident this week, my vet has pulled it from distribution and alerted the manufacturer, Fort Dodge.

Here are my results: Within less than 2 hours after applying, 4 of my dogs had vomited from 2-4 times, 3 were disoriented and stumbling, 1 was dragging his back leg, 1 was salivating. I had very similar symptoms like an allergic reaction - my lips were swollen, eyes very red, mucous membranes such as eyes, nose, and mouth were stinging. I was very disoriented - dizzy equilibrium and not able to drive. To make this a short story, all 7 of my dogs were admitted to the hospital for veterinarian care and 3 of them remained for care, IV fluids and observation for 24 hours. I was in the emergency room.

I’m home now and so are the dogs. We’re all feeling much better. Vet bills were over $2,500 and Fort Dodge is paying for these. Not only can the product cause this reaction, it has a highly noxious odor that permeated the house and is just starting to dissipate after 3 days.

Your dogs/cats might not have the same reaction, but given my experience, I wanted to help you all become well educated about the product.”

We recommend using natural flea and tick treatments from Botanical Dog , the chemical free alternative to Frontine, Advantage, Revolution, Hartz and other flea and tick medications.  If your pet is already suffering from flea and tick bites, try FleaDerm

Smelly Dog With Dirty Ears and Runny Eyes - Life's Abundance Testimonial

A couple of years ago, my husband and I changed our diet to organic and stopped buying foods that contained additives like partially hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup. After a while, we felt better. Then we thought, wouldn't it be nice to do the same for our dogs (not that we weren't giving them premium food). We just wanted to remove the additives from their diets too. I did some research on-line and found Life's Abundance. How wonderful to find a dog food that was only meat, rice, veggies, fruit and probiotics. Our older Samoyed started on the food when she was 10 years old and lived to be 13 years old. When she passed away, our younger Samoyed had never been without a companion. After a few months, she seemed very lonely. We decided to get her a companion and adopted a male Samoyed from a Samoyed rescue organization. I was told by the foster "mom" that her husband had done extensive research on dog food and they were giving their dogs the most nutritional food. When we got the boy, he had just had a bath, but had a bad smell (which is unusual for Samoyeds). His ears were very greasy and dirty and his eye's very goopy and runny. We started feeding the boy Life's Abundance.

Within a couple of weeks, without a bath, the boy's odor was gone and his ears and eyes cleared up. This is when I realized how good the food was. Thanks for making the great dog food!

Dianne E.

Tips For Purchasing Dog Food

You have heard many times that your dog or cat's health starts with superior nutrition.

To get you the best and most up-to-date information about feeding your dog, we turn to dog food expert - Dr. Jane Bicks. Dr. Jane is a highly respected and nationally recognized holistic veterinarian. She has extensively studied dog food and has formulated food for over 15 years. She has worked for several major manufacturers and is truly an expert. She knows the importance of quality of ingredients and nutrient balance.

This is Dr. Jane's philosophy of feeding dogs. Dr. Jane says " Dogs need fresh water, protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins. The most important requirement is water, which makes up 60 percent of a dog's weight. Proteins, fats and carbohydrates are necessary for energy; minerals are important for nerve conduction, muscle contraction, among other things; and vitamins are important to help your dog process biochemicals".

Dr. Jane also feels strongly that dogs need not only good quality foods, but also in the right proportions. Many of our pet food ingredients in the United States come from China with lower standards for growing, farming, and preparation.  Pet food companies are also not required to list everything in their ingredients the way human foods are.  Dogs need food that is well-balanced & scientifically formulated just for him or her.

"Well-balanced" means that for each ingredient in your dog's food, there are other ingredients that form chemical reactions to release the proper nutrition for your dog.  This is what you want!  This is what your dog wants! Dr. Jane believes every dog "deserves the goodness of a home-cooked meal".

There is a lot to learn about proper nutrition but as a rule of thumb when you are purchasing dog food, you need two things.

1. First, you need a food that has the quality of ingredients (and in the right proportions) that your dog needs. Nutrient excess and deficiencies can both cause problems.

2. Second, you need a company that you can trust.

Evaluate your current food against these criteria to make sure that you are giving your dog the proper nutrition.

There are a number of excellent products in the market.  If you are interest in improving the quality of what you feed your dog, take a look at Dr. Jane's formulas.   Dr. Jane's formulas are called Life's Abundance and they have been in the market for many years.

Whatever you chose, it is vital that your dog eats a complete and balanced diet.  Make sure you are feeding your dog the best you can possibly feed.

Omega 3 For Pets

Dear Dr. Jane: I have two dogs and one cat. I am very well aware of the benefits of essential fatty acids in their diet, but would like to know what sets your formula apart from the oils I buy at my local health food store?

