Bandit's Buddies

How to remove a tick from your pet

2009-07-09T09:39:00.002-04:00

When you find a tick, carefully remove the entire tick from the pet’s body using tweezers or a tick scoop. Tick scoops, are available at most pet supply stores. To remove a tick using tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible by trying to grip its head. Steadily pull up until it releases its grip on your pet. Do not squeeze to the point of crushing the tick. If the head is left in the skin, use a sterile needle to remove the head similar to how you would remove a splinter. Wash the tick bite and your hands with soap and water. Note: The old wives tails that says using petroleum jelly, alcohol and a hot match do not work to loosen ticks from the skin. Remember: Ticks do not drown in water, so get rid of them by wrapping in tissue and flushing them down the toilet, or drown them in rubbing alcohol or tea tree oil. Crushing a tick risks the spread of disease.
Read more tips for managing fleas and ticks.

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Sunshine Blend Essential Oil

2009-07-08T15:31:00.004-04:00

Nature's Sunshine has a special summer blend available. I am excited about it and plan to use it as a refreshing spray for both me and the dogs. I think it would be a great addition to pet shampoo! NSP's essential oils are like no other. Because an enormous amount of raw material is used to make pure, natural essential oils, a surprisingly large amount of products on the market have been mixed with chemical substances or diluted with lower quality, commericial-grade oils! (Yuk!)

After discovering that many manufacturers taint their essential oils with foreign substances in order to save on production costs, Nature's Sunshine resolved to find premier sources of genuine and complete essential oils.

For a limited time only: SUNSHINE BLEND

This special combination of essential oils reflects NSP’s outlook—sunny and warm! It contains 100% pure, cold-pressed essential oils from Lemon, Orange, Pink Grapefruit and Lime. This bright, clean aroma helps uplift, invigorate, inspire and bring balance to the body, mind and spirit.

Available while supplies last.

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Instinctive Choice

2009-07-07T08:28:00.000-04:00

Cats evolved as desert animals, so their sense of thirst is not as well-developed as in other mammals. In fact, cats will only drink an average of two milliliters of water for every gram of dry food they eat.

Our veterinarian formulator, Dr. Jane Bicks, used a unique approach to formulating our premium canned cat food. Based upon feline physiology, and taking evolutionary factors into consideration, she created a canned food to ensure that cats receive adequate hydration. Instinctive Choice Premium Canned Health Food for Kittens & Adult Cats is a revolutionary canned food that is formulated to provide your cat with a meal that is similar in moisture and nutrition to how felines have fed in the wild for millennia.

Instinctive Choice contains superior-quality proteins from certified-organic chicken, tender turkey and succulent shrimp. And figuring prominently in this savory feast is nutrient-rich water, offering the nutritional components found in chicken broth and the other proteins in this food, which allow your cat to obtain moisture closer to the way a cat in the wild would get it. And mixed in this unique recipe is dog grass extract, which mimics the grasses cats in the wild found in their prey.
Other highlights of this tasty food include added Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, Taurine, and a superior blend of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to help kittens grow strong and healthy, and to maintain the health and wellness of adult cats.
And all of these fine ingredients are cooked in a delicious broth that is seasoned with a touch of rosemary, for a flavor that even finicky cats can’t resist. With Instinctive Choice Premium Canned Health Food, you can give kittens and cats the nutrients they truly crave,with the fluid intake they need to thrive.

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Flea Control Safety Issues

2009-07-05T21:26:00.002-04:00

if you are using a spot on or topical flea control on your pets, please take note of safety concerns:

Imidacloprid (often sold as Advantage)

Imidacloprid is toxic to animal nervous systems. In a test conducted by an midacloprid manufacturer, it caused tremors in laboratory animals.

Fipronil (often sold as Frontline)

Fipronil insecticide products disrupt hormone function. Scientists at the Universidade Federal do Parana in Brazil showed that an application of Frontline to laboratory animals caused dramatic changes in the levels of two sex hormones and disrupted the animals' reproductive cycle.

Link to the article: http://www.pesticide.org/fleainsecticides.html

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Are Flea Control Products Safe?

2009-07-05T21:16:00.001-04:00

Are Flea Control Products Safe?

Many pet owners feel that if they buy a flea control product in a grocery store it must be safe. Or, if they have their homes treated by a "professional" applicator or use products recommended by their veterinarians, the products must be safe. In fact, researchers found that many pet owners were so complacent about pesticide hazards that even during pregnancy and the first 6 months of a new child's life parents "failed to recognize and reduce the pervasive exposures associated with the use of no-pest-strips and flea collars." 1 To dispel this myth of safety, it is crucial to understand a few points about how pesticides work and how they get on the market.

First, pesticides are poisons; they are primarily intended to kill living organisms. Many pesticides affect a broad range of living things. For example, organophosphate and carbamate compounds (two classes of pesticides commonly used for flea control) act on the nervous system of insects and mammals in the same manner.2 When you use these chemicals you can affect not only fleas, but your pet and yourself.

