Pet food and treat recalls - keep your pets safe!

Here we go again... another newscast about the most recent food and pet treat recalls.  We are hearing more and more of these recalls due to the number of ingredients that are coming from overseas. 

This is why I am a distributor of Flint River Ranch All Natural Pet Food.  They are made right here in the USA and all ingredients are safe and natural.  If you are interested in checking them out, please go to http://www.frrco.com/.

Part of your responsibility as a pet parent is to help protect your pet from potentially harmful products. While it is nearly impossible to ensure that your pet will never come in contact with recalled pet food or treats, you can reduce your pet's risk.

I used to work for medical device companies as a Quality Administrator so I frequently went into the FDA database to get alerts on products that were recalled.  You can do the same thing for pet food and treats.

The FDA keeps an extensive list of all pet food recalls.  You can also sign up to get these alerts emailed directly to you. If you would like to keep current on these recalls and sign up for these alerts, please go to:  http://www.fda.gov/animalveterinary/safetyhealth/recallswithdrawals/default.html

Below are tips to protect your pets from contaminated food and treats and below that is a current list of products recalled in 2013... so far.

Tips for protecting your pets from contaminated food and treats

1. Check the list of recalled pet foods and treats regularly for information about items that have been recalled. 

2. If your pet's food or treats are recalled, immediately stop feeding the product to your pet. Recalled products may be returned to the store where they were purchased for a full refund or thrown away in a secure area not accessible to animals. If you have questions about recalled food or treats or require additional information contact the company that manufactures the product.

3. If your pet may have consumed a recalled product, consult your veterinarian, even if your pet does not appear to have any symptoms.

4. If your pet has become ill or died because of a recalled food or treat, please report it to The FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator in your state.

FDA advisories on recalled pet food and treats
June 18, 2013 : Natura Pet Issues Voluntary Recall of Specialized Dry Pet Foods Due to Possible Health Risk
June 12, 2013: Hartz Mountain Corporation Is Voluntarily Recalling One Specific Lot of 1.2 oz. Size of Wardley Betta Fish Food Due to Possible Health Risk
April 22, 2013: Natura Pet Expands Voluntary Recall of Dry Pet Foods Due to Possible Health Risk
April 19, 2013: Merit Bird Company, LLS Recalls Vitae Because of Possible Health Risk
April 5, 2013: Bravo! Issues a Voluntary Recall for Three Raw Frozen Food Diet for Dogs and Cats Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
April 2, 2013: Natura Pet Expands Voluntary Recall of Dry Pet Foods Due to Possible Health Risk
March 22, 2013: Jones Natural Chews Co Recalls Woofers Dog Treats Because Of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
March 19, 2013: Natura Pet Issues Voluntary Recall of Specialized Dry Pet Foods Due to Possible Health Risk
March 14, 2013: Bravo! Recalls 2 lb Tubes of Chicken Blend-Raw Frozen Food Diet for Dogs and Cats (One Lot Code) Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
March 11, 2013: Premium Edge, Diamond Naturals and 4health Dry Cat Food Formulas Voluntarily Recalled Due to Possibility of Low Levels of Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
March 11, 2013: Diggin' Your Dog Recalls Strippin' Chicks Pet Treats Distributed in Colorado and Nevada Due to Possible Salmonella Hazard
March 8, 2013: Steve’s Real Food Recalls Turducken Canine Recipe Patties Because of Posssible Health Risk
February 28, 2013: United Pet Group Inc., Voluntarily Withdraws "Ultra Blend Gourmet Food for Parakeets," "ēCotrition Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Parakeets," "ēCotrition Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Canaries and Finches," and "ēCotrition Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Cockatiels" Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
February 22, 2013: The Honest Kitchen® Voluntarily Recalls Limited Lots Of Verve®, Zeal®And Thrive® Products Due To Possible Health Risk
February 22, 2013: Kasel Associates Industries Recalling Certain Pet Treats Due to Salmonella Contamination Boots and Barkley, Colorado Naturals, Nature’s Deli among brands affecteds
February 22, 2013: Kaytee Recalls Bird Treats and Greens Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination from Parsley Flakes
February 21, 2013: Nutri-Vet, LLC Recalls Nutri-Vet and Nutripet Chicken Jerky Products Because Of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
February 19, 2013: Nature's Variety Issues Voluntarily Recall of One Batch of Instinct® Raw Organic Chicken Formula for Dogs & Cats Due to Possible Health Risk
January 27, 2013: The Hartz Mountain Corporation is voluntarily withdrawing its Hartz ® Chicken Chews ™ and Hartz ® Oinkies® Pig Skin Twists wrapped with Chicken for dogs
January 15, 2013: Milo’s Kitchen® Voluntarily Recalls Chicken Jerky and Chicken Grillers Home-style Dog Treats
January 9, 2013: FDA CVM Update on Jerky Treats

Please check your pets food and treats before buying. As pet parents it is our responsibility to make sure we keep our pets safe !