Dr Jane's Answer: Our Skin and Coat Formula for Dogs and Cats contains natural, wholesome skin & health support nutrients including fish oil (omega fatty acids) and vitamin E in a delicious roast beef flavor chewable (not in a liquid which goes rancid or a capsule). Fatty acids are microencapsulated for better absorption. Microencapsulation is an expensive, state-of-the-art process where oils/fats are made very small to promote better absorption in the intestines. This enables your pet to receive the full benefit of the oils. Oil is certified free of contaminates such as mercury & lead. Manufactured by a pharmaceutical plant that makes human products. This formula was tested on over 200 dogs in over 40 veterinary clinics and proven effective. This product has been sold for more than 7 to 8 years, and is non allergic.

Omega Fatty Acids: All oils are classified according to their chemical structure and their function in the body. Fish such as herring and salmon contain high amounts of Omega-3 oils, as do wild game. These oils are being studied intensively for their nutritional value throughout the body in humans, dogs and cats. Cornell Feline Health Center was one of the first to demonstrate the positive effects of Omega-3 oils in maintaining healthy skin and coat.

Dr Jane Bicks is the product formulator for HealthyPetNet products

FDA Orders Evanger's Dog & Cat Food to Obtain Emergency Operating Permit

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an order requiring that Evanger's Dog & Cat Food Co., Inc., in Wheeling, Ill., obtain an emergency permit from the FDA before its canned pet food products enter interstate commerce.

A recent inspection revealed significant deviations from prescribed documentation of processes, equipment, and recordkeeping in the production of the company's thermally processed low acid canned food (LACF) products. These problems could result in under-processed pet foods, which can allow the survival and growth of Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum), a bacterium that causes botulism in some animals as well as in humans.

"As outlined in the Food Protection Plan, the FDA uses a risk-based approach to locate the areas of greatest risk for foods, and targets preventive controls and inspections to those areas, " said Dr. Stephen Sundlof, director, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. "The FDA's authority to issue an order requiring an emergency permit is an enforcement tool designed to prevent unsafe foods from reaching consumers.”

The FDA issues an "Order of Need for Emergency Permit” if the agency determines that a company fails to meet the regulatory requirements to process a product that does not present a health risk. For Evanger's to resume business, the company must document that corrective actions and processing procedures have been implemented to ensure that the finished product will not present a health hazard.

Botulism is a powerful toxin that affects the nervous system and can be fatal. The disease has been documented in dogs and cats. Signs of botulism in animals are progressive muscle paralysis, disturbed vision, difficulty in chewing and swallowing, and progressive weakness to the body. Death is usually due to paralysis of the heart or the muscles used in breathing.

In light of human botulism illnesses and recalls that occurred due to under-processed hot dog chili sauce, and potentially under-processed canned green beans, FDA has urged all LACF processors to review their operations and the apply scientific principals and regulations that have been established to provide a safe product.

While FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine has authority over animal feed and foods, CFSAN is responsible for regulating all human and animal LACF processing. The two centers are collaborating on this enforcement action.

String of Illnesses Afflicts NUTRO-Fed Pets

A worrisome health trend among dogs and cats across the country has surfaced in the past few months. Scores of pets from California to South Carolina have experienced sudden and recurring bouts of diarrhea, vomiting, and other digestive problems.

Through an examination of reports submitted by readers, ConsumerAffairs.com has uncovered a common link among these pets: They all ate the same brand of food: NUTRO pet food.

In all of the cases we've examined, the animals' conditions improved once their owners switched them to another brand of food.

"I've been feeding my chocolate Lab, Indy, NUTRO for almost four years," said Laura F. of Las Vegas, Nevada. "He's always been happy, healthy, and big. Recently I switched him to NUTRO (Natural Choice) Lite at my vet's request. Three weeks ago, he started vomiting uncontrollably."

Laura said her veterinarian initially thought Indy had pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. The vet prescribed some medication and Indy's condition gradually improved.

"Now, three weeks later, he started vomiting again," she said, adding she continued to feed her dog NUTRO. "He's now lost about 8 pounds in three weeks and is weak and lethargic.

"The vet believes -- as do I -- that it is the food," she said.

Laura switched brands of dog food and Indy's health improved. After a while, Laura tried mixing in the NUTRO with the new food. But that turned out to be a bad idea.

"The vomiting started again," Laura said. "I also noticed that he only ate about half his food and was actually dropping the NUTRO out and trying to only eat the Science Diet. I think even my dog knows there is something wrong with the NUTRO food.

"I will never feed any of my pets NUTRO again."

Similar stories

We've heard similar stories and sentiment from scores of pet owners nationwide -- many of whom are loyal NUTRO customers. We've also heard from a pet store employee, who noticed these same digestive problems with her clients' pets that ate NUTRO products.

A pet owner in South Carolina told us that she found foreign objects in her last few bags of NUTRO foods.

And a disabled woman in California said all these pets' health problems have given her a horrible sense of déjà vu. Her service dog, she said, experienced these same digestive problems a few years ago – after eating NUTRO food.

"I would not venture to give any pet one nugget of NUTRO food after what my dog went through," said Maggie D. of San Francisco.

But scores of pet owners who've contacted us are convinced that something is now wrong with NUTRO's food.