Second, the law that regulates pesticides - the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) - does not use safety as the fundamental basis for allowing a pesticide on the market. FIFRA is based on a risk-benefit standard. This allows pesticides to be used even if they pose hazards to humans and the environment so long as the benefits outweigh the hazards.3 Any health or environmental hazards can be acceptable if the estimated economic benefits are large.

Third, many products on the market today do not meet current standards for health and safety testing. These products were already registered when FIFRA's testing requirements were passed in 1972. While the law was amended in 1988 to set deadlines for bringing the testing up to current standards, the deadlines have not been met.4 This means that we have limited information on some older pesticides.

Fourth, pesticide products are made up of more than one chemical. Most pesticides are composed of "active" ingredient(s) , whose identity must be listed on the label, and "inert" ingredients whose identities most manufacturers claim are trade secrets. The term "inert" is misleading, because these secret ingredients are neither biologically, chemically, nor toxicologically inactive. Much of the testing required for EPA registration is done on the active ingredient only.5 Therefore, adverse effects of the pesticide as it is used are untested and unknown.

1. Davis, J.R., R.C. Brownson, and R. Garcia. 1992. Family pesticide use in the home, garden, orchard, and yard. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 22:260-266.

2. Cremlyn, R.J. 1991. Agrochemicals: Preparation and mode of action. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons. Pp.123 and 149.

3. Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act 2(bb).

4. U.S. EPA. Pesticides and Toxic Substances. 1992. Pesticide reregistration. Washington, D.C., May. Pp.2-3.

5. U.S. EPA. 1987. Inert ingredients in pesticide products; Policy statement. Fed. Reg. 52(77):13305, Apr. 22.
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Bug Repellant - Natural

2009-07-05T09:20:00.003-04:00

Lemon Spray: Take a large lemon (the thicker the rind the better!) and slice it paper thin. Place the slices in a bowl and add a tablespoon of crushed rosemary leaves (or a sprig of fresh). Pour over, a quart of hot, nearly boiling, water. Steep overnight. Strain and put into a large spray bottle. Refrigerate. Shake well before applying – do not wet the coat, lightly mist. (not intended for the face) Click here for more recipes.

Don't have any lemons? Try lemon essential oil!

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Animal Hospice

2009-07-03T20:51:00.002-04:00

Animal Hospice Compassionate Crossings is not a place, but rather a philosophy that promotes healing through shared understanding. We provide support, compassion, and most of all a sense of connection. You are not alone in your time of grief, even if you live in a remote area.

We offer our services to anyone anticipating or coping with the loss of a beloved animal companion. Our group of trained volunteers will visit by telephone, mail, e-mail, or in person with anyone who asks for help in dealing with the loss or impending loss of an animal. We will support the person through visits before, during, and after the death. We provide ideas and planning for memorial services, designing and conducting these services for those in our neighborhood of Idaho and giving others the tools for their areas.

We provide ongoing support groups, direct people toward appropriate reading material, and encourage people to share together their feelings of love and loss surrounding their animal. When we suffer a loss, rarely can we find unconditional support and acceptance for our pain. When an animal dies, people who do not understand the depth of love possible between animals and humans are unable to give much comfort to a grieving person during or after the death of an animal. But we understand!

Our telephone helpline is answered daily and calls are returned by a trained and caring volunteer who is there to listen. We are happy to take your call, no matter where you live. You can also set up a home visit if you are a Wood River Valley resident in Idaho where AHCC has its headquarters. There are no charges for our services but toll calls are returned collect to allow our operating expenses to better serve the Wood River Valley community. www.animalhospice.org

Read more....

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July 4th Safety Tips

2009-07-01T05:55:00.000-04:00

Top Tips to Keep your Pets Safe on July 4th

As much as we all enjoy watching the "big lights go boom" in the sky every Fourth of July, our pets arenot so up on the holiday. Courtesy of our friends over at the ASPCA, here are some top tips to keep your pets calm and safe during the Independence day activities and prevent them from becoming one of the thousands of missing "July 4th doggies" that are traumatized every year by fireworks and other scary noises (...like Uncle Stan at the Karaoke machine, etc.)

Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases.

Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.

Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pets’ reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing—or even kidney disease in severe cases. Lighter fluid can be irritating to skin, and if ingested can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. If lighter fluid is inhaled, aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems

Keep your pets on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pets severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals who have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. And keep in mind that foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes & raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals.

Do not put glow jewelry on your pets, or allow them to play with it. While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestions, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.

Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingestions can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in pets.

Never use fireworks around pets! While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals.

Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets, so please resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities. Instead, keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home.

Consider calming your pet with a homeopathic calming remedy, available over the counter at most natural pet stores. If your pet has severe anxiety with loud noises, you might consider consulting with your Veterinarian for other options.

Please pass these tips on to any new pet parents you might know, to make sure they understand how to best prepare their pup or kitten for the holiday weekend and feel free to leave a comment with other tips you have found helpful. Happy Fourth!

