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Natura Pet Issues Voluntary Recall on June 18, 2013, of Specialized Dry Pet Foods Due to Possible Health Risk
Natura Pet Products is voluntarily recalling specific lots of dry pet food because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. This company has been plagued recently by this bacterial contamination problem and has recently posted other extensive recalls. This problem, and those associated with mold (aflatoxin) contamination, ... more.
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EXPANDING PET FOOD HORIZONS---CHOICE & QUALITY
One of America’s leading advocates of better pet foods, Susan Thixton, sent me the following pointers to pass on to cat and dog owners who want to join the pet food revolution and help keep their animal companions healthy. ... more.
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THE FATE OF AMERICA’S GRAY WOLF
Imagine living in a world or time when the authorities condoned the random killing
of your family members and relatives. They called it a ‘recreational sport’, made
money selling licenses to kill, and number-crunching experts called it a ‘sustainable
harvest’ that was a ‘science-based decision’. ... more.
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INTERVIEW CONCERNING THE HISTORY OF ANIMAL WELFARE
SCIENCE WITH DR.MICHAEL W. FOX
Q1. In an earlier interview with Hedy Litke, you explain that a dearth of any scientific
understanding of (abnormal) animal behaviour within the veterinary profession during
the 1960s led you to a research career. How would you explain the general veterinary
disinterest in animal behaviour and the emotional live of animals at this time?
What factors made you different? ... more.
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BREEDERS CHOICE RECALL
Breeder’s Choice, a Central Garden & Pet company, has issued a voluntary recall
April 16, 2013, for a single batch of Active Care Biscuits-Healthy Dog Treats due
to mold discovered in one of the lots of dog biscuits. ... more.
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ANIMAL VALUES & THE QUANTUM OF SUFFERING
Many good people have written eloquent, heart-felt words to inspire concern for
animals and for their protection from human exploitation, ignorance, cruelty and
indifference, especially over the last three centuries. During this time, however,
animal suffering, industrial-scale exploitation and annihilation of species and
habitats have intensified and spread globally. Regardless of moving appeals for
compassionate action and respect for all life ... more.
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BRAVO! RECALLS
For Immediate Release – April 3, 2013 – Manchester, CT– Bravo! posted on April 3,
2013 that they are voluntarily recalling three of their raw diet frozen foods for
dogs and cats. The recall involves only: ... more.
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Voluntary Withdrawal: Iams Shakeables Turkey and Lamb Dog Treats
Procter and Gamble has issued a voluntary market withdrawal of Iams Shakeables Turkey
and Lamb Dog Treats with certain “Impacted Lot Numbers” listed below. These treats
are being voluntarily withdrawn due to potential for mold growth. No other products
are affected. Procter and Gamble has not received any reports of human or pet illnesses.
...
more.
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PET FOOD VITAMIN AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS: QUALITY
AND ETHICS
Pet food manufacturers add various essential vitamins and minerals to their cat
and dog food formulas to make up for deficiencies in the basic ingredients and because
of losses associated with processing. More and more are providing “Country of Origin”
information as to where their basic ingredients come from, and a few also state
Human Grade quality and even USDA Organic Certification. But when it comes to these
essential vitamin and mineral ... more.
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NATURA’S BIG PETFOOD RECALL (For Innova, California Natural, Evo & Healthwise brands)
March 18, 2013 the FDA posted: Natura Pet Products is voluntarily recalling specific
lots of dry pet food because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
No Salmonella-related illnesses have been reported. ... more.
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HOUSE RABBIT SOCIETY URGES PEOPLE NOT TO BUY RABBITS
FOR EASTER
RICHMOND, CA (March 1, 2013) -House Rabbit Society strongly urges parents not to
buy their children live "Easter bunnies" unless they are willing to make a 10-year
commitment to properly care for the animals. Each year, thousands of baby rabbits,
chicks, and ducks are purchased as Easter gifts only to be abandoned or left at
shelters in the days, weeks and months that follow Easter. ... more.
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DOMESTICATION & DIET: DOG GENES & CAT GUT BACTERIA
Swedish researchers in their comparative studies of dog and wolf DNA report that
dogs show changes in genes governing three critical steps in the digestion of starch,
first breaking down large carbohydrate molecules into smaller ones, then breaking
these up into smaller sugars and then finally facilitating their absorption in the
digestive system. Significantly there was so called gene duplication, multiple copies
of a gene for amylase, produced by the pancrease that is involved in the first step
of starch digestion. ... more.
