The Pet Food Nightmare

I know everyone has been shaken by this pet food nightmare. It seems every day there are more brands added to the list.

Yesterday I read that Purina was removing some of their products from the store shelves, and Alpo dog food is getting recalled.

In another article Ol’Roy beef jerky strip snacks, and a couple of other Ol’Roy snacks were being recalled. I went to the pet store a few days ago to get some more information, and was told that representatives from “Nutro natural choice dog food”, had been there, and there is speculation that the contamination may have gotten into their dry dog food also. It looks like it’s not just canned food like they first told us.

I thought we were safe with dry dog food. I make about 60% of my dogs meals myself, and the rest is commercial kibble and canned dog food. I don’t’ believe anything they are telling us now, so I went in search of a solution, and I think I found one. I found a dog food made by a company called Merrick.

I bought some a couple of days ago, and from what I have read about the company, and the appearance of the food, combined with my dogs reaction when I give it to them, both dry food and canned, it may be the only commercial dog food I will ever use again.

It also is not involved in the recall, because they make it themselves. I could go on and on about how happy I am that I found this pet food, but visit the web site and see for yourself.

By the way, this is no sales pitch. I don’t make two cents by sending you to their web site. I just hope it helps, and maybe saves a few dogs and cats.
http://www.merrickpetcare.com/

Have A Golden Day
Glenn Downer
The-Golden-Retriever
http://www.the-golden-retriever.com/

Summer Tips For Your Pets

Summer is fast approaching, so here are a few tips to keep your Golden Retriever happy and healthy.

Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle. Even with the windows open, they can be overcome by extreme heat in a matter of minutes.

Have a shady protected area for your dog if they spend time outdoors. Never leave them in the midday heat without water and shade.

The mosquitoes that spread heartworm are just waiting to infect the unprotected pet. Make sure your dog is tested for heartworm, and takes the preventive medication that will help him avoid this debilitating and fatal disease.

With the arrival of the warm weather you will probably be opening your windows to let the summer breezes in. Each year thousands of pets are injured or killed from falling out of upper floor windows. Window guards or heavy duty screens can help prevent this tragedy.

Many plants, fertilizers and insecticides will poison your pet if ingested. Be careful to keep your pet from eating outdoor plants, and contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog licks up any fertilizer or pesticides.

If your Golden Retriever becomes hot to the touch, his gums, tongue or ears are pale with a greyish tinge, he pants heavily, or shows other signs of distress, cool him down gradually by spraying him with cool water. If your pets suffering continues without relief, take him to a veterinarian as quickly as possible, because he may be suffering from heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.

Keeping an eye on your pet when the weather gets hot, and following these tips, will help to ensure a safe summer for your dog.

Have a Golden Day

Glenn Downer

The-Golden-Retriever

http://www.the-golden-retriever.com