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The Good News About Herpes: Early Emotional Responses

Excerpt from The Good News About the Bad News: Herpes: Everything You Need to Know (New Harbinger Publications) + GUILT Your anger could be directed at society for having such a negative view of STIs and stigmatizing a common infection. But the person at whom you're most angry may be you. Either recently or long ago, you put yourself in a position to be infected with genital herpes: you didn't have every sex partner tested for STIs before having sex, didn't use condoms with every encounter, had a casual encounter you regretted, or weren't faithful to your regular partner and thus contracted herpes. Your sexual behavior was, in your view, less than perfect, so now you're beating yourself up emotionally for it. + EMBARRASSMENT Finding out more about herpes lessens the fear. The unknown can be very scary, so instead of avoiding thinking or learning about herpes, dive right in. Immerse yourself in knowledge from accurate sources. If you're staying home alone feeling stunned after finding out that you have herpes, use the time out to your advantage by educating yourself. You can also decrease your fear by trying out positive behaviors, like telling a potential partner that you have herpes. Yes, you might get rejected (that's certainly a possibility), but you'll at least know how it feels to tell someone. You'll discover that even if you're rejected, you'll survive the experience and the world won't come to an end, and perhaps you'll learn how to tell someone else a bit differently next time. If you're like most people diagnosed with genital herpes, you knew very little about the disease. Oh about herpes sure, you may have heard about it in a high-school health class. Maybe you even have a friend with herpes, but you never paid any serious attention to this particular infection. But now, you're scrambling to learn all you can in a short period of time. However, depending upon how much information you received from your clinician when you were diagnosed, you may find yourself struggling to set this all straight in your head. HSV 1, HSV 2, mouths, genitals, shedding, blood tests, swab tests, old infection, new infection, suppression, outbreak treatment--no wonder you're confused! And believe me, too many clinicians are just as confused as you are about the details of genital herpes. Unless you have the time and interest to focus on this topic for a while, it'll be difficult to keep things straight. Okay, I agree that your herpes diagnosis isn't something you'll want to post in your hometown paper. Having herpes can be "embarrassing." But what is embarrassment, really? In this case, it's probably concern about having attention called to private matters that you believe involve flaws in yourself. Embarrassment is related to shame but is felt on a much more superficial level. You may have irrational fears about infecting others through nonsexual means. Some of the most poignant letters I receive on the WebMD site are from parents who fear infecting their children through normal day-to-day activities of household living. For them, herpes is perceived as something awful that might befall their children through physical contact. But children don't get infected from parents who have genital herpes by typical household living experiences or by normal gestures of affection. Maybe you're embarrassed because the clinician you're seeing for this diagnosis delivered your child or has taken care of you since you started getting physical exams for Little League. You believe this particular problem just isn't one your clinician would expect to happen to you. But remember our discussion of how common genital herpes is? Your clinician sees it all the time, and your infection, though embarrassing to you, is routine for medical professionals. Instead of judging you as you might suspect, most sincerely care more about your emotional pain and how to minimize it. So don't give in to your discomfort and avoid discussing herpes with your health care provider. Push through, and ask for help to get you through this difficult time. Your anger could've been directed at a number of people, but the first may have been your partner: "How could you do this to me?" "How dare you give me genital herpes?" "You must've been cheating on me!" But the cold and simple reality is that you could've been the one who had herpes first. Or, if you really do have a new infection, your partner may not have known about being infected; remember that about 90 percent of those who have herpes don't know it (Leone et al. 2004). It's normal to wonder if your partner was unfaithful, particularly if you've been together for a long time, but remember that monogamous couples can be together for years before transmission occurs. I've seen this many times in my practice, so if you're skeptical about this possibility, it really does happen. Playing the 'blame game" won't change the fact that you have herpes; so what's the point in doing it? You may never be able to sort out who gave what to whom. You can either have herpes plus a contentious relationship with your partner over this issue, or you can simply have herpes. It's your choice. + FEAR You can clear up a lot of confusion through self-education and by asking your clinician a few questions about how your diagnosis was made. Get as much information as you can in writing so you can refer back to it more than just once. Identify reliable websites and reading materials; several are included in this book. And keep asking questions until you feel confident