They're pet owners like Lynn C. of Cabot, Arkansas.

"I've used NUTRO for years and never had any problems," she told us. "But my 10-year-old border collie, Boo, became sick six weeks ago. He was lethargic, lost weight, and when evaluated by a veterinarian, his liver enzymes were critical. They were elevated…off the chart. My vet said we've got to do something.  "She put him on antibiotics and a strong amino acid, but he continued to deteriorate." A week into Boo's treatment, a co-worker told Lynn about problems she'd read about regarding NUTRO's pet food. "I had never dreamed it could be the food," she said. "I'm feeding all four of my dogs the food, so why all of the sudden would it affect Boo? The other three are still thriving. But they're younger—and he's the smallest dog."  Lynn did some digging and found the complaints filed by pet owners on ConsumerAffairs.com. "I was shocked at the information that I found on NUTRO," she said. "I faxed pages and pages of this information to my veterinarian, who became alarmed and told me to stop feeding him the NUTRO." Within days, Boo's condition improved. "He started acting like he felt better," Lynn said. "It's amazing. He wasn't responding until I took him off the NUTRO food. Within a week, he had regained two pounds, and after two weeks, his liver enzymes were still high, but improving. "I cannot explain why this happened all of the sudden since Boo has been eating this food for years. But I know my dog and I know it was the food."

Another pet owner in the small town of Cabot, Arkansas, who shows Westies, said her dogs experienced the same problems with NUTRO's food.

"I started using NUTRO Natural Choice for my show dogs last fall," said Judy Y., who has fed dogs NUTRO on and off for years. "With the last two bags my dogs started to lose weight and their stools were extremely soft. One litter had constant diarrhea. They were losing weight, their coats were not in the condition they should be. And after they ate, they would suck up water like they hadn't had any all day. "The only dog I wasn't having problems with was the old dog that can only eat raw meat, no dog food at all." Judy also noticed that one of her puppies wasn't growing. "She was growing fine until I put her on NUTRO," Judy said. "And then it was like she just stopped growing. She looked like she had been starved and her coat looked real bad." Judy's vet examined the dogs -- and their stools -- and didn't find any problems. "So I said the heck with the commercial dog food and I started feeding all my dogs raw food," Judy said. "They've all bounced back. They have all gained weight and their hair is growing again." The only exception is the puppy that had growth problems. "My puppy is 10 months old now and her growth seems to be stunted," Judy said. "I have never had this happen in the 40 years I have been showing and breeding dogs. I'm not sure this show quality puppy will now get big enough to show or breed. It is so heart breaking to see such a good quality dog not live up to her potential because of a dog food."

Similar tales

Scores of other pet owners echo these concerns. Consider some of their pets' recent experiences with NUTRO:

• Michele T. of Northridge, California: "I've been feeding my dogs NUTRO Natural Choice Senior kibble for years. Lately, the last few months, they've both had very upset tummies and very unusual and loose stools."

• Rachel B. of Indianapolis, Indiana: "I have a three-year-old Poodle who I got from a rescue (group), and he's been on NUTRO Max since I've had him. Within the last few months, he has had quite a few digestive problems that his vet has not been able to figure out thus far. He has not been eating like he normal does and his stools have been incredible sporadic -- soft then hard, then soft then bloody. His appetite has been pretty bad. He'll wait to eat until he's starving because he doesn't want to eat the food. He's drinking water like he's been in the desert, and coughing and dry heaving a lot. He repeatedly tests negative for stomach parasites and we have been uncertain what the problem was until I received an e-mail about NUTRO foods from the shelter he came from. I know I will be weaning him off NUTRO immediately!"

• Kelly M. of Moyock, North Carolina: "I switched my dogs to NUTRO Natural Choice Large Breed chicken and rice, thinking I was improving the quality of their food. They loved it! Unfortunately, a few days after I began feeding the new food, which I converted by mixing in increasing quantities over a week long period, both of my dogs -- a Great Dane and a Dane/Blue Tick mix -- developed watery bowels and lots of digestive activity. We took the Dane to the vet, because he exhibited symptoms first, and they performed a fecal test for both parasites and Giardia. Both were negative. When the other dog began having the same symptoms, I began to suspect the food. I placed a call to NUTRO yesterday and spoke to a customer service representative. She said they had never heard of any dogs having problems like the ones I described. And then, the next day, I found your Web site and saw the numerous complaints. I am not pleased."

• Lin D. of Fresno, California: "I have three miniature pinschers and it (the NUTRO food) has affected all of them same way – diarrhea, throwing up, loose stools or totally water stools. They have eaten this food for four years and never had any problems until this last bag. The thing that was interesting is when I opened the last bag and scooped out the food, it was more grainy than normal. My eight-pound girl, she's a wolf and eats everything, she kind of backed away from the food and I had to coerce her to eat. I have taken my dogs off NUTRO and they are doing fine. I also called NUTRO and spoke to a representative in consumer service. She, too, said she had not heard of any problems with the food. She is blaming the shipping and storing of the food – she kind of giggled when she said it. I won't go back to that food. My dogs are much too precious to me and I am extremely fortunate I didn't lose them to a bad bag of food."