Dining with your dog in Chicago !

It's that great time of year when everyone is looking to eat "alfresco"... Sitting outside sipping a margarita and dining at some of Chicago's finest establishments.

Now there is a dining guide for all you living in the Chicago area that will allow you to bring your dogs.

How cool is that?

There are a few rules though so below I have listed the rules and the list of dining establishments.

Things to Bring

• ID tags on your dog (including Chicago license if applicable)

• Pick-up bags

• Your dog first aid kit

• Water and a bowl

What to Expect

Dining with your dog can be a fun experience for both of you, provided your dog is ready for the outdoor restaurant environment. Dogs should be well behaved and trained before accompanying you to dinner. It is helpful if you dog knows a "down - stay" or "sit - stay" as it can be very difficult to eat while holding your dog's leash if they are wandering around, not to mention disturbing to other restaurant patrons. Of course there will be food around and most likely waiters carrying trays so your dog should be well-behaved around food-- no begging! Dogs are not allowed inside any place which serves food, so if this is a "self-service" restaurant you will need to have someone who can go inside and order.

Where to Go

Chicago passed a new "Dog Friendly Dining" ordinance effective in 2008. To allow dogs in their outdoor dining areas, restaurants must purchase a Supplement License for Dog Friendly Areas. There are rules and regulations which the restaurants must follow in order to allow dogs and dogs are not allowed to be petted or handled by staff members or fed while at the restaurant. Dogs must have a city license and proof of vaccinations.

We recommend you call ahead before bringing your dog to any restaurant as some restaurants may not allow dogs if they are very busy or on certain nights or times, or may not have their outdoor tables set up depending on the weather.

Dog Friendly Restaurants (alphabetical)

312 Chicago 136 N Lasalle St Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 696-2420

Adobo Grill 1610 N Wells St Chicago, IL 60614 (312) 266-7999

Adobo Grill 2005 W Division St Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 252-9990

Bad Dog Tavern 4535 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 334-4040

Blackies 755 S Clark St Chicago, IL 60605 (312) 786-1161

Boundary 1932 W Division St Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 278-1919

Brasserie JO 59 West Hubbard Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 595-0800

Bull and Bear 431 N. Wells Chicago, IL 60654 (312) 527-5973

Charmers 1500 W Jarvis Ave Chicago, IL 60626 (773) 743-2233

Chicago Joe's 2256 W Irving Park Rd Chicago, IL 60618 (773) 478-7000

Daily Bar & Grill 4560 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 561-6198

Dawghaus Cafe 6219 N Sheridan Rd Chicago, IL 60660 (773) 761-3294

Dunlay's On Clark 2600 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60614 (773) 883-6000

Eve 840 N Wabash Ave Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 266-3383

Feast Restaurant & Bar 25 E Delaware Pl Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 337-4001

Finly Mahony's 3701 N Broadway St Chicago, IL 60613 (773) 549-0097

Four Farthings Tavern 2060 N Cleveland Ave Chicago, IL 60614 (773) 935-2060

Four Moon Tavern 1847 W Roscoe St Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 929-6666

Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar 3358 N Paulina St Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 248-5222

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse 1028 N Rush St Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 266-8999

Glunz Bavarian Haus 4128 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60618 (773) 472-4287

Hub 51 51 W Hubbard St Chicago, IL 60654 (312) 828-0051

Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House 1024 N Rush St Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 640-0999

Innjoy 2051 W Division St Chicago, IL 60622 (312) 394-2066

Jefferson Tap 325 N Jefferson St Loop/West Loop Chicago, IL 60661 (312) 648-0100

Joe's Sports Bar 940 W Weed St Chicago, IL 60642 (312) 337-3486

John's Place 1202 W Webster Ave Chicago, IL 60614 (773) 525-6670

Jury's 4337 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60618 (773) 935-2255

LuxBar 18 E Bellevue Pl Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 642-3400

Moonshine 1824 W Division St Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 862-8686

Natalino's 1523 W Chicago Ave Chicago, IL 60642 (312) 997-3700

O'Brien's Restaurant 1528 N Wells St Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 787-3131

O'Briens Riverwalk Cafe 45 E Riverwalk S Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 346-3131

PJ Clarkes 1204 N State Pkwy Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 664-1650

Riverview Tavern 1958 W Roscoe St Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 248-9523

Rl Restaurant Ralph Lauren 115 E Chicago Ave Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 475-1100