that you have a good grasp of everything you need to understand your condition. Remember, there are no stupid questions, and no one can expect you to know all there is to know about herpes. *** When you were first diagnosed, you were probably shocked that something like this could ever happen to you and to discover that you now have a lifelong sexually transmitted infection. These realities may have caused you to cry and ask, "Why me?" especially since you thought you were careful and never saw it coming. It's completely okay to feel shock, surprise, and a sense of disbelief when you're diagnosed with herpes. Of course, if you knew that your partner had herpes beforehand and you understood the risk of getting infected, you're probably not as surprised. But even in that situation, you may have held the belief that you'd be the one to "dodge the bullet." + CONFUSION + ANGER People seem to go through two separate periods in their reactions to having herpes. The first obviously comes right away; it starts as you sit in your clinician's office and hear the words, "I think you may have herpes," and continues until you get your test results that confirm those suspicions. When the news first hits, your thinking may be scattered, so it's hard to sit there, listen, and learn. Your own thoughts are racing: how long have I had this, who gave it to me, and what will I do now? You might have the best-informed, most compassionate clinician there is, but your inability to process anything but your emotions interferes with your ability to absorb what you're being told about herpes. You may have run out to a bookstore immediately and found this book, but you're still flipping randomly through the pages, trying to gather your thoughts. All of this, however, is perfectly normal and expected. Let's talk specifically about some of the reactions you may have had early on, right after you got the news. Guilt is a form of anger at yourself that involves a troubled conscience about something you've done that creates a conflict between how you perceive right and wrong, and your actions. Having sex with someone other than your regular partner, and getting herpes in the process, is a situation that often elicits guilty feelings. Not only have you violated your promise to be monogamous, but now you also have an infection that can't be cured and that can be passed to your partner through one of life's most intimate expressions of love and affection. The resulting guilt can immobilize you and cause great sadness. http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/The_Good_News_About_Herpes_Early_Emotional_Responses.html You might be angry with your clinician. You'd always been diligent about asking for regular STI testing before entering a new sexual relationship, and now you find out that herpes screening was never included. "How could that be?" you ask. "How could I not have been tested for the most common STI in America when I specifically asked for a full STI screen?" Or it could be that your herpes diagnostic visit was less than ideal. Perhaps your clinician didn't provide much information or education, or failed to address your emotional needs. Maybe you feel that you were rushed in and out of the appointment, or that your concerns were minimized. Perhaps the clinical staff even made you feel ashamed or embarrassed about getting herpes. Maybe a clinician had told your sex partner that herpes could be transmitted only during an outbreak, so you found out the hard way that this isn't true. Author's Bio: Others fear that they'll be "outed": that they'll tell someone who'll say something to others, and soon everyone will know. This is a reasonable concern but one over which you do have some degree of control; remember the previous chapter on telling others? If you're careful about whom you tell and ask those individuals to protect your privacy, you may manage to keep this matter to yourself and to those you want to know about it. Another emotion you might feel is regret. Regret is similar to guilt or remorse but without the bothered conscience: you feel bad for a behavior and vow to try to avoid making a similar error again in the future. Regret may be more useful than guilt, because it lets you move yourself into areas where you can act differently, whereas guilt often just weighs you down with negative feelings about yourself and sometimes makes you unable to move ahead and do better. Are you afraid that no one will ever want you as a sexual partner now that you have herpes? You may fear that after you tell them about your herpes, potential partners will reject you in favor of someone who's uninfected. You fear the unknown: what will future outbreaks be like, how will you know when you're infectious, will you be able to identify herpes outbreaks when they happen, or will you infect family members through normal household living? Some people even fear that herpes will shorten their lives, but herpes doesn't affect life span, so you can take that particular concern off your list right away. Terri Warren, RN, NP, has owned and operated Westover Heights Clinic in Portland, OR, a private sexual health clinic specializing in STDs, for more than twenty-five years. She speaks nationally and internationally on the topic of genital herpes and has authored papers published in several medical journals. An accomplished researcher, Warren has been investigator or subinvestigator in more than eighty clinical trials, mostly involving genital herpes infections. She is also the herpes expert on WebMD.com, where she answers readers' questions about genital herpes infections.