• Jacki G. of Dornsife, Pennsylvania: "I recently purchased a 40 pound bag of NUTRO Natural Lamb and Rice small bites for my Weimer. We've been very happy until this last bag (dated 10 may 2009,13:38 2 a x 4 j p). Our dogs were throwing up, diarrhea as well as the usual allergy reactions. I figured they had gotten into something they shouldn't have, so I fed them brown rice and boiled ground beef to allow their bellies to settle down. The dogs got better. I resumed feeding NUTRO, with the same results. I figured the bag was somehow tainted with corn (which the Weimer is allergic to), causing the intestinal and other reactions. I purchased another food. Symptoms immediately subsided. I was determined not to waste a 40 pound bag of dog food, so I tried to mix it 50/50 with the good food. Bad Idea! Immediate return of symptoms. I called the company to report my dismay. After a 25 minute wait I spoke to a very uninterested woman, who told be to take the food back to the store for a new bag or a refund. I was shocked there was not more alarm that their food wasn't properly manufactured. I was frustrated and dumbfounded at this lack of customer service. I then Googled to see if there was anything going on with other folks. Wow, am I surprised – and a little scared that I tried so long to get my Zippo to eat this food."

• Leigh P. of Olmsted Falls, Ohio: "After years on NUTRO, both my cats started vomiting almost daily. I did plenty of research, feeling that I should switch their food. I will never feed commercial brands like this again. My cats are now on a raw BARF diet, which they were designed to eat, and they are thriving and healthy. My Persian cat, who lost fur four years ago from an illness, is now fluffy again after just 1 month on raw. Don't feed NUTRO or commercial brands. Now I feel guilty for donating this poison to my animal shelter."

Click Here to read the entire article from Lisa Wade McCormick, ConsumerAffairs.Com

When feeding a dog food, you need to ask yourself - Do You Really Know What's In Your Pet's Food?  Also, take the time to read your pet food label and question ingredients.  Learn more about comparing pet food ingredients and what you should be looking for.  If you call your pet food company can you actually speak with the manufacturer of their products?  Dr Jane Bicks, the product formulator for HealthyPetNet's product line welcomes consumer questions.  She hosts a Thursday evening conference call.  If you have a specific question about HealthyPetNet products that you would personally like to ask Dr Jane than please email us for the call info.

The Truth About Ash In Cat Food

Dear Dr. Jane: I want to purchase cat food but I need a food with no ash or low ash because my cat has urinary tract problems. The food I am presently feeding is low ash. Can I feed any of your HealthyPetNet cat food formulas?

Dr. Jane’s Answer: Ash content has been thought to create urinary tract problems in cats in the past. It is not true. It is twenty year old incorrect information that is still circulating. Ash is simply minerals that are left after something is burned. What causes urinary tract problems is generally because the food that an animal is on does not promote the proper PH of the urine. It is also caused by the general nature of cats to not drink enough water. Even if you put several dishes of water all over the house, they simply will not usually get enough.

This is why, for optimum health, I suggests giving a cat wet and dry food daily. Cats in nature obtain most of the water they need from the meat and stomach contents of their prey. This is why I developed the Instinctive Choice Canned Cat Food. It is designed to mimic a wild diet. It contains what I coin as biological water. It also has 3% less water (but ample enough for good health) so that more meat protein can be put in the can.

The water comes from broth so that it contains more nutrition. Most wet cat foods add tap water only. It contains 36% protein. If you will look on the ingredient list on the Instinctive Choice, you will see that I use couch grass. This is an extremely beneficial herb for the health of the urinary tract. It is one of the best things that anyone could feed their cat. If you have ever noticed, a cat that is kept indoors will eat grass when it is let out. They do this because it is necessary for their health. This is why couch grass is added to our cat food.

If anyone is feeding their cat food that contains a lot of grains, they are doing their cat no good, even if it has a low ash content. Food like this promotes the incorrect Ph.

Important: Our Instinctive Choice Premium Canned Cat Food is meant to be fed with our Life’s Abundance dry formula for cats, not alone.

Dog Thefts On The Rise According to AKC

The American Kennel Club® warned pet owners and breeders about an alarming rise in dog thefts in recent months and offered tips on keeping pets safe with an appearance on NBC’s Today Show earlier this month. From parking lots to pet stores and even backyards, more dogs are disappearing. In the first three months of 2008, the AKC has tracked more than 30 thefts from news and customer reports, versus only ten for all twelve months of 2007.

Media reports have chronicled the escalation of these “dog-nappings” from all around the country. Incidents have included armed robbers entering a breeder’s home, tiny puppies being stuffed into purses at pet stores and most recently, purebred pets being snatched from cars in parking lots and even shelters.