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WHY GRAY WOLF SPORT HUNTING & COMMERICAL TRAPPING
IN THE WESTERN GREAT LAKES REGION SHOULD BE PROHIBITED
While the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) allowed for no public
comment period prior to instigating the first hunting and trapping season on the
Gray wolf after its de-listing from protection under the federal Endangered Species
Act (ESA) in 2012, it did announce hearings in late Jan and early Feb 2013 to receive
public comments on its intention to change the status of the Gray Wolf (Canis lupus)
from "Special Concern" to "None." ... more.
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MINNESOTA WOLVES SUFFERING MANGE (SCABIES) DISEASE.
Wolf numbers and population recovery resilience can be especially undermined periodically
by outbreaks of the contagious skin disease called mange or scabies. It can become
endemic---literally embedded in a population. Factors such as poor nutrition and
stress, (notably a quarter million deer hunters taking one third of their main food
source every year, the White tailed deer, now exacerbated by 6,000 wolf hunters
and trappers); also concurrent disease (such as hook worms) make animals susceptible
to this contagious parasitic skin. ... more.
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Dr Fox's Response to the Newtown Conn Tragedy: Ethics
in our Society.
I know that this is not a pet question but would like an answer because to is indirectly
related to how we treat animals in society today. You write about ‘ethics’ and what
you call ‘bioethics,’ and as one who supports animal rights I would like your definition
of these terms to see how they fit in with animals’ rights to humane treatment and
proper veterinary care when they need it. ... more.
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FDA ISSUES WARNING ON CHICKEN JERKY FOR DOGS
On Nov 20, 2011, Food Safety News posted the following article:
Pet owners should be aware that chicken jerky products from China may be associated
with reports of Fanconi-like syndrome in dogs, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
has warned. FDA is advising consumers who choose to feed their dogs chicken jerky
products to watch their dogs closely for any or all of the following signs that
may occur within hours to days of feeding the products: decreased appetite; decreased
activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; increased water consumption
and/or increased urination. ... more.
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BETRAYAL OF WOLVES AND PUBLIC TRUST
State and federal lands, including all that abides therein, from moose and minerals
to wolves and oil, are managed as natural resources. Most states can even claim
eminent domain over private property for the oil and mining industries and other
vested interests. The laudable ideology of sustainable resource use touted by the
mining, timber, cattle and other industries has resulted in endless law suits to
enforce various laws to minimize harms to the environment, biodiversity and to threatened
and endangered species. This costly and often futile process will never end until
there is greater state and federal government transparency and accountability so
that the accusation that governments pander to vested interests and betray the public’s
trust will have no foundation. ... more.
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DRIVING SAFELY WITH YOUR DOG OR CAT
New Jersey dogs and cats will have to be buckled up for safety, just like humans
if they are not secure in a crate or cage in the vehicle, if legislation proposed
by Assemblywoman Grace Spencer (D-Essex) is passed. I fully endorse this kind of
initiative, with punitive consequences for violators, for every state of the Union
to adopt. ...
more.
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MORE PET PRODUCT RECALLS
The FDA posted: - October 2, 2012 - Kasel Associated Industries of Denver, CO is
voluntarily recalling its NATURE'S DELI CHICKEN JERKY DOG TREATS product because
it may be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can sicken animals that eat these
products and humans are at risk for salmonella poisoning from handling contaminated
pet products ...
more.
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ANIMALS ARE AWARE, SHARE HUMAN-LIKE CONSCIOUSNESS
An international group of behavioral and brain scientists attending a conference
on Consciousness in Human and Non-Human Animals this summer in Cambridge, England
put together and signed "The Cambridge Declaration On Consciousness". This document
(fcmconference.org/img/Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness.pdf) asserts that
animals---all mammals ...
more.
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MANUFACTURED PET FOODS & HOME MADE DIETS: TYING UP
SOME LOOSE ENDS
Obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, cancer, fatty liver disease, pancreatitis,
hypertension, heart and kidney disease and diet-related arthritis, irritable bowel
syndrome, allergies and neurological and immune system dysfunctions are modern day
health issues that people and companion animals share when their diets consist of
highly processed agribusiness food industry products, byproducts and various additives.
... more.
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HEALING AGRICULTURE'S BROKEN CONNECTIONS
Over millions of years animals and plants have co-evolved, establishing a matrix
of symbiotic (mutually enhancing) relationships. For the animals, including the
human species, this co-evolution brings the myriad benefits of life-sustaining and
health-maintaining plant nutrients (proteins, complex carbohydrates, oils and minerals)
as well as plant derived enzymes, neurohormonal precursors ... more.