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Cats - High Rise Syndrome

2009-06-29T08:43:00.003-04:00

High-Rise Syndrome
www.aspca.org

When summer comes around, many pet parents are eagerly opening their windows to enjoy the weather. Unfortunately, they are also unknowingly putting their pets at risk. Unscreened windows pose a real danger to cats, who fall out of them so often that the veterinary profession has a name for the complaint—High-Rise Syndrome. During the warmer months, veterinarians at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital see approximately three to five cases a week. Falls can result in shattered jaws, punctured lungs, broken limbs and pelvises—and even death.
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EMF's and our Pets

2009-06-27T05:55:00.000-04:00

“Several studies have linked residential electromagnetic fields (EMFs) with human cancers, especially those of the blood. A new study now suggests that these fields may pose a similar risk to pets”

“…….coworkers….. focused their study on 230 dogs hospitalized with cancer. These included 93 animals with canine lymphoma–a common blood cancer whose origins remain unknown….”After characterizing the wiring in each pet’s home, …[the] team measured, whenever possible, actual magnetic fields where the dog spent most of its time.”

“Overhead power lines running along streets and up to homes constitute the biggest overall contributor to residential EMFs”… “factors associated with those lines also showed the strongest link to lymphoma. They included high front-yard fields (more than 2 milligauss) or “open secondary” wires (that have been associated with very high fields). Compared to animals whose homes were fed by buried power lines, dogs exposed to these factors faced double the cancer risk–and it tripled if the animal spent 25 percent or more of its time outside.”

…the most powerful statistical association to the cancer occurred in those 10 dogs whose homes were located very near a large, “primary” power distribution line. After adjusting for potentially confounding variables, researchers found that the dogs had 13.4 times the lymphoma risk of animals from homes with buried power lines.”

…” this investigation suggests that “dogs may act as a ’sentinel’ species” for studying environmental threats to the families with whom they share a home.”
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The Dog Days of Summer

2009-06-26T06:22:00.000-04:00

Ten Tips On How to Keep Your Pet Safe
Published: 5/16/09

With summer just around the corner, dog owners are anxious to get their pets -- and themselves -- off the sofa and out into the glorious land of blue skies, fresh air and endless sunshine. As tempting as it may be to want to take Fido with you everywhere you go, remember that the sweltering heat can take its toll on your dog. Here are a few important things to remember as you and your dog prepare for fun in the sun this summer:

#1: Dogs suffer from heat stroke
Like humans, dogs can quickly come down with a bad case of heat stroke. However, unlike people, our canine counterparts have very limited ability to cool off by sweating. Dogs have sweat glands on their foot pads only. Their main mechanism for cooling down is panting and it can be insufficient to lower body temperature on a very hot day.

#2: Keep your pet hydrated
Whether your dog is playing in the back yard or you’re exercising with your dog in the park, make sure you always have an ample supply of water on hand. At home, make sure his or her water bowl is in the shade so the water stays as cool as possible and so your pet doesn’t run the risk of burning its tongue on an over-heated bowl. An easy way to do this is to use half ice and half cold water. If you’re out and about with your pet carry an extra bottle of water with you and bring along a small container from which they can drink.

#3: Walk your dog during cooler hours
In the hot summer months, consider walking your dog either in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is least harsh. Additionally, be sure to walk your dog on grass or dirt to avoid burning their paws on the hot pavement and provide access to shade at all times.

#4: Protect your dog from ticks, fleas and other pests
As summer nears, it’s important to provide your pet with proper treatment for the prevention of heartworms, ticks and fleas.

#5: Avoid crowded summer events
While it might seem like a good idea to bring your pooch along to the local festival or parade, your dog is almost always better off at home. The heat, noise, crowds and general excitement can be physically and emotionally taxing for your pet causing a great deal of anxiety and stress.

#6: Do your homework before shaving your dog
In the heat of the summer, many pet owners believe it’s best to shave their dogs – and in some cases it is. In others, it’s not such a good idea. If your dog is a swimmer, gets easily matted, tends to shed a lot or spends a lot of time outdoors, you might want to consider a summer shave. Reasons not to shave your dog include that their fur provides protection from the sun, biting flies, and mosquitoes. Believe it or not, many dogs feel “naked” and vulnerable without their coats. Always check with your vet before shaving your dog in the summer.

#7: Dogs need protection from the sun
As in people, overexposure to UV rays can give your dog a nasty case of sunburn, peeling skin, painful inflammation and also increase the risk of skin cancer. Because dogs have fur, people often assume they are not in danger of getting sunburned. This isn’t true. While fur does provide some level of sun protection, the bridge of the nose, ear tips, skin around the lips and other areas lacking pigmentation are highly susceptible to sun damage. There are specially formulated sunscreens available for dogs but check with your vet to find the best solution for your pet.

