FDA Issues Warning on Jerky Dog Treats, Ask Veterinarians for Help

Written on 10/23/2013 by Brandy Arnold 

original post: http://dogingtonpost.com/fda-issues-warning-on-jerky-dog-treats-ask-veterinarians-for-help/#.UmrMBFMpi88

The FDA issued their first caution to consumers regarding chicken, duck, and sweet potato jerky treats imported from China in September of 2007. We have all heard the news reports and complaints of the Chinese chicken jerky treats – also referred to as strips, tenders, chunks, etc. But, six years later, the treats are still being imported and dogs are still getting sick and dying. Most current estimates are that nearly 600 dogs have died, with thousands more showing signs of severe illness, as a result of eating the imported treats.
Yet, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has yet to issue a recall.
Why?
Because researchers, scientists, and veterinarians can’t find anything wrong with them.
According to the Food and Drug Administration:

There is nothing preventing a company from conducting a voluntary recall. It is important to understand that unless a contaminant is detected and we have evidence that a product is adulterated, we are limited in what regulatory actions we can take. The regulations don’t allow for products to be removed based on complaints alone. This is an ongoing investigation and FDA will notify the public if a recall is initiated. Currently, FDA continues to urge pet owners to use caution with regard to chicken jerky products.

In their new Fact Sheet, the FDA urges consumers to take caution with feeding their dogs these treats.
FDA is advising consumers who choose to feed their dogs chicken jerky products to watch their dogs closely for any or all of the following signs that may occur within hours to days of feeding the products:

• decreased appetite;
• decreased activity;
• vomiting;
• diarrhea, sometimes with blood or mucus
• increased water consumption
• increased urination
• Severe cases are diagnosed with pancreatitis, gastrointestinal
  bleeding, and kidney failure or the resemblance of a rare kidney
  related illness called Fanconi syndrome.

Additionally, the FDA is seeking help from dog owners and veterinarians in their continued efforts to pinpoint the exact cause of dog illnesses and death, so that a recall can be issued.
Consumers that continue to feed the treats, despite repeated warnings, are urged to save some treats in their original packaging for at least 60 days from the time of feeding, in case the dog becomes ill and samples are required for testing. Veterinarians have also been asked to report any findings to the FDA, including sending health records and urine samples of suspected cases.

Consumer complaints regarding the treats have dropped dramatically in recent months, due mostly to the massive recall of the most popular brands of chicken jerky after an antibiotic residue contaminant was found. The FDA does not believe that antibiotic residue is the cause for the illnesses, however, and are continuing their investigations. The drop in complaints was more likely a result of recalls by Nestle Purina PetCare Co.’s Waggin Train and Canyon Creek Ranch treats, plus Del Monte Corp.’s Milo’s Kitchen Chicken Jerky and Chicken Grillers home-style dog treats which simply resulted in fewer treats being available to consumers.

You can help FDA’s investigation by reporting your own complaints through the Safety Reporting Portal (www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov) or your local FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator (www.fda.gov/Safety/ReportaProblem/ConsumerComplaintCoordinators/default.htm).

Remember, the FDA has not issued a recall, despite these concerns. Any chicken, duck, or sweet potato jerky-style treats that are imported from China being sold in stores today may still be harmful to your pet.

If your dog simply cannot live without his jerky treats, look for brands that are sourced and made in the USA.

4 Meaty Jerky Treats That Are Safe (and Delicious!) For Your Dog

Written on 10/24/2013 by Brandy Arnold 

original post: http://dogingtonpost.com/4-meaty-jerk-treats-that-are-safe-for-your-dog/#.UmrLyFMpi88