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CHINA POISONING AMERICA'S PETS AGAIN
Made in China sweet potato treats, (variously given names such as strips, tenders,
chips and twists), just like the chicken jerky treats also made in China that made
many dogs ill and die, are being reported to cause similar kidney problems. Symptoms
can develop a few hours or days after consuming one of these possibly pesticide-contaminated
...
more.
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FUTURE OF THE VETERINARY PROFESSION
Inspired by Veterinary Information Network Dr. Paul D. Pion's widely disseminated
2012 New Year's message concerning the future of the veterinary profession, and
by several published discussions on this topic in American and British veterinary
journals, I wish to offer my own personal perspective. Being part of the problem
makes us part of the solution ... more.
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COMPANION ANIMAL HOSPICE CARE
This important end-of-life, in-home service for people's beloved animals, as posted
in an earlier column, has generated much interest in the U.S. and abroad. I would
appreciate hearing from readers and those involved in this new service to help provide
some links for all who might wish to secure such care for their animals. This topic
was recently featured in an article by veterinarian Dr. Ella Bittel in the Integrative
Veterinary Care journal (Winter 2012). ... more.
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CATS, DOGS, AND CADMIUM: POSSIBLE CHRONIC POISONING
"Cumulative exposure to cadmium has been associated with elevations in blood pressure
and renal dysfunction in human beings and rodents." This introductory statement
in a paper entitled "Association of urinary cadmium excretion with feline hypertension"
by N.C. Finch, H. M. Syme and J. Elliot (1) from my alma mater, the Royal Veterinary
College London, raises an important question. Other than cigarette smoke, possible
environmental sources of cadmium in afflicted cats were not identified or suggested
by these authors. ... more.
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LYME DISEASE,WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH
Do some state and federal wildlife management practices create public health problems?
The One Health concept is helpful in answering this question, since it recognizes
that human, animal and ecosystem health are interconnected. It has been adopted
by the American Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association and
other health organizations (1). Embracing this unifying principle has generated
a significant movement since its adoption was published as a resolution by the National
League of Cities (2). ... more.
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Loki in recovery
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DR.FOX ON ELEPHANT ISSUES
Deanna Krantz, then director of India Project for Animals and Nature (IPAN) first
became involved in Asian elephant problems in the Nilgiris, South India, in 1998
after she was called in by concerned local people and some Forest Department staff
over the rapidly deteriorating condition of a recently captured makhna (a rare tuskless
bull elephant), aged around 35 years old. Deanna and her staff called this docile
makhna, who was in urgent need of expert veterinary care and proper nutrition, 'Loki'.
The saga of this elephant reached the Indian Supreme Court, and tribal staff sang
out his name into the jungle night as they gathered around a ritual fire to pray
for his freedom. ...
more.
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GE FOODS & DOG & CAT HEALTH ISSUES
Two widely used ingredients in many manufactured dog and cat foods contain corn
and soy. These ingredients have no place in cat food because cats are strict 'obligate'
carnivores. Corn can cause cystitis---bladder inflammationÑin cats, and soy causes
gas and indigestion in many dogs and cats, possibly also contributing to usually
fatal bloat in dogs. The high cereal content in pet foods contributes to dogs and
cats developing stones or calculi in their lower urinary tracts, often resulting
in blockage requiring emergency surgery because the animals cannot urinate. ...
more.
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WHY YOU CAN BE BRANDED A TERRORIST FOR FIGHT ANIMAL ABUSE
Two decades ago I was one of the few who sought to bring to the public eye the cruelties
of factory farms, documenting also many other money-driven animal cruelties in Western
industrial civilization in my book INHUMANE SOCIETY: THE AMERICAN WAY OF EXPLOITING
ANIMALS (still in print!) The following internet communication will, I hope, not
chill but inflame all who care about animals wild and domestic,and the very principles
of freedom of speech in a social democracy. ... more.
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HEALING ANIMALS & THE VISION OF ONE HEALTH
Written by a veterinarian with doctoral degrees in medicine and animal behavior,
and with a lifetime's experience working in animal health, welfare and environmental
protection, including agricultural and food safety and public health, this book
confronts the dominant world-view wherein the art and science of animal and human
medicine are practiced. ... more.