#8: Not all dogs are born swimmers
Swimming with your dog is great exercise and can also provide relief from summer heat. Despite popular belief, not all dogs were born to swim. Theoretically all dogs can swim, however, some breeds such as Bulldogs, Basset hounds and Pugs have more difficulty than others. When encouraging your dog to swim it’s important to know its physical ability, stamina, body shape, condition and breathing ability. Fit your dog with a PFD (personal flotation device) if you are not sure about his swimming ability or if you plan on taking him boating. Life jackets made for dogs keep their head above water and have a handle on the back to make it easier to grab them out of the water. The most important thing is to remember to never force the dog, take is slow, have reasonable expectations and have fun.

#9: Exercise good water safety for your dog
There are many safety precautions you should take when your dog is around water. First and foremost, make sure your dog can swim. Other dangers are less about the dog and more about the place they are swimming. The key to water safety is to be aware of your surroundings, make sure your pet is wearing a flotation device, never let your pet drink the water in which it is swimming, and always hose off your pet after swimming. If boating with your pet remember the following: dogs get seasick too so be prepared, make sure your pet has proper identification or is micro chipped in case it falls overboard and is picked up by another boater or swims to land, and remember, dogs don’t know how to use the head so have a potty plan in mind.

#10: Never leave your dog in the car
You should NEVER leave your dog in the car no matter how brief a time. A car can heat up quickly even when it’s relatively mild outside, even with the windows cracked. On a summer day temperatures inside a vehicle can climb in minutes and can spike more than 40 degrees in just an hour. While you think you’re making your dog happy by bringing it along for the ride, you could very well be jeopardizing its safety. And you know the old adage . . . better safe than sorry.
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Rabies Challenge - Muncie, Indiana

2009-06-25T06:20:00.003-04:00

PERMISSION TO CROSS-POST

The Muncie Delaware Humane Society (Indiana) has submitted a proposal to the County Council and Commissioners which would include imposing a tax on dogs as well as changing the county's current 3 year rabies immunization protocol to one requiring a yearly rabies booster for all dogs and cats in order to obtain a license. Below is a copy of my letter to the county officials on behalf of The Rabies Challenge Fund opposing the proposed revision to the rabies protocol.

What You Can Do:

Contact the Delaware County Council and Commissioners (contact information below) and ask them to reject the portion of the Humane Society's proposal which would change the current 3 year rabies ordinance.

County Commissioners Telephone Number: (765) 747-7730
County Commissioners Fax Number: (765) 747-7899

County Council Fax: (765) 741-3422

Don Dunnuck ddunnuck@co.delaware.in.us

Todd Donati tdonati@co.delaware.in.us

Larry W. Bledsoe, Jr. lbledsoe@co.delaware.in.us

Kevin Nemyer knemyer@aol.com (765) 286-0962

Bradley Bookout bradleybookout@comcast.net (765) 808-1484

James King jdkingsr@comcst.net (765) 286-9065

Mary Chambers mcouncil3@sbcglobal.net (765) 289-8928

Ted Bowman (765) 789-4931

Ronald Quakenbush rqdlctydist2@yahoo.com (765) 759-8461

Chris Matchett, President cmatchett@co.delaware.in.us (765) 759-4725; cell: 765-730-5987

Delaware County Council and Commissioners
100 West Main Street
Muncie, IN 47305

Posted By:
Kris L. Christine
Founder, Co-Trustee
THE RABIES CHALLENGE FUND
www.RabiesChallengeFund.org

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Green Tea - Teeth and Gums

2009-06-24T20:56:00.000-04:00

Drink Green Tea For Healthy Teeth And Gums
ScienceDaily (Mar. 13, 2009)

Recent study suggests that antioxidants in green tea may help reduce periodontal disease.

With origins dating back over 4,000 years, green tea has long been a popular beverage in Asian culture, and is increasingly gaining popularity in the United States. And while ancient Chinese and Japanese medicine believed green tea consumption could cure disease and heal wounds, recent scientific studies are beginning to establish the potential health benefits of drinking green tea, especially in weight loss, heart health, and cancer prevention.

A study recently published in the Journal of Periodontology, uncovered yet another benefit of green tea consumption. Researchers found that routine intake of green tea may also help promote healthy teeth and gums. The study analyzed the periodontal health of 940 men, and found that those who regularly drank green tea had superior periodontal health than subjects that consumed less green tea. Read the entire article.

Robin's Note: Nature's Sunshine now offers a Green Tea gum. with the added benefits of Xylitol.

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Eucalyptus - summertime tips

2009-06-23T21:26:00.007-04:00

I especially enjoy the scent of Eucalyptus in the summertime. Fresh, balsamic, camphor-like it's a great essential oil to use as a flea deterrent.

Eucalyptus Spray: ¼ teaspoon of Eucalyptus Oil in a 8 ounce spray bottle. Fill with water. Spray your house with the mist. Spray the carpet, furniture, car, pet beds, everywhere your pet lays down.

