Pet Poison Control - could save your life! Listen to the interview here about common toxins that poison your pets!

http://www.healthradio.net/show/all-shows/Health-Radio-Shows/Pet-Health-Radio/Pet-Poison-Helpline---Could-Save-Your-Pet%27s-Life!-45612/details#

Previously published August 1, 2011 in Veterinary Economics and DVM360.

Many of the most common pet insurance claims for more than $1,000 can yield good prognoses—but that's only if a client (or your practice's angel fund) can pay for treatment. Take a look at a recent list from VPI Pet Insurance of the top 10 most common expensive pet health conditions. Consider whether your average client would hesitate to spend the money for those procedures. If so, injured and ill cats and dogs—and their owners—may have another way out, too. Visit http://dvm360.com/waystopay to make sure you're offering clients options for funding medically necessary procedures.

Your dog may love the open road, but allowing him to ride shotgun could spell trouble for you or other drivers.
Previously published on Aug 17, 2011 by VETERINARY ECONOMICS

A recent AAA survey of America’s drivers reveals some dangerous driving habits, and we’re not talking about applying mascara or talking on a cell phone while cruising down the freeway. An increasing number of dogs accompany today’s pet owners on road trips, day trips and local errands. But this can result in added distractions for the driver and added dangers for passengers, including pets.

The AAA survey asked dog owners how often they drive with their dog and examined their habits behind the wheel. The results indicate drivers not only love to bring dogs in the car, but they often engage in risky behaviors when man’s best friend is along for the ride.

Motorists frequently bring dogs along, engaging in distracting behaviors. Nearly 56 percent of respondents have driven with their dog at least once a month in the past year. However, many participate in behaviors that take their attention away from the road, like petting their dog (52 percent of respondents reported doing this). Nearly 23 percent have used their hands or arms to hold their dog in place while braking, and 19 percent have used their hands or arms to keep their dog from climbing into the front seat.

Drivers admit dangers of unrestrained pets, but most don’t use pet restraints. Eighty-three percent of respondents acknowledge that an unrestrained dog in a moving car can be dangerous, but only 16 percent currently use a pet restraint system. However, use of a restraint is three times greater among drivers who have heard of situations where unrestrained dogs were injured or caused injury to other passengers in a car crash (32 percent) compared to respondents who were not aware of such a situation and still use a restraint (9 percent).

Calm dogs and lack of awareness top pet owners’ reasons for not using a pet restraint. More than 42 percent of respondents say they do not use a pet restraint because their dog is calm and they do not think he or she needs a restraint. However, a calm dog will be thrown with the same amount of force as an active dog in the event of a crash or sudden stop—a danger for all passengers as well as the pet. According to AAA, an unrestrained 10-pound dog in a crash at only 30 miles per hour will exert roughly 300 pounds of pressure, while an unrestrained 80-pound dog in a crash at only 30 miles per hour will exert approximately 2,400 pounds of pressure.

Advise your clients to restrain their dogs in the car and refrain from engaging in distracting behaviors while driving—and make sure you do the same when you take your dog along for the ride.

Nestlé Purina Recalls Limited Number of Dry Cat Food Bags Due to a Potential Health Risk
(Shipped Only to Colorado, Idaho and Oregon)

 Contact:
Consumer:
800-982-6559

Media:
Jill Winte
314-982-3032

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 27, 2011 - Nestlé Purina PetCare Company (NPPC) is voluntarily recalling approximately 870 bags of dry cat food shipped to Colorado, Idaho and Oregon. This is being done as a precautionary measure, as the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Only the following products with both the "Best By" date and production codes shown are included in this voluntary recall:

Product Name	Bag Size	"Best By" Date & Production Code*	Bag UPC Code
Cat Chow Naturals Dry Cat Foot	6.3 lb.	AUG 2012 10331083 13	17800 11320
Friskies Grillers Blend Dry Cat Food	3.15 lb.	AUG 2012 10381083 06	50000 08450
Friskies Grillers Blend Dry Cat Food	16 lb.	AUG 2012 10381083 06	50000 57578

 *"Best By" Date and Production Code is found on the back or bottom of the bag.

The bags of dry cat food in this recall were distributed in error in February, 2011 to a small number of customers in Colorado, Idaho and Oregon, which may have further distributed the product to other Western states. There have been no consumer complaints and no reports of illness.

No additional Purina cat or dog products are involved. Only products which match the "Best By" date and production codes above are involved.

Consumers who have purchased any of these dry cat food products with these "Best By" Dates and Production Codes should discard it.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated products. People handling contaminated dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may exhibit decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

At Nestlé Purina PetCare, the safety and efficacy of our products are our top priority. We apologize for any inconvenience due to this voluntary recall. For further information or to obtain a product refund, please call NPPC toll-free at 1-800-982-6559 weekdays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time, or visit www.purina.com¹.