“The value of pets in people’s lives has been on the rise for a long time and now we are seeing thieves trying to capitalize on this. Whether they seek to resell the dog, collect a ransom or breed the dogs and sell their offspring, thieves seem to be attuned to the increased financial and emotional value pets have in our lives,” said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Losing a treasured family pet is devastating to the owner.”

“Criminals look for weaknesses and exploit them. They know pets can’t protect themselves, so that means owners need to be alert,” said Lt. John Kerwick, a law enforcement K-9 handler and the President of the U.S. Police Canine Association, Region 7. “Be wary of anyone who approaches you and asks too many questions about your dog or where you live. This is a red flag that they may be out to snatch your pet.”

Peterson added that “These ‘dog-nappers’ are misguided and naïve. They’re stealing living beings, not jewelry that can be pawned. Plus, it’s unlikely that they can sell the dogs for high prices without proper registration papers, and these inept criminals are not realistically going to collect a ransom. Caring for a dog -- and especially breeding -- is a time consuming endeavor that requires a lot of knowledge. Thieves will find themselves with a frightened and confused animal that needs a lot of care.”

The AKC offers the following advice to prevent your “best friend” from being a target of a crime:

At Home

• Don’t let your dog off-leash – Keeping your dog close to you reduces the likelihood it will wander off and catch the attention of thieves. A Saint Bernard that had wandered away from his owner in Nebraska was snatched up right off the road.
• Don’t leave your dog unattended in your yard – Dogs left outdoors when no one is home for long periods of time can be potential targets, especially if you live in a rural area and the fenced-in yard or dog runs are visible from the street.
• Keep purchase price to yourself – If strangers approach you to admire your dog during walks, don’t answer questions about how much the dog cost or give details about where you live.
• Breeders need to be aware of home visits by potential puppy buyers – Criminals posing as would be “puppy buyers” have visited breeder homes to snatch dogs, while other homes have been burglarized when the owner was away. From Yorkies in Los Angeles to Bulldogs in Connecticut, thieves have targeted young puppies of these highly coveted breeds.

On the Road

• Never leave your dog in an unattended car, even if it’s locked – Even if you are gone for only a moment, an unlocked car is an invitation for trouble. Also leaving expensive items in the car such as a GPS unit or laptop will only invite thieves to break and possibly allow the dog to escape.
• Don’t tie your dog outside a store – This popular practice among city dwelling dog owners can be a recipe for disaster. Reports have surfaced of such thefts in Manhattan. If you need to go shopping, patronize only dog-friendly retailers or leave the dog at home.
• Be vigilant when entering or leaving establishments or venues catering to dogs such as grooming salons, veterinarians, doggie day care or hotels –Be aware of your surroundings, such as slow moving vehicles, or people watching you and your dog. Carry pepper spray as a precaution and, if possible, don’t walk alone late at night or stay in a well lit area. 

Recovery

• Protect your dog with microchip identification – Collars and tags can be removed so make sure you have permanent ID with a microchip. Keep contact information current with your recovery service provider. Several pets have been recovered because of alert people scanning and discovering microchips. For more information and to enroll your pet in a 24 hour recovery service visit www.akccar.org.
• If you suspect your dog has been stolen – Immediately call the police / animal controlin the area your pet was last seen.
• Have fliers with a recent photo ready to go if your dog goes missing – Keep a photo of your dog in your wallet or on an easily accessible web account so that you can distribute immediately if your pet goes missing.

Natural Dental Health For Dogs And Cats

QUESTION

"My 13 year old Yorkie has kidney troubles. She is on a low-protein diet and takes medication. She also has some issues with her gums, but because of her kidney problems, we have been advised against putting her under anesthesia for cleaning. Will this product help in any way or could its ingredients be contra-indicated for a dog with these problems?"
- Susan

ANSWER

Hi Susan,

Thank you for your query. You are to be commended for researching the use of natural alternatives. We can recommend our PetAlive Gumz-n-Teeth™ for healthy teeth and gums in your pet. This remedy would have no contradictions with your pet's kidney condition.  Gumz-n-Teeth is a 100% safe and natural combination of herbal and homeopathic ingredients in an internal formula for promoting general dental health in pets.

Use PetAlive Gumz-n-Teeth:

• For healthy teeth and gums
• To promote health in the immune system
• To support bones and teeth
• As a general nutritional supplement

Keeping Your Dog And Cat's Teeth & Gums Healthy

Hints for Tip-top Teeth & Gums

Maintaining your pet’s dental health is a very important part of caring for your pet, yet nearly half of all pets suffer from gum disease, calculus, and dental problems.

Since dental health is linked with overall wellness, when proper care is not given to our pets’ gums and teeth, the risk of disease and illness greatly increases. Problems can include liver, kidney, heart inflammation, and infection.

Also consider the many uses of your pet’s teeth! Dogs and cats make much fuller use of their teeth than humans do - using them in ways we usually use our hands—which is just another reason why it is so important to help maintain and promote health.

There are many natural remedies and approaches you can take to help promote oral health.  The PetAlive line offers four proven products that promote good oral health. As with other health issues, preventative care is best!

