The Gifted Pet ♥

Friday, April 11, 2014

Cat Food Recall - The Robert Abady Dog Food Co., LLC RECALLS "Abady Highest Quality Maintenance & Growth Formula for Cats" BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE HEALTH RISK

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 8, 2014 - The Robert Abady Dog Food Co., LLC of Poughkeepsie, NY, is recalling its 2 lb, 5 lb & 15 lb boxes of "Abady Highest Quality Maintenance & Growth Formula for Cats" because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The recalled "Highest Quality Maintenance & Growth Formula for Cats" were distributed nationwide in retail stores and through mail orders.

The product comes in a 2 lb, 5 lb & 15 lb, corrugated boxes with plastic liners marked with lot # 14029/21 stamped on the right side top of the box.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the company revealed the presence of Salmonella in some 2 lb, 5 lb & 15 lb boxes of "Abady Highest Quality Cat Maintenance & Growth Formula for Cats."

Production of the product has been suspended while FDA and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.

Consumers who have purchased 2 lb, 5 lb & 15 lb boxes of "Abady Highest Quality Maintenance & Growth Formula for Cats" are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-845-473-1900, Monday – Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm, ET.

Recall from the FDA - http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm392618.htm

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http://www.lifesabundance.com/Pets/PetsHome.aspx?realname=20146745

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LIFE'S ABUNDANCE CAT AND DOG FOOD HAS NEVER BEEN RECALLED AND IS SHIPPED FRESH TO YOUR DOOR! LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ENTIRE LIFE'S ABUNDANCE PRODUCT LINE HERE!

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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

From a Dog's Point of View . . . .

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Regular separation from you will be painful and can even cause depression. Think before you adopt me.

2. Give me time to understand what you want from me don't be impatient, short-tempered or irritable.

3. Place your trust in me and I will always trust you back, respect is earned, not given as some sort of inalienable right.

4. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. I am not capable of understanding why I am being locked up. I only know I have been rejected. You have your work, entertainment and friends. I only have you.

5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your tone. "You only have to look at my tail" to know that.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget, if that treatment is unjust or bad, it may spoil the special bond between us.

7. Please do not hit me. I cannot hit back, but I can bite and scratch and I don't ever want to feel the need to do that.

8. Before you tell me off me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be wrong with me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food or I've been out in the sun too long, maybe my heart is getting old and weak, or maybe I'm just dog-tired.

9. Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old and will also want care, love, and affection.

10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch" or "Let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, irrespective of what you do I will always love you.

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For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Feline Behavior: Why Do Cats Get Sudden Bursts of Energy?

One minute, everything is peaceful ~ the next minute, your cat has sprinted across the room and is halfway up the wall. What’s exactly behind all these sudden bursts of energy?

Though especially common at night, we’ve seen these random dashes across the room all throughout the day. They seemingly come out of nowhere and don’t last too long, but are definitely a break from cats’ typical daily routine of sleeping, eating, cuddling, and moseying around curiously.

Turns out there are a couple reasons for these random gallops across the house:

Cats Sleep . . . A Lot ~ On average, kitties sleep about 16 hours day ~ leaving a short amount of time to be active. Because domestic cats are pretty sedentary, it’s no wonder that every once in a while they need to let out bursts of energy.

That’s How Cats Hunt in the Wild ~ This one is two-fold ~ if your cat was out in the wild, he or she would likely slowly stalk prey in silence. It’s not until a sudden, swift moment that your feline would attack in a quick burst of speed. Similarly, when they haven’t had the opportunity to hunt but are rested and ready to go, cats will just erupt in a sudden burst of energy ~ perhaps pouncing on a toy lying on the ground.

Owners of cats who are allowed outdoors to play in the yard (hopefully a protected yard!) probably notice less of these random sprints around the house, and those felines are probably expelling lots of energy outside.

Cats Are Naturally Awake During Twilight ~ You have probably noticed that a lot of these bursts of energy happen while you’re in bed ~ thanks to the trademark clamoring of paw-prints on the floor and possibly something falling over onto the floor. That’s because cats are naturally crepuscular ~ awake at dawn and dusk ~ and typically hunt in the nighttime out in the wild. Even indoor cats often find themselves awake at twilight. If the bursts are harmless, then consider them a simple part of cat life. If you’d like to help kitty expel some of that pent-up energy, try playing some games before you go to bed or whenever you can tell your cat is getting restless.

Cat lasers, cat wands, even a game of fetch (if your cat is like ours) can help your restless feline get tuckered out quickly. Even better? Drag a ribbon or a wand with a mouse or feather at the end of it around the house for kitty to chase.

Felines and their unpredictable bursts of energy can be startling, but these sprints across the room definitely keep both cats and humans on their feet!