Sometimes people say to me, "I have a right to be angry about contracting herpes: I never had a choice!" or "I have a right to be angry: my partner cheated on me and gave me herpes!" Maybe you really do have a right to be angry, and for some amount of time, and to some degree, you will be. But after a while you'll need to decide whether or not your anger is helping you in some way or if it's just making you unhappy. How, you ask, can anger help? If your partner has a history of having sex with other people, but you've both agreed to monogamy, your anger may propel you out of an unhealthy relationship, which might be a good thing. But if you're mad at the person who gave you herpes and they didn't even know they had it, or if you're harboring hostile feelings toward someone who simply didn't tell you he or she was infected for one of several reasons that made sense to him or her at the time, you'll need to ask yourself how long you want to keep that up. If you redirect the energy you're using to be angry into moving forward, I believe you'll be far better off in the long run. + SHOCK AND SURPRISE

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More allegations, questionable Trump comments on women surface

Last Updated Oct 13, 2016 1:32 AM EDT As Republican nominee Donald Trump's campaign tries to move past a recently released 2005 tape of his lewd remarks about women, more video of similar comments made by Trump is surfacing. In an "Entertainment Tonight" Christmas feature in 1992, Trump looked at a group of young girls and said he would be dating one of them in ten years. At the time, Trump would have been 46 years old. The video, released Wednesday evening, was shot at Trump Tower. In the clip, Trump asks one of the girls if she's "going up the escalator." When the girl replies, "yeah," Trump turns to the camera and says: "I am going to be dating her in 10 years. Can you believe it?" It is not the first time Trump has made reference to his https://www.zoosk.com/ interest in dating much younger women. In 2006, he made a similar comment about his own daughter, Ivanka Trump: "I've said that if Ivanka weren't my daughter, perhaps I'd be dating her," Trump said. The issue ballooned when 2005 video from "Access Hollywood" revealed lewd banter between Trump and entertainment reporter Billy Bush, who has since been suspended by NBC. The GOP candidate has defended his remarks as "locker room banter," apologizing for his suggestion that "when you're a star" you can "grab [women] by the p****." "You can do anything," as he said in the 2005 tape. In Sunday's debate with Hillary Clinton, Trump insisted it was all "just words" and that he had never groped a woman. But at least three women have now come forward to contest that dismissal, telling news organizations he groped them in personal encounters at his home, at Trump Tower in New York, and on a commercial flight. Trump's campaign said late Wednesday that it would file a lawsuit against the New York Times over a story published by the paper earlier that day, with the accounts of two of the women. Also Wednesday, People magazine published an account by one of its reporters who recalled Behance.net Trump "pushing me against the wall, and forcing his tongue down my throat" during an interview session at his Mar-a-Lago home. The alleged attack, according to reporter Natasha Stoynoff, came as Trump's wife Melania, who was then pregnant, changed into a different outfit in another room before they continued their joint interview. The encounter was in 2005, the same year the now-infamous encounter with Billy Bush was recorded, according to Stoynoff. Meanwhile, a former beauty queen is confirming Donald Trump's own words about walking into pageant dressing rooms unannounced, following recently resurfaced audio recordings where Trump boasted about his ability to do so as the owner of the Miss USA pageant. Tasha Dixon, who competed as Miss Arizona in 2001, told CBS' Los Angeles station that the GOP nominee had entered dressing rooms while her fellow contestants were "half naked." "Our first introduction to him was when we were at the dress rehearsal and half naked changing into our bikinis," Dixon said in an interview with KCAL 9. "He just came strolling right in. There was no second to put a robe on or any sort of clothing or anything. Some girls were topless. Other girls were naked." In audio from Howard Stern's radio show in 2005, Trump could be heard discussing how he would use his position of power in the pageants to peek at women while they were undressed. "I'll go backstage before a show and everyone's getting dressed and ready and everything else. And you know, no men are anywhere. And I'm allowed to go in because I'm the owner of the pageant. And therefore, I'm inspecting it. You know I'm inspecting it. I want to make sure everything is good," Trump told Stern at the time. "You know they're standing there with no clothes. Is everybody OK? And you see these incredible looking women. And so I sort of get away with things like that." © 2016 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/more-unearthed-footage-trump-says-of-10-year-old-i-am-going-to-be-dating-her-in-10-years/

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Human herpesvirus 6 encephalomyelitis. - Free Online Library