• Begin better health from the inside out. Good nutrition, which includes lean meats, whole grains, and natural-based treats offers a good foundation for health. In addition, there are many foods specially formulated to reduce plaque and discourage tartar build-up.

  Related Products To Keep Your Pet's Healthy

  Products to Promote Oral Health:

  • Gumz-N-Teeth™ - Promote healthy teeth and gums
  • Immunity & Liver Support™ - Promote immune system and liver functioning
  • Oral Health Mouth Spray™ - Promote oral health and address dog and cat breath
  • Pup Teeth Granules™ - Relieve pain and discomfort associated with teething

  View All Pet Alive Products

• Regularly brush your pet’s teeth. Again, maintenance is key to prevention. Ask your vet about the specific needs of your pet, as some breeds are more prone to disease.

• Inspect your pet’s teeth. Also be sure to pay attention for any changes in your pet’s eating habits (which may be linked to painful chewing) or foul-smelling breath, which is usually the first indicator of a problem. However, be aware that the gum line is slightly indented and can harbor the calculus-causing bacteria for months on end without being affected by your pet’s eating.

• Take your pet for regular dental check-ups.

• Use natural preventative remedies to fight gum disease. Always consider the holistic method of caring for your pet, particularly since dental health is so interrelated with overall well-being.

Slentrol - New Diet Drug Approved for Dogs

Is your hound round? Too much flab on your Lab? Is your husky, well, husky? A new drug may provide some help.

The government approved the first drug for obese canines on Friday. Called Slentrol, the Pfizer Inc. drug is aimed at helping fat Fidos shed extra pounds.

"This is a welcome addition to animal therapies, because dog obesity appears to be increasing," said Stephen Sundlof, director of the Center for Veterinary Medicine at the Food and Drug Administration.

A dog that weighs 20 percent more than its ideal weight is considered obese. That takes in about 5 percent of the nearly 62 million dogs in the United States. An additional 20 percent to 30 percent are considered overweight.

The liquid drug appears to reduce the amount of fat a dog can absorb. It also seems to trigger a feeling of satiety or fullness, according to the FDA.

The prescription drug also can produce some unfortunate side effects, including loose stools, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite.

And it's not for dog owners. The FDA discourages the drug's use in humans and lists a litany of side effects should anyone ignore that advice. Nor is Slentrol, also called dirlotapide, for use in cats.

Instead of resorting to drugs, reduce your dogs eating and give them some exercise and this will help them lose weight. Remember your dog can not tell you what this drug is actually doing to them. As you read above, the side effects are not worth it. Do them a favor - feed them a natural diet dog food and get some exercise.  A simple short walk a day and getting your dog on a natural weight loss food will keep both of you healthier!

Lastly, watch the amount of treats you give your dog.  By giving them high calorie treats you are sabatoging their weight.  While you may not think that 5 or 6 treats a day add up, they do - especially if your dog is smaller.  A great weight loss dog treat is Wholesome Hearts Low Fat Dog Treat.

Strengthen Your Pet's Immune System

This month I would like to touch on the immune system because it is very important to your companion animal’s health and longevity.  You probably know that a strong immune system is essential, but what is it and how does it work?

The immune system is made up of a complex and integrated arrangement of organs, tissues, white blood cells and antibodies.  The system works by protecting the body from potentially harmful bacteria, microbes, viruses, toxins and parasites … fighting disease, infections and various pathogens.  Although I could go on and on talking about this highly complex system, I would like to highlight two vital aspects of the immune system: antioxidants and the G.A.L.T.

Antioxidants are the most commonly discussed nutrients in relation to the immune system because they protect the body by destroying harmful substances known as free radicals.  Free radicals are formed inside the body as a by-product of metabolism and also in response to environmental elements, like exposure to ultraviolet light, air pollution, etc.  In order to support healthy immune function, it is vital that your pet gets enough antioxidants to disarm harmful free radicals.

Fruits, vegetables and grasses are full of powerful antioxidants.  Actually, I believe that Life’s Abundance Premium Health Food was one of the first brands to include antioxidants from whole foods.  Dogs and cats need antioxidants from a wide variety of foods, including squash, zucchini, rice germ, flax seed meal, herbs, liver, and natural vitamin E.  You can give your dog apples, pears and other fruits.  Fresh veggies work well for dogs and occasionally for cats.  I have a cat that carries raw string beans in her mouth and howls as though it is something important, and eventually eats most of it.

Another critical part of the immune system is found in the intestines or the Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue (G.A.L.T.), which communicates with the immune cells located throughout the body.  In some respects, the G.A.L.T. is the first line of defense in the body.  That’s why Life’s Abundance foods and other HealthyPetNet products contain a special fiber and mix of friendly bacteria to support intestinal health.

We all want the very best for our beloved animals.  We should feel fortunate to live in a time when breakthroughs in medical research help us to help them live longer and happier lives.  Thanks to the solid research we now have regarding immune and GI health, we are pleased to bring you a truly superior line of food, treat and supplement products for your companion animals.  To better health for all dogs and cats!