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For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Friday, April 4, 2014

Contrary to Some Beliefs ~ Cats Are Very Affectionate Pets

While dogs are known for being friendly and affectionate, our lovely feline friends are sometimes known as being aloof. But, that is hardly the truth. There are tons of affectionate cats out there. Many cats will lick you and greet you, while other cat’s signs of affection can be a little more subtle. In fact, if you learn to understand a cat’s body language and signals, you will see how they are showing their love.

* Head Rubs ~ If your cat rubs her face on you, she is marking you as her property. There are glands on her face that secrete pheromones which act to mark your feline’s territory as well as signal comfort and familiarity. Each cat's pheromone is unique, just as our fingerprints are. When he or she leaves behind this calling card, she's saying that you are all hers.

* Needs to be Near You ~ If your cat follows you from room to room and hangs out wherever you are, it's a sign that your beloved is interested in you and wants to be where you are. Some cats who otherwise do not display affection can still express their love just by being around and in your close proximity.

* Slow Eye Blinks ~ When a cat encounters strangers or other cats, they usually greet them with an unblinking stare (or if they are mad at you!) However, slow eye blinks are a sign of contentedness and affection. You can make a game of this by slowly blinking back at your cat and see how long the interchange can last between the two of you.

* Greets You at the Door ~ Most cats that are bonded with their owners will respond with excitement when they hear your car in the driveway, or when you make distinctive sounds (like unlocking the door) when returning home. If they run to the door when you come through, it obviously means they've missed you and are happy that you’re home. Or they might just meow from afar and then approach. (Our kitty always greets us at the door and meows . . . a lot!).

* Rolls Over ~ When your cat rolls over and exposes his or her belly to you, he or she is signaling that she trusts and loves you. By exposing her belly, he or she is exposing her vulnerability. If she did that outside, she would be attacked. However, in the comfort of your home, this tummy exposure is a signal that she’s comfortable enough with you to let down her guard.

* Kneading ~ This instinctual gesture originates from birth, when your cat kneaded her mother to stimulate milk flow. In later life, kneading signifies contentment, pleasure and adoration, especially if accompanied by drooling. This is one of the greatest expressions of love that your cat can show you. Cats will sometimes knead your arm, leg or somewhere close by you.

We all love our kitties . . . and they love us, even if they don’t always ‘meow’ their affection, they certainly show it in so many other ways. Take the time to understand your cats and their distinctive language!

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For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Easter is No Time to Give Pets as Gifts

The HSUS is giving pet owners and gift givers advice to keep this Easter from turning tragic for animals: Avoid impulse buys of bunnies, chicks, ducks or any new pet during the holiday.

Each year after Easter, huge numbers of specialty animals are relinquished to animal shelters or are left to fend for themselves outdoors when the novelty of a live animal gift has worn off.

Young, adorable animals mature quickly into adults and need daily care for the rest of their lives. "People often don't realize the level of financial commitment and time these animals require," said Stephanie Shain, director of companion animal outreach for The HSUS. "Animals associated with Easter like ducks and rabbits can be especially challenging. They require specific kinds of care and leaving them caged continuously is not acceptable and won't give you a pet you can hold and play with." In some areas selling these animals is actually illegal.

Every year, animal shelters receive a surge of unwanted Easter pets that are given up after the owners have lost interest or are unable to care for them. Unfortunately, many must be euthanized due to lack of available homes. Some animals given as gifts are released into the wild when people tire of them. However, the animals are unable to fend for themselves and usually die of starvation or exposure to the elements, or are preyed upon by other animals. It's not easy breaking the news to a child that their new pet is being given away because the adults in the home made a bad decision.

Instead of purchasing a live animal, The HSUS suggests giving plush toys as gifts for Easter. Just make sure that no real animal fur went into the making of the toy. Check the label or ask a salesperson to determine what materials the item was made of. If the toy is made of real animal fur, do not purchase the item.

Bringing any pet into your home should be done only after carefully assessing your family's ability to meet the animal's needs and after seeking information from experts.

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For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Thunderstorm Phobia in Dogs

Every Spring and Summer, as the skies would darken overhead, our little senior Chihuahua, Homer, would pant and pace around the house with his tail tucked. When the first crash of thunder hit, he would bolt into the bedroom and curl up tightly underneath the bed, where he remained, panting and trembling until the storm had long passed. Some dogs panic even more than Homer did ~ digging through doors, jumping fences or breaking out of crates. Does your dog behave this way? If so, don’t worry ~ there’s a lot you can do to make your dog more comfortable during storm season.

Who's at Risk? ~ Any dog can develop a fear of thunderstorms, but herding breeds and high-strung breeds seem more susceptible to developing noise phobias in general. Another risk factor is age. As they reach their golden years, some dogs develop a fear of storms.