As you have most certainly learned by now, multiple brands, flavors, and styles of jerky-style dog treats imported from China have resulted in the deaths of nearly 600 dogs and the serious illness of thousands more.But, because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has yet to discover a contaminate, or the source of what’s making dogs sick, they are unable to force a recall and these products continue to fly off store shelves and into the mouths of our pets.
But, not all jerky treats are bad. Those made in the USA, from wholesome, healthy ingredients and real meat can be a wonderful, drool-worthy dog treat.
With all this buzz about chicken jerky treats imported from China, a lot of readers are asking us: What treats ARE safe for my dog?
So, here they are – 4 meaty treats we guarantee your dog will love, that are not just safe, but healthy and delicious, too!
1. Clear Conscience Pet’s Sliders®
Sliders are made in the USA in government inspected plants. Made with American Beef from humane-audited ranches, or vegetarian fed, hormone & antibiotic-free chicken recipes. These are the first tender moist pet treats with NO glycerin or “vegetable” glycerin, NO propylene glycol, and NO sugars or syrups. And, of course there are no grains, gluten meals, or other high carb fillers. Just delicious, healthy, real food.
I have yet to meet a dog that doesn’t LOVE Sliders, and even use them as a “high value reward” when training my own dogs. (And, yes, I’ve even eaten a Slider or two… they’re delicious, human grade, and all natural!)
Available in Beef & Cheddar and Chicken & Cheddar recipes, either sliced in 4 oz packages or in individually vacuum packed TenderStikz™.
To learn more, visit www.ClearConsciencePet.com.

2. Merrick Pet Care’s Real Cuts Jerky Strips
Just like Merrick’s premium dog food, their treats are made in the USA with absolutely no ingredients from China. These American-sourced, American-made real jerky cuts are rawhide-free and contain no artificial flavors or fillers. They’re a naturally delicious dog treat you can feel good about giving.
Available in 4 drool-worthy flavors: Chicken, Beef, Sausage, and Liver, these safe, healthy, protein-rich jerky treats will have your dog begging for more!
To learn more, visit www.MerrickPetCare.com.

3. Baked Earth Bison Love Bites Jerky
All of Baked Earth’s dog treats are made with love in the USA, with ONLY U.S. or Canadian sourced ingredients. The bakery goes above and beyond to ensure their treats do not contain added preservatives, artificial hormones or GMOs. Produce is grown with heirloom seeds or seeds that have not been artificially modified and all animals are pasture raised; free to graze and forage.
And, their newest product, Bison Love Bites are made with one single ingredient: pasture-raised bison heart. That’s it. Just pure, healthy meat, dehydrated to give it that perfect jerky texture dogs enjoy.
Baked Earth also makes an assortment of real meat protein barks in Chicken, Beef, Pork, and Lamb, for a crunchy jerky treat your dog will love. What’s more, Baked Earth’s meat is all sourced from farms within 10-miles of their Akron, Ohio kitchen! And, a portion of all sales is donated to animal rescue and welfare organizations.
To learn more, visit www.BakedEarthDog.com.

4. Castor & Pollux Good Buddy Jerky Sticks
Castor & Pollux, the folks most famous for their organic and all natural pet foods, created the Good Buddy Jerky Sticks for pet parents looking for a natural, healthy jerky-style treat. Made using rye flour instead of wheat, these treats are particularly good for pets with allergies.
Made with love in the USA, these treats are made with real, USA-sourced beef and all-natural ingredients, no fillers or preservatives.
To learn more, visit www.CastorPolluxPet.com.



For the health and safety of your dog, please, avoid any and all treats, foods, and supplements that are made in, imported from, or that use ingredients sourced from China. Look for brands, like those above, that value your dog’s life and well-being, that create wholesome, healthy products that dog’s love, and that only use locally sourced ingredients.

Halloween Dangers for Your Furball

Written on 10/25/2013 by Ron Miller 

original post:http://dogingtonpost.com/halloween-dangers-for-your-furball/#.UmrKv1Mpi88

With Halloween fast approaching, have you given any thought to the Halloween dangers for your furball? I knew about a couple, but hadn’t even given a passing thought to some of them until I did a little research on the subject. These are very real dangers, so in this article I’ll give you a rundown of what are probably the most common dangers for your dog during this season.

Halloween Dangers for Your Furball

There are several potential dangers that are fairly obvious, and a few not so obvious.

1) Chocolate:  this may be the most serious of all the Halloween dangers for your furball, witth all the candy around to give the ‘trick-or-treaters’. We have featured articles here before on how deadly chocolate can be for a dog. The darker the chocolate, the worse and quicker the effect it has. The main offender is the chemical theobromine, which gives chocolate the qualities we humans all find so endearing. Not so your pup — keep it ALL up and out of reach.