Other Uses: You can add a few drops of the oil to your pet's favorite shampoo. Place a couple drops of eucalyptus essential oil on a cloth collar or bandanna and tie loosely around your dog's neck. Replenish oil weekly or as needed. Your dog will be stylish and be a flea deterrent!

Humans, put a few drops on a tissue and tuck into a pocket!

Read more tips here!

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Blue Mountains Eye Study

2009-06-23T08:11:00.006-04:00

Study: Use of vitamin supplements and cataract: the Blue Mountains Eye Study.

PURPOSE: To investigate relationships between use of vitamin supplements and the three principal cataract types in a population-based sample. METHODS: We studied 2873 of the 3654 participants (79%) aged 49 to 97 years attending the cross-sectional Blue Mountains Eye Study who completed a detailed food frequency questionnaire, which included type, dose and duration of vitamin supplement use. Masked grading of nuclear, cortical and posterior subcapsular opacities from lens photographs was performed, using the Wisconsin method.

RESULTS: Use of multivitamin supplements was associated with reduced prevalence of nuclear cataract, odds ratio 0.6, 95% confidence interval 0.4 to 1.0, P =.05. For both nuclear and cortical cataract, longer duration of multivitamin use was associated with reduced cataract prevalence (nuclear cataract, trend P =.02; cortical cataract, trend P =.03). Use of thiamin supplements was associated with reduced prevalence of nuclear (odds ratio 0.6, confidence interval 0.4 to 1.0, P =.03, dose trend P =.03) and cortical cataract (odds ratio 0.7, confidence interval 0.5 to 0.9, P =.01, dose trend P =.02). Riboflavin (odds ratio 0.8, confidence interval 0.6 to 1.0, P =.05) and niacin (odds ratio 0.7, confidence interval 0.6 to 1.0, P =.04) supplements exerted a weaker protective influence on cortical cataract. Vitamin A supplements were protective against nuclear cataract (odds ratio 0.4, confidence interval 0.2 to 0.8, P =.01, dose trend P =.01). Folate (odds ratio 0.4, confidence interval 0.2 to 0.9, P =.03) appeared protective for nuclear cataract, whereas both folate (odds ratio 0.6, confidence interval 0.3 to 0.9, P =.01, dose trend P =.04) and vitamin B12 supplements (odds ratio 0.7, confidence interval 0.5 to 1.0, P =.03, dose trend P =.02) were strongly protective against cortical cataract.

CONCLUSIONS: Long-term use of multivitamins, B group and vitamin A supplements was associated with reduced prevalence of either nuclear or cortical cataract. A strong protective influence on cortical cataract, from use of folate or vitamin B12 supplements, is a new finding.

Am J Ophthalmol 2001 Jul;132(1):19-26

Dev Ophthalmol 2002;35:113-24, Read the entire article.

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Select NSP products sale: June 21-30

2009-06-21T17:59:00.005-04:00

Nature's Sunshine June sale features terrific savings on some NSP products about which you might not know the WHOLE STORY. We want to enlighten you on these products (and give you a chance to save).

NSP's TCM products (Traditional Chinese formulas) are extremely powerful concentrates. These products are four to nine times more potent than the original Chinese formulas and offer the same health benefits. You take fewer capsules and save money!

In the extraction process, the entire herb formula is percolated at a temperature low enough to minimize evaporation and the breakdown of active constituents, but high enough to allow the synergistic interaction to occur. This is different than Western philosophy, which concentrates individual herbs and later combines them. The Chinese TCM formulas for Blood Build, Kidney Activator and Anti-Gas are all on sale right now!

Vitamin E -Are You Getting What You Pay For? Vitamin E Complete with Selenium contains a full complement of tocotrienols and tocopherols, including alpha, beta, delta and gamma, for the most powerful free-radical-fighting formula available!

Four retail brands of Vitamin E were recently tested against NSP Vitamin E. Who has 100% accurate claims?

Brands A & B had label claims similar to NSP's label claims of 400 IU. The major difference was in the name. Natural Vitamin E is d-alpha tocopherol versus synthetic Vitamin E (dl-alpha tocopherol acetate). Brand C's softgel was 2.5 times larger than NSP's and required taking two softgels to equal the content of one NSP softgel. Brand D's Vitamin E claimed to contain mixed tocopherols, but it missed the label claim by 63%! Whereas NSP's label claim was over 100% accurate and provided an entire array of mixed tocotrienols and tocopherols!

What's in Your Noni? Nature's Noni -Consider the Source! Certain manufacturers get their noni fruit from Tahiti, where the French government conducted nuclear testing as recently as 1995! Nature's Sunshine's noni fruit is sourced from selected Pacific Islands (never from Tahiti) to avoid any possible radioactive contamination.

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Thunderstorm Phobia

2009-06-21T08:08:00.002-04:00

Veterinarians Show Consoling Dogs Does Not Relieve Their Panic
June 1, 2006 — A new study shows that dogs can get very upset during thunderstorms, whether or not their owner holds them. The study measured the stress hormone cortisol to be up to three times normal levels while the dogs heard recordings of a thunderstorm. The company of other dogs did help, though vets say medications may be more effective.

