What To Do If Your Dog's Food Is Recalled

When your dog’s food is included in the list of pet food products that are being recalled, don’t panic. It is recommended that you follow these measures to help safeguard your pet’s welfare. 

• Be sure to check if the specific product you are giving to your dog has been included. Double check the lot number of the product because a recall usually involves products manufactured during specific times and may affect only specific batches. Take note of the product’s name, lot number/s,  package sizes, UPC codes, and “best by” or “best before” dates. There is an updated list of recalled pet food products and treats in the FDA website. 

• Stop feeding the product to your dog immediately. There may be a risk of digestive upsets as you switch your pet’s food to a new brand. To preven this, try giving rice and lean burger patties for a day or two at a 50:50 ration. After 2 days, mix in some amounts of the new pet food, gradually increasing the amount over a period of 7-10 days. 

• Dispose of the recalled pet food or treats but keep a small amount in a zip-loc and place it in the freezer. You may need to show the food sample to your vet in case your pet becomes ill. 

• Call the pet food company.It’s advisable to get in touch with the manufacturer so that if anything happens to your dog, the case has been documented and you can follow up with the manufacturer. 

Contact your vets Sarasota, FL if your pet shows any signs of illness. 

How To Stop Your Dog From Raiding The Cat's Litter Box

If your dog finds the litter box contents irresistible, it’s time to undertake precautionary measures to stop this undesirable habit before it can wreak havoc on your pet’s system and cause serious health issues. 

Keep the litter box out of your dog’s reach. You can accomplish this in several ways--

• Place the litter box in an elevated spot that your cat can jump up to but is unreachable to the errant dog.  

• Install baby gates that keep the dog out but allows the cat to pass under or over the gates. 

• Install a cat door in a close room and put the litter box inside. This will render the litter box out of the dog’s reach. 

Keep the litter box clean and free from any undesirable odors. Scooping several times a day helps will make the litter box contents less tempting to your dog. Without a “treat” inside the box, your dog will eventually lose interest in raiding the contents over time.  

Provide adequate opportunities in which your dog can derive physical and mental stimulation so he won’t get bored. 

If a dog that frequently raids the litter box sudden exhibits digestive problems or other symptoms, bring him to the animal hospital Sarasota, FL immediately. 

What Is Declawing And Why It Should Be Banned?

Declawing is a surgical procedure in which the claws of cats are permanently removed. There are cat owners who think that declawing is the ultimate solution to their cats’ scratching behaviour, but is it really a humane solution?

In most cases, declawing is performed for the benefit of the pet owners who want to get rid of their pets’ destructive behaviour. Without any claws, there won’t be any damage to furniture and other things in the home.  


During declawing surgery, the entire last bone of the toe is amputated at the first joint to permanently remove the claws of the cat. The procedure severs the muscles and tendons that exert control of the extension and retraction of the claws. There are also instances when, instead of removing the bone at the joint, the bone is cut through.  


If you have questions and concerns about your pet’s scratching behavior, do talk with your vet Lakewood Ranch, FL.

Urinary Tract Infections In Dogs Is A Common Cause Of Frequent Urination In Dogs

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common culprit for dogs urinating in small amounts with increasing frequency around the home. Most UTI cases in dogs occur in the lower part of the urinary tract, usually in the urinary bladder. UTIs are caused by bacteria and are treated with antibiotics. Affected dogs exhibit the following symptoms:

• Painful urination
• The dog may appear to strain in an effort to urinate but only small dribbles of urine are voided
• Increased frequency of urination
• Frequent urinary accidents in the house
• There may be blood-tinged urine 

Urinalysis is a basic test when it comes to diagnosing urinary tract infections. There may be a need to make a culture of the urine to determine the type of bacteria that is causing the infection so the appropriate antibiotic can be given. 

If your pet is showing signs of a potential urinary tract infection, make an appointment with your best veterinary center Lakewood Ranch, FL.

Do Cats Like the Ocean?

Yes, there are actually different cats that enjoy the ocean, the beach and playing in the water. If this sounds like your cat then you may be thinking of taking her to the beach to play. Before you go, be sure to look up the beach and make sure it is pet friendly. Some beaches may be dog friendly but not pet friendly while other beaches may not have a restriction on the type of pet. It’s better to check before you go. You may also find that there are beaches that will be open to animals during the fall and winter months, but not the spring and summer months when it’s the busiest for people. Just be sure to call ahead to your parks and wildlife center or go online to find out restrictions. In addition, make sure you take plenty of water, snacks, and bags to pick up after your cat. For more information, call your vets Goodyear, AZ.

Is Your Cat at Risk for FeLV?

You should assume that all cats are at risk for FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) in order to take the right precautions to keep your cat safe and well. For instance, your cat should be tested for FeLV routinely as well as treated with possible vaccines that may be available. It is important to understand that the virus is only in cats and it cannot be spread to dogs or humans. FeLV can cause anemia, lymphoma and a suppressed immune system in cats. The chances of your cat contracting FeLV are higher if your cat spends time outdoors since he may come in contact with an infected cat. FeLV can be transmitted through bodily fluids including blood and saliva. If your cat has FeLV then he should be kept separate from other cats in the home to avoid your well cats from getting FeLV and to avoid your FeLV cat from catching something. Click here to ask your veterinarians Litchfield Park, AZ for more information.

How are Heartworms Transmitted in Dogs like the Labrador?

Heartworm disease is disease involving large, slender worms invading a dog’s bloodstream and effecting the heart, lungs, etc. But how do these worms get inside your dog? The main way heartworms are transmitted is through mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it picks up the larvae of heartworms through the blood. The next animal the mosquito bites then gets a deposit of the heartworm larvae right into the bloodstream. Research has found that it takes 10 to 14 days for the worms to become infective. It has also been found that heartworms can live for anywhere from 5 to 7 years in your dog. It’s very important to have your dog tested for heartworms annually and to have your dog on a heartworm prevention medication. You should also treat your yard and surrounding areas for mosquitoes with animal and human safe products. You can learn more by clicking here or contacting your veterinarians Goodyear, AZ.