2) All other Halloween candy:  Let’s face it: once you start in on some Halloween candy, can you stop with just one? So don’t expect your poor buddy to do so! Many Halloween candies contain the sweetener xylitol, which can quickly be fatal to a dog. At best, he’ll probably come down with a case of pancreatitis, which may take up to 3 or 4 days to show up, depending on how much he ate. Again, keep it up and out of reach.

3) Lighted candles: Use the battery-driven or plug-in types, NOT a live, burning candle. A swishing tail and and an open flame makes a recipe for disaster for the dog or you, or both.

4) Electric cords: be careful about having these strung out where the dog may be. He or she can easily get tangled in the cords. Also they are a serious electrocution hazard if the dog decides to start chewing!

5) Raisins: (or grapes). These can cause serious kidney damage, and perhaps death even in small amounts. According to an article on VeterinaryBusiness.dvm360.com:

…very small amounts of raisins (or grapes) can cause kidney failure in dogs and cats. Some dogs develop idiosyncratic reactions at any dose—in other words, ingesting any amount can cause serious damage.

6) Frequent Doorbell Ringing: If your dog gets really excited, or the barking normally starts when the bell rings, then place your dog in another room as far from the door as possible. Or perhaps place him in his crate for the duration — that’s what we do with our two dogs, and we don’t have any problems. That’s their “secure cave”, and they quickly settle in.

7) Open Door: As above, keep the dog in a separate room if there’s a chance he’ll bolt through an opening! Even if you don’t think he would do it, make sure he has his ID just in case!

Costumes: Unless your dog is one of the rare ones that loves dressing up, don’t try it. He will be miserable, and will probably try to get out of it any way possible.

9) Pumpkin:  One of the not-so-obvious! Pumpkin is normally very healthy for your pup, but if he should happen to get hold of a Jack-O-Lantern and eat the whole thing, you will definitely be cleaning up his messes everywhere for a few days!! (Maybe that’s more of a hazard to YOU!)

Were you aware of all these potential Halloween dangers for your furball?

Upcoming Pet Friendly events Pug-O-Ween 2013 Sunday, October 27, 2013, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Pug-O-Ween 2013

Event Date & Time
Sunday, October 27, 2013, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Event Description

Sunday, October 27th from 1- 4 pm at the Grapevine Convention Center! Click the photo below for more info at dfwpugs.org

Event Location
Grapevine Convention Center
1209 South Main Street
Grapevine, TX 76051

Upcoming Pet Friendly events Bull-O-Ween benefiting Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue Saturday, October 26, 2013, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Bull-O-Ween benefiting Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue

Event Date & Time
Saturday, October 26, 2013, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Event Description


Let’s get together to celebrate cooler weather, the onset of fall and Halloween… Bulldog style!
Bring your well-behaved, leashed, vaccinated four-legged friends and family members (they don’t need to be leashed) to the 2013 Bull-O-Ween and help raise much needed funds for Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue.
We’ll have a costume contest for the dogs, so you may want to start planning your outfits now!
Goody bags will be provided to the first 100 attendees. If you or your company would like to donate promo items, gift cards or coupons for the 100 bags, please contact info@dfwbulldogrescue. We’ll need the items in hand by Oct. 12.
Also, we will have a limited number of slots available for vendors. Vendors are asked to donate $50 and they may bring their own table/chairs, or they can be rented from the facility. If you are interested in participating, please contact info@dfwbulldogrescue.org. All vendors will need to be secured by Oct. 1.
To view some pictures from last year’s event, check out: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.520538071309521.137098.107836919246307&type=3
To RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/398805990221025/
Visit our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/lsbcr, or our Web site, www.dfwbulldogrescue.org, to learn more. You can also call 817-584-6407 for more information.
Event Location
Frisco Discovery Center
8004 N. Dallas Parkway #200
Frisco, TX 75034

Upcoming Pet Friendly events Boot Scootin’ Pet Benefit Saturday, October 26, 2013, 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Boot Scootin’ Pet Benefit

Event Date & Time
Saturday, October 26, 2013, 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Event Description