Do thunderstorms make your dog tremble with fear with every rumble? Thunderstorm anxiety is common among dogs, sending frightened pooches shuddering under beds or even tearing up furniture. What's really behind this pet panic?

All it takes is one rumble from a thunderstorm and Patty Nordstrom's dog, Iko, is a nervous wreck.

"Iko starts shaking and panting and pacing and is very nervous and upset," Nordstrom says. Many sympathetic owners like her try comforting pooches with thunderstorm anxiety. Now, a new study shows consoling your pet may not help.

"One thing that the study showed was their dogs got really upset whether they held them, whether they left them alone," says Nancy Dreschel, a veterinarian at Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Pa.

During the study, veterinarians sampled the dogs' saliva from a chewed cotton rope after they listened to a thunderstorm recording. Vets then measured the stress hormone cortisol and found its levels increased an average of 200 percent during a storm!

Dr. Dreschel says, "Physiologically, they're definitely responding -- their body's responding -- to this stress."

So how do you help Fido cope? Researchers say having other dogs around may help lower stress levels. "In dogs that lived in households with other dogs, their response was not as high and seemed to come back to normal more quickly," Dr. Dreschel says. But don't run out and get another dog just yet. She says talk to your vet first.

While Nordstrom figures out the best way to calm Iko, she's lucky thunderstorm season doesn't last forever. "It only really happens a few months out of the year. We try to work with him the best we can." Working to help man's best friend weather the next storm.

Researchers point out that having a multiple-dog household won't cure your pet of storm phobia. If you have a dog with severe storm phobia, discuss behavior options, like medications, with your veterinarian. Read the entire article.

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Allergies to Pets

2009-06-19T08:00:00.011-04:00

Studies show that approximately 15 percent of the population is allergic to dogs or cats. An estimated one-third of Americans who are allergic to cats (about two million people) live with at least one cat in their household anyway. In a study of 341 adults who were allergic to cats or dogs and had been advised by their physicians to give up their pets, only one out of five did. What’s more, 122 of them got another pet after a previous one had died. It’s clear the benefits of pet companionship outweigh the drawbacks of pet allergies for many owners. Living comfortably with a companion animal despite being allergic to him requires a good understanding of the allergic condition and an adherence to a few rules.

Basics
All cats and dogs are allergenic (allergy-causing) to people who are allergic to animals. Cats tend to be more allergenic than dogs for allergic people, although some people are more sensitive to dogs than cats. Contrary to popular belief, there are no “non-allergenic” breeds of dogs or cats; even hairless breeds may be highly allergenic.

Dogs with soft, constantly growing hair—poodles or bichon frises, for example—may be less irritating to some individuals, although this may be because they are bathed and groomed more frequently. One dog or cat of a particular breed may be more rritating to an individual allergy sufferer than another animal of that same breed.

What is the source of irritation to pet-allergic humans? Glands in the animal’s skin secrete tiny allergy-triggering proteins, called allergens, that linger in the animal’s fur but also float easily in the air. Allergens are present in the animal’s saliva and urine, too, and may become airborne when saliva dries on the fur. The severity of reaction to these allergens varies from one person to the next,ranging from mild sniffling and sneezing to life-threatening asthma, and can be complicated by simultaneous allergies to other irritants in the environment. Read the entire article.

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Chlorophyll - Green Sunshine!

2009-06-15T07:28:00.000-04:00

Nature’s Green Sunshine! Chlorophyll is the green matter in plants. Through photosynthesis, chlorophyll has the ability to harness the sun’s energy to perform various life-promoting functions.

In 1913, Dr. Richard Willstatter, a German chemist, discovered the functions of chlorophyll, though scientists had separated the pigment from plants a few decades earlier. He found that "the chlorophyll molecule bears a striking resemblance to hemoglobin, the red pigment in human blood. The red blood pigment is a web of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen atoms grouped around a single atom of iron. Nature's green pigment is a similar web of the same atoms, except that its centerpiece is a single atom of magnesium."

Chlorophyll contains high levels of vitamins A, C, E, K, C, folic acid, iron and calcium, which are essential in building and repairing red blood cells and boosting our immune system. Chlorophyll is an antioxidant.

In addition, chlorophyll helps neutralize normal body odors and acts as a natural deodorant. It can also be useful in external applications and as a freshening gargle. It deodorizes the body, including the bowel. Chlorophyll makes a good nutritional supplement for the circulatory system.

Nature's Sunshine Liquid Chlorophyll is nontoxic, soothing to body tissues and safe for use by people of all ages. It can be used to clean fruits and vegetables when a few drops are added to water.

Its natural spearmint flavor is pleasant and makes it go down easily.