Rockit Bar & Grill-Wrigleyville 3700 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60613 (773) 645-4400

Sage 2465 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60614 (773) 348-7243

Scoozi 410 W Huron St Chicago, IL 60654 (312) 943-5900

Small Bar 2049 W Division St Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 772-2727

Smoke Daddy Restaurant 1804 W Division St Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 772-6656

Southport Lanes & Billiards 3325 N Southport Ave Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 472-6600

The Fifty/50 2047 W. Division St. Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 489-5050

Via Carducci la Sorella 1928 W Division St Chicago, IL 60622

Vong Thai Kitchen 6 W Hubbard St Chicago, IL 60654 (312) 644-8664

So next time you plan on doing out to dinner and sitting outside, it is always more fun when you can bring your best friend.

For more information, please check out:  http://www.chicagocanine.com/dining.html

How to choose the right pet for your children

When I grew up my parents always had Dachshunds.  When I grew up and got to choose my own pet I went for the bigger dogs as I am pretty active, I have neighbors with kids and I wanted a dog that had a great temperament.  

When choosing the right pet for your child a lot of thought and research should go into your choice.  A lot of people go visit the pet store, buy a puppy or a bunny or a hampter and realize it is not the right kind of pet for the family.  Unfortunately this usually doesn't end well for the new pet.

As the parent it is important that you make this decision, not the child.  If it were up to your child, they would probably opt for a polar bear... LOL !

I have broken down the types of pets that would be a good fit for your child. But remember, handing over the responsibilities of owning a pet to a young child will not work.  This is a family decision and the family should all help in taking care of your new pet.

Dog

• We don't call them our best friends for nothing. Loyal and loving, dogs are social animals who thrive on being upstanding members of their families. 

• If there are young kids in the house, a puppy may not be your your best bet. Instead, try a medium-sized dog over five months of age. 

• Don’t forget to draw up a schedule of who in the family will do what—walking, playing, feeding and grooming.

Cat

• Graceful, athletic, playful, sensitive and affectionate, felines are the most popular pet in the United States today and stand high on the cuddle scale. 

• Cats are not like dogs, and can be very independent. 

• If you've done your research and decided on a cat of an appropriate age for your household, visit your shelter and be sure to have your new friend spayed or neutered!

Budgie

• Playful, cheery and chirpy, this little charmer is the most popular avian companion. He's gentle and funny, can be readily tamed to sit on your shoulder, and makes a perfect first bird for the young members of the family. 

• Birds can be messy….really messy. You'll need to clean the cage and surrounding area daily. Also, keep in mind that not all budgies talk, even though they have the capability. 

• A budgie is a great choice if you've got your heart set on an avian mimic but don't have the time, money or space for a larger member of the parrot family.

Fish

• Got allergies, limited space and/or lean towards the exotic? Although fish are relatively low maintenance, there's a definite science to keeping them and their environment healthy—hence their appeal to big-brained types who get a kick out of seeing the nitrogen cycle at work. 

• If you’re looking for a pet who will follow you around, lick your face and play fetch, a finned friend is probably not for you. 

• Get all of your equipment beforehand, do your research and know what species are safe to keep together. If you've done your homework, you probably know that common goldfish can live for more than 10 years if properly cared for!

Guinea Pig

• They're not pigs and they're not from New Guinea, but these cuddle bugs are the most docile of all companion rodents. Under adult supervision, guinea pigs are excellent first pets for children. 

• These little critters aren't the kind of pets you can passively watch through the bars of the cage. They need time out to exercise every day. 

• Fun for the whole family, social GPs are great in pairs, just be sure you have adequate housing for them. And do your reading—these guys have special dietary needs!

Hamster

• Off the cuteness charts, hamsters are busy little rodents who are very popular with kids and great pets for apartment dwellers. 

• Did you know that hamsters sleep during the day and are active at night? 

• You’re ready for a hamster if you're a night owl and/or won't be bothered by your pet eating, digging and running on his wheel in the wee hours. P.S. Syrian hamsters are solitary and must be kept alone. Dwarf hamsters are more social and can be housed together, so make sure you know what species you’re bringing home. 

Rabbit 

• They can be trained to use the litter box, they'll come when called, and their all-time favorite activities are to dig and chew. Who knew? The sometimes sweet, sometimes sassy rabbit can be a great pet for the right family. 

• Rabbits can’t live outdoors! Outside, rabbits can die of fright and are susceptible to diseases spread by ticks and other parasites. 

• If you've done the research and understand exactly what rabbits need—big-time digging and chewing—then you’re ready for a cotton-tailed friend. Be sure to have your new bun spayed or neutered.

All of these animals above can be great pets for children.  Take the time to do your research and when you get them home, enjoy them as a family.