Collin County Humane Society Presents:

Our Fourth Annual Fundraising Event

October 26th from 6:00pm – 11:00pm
Where: Eddie Deen’s Ranch
Price: $85 per person944 S Lamar St
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 741-4211

100% of the proceeds will go towards building a CCHS adoption facility in 2016

http://collincountyhumanesociety.org/bootscootin-benefit.html

The event will be held at Eddie Deen’s Ranch in Dallas, TX. A cocktail hour with Matthew Middleton and Texas Drive Band playing in the background, served appetizers, drink and a silent auction will kick off the event prior to the casino tables opening at 7pm. All guests will have the opportunity to bid on the silent auction through use of cell phone applications or the many ipads that will be scattered throughout the venue (via services provided by AES Auctions) so you will always know if you are the highest bidder!
Casino bidding includes Texas Hold ‘Em, Craps, Roulette, Black Jack, Four Card Poker, Slot Machines and more! You will be given $1000 of funny money to use at the tables and slot machines. When you run low, you can always buy more! Throughout the night you can use your funny money to purchase raffle tickets which give you the chance to win amazing prizes like $1,000 gift card, one week stay at a condo in Salt Lake Utah, the infamous Kong Basket and more.
We will take a brief pause from all the action to thank your sponsors, complete the Live Auction and present the Justice Award. Last years winner of the Justice Award, Texas Humane Legislation Network will present an award to this year’s nominee the Humane Society of North Texas for going above and beyond in their work saving animals in Texas.
All guests must pre-register for the event. Seating is limited so act fast! Tickets are $85 per person. Sponsorship Opportunities are detailed below. Tickets include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, appetizers, Eddie Deen’s famous BBQ, $1000 in funny money, validated parking, a parting gift, and a chance to win one of many wonderful items in the silent and live auction.

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS OR TO SPONSOR THE EVENT

Sponsorship Opportunities: (Sponsors Needed – Donations 100% Tax Deductible)

Contact Heather Bass for more information

*Rhinestone Cowboy Sponsor – Covered By: American Dog Rescue

- $5500 Premier location of name recognition at event on all site signage • Logo printed on Invitations • Front cover and Full page color ad in Program Booklet • Recognition on CCHS website with direct link • Listing in all media venues and advertising • Recognition in CCHS quarterly Newsletter for a year • Recognition on Video presentation • Signage at a Dining table and Casino table of your choice (excluding Texas Hold ‘Em) • VIP reserved seating for eight • Plaque of recognition • Commemorative Souvenir for each guest.

Gold Nugget Sponsor – Covered By: Preffered Care Partner Medical Group

- $4000 Name recognition at event on site signage • Full page color ad in Program Booklet • Recognition on Video presentation • Recognition on CCHS website with direct link • Listing in all media venues and advertising • VIP reserved seating for eight • Recognition in CCHS quarterly Newsletter for a year • Signage at a Casino table of your choice (excluding Texas Hold ‘Em) • Plaque of recognition • Commemorative Souvenir for each guest.

Diamond Back Saloon Sponsor – Covered By: Specs

- $4000 Name recognition at event on site signage and bar top • Full page color ad in Program Booklet • Recognition on Video presentation • Recognition on CCHS website with direct link • Listing in all media venues and advertising • VIP reserved seating for eight • Recognition in CCHS quarterly Newsletter for a year • Signage at a Casino table of your choice (excluding Texas Hold ‘Em) • Plaque of recognition • Commemorative Souvenir for each guest.

*Silver Spur Sponsor – Covered By: NovoWorks

- $3500 Name recognition at event on site signage • Logo printed on Casino Vouchers • Full page color ad in Program Booklet • Recognition on CCHS website with direct link • Listing in all media venues and advertising • VIP reserved seating for eight • Recognition in CCHS quarterly Newsletter for a year • Signage at a Casino table of your choice • Plaque of recognition • Commemorative Souvenir for each guest.