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ANIMAL VACCINATION CONCERNS: VACCINE-ASSOCIATED AUTO-IMMUNE
& OTHER DISEASES
By way of introduction to this critical review, I wish to make it clear at the onset
that I am not opposed to the judicious use of vaccines. My approval is conditioned
on the proviso that the deployed vaccines have high levels of proven safety and
effectiveness for each species upon which they are used, and requires that they
become part of an integrated, holistic health care and disease prevention program.
When used as a sole therapy, vaccines do not constitute an effective preventive
medicine regime. The myth of infectious and contagious diseases having a single
cause ...
more.
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WEED KILLING HERBICIDES — HARMING PEOPLE, PETS, WILDLIFE & ENVIRONMENT
The herbicide called Roundup is one of Monsanto corporation's most profitable, globally
marketed products. It contains an organophosphate chemical called glyphosate, plus
other ingredients. Other manufacturers also produce similar herbicides with slightly
different formulations, all of which, like DDT in the 1950s, are said to be safe
when applied in accord with the manufacturer's instructions. ... more.
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CHEMICAL-RELATED HUMAN DISEASES IN COMPANION ANIMALS
Indiana University scientists Drs. M. Venier and R.A.Hites have reported that they
have found toxic flame retardant chemicals in the blood of pet dogs at concentrations
five to 10 times higher than in humans. The study focused on the presence of polybrominated
diphenyl ethers, (PBDEs), compounds widely used as flame retardants in carpets,
household furniture foam, plastics and electronics equipment that can migrate out
of the products and enter the home environment. These chemicals are also found in
pork, chicken, butter and seafoods. ... more.
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MONSANTO'S ROUNDUP TRIGGERS OVER 40 PLANT DISEASES
& ENDANGERS HUMAN & ANIMAL HEALTH Health
My friend Dr. Jeffrey Smith with the Institute for Responsible Technology in Iowa
is circulating this report on the very serious health, environmental and economic
costs of Monsanto's herbicide Roundup, now widely used world-wide to clear weeds
and especially on commodity crops genetically engineered (GM) to not be killed by
this dangerous and enormously profitable product. ... more.
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CONSUMER, FARMER, & PET OWNER ALERT
Crops genetically engineered to resist the herbicide Roundup ( glyphosate) put all
at risk---livestock, pets, human consumers and the plants themselves Don M. Huber,
Professor Emeritus of Purdue University writes a cover letter about his letter to
Vilsack plus the text and images from his original letter regarding his concerns
about glyphosate ...
more.
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MANUFACTURED PET FOOD RATING SCORES
This excellent way of rating dog foods for their healthfulness and nutritional value
was developed by veterinarian Stephen Molle, DVM, a rural Michigan companion animal
house-call specialist.
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Scores for Various Dog Food Brands:
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1.
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Merrick Wilderness Blend
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Score 127
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A+
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2.
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Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Ultra Premium
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Score 127
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A+
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3.
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Innova Large Breed Puppy
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Score 127
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A+
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...
more.
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INTRODUCING A NEW CAT
There are many benefits in adopting a second cat to enrich the life of a single
cat who is not too set in his or her ways to accept a newcomer. Two cats living
together, as I emphasize in my book Understanding Your Cat (now available as an
e-book on my website) are generally healthier and happier than cats who live with
no contact ever with their own species. ... more.
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CONFLICTS OF INTEREST IN THE VETERINARY PROFESSION
AND THE ORIGIN OF 'MAN-MADE' DOG & CAT DISEASES
The role of the veterinary profession in preventing sickness and suffering in beloved
dogs and cats should be central. But because of conflicts of interest, as between
selling products for profit and putting the best interests of the animal patient
before those of running a business, ... more.
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LECTURES, SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS BY DR. FOX
Dr. Fox lectures nationally and internationally to a diversity of audiences, from
farmers and ranchers to veterinarians, students and companion animal care givers.
Topics include:
- Eating With Conscience: The Bioethics of Agriculture, Diet and Food
- Genetic Engineering Biotechnology; Risks and Benefits
- Pet Foods—the Good, and the Bad for Cats and Dogs
- Animals, Nature and Religion
- Animal Rights and Veterinary Bioethics
- Companion Animals: Holistic Care, Rights and Responsibilities
- Animal Feelings & feeling for Animals—Awareness, Emotions and Communion
- Dog Behavior, Psychology, Communication & Development
- Cat Behavior, Psychology, Communication & Development
For more details and availability, e-mail Dr. Fox at ipan@erols.com
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