Can Dogs & Cats Take Fish Oil?

Yes, Dogs & Cats Benefit From Fish Oil!

In research studies, fish oil has shown positive benefits in helping pets with disease. Fatty acids are among the most commonly used nutritional supplements used in treating dogs and cats. Fortunately, they have been used successfully long enough that most conventional veterinarians include their usage in the treatment of at least some diseases. Though some pet diets may include Omega-3 fatty acids, virtually none include satisfactory amounts of the most important Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Many pet foods contain primarily Omega-6 fatty acids from vegetable oils resulting in a highly unbalanced ratio of Omega-6s to Omega-3s. Research has shown that a ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 of 5:1 to 10:1 is optimal for dogs and cats and therefore supplementing with a high quality Omega-3 fish oil supports pet health.

Omega 3 oils support heart, vision and joint health, provide important nutrients for proper immune function, and nourish the skin and coat. First suggested for use in treating allergies in pets, they are now advocated in cases of kidney disease, elevated cholesterol, and arthritis as well. Veterinarians are discovering that fatty acids can be valuable for a variety of conditions. Fish oil supplementation may be helpful for pets with inflammatory diseases including allergies, arthritis, kidney disease, heart disease, and cancers. Pets with any type of inflammatory disease may benefit from fish oil supplementation. In general, more severe disease requires doses higher than those commonly recommended.

Fish oil is very effective in some pets with allergies and skin disease. It is easy to administer (via gel caps or liquid) and can reduce the amount of corticosteroid or antihistamine needed to control itching. Most pets take either form well. For pets that are difficult to "pill," the liquid form is quite popular. Owners of dogs and cats 20 pounds and under find the liquid form more cost effective than the large bottle of fatty acid capsules that we prescribe. The response is variable in other diseases (such as kidney disease) but fish oil appears effective in research studies. In pets with some types of cancer, fish oil has slowed down the growth and spread of the cancer. While more studies are needed on other types of cancer, the general recommendation is to add fish oil to the diets of all pets with cancer.

As with other supplements, the use of fatty acids often allows doctors to lower the dosages of drugs such as corticosteroids or antihistamines. Choosing a high quality Omega-3 fish oil supplement with exceptional purity and freshness, as well as, high levels of Omega-3s is key to supporting pet health.

How Quickly Will My Pet Benefit From Omega 3 Supplements?

While the pet begins benefiting quickly, you may not notice a difference for 3-4 months. The pet's body will change from the inside out—first the individual cells, then tissues, then organs. Gradually you'll notice the coat and skin become more radiant. When you see this, you'll know the internal organs, including the kidneys, liver, heart, and brain, are also experiencing more radiant health.

Because fats are an expensive component of pet foods, many commercial foods do not contain high levels, especially of the Omega 3 fatty acids. Most pets benefit from fatty acid supplements. We recommend SeaLogix Ultra Refined Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil

Fish Oil Purity

We have no one but ourselves to blame for the toxic contaminants found in fish oil. These toxins include mercury (from the burning of coal), PCBs (used in electrical insulation), and dioxins (the active ingredient in defoliants used in the Vietnam War). Although production of PCBs and dioxins has long been banned, they rarely break down and thus accumulate in the marine food chain that ends with fish. These toxins are known carcinogens and neurotoxins. In fact, the levels in the Eskimo population, who consume large amounts of fatty fish rich in EPA and EPA, are well above the safety standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO), and recent studies indicate that they are approaching the upper limits of safety in the Japanese population.

Here lies the dilemma - how to remove these toxins to obtain all the tremendous health benefits of EPA and DHA. The solution was the development of a new manufacturing process for producing ultra refined EPA/DHA concentrates.

Buyer Beware!
If you or someone you know is using a fish oil that is not tested by an independent laboratory for concentration, purity and stability, it's buyer beware. Ask the manufacturer of that fish oil what it is trying to hide. It's one thing to print pharmaceutical-grade on a label, it's quite another to actually make a truly "pharmaceutical grade ultra refined" fish oil.

Fish Oil Liquid Or Capsules For My Pets, Which One Should I Choose?

Dogs and cats are extremely smart! Think of it this way...after a few days of trying to jam the capsule down your pet's throat, you may find yourself chasing him/her around the house! It's a lot easier if you make it "treat time!" We recommend putting liquid Fish Oil in cream cheese, peanut butter, cottage cheese or anything that your pet likes. Your furry friend will never know it's there and you're giving your animal a healthy treat!

Pet Food Recall: Roll Over Pork Tenders Premium Dog Treat

A Canadian made dog treat is being voluntarily recalled due to salmonella..

PRESENCE OF SALMONELLA BACTERIA IN ROLL OVER PORK TENDERS PREMIUM DOG TREAT

OTTAWA, March 13, 2008 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Rollover Premium Pet Food Ltd. are warning consumers not to purchase or use the Roll Over Pork Tenders Premium Dog Treat described below. This product may be contaminated with the bacteria responsible for salmonellosis in humans.