Will it Get Worse? ~ Dogs who are scared of thunder may also panic about rain, wind, darkening skies and flashes of lightning. As your thunderphobic dog’s fear starts to incorporate these additional sights and sounds, he may become more distressed with every passing season. It’s a good idea to start working with your dog as soon as you notice fearful behavior.

Visit Your Vet ~ If your adult dog has suddenly become afraid of storms, please start with a check-up with your veterinarian. A sick dog may become more sensitive to sounds, and no amount of behavior modification will help if your dog’s fear is medically based.

Simple Solutions ~ Try the following strategies to reduce your dog’s fear during storms. For dogs with mild thunderstorm phobia, these tricks may get rid of the problem entirely:

~ NEVER leave your dog outside in a storm. Let your dog take refuge inside. Storms aren’t as loud and scary with four walls around you! Bringing your dog into your house also ensures that he won’t try to escape from the yard.

~ Having some human company often calms panicked dogs. If you are calm, quiet touch brings him comfort. Or, if he comes to you for security, it’s perfectly fine to pet him, however go easy on the reassurance, as this may imprint the fearful behavior.

~ Try turning on some calming music, a TV or radio, or a fan to muffle storm noises. Shutting the drapes may help if lightning also frightens your dog.

~ Distractions may help, too. See if your dog will eat from a food-filled toy, such as a stuffed Kong, scatter treats in the house for him to find, or try playing tug and fetch with his favorite toy.

Better Living ~ If your dog’s quality of life is seriously impaired by thunderstorms, consider speaking with a vet or a veterinary behaviorist about anti-anxiety medication. Medication can enhance the effectiveness of other efforts to help your dog cope with his fear. For some dogs, medication is the only treatment that relieves their suffering.

Behavior Modification ~ A technique called desensitization and counter-conditioning can also help reduce your pet’s fear. This technique involves gradually increasing the volume of an audio recording of a thunderstorm to help your dog become accustomed to it, while at the same time, associating the sound of thunder with good things, like treats and toys.

Other Things to Try ~ There are a number of products on the market that may help your dog remain calm during storms:

~ Close-fitting body wraps, such as a t-shirt, the Anxiety Wrap® or the Thundershirt®
~ Reducing the sound of storms by using Mutt Muffs® (noise-reducing headphones for dogs)
~ Massage techniques such as Tellington Touch®
~ Herbal remedies, or calming treats (always check with your vet first)
~ Giving your dog plenty of aerobic exercise on days when storms are predicted

Hang in There! ~ Homer was never thrilled with storms, but he did become a lot calmer as we implemented some calming remedies. Your dog can find comfort, too. It may take some time and effort on your part, but don’t give up! Using the suggestions above, you can help your best buddy overcome his fear of rainy days. If the problem doesn’t get better, consider hiring an experienced trainer or behaviorist to help you.

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In loving memory of our precious Homer, who crossed the Rainbow Bridge on 9/16/13 ♥

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For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Tips for Traveling with Your Pets . . . .

* Make an Appointment with Your Vet ~ A visit to your Veterinarian is important before traveling with your pet(s) to be sure that they are up to date with shots and have received appropriate flea, heartworm and tick repellent. Copies of your pet's health records may be required if flying anywhere. Also, find out what your options are should your pet(s) become carsick or nervous while traveling. Copies of your pet's rabies certificate and other health information are particularly important if you are traveling by plane, as most airlines require these documents dated no more than 10 days prior to your first day of travel. Information about your pet's health will be invaluable to local Veterinarians should your pet(s) become ill while you are on vacation. Information about medications and shots will prevent the Vet from administering duplicate treatments.

* Tagged, Collared and Leashed ~ Consider having your pet(s) microchipped . . . a quick, safe and inexpensive way to ensure that a lost pet will be found. Animal hospitals, humane societies, kennels, and shelters nationwide use scanners to read implanted chips, which are encoded with specific identifiable information. Speak to your veterinarian to find out more about microchip procedures. When you and your pet(s) are in an unfamiliar place, keep them on a leash and make sure the tags on your pet's collar can be easily read. Having a recent picture of your pet(s) on hand, as well as a written description of your pet(s) (name, breed, sex, age, any microchip or tattoo numbers, a description of coat, color and unusual markings, weight and height), will make it easier to describe your lost pet to someone who may see him or her wandering about.

* Book a Pet-Friendly Hotel ~ Nowadays, many vacation spots welcome animals, but have specific rules and restrictions regarding pets. Call ahead to find out about any restrictions and fees associated with booking a room with your pet(s).

* Happy Trails! ~ Traveling with your pets can be loads of fun, provided you take some time to prepare for the trip. By following these tips, you and your pets will be well on your way to having a memorable vacation!

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For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com