I have posted the information on the Beef Hoof Recall below. I don’t want to step on anyone’s hooves here, but I personally do not recommend giving cow hooves to dogs to chew on. I have had several cases of fractured 4th pre-molars (the large tooth in the back of the dog’s mouth) after they have chewed on the hoof. I also do not recommend giving real bones, cooked or raw to dogs for the same reason.
Debra Garrison, DVM
PetSmart is voluntarily recalling two Dentley’s Beef Hoof products for potential salmonella contamination. The products were manufactured by Pet Carousel, Inc. in Sanger, Calif.
The recalled products include only the following types of Dentley’s Beef Hooves purchased between Oct. 2, 2009 and Nov. 3, 2009:
Dentley’s Bulk Cattle Hoof UPC# 73725703323
Dentley’s 10 Pack Beef Hooves UPC# 73725736055
No other products are included in this recall.
The affected products were shipped from the Pet Carousel plant to three PetSmart distribution centers in Ottawa, Ill.; Groveport, Ohio and Newnan, Ga.; and then shipped directly to certain PetSmart stores. Although the affected product was not shipped to every store, as a precautionary measure PetSmart immediately recalled the product from all of its US stores and instituted a register block to prevent any product from being inadvertently scanned and sold. In addition, PetSmart removed the product from the PetSmart.com Web site and notified PetPerks customers with valid e-mail addresses in the PetSmart database who purchased the affected products.
Salmonellosis is an infection with bacteria called salmonella. Most persons infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most persons recover without treatment. However, in some individuals, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In these patients, the salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.
Many dogs do not show clinical signs of salmonella. However, when they do, they often have diarrhea or other signs of systemic infections.
Customers who purchased the recalled products should discontinue use immediately and return the product to any PetSmart store for a complete refund or exchange. Customers who have concerns about their health or their pet’s health should consult a medical professional. For additional information about the recall, customers can visit http://www.petsmartfacts.com , http://www.petsmart.com , http://www.fda.gov , or contact PetSmart Customer Service at 1-888-839-9638.
Filed under Dog Care by on Nov 6th, 2009. Comment. 
Shedding in dogs is a common problem for those of us that share our lives with a canine or two. Many allergy sufferers who love dogs cannot own them due to amount of hair and dander that dogs shed. Keeping dogs clean and well groomed can help people with less severe allergies enjoy the company of dogs in their lives. With many products available for dog owners to groom their pets themselves, shedding need not be a problem anymore.
The Furminator, a tool which was developed by a pet groomer, helps immensely in eliminating the unwanted pet hair we may find hovering around our homes and clinging to our clothes. Bathing our dogs and then brushing their coats can help keep our home and environment free of pet hair and dander, thus reducing minor allergies.
If you are the owner of a breed of dog that sheds, you are well aware of the embarrassment of finding pet hair clinging to your clothing or floating in the coffee you are about to serve an unexpected visitor! Spring and fall, and sometimes in between, our dogs shed their coats in preparation for the next season. With all the handy tools available to reduce the shedding in our dogs, finding unwanted pet hair attached to our clothing or drifting behind the furniture can be a thing of the past.
To shop for the Furminator and many other grooming tools that can help reduce shedding, visit www.luvurdog.com. Your allergies will be glad you did!
Filed under Dog Care by on Sep 12th, 2009. Comment.
Gourmet dog treats will have the tails of our canine friends wagging! When only the best will do, treat you dog with a gourmet treat. If your dogs are like mine, they instinctively know the difference between the rustle of a grocery bag and the rustle of a bag of gourmet dog treats. Without having to say a word, suddenly they all appear wagging their tails and grinning their doggy grins. They know there is a treat in store for them. Mother Nature Natural Dog Biscuits are a healthy choice when we want to treat our dogs. You can even give your dogs a tasty choice with these natural dog treats.
Another delectable gourmet treat is the Redbarn Premium Dog Food Rolls, prepared with the best quality ingredients like beef, chicken, and liver, or lamb and rice flavors; your dogs will want more than one serving.
Low in protein, high in fat, and all natural, the Only Natural Pet Free Range Bully Sticks Chews will really have tails wagging! So when only the best will do, treat your dog with gourmet dog treats.
Filed under Dog Care by on Sep 3rd, 2009. Comment.
Dog heat stroke can happen very quickly on these hot summer days. With summer upon us, we need to remember that just like us, our dogs can become overheated if out in the sun too long. This fact was brought to my attention just this morning when our Border Collie Pepper was helping us trail a herd of cattle home. We got a late start, the sun was already getting hot, and we were not yet close to home. The cows were resistant and even with the help of us on our horses, Pepper had her work cut out for her. Pepper was more than glad to have a ride back to the ranch, where she immediately lay down in a tub of cool water.
Dogs sometimes do not know enough to get out of the heat so it is important that we provide them with a shaded place to be when they are left outside. It is also important to keep fresh cool water available for them to drink; leaving a dish of water where the sun can reach it is not a good option. If you need to take your dog with you and it is hot out, be sure to take some extra drinking water along for them. If your dog, like Pepper, gets too hot, be sure and take them in out of the sun and give them a bath in cool water. If they still seem unfit, take them to see your veterinarian right away. The best cure for dog heat stroke is prevention.
Filed under Dog Care by on Aug 11th, 2009. Comment.
Shedding in your dog can be drastically reduced by using the Furminator. Any one who owns a breed of dog that sheds can identify with stray pet hairs on your clothes and furniture.
How many times have you gotten all dressed up to go somewhere and before you leave the house, you have to roll the lint roller over yourself to eliminate unwanted pet hairs from tagging along? The Furminator is your answer to ridding yourself and your home of these unwanted pet hairs. This amazing tool was developed by a pet groomer and comes in several different sizes to match your dog. Without harming the top coat, the Furminator quickly and efficiently removes the undercoat, thus reducing the amount of hair your pet will eventually shed. I have used this wonderful tool on all of my dogs, as well as my cats and horses. It does a wonderful job of removing that loose undercoat and leaving the top coat smooth and silky.
The Furminator is the only tool you will need to keep your environment free of unwanted pet hairs. Now when guests arrive unexpectedly, you will have peace of mind knowing that your couch and recliner are not covered in dog hair! Save money on having your dog professionally groomed; buy a Furminator and easily do the job yourself. This tool works well on short haired breeds of dogs like Labradors, as well as dogs with heavier coats like the Golden Retrievers.
For this and other grooming supplies for your dog go to www.luvurdog.com
Filed under Dog Care by on Aug 7th, 2009. Comment.