Chlorophyll performs metabolic functions in plants such as respiration and growth. Interestingly, the chlorophyll molecule is chemically similar to human blood, except that its central atom is magnesium, whereas that of human blood is iron.

NSP Liquid Chlorophyll uses a magnesium atom to replace copper and sodium atoms, making it a stable, water-soluble liquid. This processing is important because in plant form, chlorophyll is surrounded by fat substances that may reduce absorption in the small intestine.

NSP Liquid Chlorophyll is completely free from chemicals, preservatives and toxins.
The alfalfa plant, from which Nature’s Sunshine’s chlorophyll comes, is an excellent source of chlorophyll.

Nature’s Sunshine offers chlorophyll in both liquid and capsules.

Robin's Notes:

I have personally used NSP's Liquid Chlorophyll for 25 years. I gargle with it and then swallow it for the benefits. It is very soothing on days when I have a scratchy or sore throat. I put it in the pet water dish to help freshen breath and body odors in my dogs and cat. My pet water recipe: I combine a teaspooon of Silver Shield in the pet dish with a few drops of Chlorophyll to about 3 cups of water.

Click here to read more about liquid chlorophyll.

Click here to read more about chlorophyll capsules.

Click here to read more about Silver Shield (colloidal silver).

Pet friendly recipes.

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Evanger's - FDA

2009-06-13T19:02:00.001-04:00

FDA Suspends Temporary Emergency Permit of Pet Food Maker
June 12, 2009

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today it was suspending the temporary Emergency Permit issued to Evanger's Dog & Cat Food Co., Inc.

Evanger's, operating in Wheeling, Illinois, deviated from the prescribed process, equipment, product shipment, and recordkeeping requirements in the production of the company's thermally processed low acid canned food (LACF) products. The deviations in their processes and documentation could result in under-processed pet foods, which can allow the survival and growth of Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum), a bacterium that causes botulism in some animals as well as in humans.

In April 2008, Evanger’s was issued an “Order of Need for Emergency Permit” after the agency determined that the company had failed to meet the regulatory requirements to process a product that does not present a health risk. In June, 2008, FDA issued Evanger’s a temporary Emergency Permit. During inspections conducted between March 2009 and April 2009, FDA determined Evanger’s was not operating in compliance with the mandatory requirements and conditions of the Temporary Emergency Permit.

“The FDA is stopping Evanger's ability to ship pet food in interstate commerce,” said Dr. Bernadette Dunham. “Today’s enforcement action sends a strong message to manufacturers of pet food that we will take whatever action necessary to keep unsafe products from reaching consumers.”

In order for Evanger's to resume shipping in interstate commerce, the company must document that corrective actions and processing procedures have been implemented to ensure that the finished product will not present a health hazard.

Botulism is a powerful toxin that affects the nervous system and can be fatal. The disease has been documented in dogs and cats. Signs of botulism in animals are progressive muscle paralysis, disturbed vision, difficulty in chewing and swallowing, and progressive weakness to the body. Death is usually due to paralysis of the heart or the muscles used in breathing.

While FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition is responsible for regulating all human and animal LACF processing, FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine has authority over animal feed and foods. The two centers are collaborating on this enforcement action.

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Flea Products Can Hurt Cats

2009-06-11T14:52:00.002-04:00

Popular Flea Products Can Hurt Your Cat
www.aspca.org

In light of recent government scrutiny of flea and tick products, the ASPCA is cautioning pet parents to use care when applying any over-the-counter or prescription flea and tick solutions. Spot-on products—topical insecticides applied to the skin—generally kill fleas and ticks by targeting their nervous systems. But if misapplied, these products can have devastating consequences for our furry friends.

“Cats especially are extremely sensitive to insecticides,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, ASPCA Veterinary Toxicologist and Senior Vice President of Animal Health Services. “Just a few drops of concentrated permethrin, present in many spot-on treatments designed for dogs, can be lethal to cats.”

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which regulates topical pet treatments, says the number of reported incidents from spot-on flea and tick treatments increased more than 50% in 2008. As a result of the increase, the EPA announced last month that it’s evaluating all spot-on products.

Here’s some advice for keeping your pet safe from fleas and insecticides this summer:

Confirm your pet has fleas by identifying common signs such as scabs, excessive scratching and droppings (known as “flea dirt”) in your pet’s coat.

Talk to your vet about choosing the right, species-specific flea treatment for your pet and never use products made for dogs on cats, and vice versa.

Avoid applying flea powders and sprays in addition to a spot-on treatment—the chemicals in different products can have adverse reactions with each other.

Clean your house, including rugs, bedding and upholstery, and discard any used vacuum bags. Since fleas love long, unkempt grass, remember to treat and maintain your yard as carefully as your home.

If you suspect your pet is having a reaction from a flea infestation or topical flea and tick product, please contact your veterinarian immediately

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Catlanta

2009-06-09T21:05:00.000-04:00

Join Catlanta!