*Bronze Buckle Sponsor – Covered By: Lisa Henry Group Coldwell Banker

- $2500 Name recognition at event on site signage • Full page color ad in Program Booklet • Recognition on CCHS website with direct link • Listing in all media venues and advertising • VIP reserved seating for eight • Recognition in two issues of the CCHS quarterly Newsletter • Plaque of recognition • Commemorative Souvenir for each guest • Signage at dining table of your choice.

*Texas Hold ‘Em Sponsor – Covered By: Phil and Silvana Smith

- $2500 includes reserved VIP seating for eight • Commemorative Souvenir for each guest • ½ page inside booklet advertisement • logo on all advertising information • website advertising • Plaque of recognition • Exclusive Sponsor signage at all of the Texas Hold ‘Em tables • $1000 additional funny money for each guest • Commemorative Souvenir for each guest.

Wild West Auction Sponsor

- $2000 includes VIP reserved seating for eight • Sponsor signage on the Live Auction presentation • Name recognition at event on site signage • Half page color ad in Program Booklet • Recognition on CCHS website • Recognition in Newsletter • Plaque of recognition • Commemorative Souvenir for each guest

Trail Boss Auction Sponsor

- $2000 includes VIP reserved seating for four • Commemorative Souvenir for each guest • ½ page inside booklet advertisement • website advertising • Plaque of recognition • Introduction/Acknowledgment prior to and during Live Auction • Logo on android/iphone mobile auction bidding screen • Commemorative Souvenir for each guest • Signage at Dining table of your choice.

Chuck Wagon Sponsor – Covered By: James and Mindy Provence

- $1500 includes VIP reserved seating dinner for four • Name recognition at event on site signage • Quarter page color ad in Program Booklet • Recognition on CCHS website • Recognition in one issue of the CCHS quarterly Newsletter • Plaque of recognition • Commemorative Souvenir for each guest.

*Saddle Sponsor – Covered By: 2nd Family Dogs

- $1000 includes VIP reserved seating dinner for four • Name recognition at event on site signage • Quarter page color ad in Program Booklet • Recognition on CCHS website • Recognition in Newsletter • Plaque of recognition • Commemorative Souvenir for each guest • Signage at Dining table of your choice.

Casino Royal Sponsor (9 Available)

- $700 includes dinner for Eight people • Commemorative Souvenir for each guest • Name Mentioned in the Program Booklet • Signage at Casino table or slot machine(s) of your choice (not including Texas Hold ‘Em) • $1000 additional funny money for each guest.

Table Top Saloon Sponsor (10 Available)

- $600 includes dinner for Eight people • gift bags • Name Mentioned in the Events Booklet • Signage at the Dining table of your choice.
Check out pictures from last years event: Give a Dog a Home Gala – October 13, 2012

- See more at: http://collincountyhumanesociety.org/bootscootin-benefit.html#sthash.pbq6mwlg.dpuf
Event Location
Eddie Deen’s Ranch
944 S Lamar St
Dallas, TX 75207

Upcoming Pet Friendly events Agility Just for Kicks Saturday, October 26, 2013, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Agility Just for Kicks

Event Date & Time
Saturday, October 26, 2013, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Event Description

Agility Just for Kicks is a new class offered weekly and is designed for dog and trainer teams who are looking for a fun and engaging way to deepen their working relationship as well as strengthen important life and social skills. Agility Just for Kicks will introduce your dog to the obstacles found on your basic agility course in a safe and controlled way that doesn’t involve forcing your dog to do anything. Dogs that figure things out for themselves and receive high rates of reinforcement will learn to love performing behaviors and working for you!
Obstacles that will be taught include jumps, A-frame, dog-walk, tire jump, broad jump, wobble boards, tunnels, and the pause table.
This class is not only for beginners but will also be tailored to suit the interests of dogs who have learned the obstacles or who may have even competed in Agility before. No matter where you’re starting, every class and every course will provide you with a challenge specific to you and your dog! This class is ongoing and every week we will tackle something new. This class is purely for the fun, with a little self-discipline thrown in.

For more information, visit http://dctc-tx.com/ai1ec_event/agility-just-for-kicks/?instance_id=323763 or contact DCTC at smile.megrj@gmail.com or (940) 368-6262.

Event Location
Dog City Training Center
15559 Wright Brothers Dr
Addison, TX 75001