The Fourmile fire in Boulder Co has got me to thinking - it’s time to refresh my dog’s emergency preparedness kit. Then overnight, a fire destroys homes in Detroit. Yes, we all need to get our emergency preparedness kits together for our household pets.

Benefits of a conveniently located kit:

• All of your pets items are already together so it just takes seconds to pick it up – you have more time to kennel the pets and grab the family photos
• If you can’t get home, a neighbor or friend can easily find the supplies
• Change is stressful for pets. It helps to have their favorite foods and toys.

In addition to a kit, there are other things you can do to prepare your dog for a disaster.

Updates on the animals affected by the Fourmile fire here in Colorado:

As of this morning, Humane Society of Boulder Valley is providing temporary shelter for nearly 40 dogs, cats and small mammals displaced from their homes. Their greatest needs are  cat litter, towels, blankets and cash donations. (more…)

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Mushrooms can be poisonous to dogs

April showers are finally past, the flowers are blooming, and your yard is sprouting wild mushrooms?

While not all wild mushrooms are toxic to dogs, it is prudent to treat all mushrooms as toxic.  Toxic mushrooms are divisible into eight groups with varying symptoms and associated treatments (Toxicology Brief, Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs, Vetrinary Medicine 2007). If you suspect your dog has consumed wild mushrooms, it is important that you take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible including a sample of the wild mushroom (preferably in a moist paper towel rather than a plastic bag).

Suzy's dog Kalee helps inspect the yard for toxic mushrooms

Tips for preventing and recognizing exposure to wild mushrooms:

• Perform a daily inspection of your yard for mushrooms (perhaps while you are mowing and inspecting for sharp objects).
• Keep close tabs on your dog when hiking, at the dog park, or a friend’s house to be sure he or she is not indulging in an unknown treat.
• Know the common signs of wild mushroom poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and abnormal drooling.

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There are so many ways to take care of your dog.

Start with health by scheduling your dog for regular check ups with a veterinarian you trust. Check our dog health library for information on choosing pet insurance, grooming, weight management, and safety tips.

Next, make sure your dog has ID with microchipping, and a collar with up to date tags. While moving, contact the microchip company, and place both old and new addresses and phone numbers on your pet.

Don’t forget training! By spending a few minutes each day on practicing good manners, both you and your dog will be happier in your home. Teach your old dog new tricks or start the sport of dog agility!

For additional information, check out the Online Dog Coach Library, Dog Training Videos, and the American Humane Pet Care page.

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Over the past few weeks, the Online Dog Coach trainers have been receiving a lot of e-mail traffic warning of the dangers of cocoa mulch.   If you Google the topic, you will find a plethora of Internet articles that both confirm and deny the toxicity of cocoa mulch for dogs.   According to both the American Vetrinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, consumption of cocoa mulch can result in methylxanthine toxicosis but is unlikely to result in death.  Both organizations recommend that pet owners limit the use of cocoa mulch in landscaping that is exposed to unsupervised dogs. 

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has a very informative article on cocoa mulch consumption by dogs, click here to learn more.

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Response Products Voluntarily Recalls Advanced Cetyl M Joint Action Formula for Dogs Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Response Products, Broken Bow, NE is voluntarily recalling Cetyl M for Dogs, lot numbers 1210903 and 0128010, due to a possible Salmonella contamination from the hydrolyzed vegetable protein component provided by Basic Foods of Las Vegas, NV. Tests conducted by Basic Foods to detect Salmonella produced negative results; however, Response Products has determined to recall the above-referenced lots.

Cetyl M for Dogs was distributed nation-wide through direct sales, retail stores, veterinarians and online retailers.

The above-referenced lots of Cetyl M for Dogs were distributed in either a 120-count bottle (shipped between January 8, 2010 and April 2, 2010) or a 360-count bottle (shipped between February 11, 2010 and April 2, 2010). The affected lot numbers are as follows: #1210903 and 0128010. The lot number can be found directly above the bar code on the label. These lots were sent out in the time periods as set out above. This product is in tablet-form, is approximately the size of a dime and is light brown in coloring.

To date, Response Products has received no reports of illness associated with the use of this product. Response Products recently learned that the FDA and Basic Foods of Las Vegas, NV, the producer of one of the components of the affected product’s vegetable beef flavoring, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, had detected Salmonella in Basic Food’s facility. Due to the concern regarding Salmonella in Basic Foods’ facility, it decided to recall two lots of said vegetable beef flavoring.

Response Products continues to investigate the cause of the problem and continues to be committed to producing a high-quality, effective product for dogs.

Consumers who have purchased the listed lots of Cetyl M for Dogs are urged to contact Response Products or the place of purchase for further direction. Consumers may contact Response Products at 1-877-266-9757, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm CST.

For more information, visit Response Products Healthful News or the FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration Press Release.

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