Are you managing a colony of feral cats anywhere in the Atlanta area and performing Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)? You can help your cats and feral cats throughout the area by registering your colony with Catlanta. It's fast and easy and, once you're signed up, you'll be eligible for free and low cost product giveaways as donations become available. Click here for more details.

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Safe Alternative to Rawhide Chews

2009-06-07T08:31:00.001-04:00

Few things bring your dog more enjoyment than chewing on a tasty treat. And yet, every year, untold numbers of dogs suffer from a variety of digestive issues as a result of consuming rawhide. Not only that, but frequently rawhide is preserved with harmful chemicals.

That’s why we offer a line of chew treats made using pork products, which are much easier on your dog’s entire digestive system and are free from potentially harmful chemicals. Our pork treats are guaranteed to be not only safe, but incomparably appetizing to your sweet pup as well.

Whether you have a Chihuahua or a Great Dane, there’s a pork treat made just for their size. So, say “goodbye” to traditional chew products, and give your dog something he or she can really enjoy – safely!

PorkHide Bones

Porkhide Bones are a safe and healthy alternative to rawhide treats. Rawhides are cured with harsh chemicals (like ash-lye solutions and bleach) and are known to cause choking, throat irritations and intestinal blockages. Why risk the safety of your precious pup on an inexpensive product, when there’s a better option?
Our Porkhide Bones are gourmet chew treats made with 100% natural pork skin and have a lasting, mouth-watering flavor your dog will love! These yummy treats are naturally high in protein, low in fat and are highly digestible.

The shape of the bone fits inside the mouth for maximum contact, which helps promote healthy teeth and gums. And they are safe for dogs of all ages. Your dog will love these safe, healthy and delicious treats!

Porky Puffs

Dogs can’t resist the rich aroma of our delicious, hickory-smoked pig snouts. Porky Puffs are easily digestible and therefore won’t put a strain on their intestinal systems. Packed with high-quality protein, these treats are non-greasy and contain no artificial flavors. And with no artificial colors, you won’t have to worry

Click here for more information.

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Nutro Recalls Cat Food

2009-06-05T15:37:00.002-04:00

Franklin, Tennessee (May 21, 2009) -- Today, Nutro Products announced a voluntary recall of select varieties of NUTRO® NATURAL CHOICE® COMPLETE CARE® Dry Cat Foods and NUTRO® MAX® Cat Dry Foods with “Best If Used By Dates” between May 12, 2010 and August 22, 2010. The cat food is being voluntarily recalled in the United States and ten additional countries. This recall is due to incorrect levels of zinc and potassium in our finished product resulting from a production error by a US-based premix supplier.
Two mineral premixes were affected. One premix contained excessive levels of zinc and under-supplemented potassium. The second premix under-supplemented potassium. Both zinc and potassium are essential nutrients for cats and are added as nutritional supplements to NUTRO® dry cat food.

This issue was identified during an audit of our documentation from the supplier. An extensive review confirmed that only these two premixes were affected. This recall does not affect any NUTRO® dog food products, wet dog or cat food, or dog and cat treats.

Affected product was distributed to retail customers in all 50 states, as well as to customers in Canada, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Israel. We are working with all of our distributors and retail customers, in both the US and internationally, to ensure that the recalled products are not on store shelves. These products should not be sold or distributed further.

Consumers who have purchased affected product should immediately discontinue feeding the product to their cats, and switch to another product with a balanced nutritional profile. While we have received no consumer complaints related to this issue, cat owners should monitor their cat for symptoms, including a reduction in appetite or refusal of food, weight loss, vomiting or diarrhea. If your cat is experiencing health issues or is pregnant, please contact your veterinarian.

Consumers who have purchased product affected by this voluntary recall should return it to their retailer for a full refund or exchange for another NUTRO® dry cat food product. Cat owners who have more questions about the recall should call 1-800-833-5330 between the hours 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM CST

Nutro Site Recall Information.
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Alley Cat Alleys

2009-06-03T21:07:00.001-04:00

Promoting and Expanding Humane Methods of Care for Cats.

Through outreach, education, and community building, Alley Cat Allies serves as the expert on Trap-Neuter-Return and supports the efforts of citizens humanely caring for cats.

We promote and launch programs that benefit both cats and communities, and we educate the public about ways that cats and people can peacefully co-exist.

Backed by our world-recognized best practices for humane care of outdoor cats, we publish materials and provide training and advice to the thousands of Americans caring for stray and feral cats.

We research, document, and teach about the domestic cat species and its relationship with humans.

We work with like-minded organizations, united under the common goals of effecting change and supporting compassion towards cats.

Changing Public Policies that Kill Cats.

Through regulatory and legislative activities, investigation, and research, Alley Cat Allies works to stop the senseless killing of cats.

We advocate against the number one threat to cats—being killed in animal pounds and shelters.

We investigate and expose the secrecy and scope of the killing.

We support laws that make pounds and shelters accountable and transparent to the public.

We fight against ordinances that push more cats into the killing system.

Read the entire article.

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