The affected Roll Over Pork Tenders Premium Dog Treat was sold in 50 g packages bearing UPC 0 60766 88138 1. All lots up to and including 07 MAR 10 are affected by this alert.

Roll Over Pork Tenders Premium Dog Treat was distributed nationally.

There has been one illness reported associated with this product.

People may risk bacterial infection by handling the treats directly or by contact with pets who have used the treats. Anyone who may have handled the treats should wash their hands with warm water and soap. Consumers should dispose of these treats in the trash.

Common symptoms of Salmonella infection are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, although more serious consequences are possible, especially in young children, the elderly, and in people with weakened immune systems.

Rollover Premium Pet Food Ltd., High River, Alberta, is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

For more information, consumers and industry can call one of the following numbers:

Rollover Premium Pet Food Ltd.
403-652-4300 or 1-800-616-9267
info@rolloverpetfood.com

CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

For information on Salmonella, visit the Food Facts web page at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/causee.shtml.

For information on receiving recalls by e-mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.

Identification for Dogs & Cats - Keeping Pets Safe

I read heartbreaking statistics about lost pets and accidents that could have been avoided with just a little planning. Our companion animals are family members and they can't always protect themselves. That's our job as pet parents. So here are a couple of things to help keep your pet safe during this glorious Spring season.

Even though I am sure that you keep a close eye on your companion animal when outdoors, a number of things can happen to separate you. If this does take place, the proper identification will help reunite you with your pet. Animals without ID tags are often mistaken as strays and they are sometimes treated differently, so make sure your dog or cat has the proper identification. I suggest a sturdy, yet comfortable, breakaway collar with an ID tag containing your pet's name plus your name, address and phone number. Also, hook your pet's rabies tag on the collar.

As some collars can fall off and others break away if caught on an object, a microchip is a good idea. This is a very small device that your veterinarian can inject under the skin around the shoulder blades. The chip has a number that is registered with the manufacturer and other local, state and nationwide agencies. Many shelters and vets have scanners that read the number on the microchip. Then, it's a simple call to the manufacturer or agency to get your name and phone number for a happy ending.

Lawn and Garden Dangers

As the weather warms up, the neighborhood seems to wake up to lawn and garden care. Many common fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides can be toxic to animals if inhaled or ingested. There is some indication from recent studies that the rising rate of certain cancers in dogs and children may be linked to herbicides and pesticides. To be safe, make sure you read and follow the directions carefully. During and after treatment, be sure to keep your pets away from the lawn or garden until the area is completely dry. In some cases, this could mean an entire day. If your pet is accidentally exposed to any lawn or garden treatment, act quickly. Wash your pet immediately with liquid dish soap and call your veterinarian.

Want a safer alternative? Go organic. In general, these kinds of lawn and garden treatments are safer. However, again, please read and follow the instructions carefully.

P.S. Can your dog or cat use a little sprucing up, but it is too chilly for a bath? Try our Bath Fresh Mist. An easy-to-use spray that is enhanced with a moisture-activated odor-fighter that safely absorbs and neutralizes odors, giving your pet a fresh "just bathed" look and feel. Contains a blend of certified organic herbal extracts, pure plant botanicals and natural fruit extracts that assist with detangling as well as nourishing the coat’s natural condition, leaving it soft, luxurious and delicately fragrant. Not just a cover up - actually neutralizes odors. Rinse Free Formula!

Hartz Vitamin Care for Cats Recalled

The Hartz Mountain Corporation is voluntarily recalling a second specific lot of Hartz Vitamin Care for Cats due to concerns that bottles within the lot may have been potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Hartz is fully cooperating with the US Food and Drug Administration in this voluntary recall. Hartz recalled a specific lot code of Hartz Vitamin Care for Cats last November due to similarconcerns. Both lot codes were manufactured for Hartz by UFAC (USA) Inc. in 2007, and were removed from distribution last November. However, bottles from the second lot had been shipped to customers prior totheir having been removed from distribution

Read the FDA article

Is Your Pet Food On The Recall List?

On March 15, 2007, FDA learned that certain pet foods were sickening and killing cats and dogs. FDA found contaminants in vegetable proteins imported into the United States from China and used as ingredients in pet food.

A portion of the tainted pet food was used to produce farm animal feed and fish feed. FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture discovered that some animals that ate the tainted feed had been processed into human food. Government scientists have determined that there is very low risk to human health from consuming food from animals that ate tainted feed. All tainted pet food, animal and fish feed, and vegetable proteins continue to be recalled and destroyed.

As a result of FDA and USDA's comprehensive investigation, on February 6, 2008, FDA announced that two Chinese nationals and the businesses they operate, along with a U.S. company and its president and chief executive officer, were indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a scheme to import products purported to be wheat gluten into the United States that were contaminated with melamine.

Check this list monthly as it is always being updated....

Check to see if your dog or cat food is on the recall list