Tips for Safe Driving With Dogs

It is hard to find a dog who doesn’t love to go for a car ride.  Most owners enjoy taking their dog in the car.  Whether it is a ride to the dog park, a visit to grandma’s or a trip to the vet; your dog needs to be safe.  When driving down the street you can always see a dog with his head sticking  out the window or jumping from back to front to back seat or even sitting on the driver’s lap.  All very bad ideas that are very dangerous to both the driver and dog.

 

Here are some safety tips for driving with your dog.

 

  1. Do not allow pets in the front seat.  A major distraction is a pet sitting on your lap when you are trying to concentrate on driving. Even sitting in the passenger seat should not be allowed as your pet may obstruct your view of the road.
  2. Create separation.  There are a variety of car barriers available that will keep your pet out of the front seat.
  3. Restrain your pet with a safety harness or booster seat.  These items will keep your pet safely in place.  The Safety Seat shown to the left is designed to be quick and easy to put on your dog.  It is a vest harness with nylon web straps lined with cushiony fleece for comfort.  The car seatbelt simply slips through harness and there are no complicated buckles or straps to worry about.  Available is a variety of sizes:
    Large: 65-110 lbs Medium: 30-65  lbs Small: 15-30 lbs Xsmall: – under 15 lbs

Remember, car safety is important for both you and your traveling pet.

 

 

 

 

 

Kaytee Product Recall – Please Note / Mostly Pet Bird Treats

Kaytee Products is recalling several bird treats and greens items due to possible contamination of Salmonella from parsley flake ingredients supplied to Kaytee by Specialty Commodities, Inc., an outside supplier to Kaytee.

Product Code/SKU/ Material # UPC Code Size Product Name/Description Best Before Code (day/month/yr)
100032244 7185940410 2 lb Kaytee Fiesta Max Canary/Finch 9/28/2013 through 5/7/2014
100032881 7185900431 3.5 oz Kaytee Honey Treat – Parakeet 12/6/2013 through 5/29/2014
100032922 7185955027 7 oz Kaytee Honey Treat – Parakeet (Value Pack) 12/4/2013 through 8/2/2014
100032982 7185900434 3.5 oz Kaytee Honey Treat – Parakeet 12/6/2013 through 8/2/2014
100502615 7185999885 3.5 oz Kaytee Fiesta Fruit & Veggie Treat – Parakeet 1/15/2014 through 7/24/2014
100502749 7185999855 9.5 oz Kaytee Fiesta Fruit & Veggie Treat – Parakeet 12/18/2013 through 7/31/2014
100502937 7185994235 3.5 oz Kaytee Forti-Diet ProHealth Honey Treat – Parakeet 12/5/2013 through 7/17/2014
100502940 7185994236 7 oz Kaytee Forti-Diet ProHealth Honey Treat – Parakeet (Value Pack) 12/4/2013 through 8/1/2014
100503001 7185994268 4 ct Kaytee Forti-Diet ProHealth Munchables Shred-A-Box Honey Seed Treats (4 Boxes) 3/7/2014 through 7/30/2014
100503064 7185994264 11 oz Kaytee Forti-Diet ProHealth Molting & Conditioning – Small Birds 12/25/2013 through 8/5/2014
100503808 7185955027 7 oz Kaytee Honey Treat – Parakeet (Value Pack) 12/6/2013 through 7/31/2014
100504021 7185994368 2.25 oz Kaytee Fiesta Nutty Papaya Treat – Parakeet & Cockatiel 12/4/2013 through 6/25/2014
100504029 7185994370 1.5 oz Kaytee Fiesta Foraging Treat for Pet Birds 1/27/2014 through 5/29/2014
100504971 73725727166 3.2 oz Grreat Choice Treat Sticks for Small Birds (2 sticks) 12/13/2013 through 2/4/2014
100504974 73725727165 9.6 oz Grreat Choice Treat Sticks for Small Birds (6 sticks) 12/10/2013 through 3/19/2014
100506593 7185994615 1.5 oz Kaytee Foraging Box O’Fun Treat for Pet Birds 1/28/2014 through 7/30/2014
100510282 7185994708 1 oz Kaytee Bird Greens Foraging Treat 12/1/2013 through 5/28/2014

Product and product lots that do not appear on the list above are not subject to this recall.

No human or pet illnesses have been reported to-date. The recall notification is being issued based on a recall letter dated February 11, 2013 from Specialty Commodities, Inc. The above-referenced Kaytee products were originally manufactured as early as June 12, 2012. While Kaytee has not had any positive Salmonella results on finished product to suggest possible contamination, we are initiating this recall in accordance with FDA guidelines. Kaytee is taking immediate action to remove the potentially affected product from all retail stores and distribution centers.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. Pet owners should thoroughly wash their hands after having contact with these products and clean any surfaces that were exposed.

Healthy persons exposed to Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomit, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary track symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these symptoms after having contact with these products should contact their physician or healthcare provider.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infection but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product(s) and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Recalled products were distributed to retailers and distributors in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin; and, into the countries of Canada, China, Guam, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Pakistan, Singapore, and the UAE.

Consumers who have purchased the above-referenced Kaytee products with the referenced “Best Before” dates are urged to contact Kaytee Customer Service representatives.

A letter and instructions will be forwarded to all Kaytee customers. Kaytee Customer Service representatives and company veterinarians are responding to inquires through the 1-800-Kaytee1 (800 529-8331) phone number and will answer any questions regarding pets that have been fed the product. Pet owners can also visit the Kaytee website for more information http://www.kaytee.com/.

Be Prepared If Your Pet Needs to Be Evacuated

If you and your pet need to evacuate your home, you may not have a lot of time to figure out what to take along.  The list of items below are what you should have packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice. Keep these items at an easy to access place.  Placing them in a large covered plastic container (expect, of course, the kennel) works well. 

This list is handy whether you are taking your pet with you or having the pet stay somewhere safe.  Right now, make a list of friends, relatives, pet-friendly motels, and kennels outside a potential disaster area so you can contact who ever you need in case of a pending evacuation.

THE LIST

  • All pets, need a collar and  identification tag.  The tag should have your cell phone number on the tag, not your home phone.
  • Current photos of your pet in case they get lost
  • Copies of updated vaccination certificates (this will be required by shelters)
  • Food- a minimum one week’s supply of food in water-tight container
  • Water – a minimum one week’s supply of one week’s supply of water
  • Leash and harness
  • Litterbox and litter for cats
  • Appropriate size pet carrier
  • Newspaper or towels for crate lining
  • Trash bags for pet-waste disposal
  • Any toy that your pet needs for comfort

Planning ahead for an evacuation route for your family and pets is crucial.   Do it now and be safe later!