https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Humanherpesvirus6encephalomyelitis.-a0122552763 (4.) Tenembaum S, Chamoles N, Fejerman N. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis a long-term follow-up study of 84 pediatric patients. Neurology. 2002;59:1224-31. (1.) Denes E, Magy L, Pradeau K, Alain S, Weinbreck P, Ranger-Rogez S. Successful treatment of human herpesvirus type 6 encephalomyelitis in immunocompetent patient [letter]. Emerg Infect Dis. 2004; 10:729-31. (7.) Cohen O, Steiner-Birmanns B, Biran I, Abramsky O, Honigman O, Steiner I. Recurrence of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis at the previously affected brain site. Arch Neural. 2001;58:797-801. (8.) Braun DK, Dominguez (3, Pellet PE. Human herpesvirus 6. Clin Microbiol Rev. 1997; 10:521-67. The neurotropism of HHV-6 and that the CNS may be a site of viral persistence or latency are well recognized (8,9). On autopsy, evidence of fulminant, confirms that HHV-6 causes acute CNS disease (8). Nevertheless, whether evidence of HHV-6 DNA in CSF demonstrated by PCR can be solely relied on is debatable. HHV-6 DNA was detected in the CSF of 41 (28.9%) of 142 children with a history of HHV-6 infection (9). HHV6-DNA was detected in the CSF of 47 (61%) of 77 children examined after primary HHV-6 infection. In the remaining 30 children (39%), HHV-6 DNA was detected in both peripheral blood mononuclear cells and CSF samples. HHV-6 variant A was detected more frequently in CSF than in specimens of other sites, which suggests that HHV-6A has greater neurotropism (10). The role of HHV-6 in acute multifocal neurologic disease in immunocompetent adults requires additional observation, and its role in multiple sclerosis is in question. Much can be learned from careful study of patients (1). Address for correspondence: Eric Denes, Service de maladies infectieuses, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dupuytren, 2 Ave Martin Luther King, 87042 Limoges Cedex, France; fax: 33-5-55-05-66-48; email: eric.denes@unilim.fr (2.) Soto-Hernandez JL. Human herpesvirus 6 encephalomyelitis [letter]. Emerg infect Dis. 2004;10:1700-1. Implicating HHV-6 in the pathogenesis of neurologic manifestations in the reported case can be challenged, as suggested by Dr. Soto-Hernandez (2). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results must be interpreted cautiously, especially in cases that lack corroborating clinical evidence of infection. In our case, the diagnosis was made initially when HHV-6 was found in the patient's cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) by using PCR, by the absence of other cause, and by our experience: adult CSF is usually negative for HHV-6 by using PCR. Moreover, in our case, clinical symptoms and HHV-6 in the patient's CSF evolved in the same way. The neurologic tropism of HHV-6 is well known, and the main manifestation in adults is encephalitis, especially in an immunosuppressed context. Diagnosis is usually based on finding HHV-6 genetic material in the CSF (3,4), which has now replaced brain biopsy. Positive tissue results do not distinguish latent from productive infections when PCR-positive CSF indicates viral particle production in the central nervous system (CNS). In our case, the absence of brain tissue did not allow immunohistochemical staining or in situ hybridization. In the study by Caserta et al. (5), cited by Dr. Soto-Hernandez, HHV-6 PCR was positive in CSF and negative in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in 28.9% of children [less than or equal to] 3 years old with prior HHV-6 infection. These results provide evidence of HHV-6 persistence in the CNS; this phenomenon is now well recognized. Nevertheless, HHV-6 persistence after primary infection is quite different from reactivation in an immunocompetent adult. High-avidity anti-HHV-6 immunoglobulin G detected in the patient's serum when the symptoms started proved that our patient had been infected with HHV-6 previously. * Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Dupuytren, Limoges, France (6.) Stave O, Zamvil SS. Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of acute disseminated encephalmnyelitis. Curr Opin Neural. 1999;12:395-401. (3.) Hartung HP, Grossman Rt. ADEM: Distinct disease or part of the MS spectrum? Neurology. 2001;56:1257-60. (10). Hall CB, Caserta MT, Schnabel KC, Long C, Epstein LG. Insel RA, et al. Persistence of human herpesvirus 6 according to site and variant: possible greater neurotropism of variant A. Clin Infect Dis. 1998;26:32-7. Jose Luis Soto-Hernandez * (7.) Schwartz S, Mohr A, Knauth M, Wildemann B, Storch-Hagenloeher B. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. A follow up study of 40 adult patients. Neurology. 2001;56:1313-8. (5.) Caserta MT, Hall CB, Schnabel K, McIntyre K, Long C, Costanzo M, et al. Neuroinvasion and persistence of human herpesvirus 6 in children. J Infect Dis. 1994;170:1586-9. (9.) Black JB, Sanderlin KC, Goldsmith CS, Gary HE, Lopez C, Pellett PE. Growth properties of human herpesvirus-6 strain Z29.J Virol Methods. 1989;26:133-45. * Instituto Nacional de Neurologia Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico We appreciate Dr. Soto-Hernandez's suggestion concerning acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in our case. ADEM is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS, occurring mostly in children and rarely in young adults, soon after an infection or a vaccination. The disease is often associated with exanthema. A virus is often thought to be the cause, but viral symptoms are often not documented and rarely treated. ADEM may evolve into multiple sclerosis, and HHV-6 has been proposed as one of the causes of that condition (6). For example, multiple sclerosis developed in 14% of children and 35% of adults with ADEM in the study by Schwarz et al. (7). I caution the casual reader who may conclude that using antiviral drugs against herpes viruses is recommended when acute mutlifocal neurologic disease clinically compatible with ADEM is indicated. High-dose IV methylprednisolone is the most utilized treatment, and the patient in the Denes et al. report was given it early in her hospital stay. The available evidence supports methylprednisolone as an essential drug in the management of ADEM. (3.) Yoshihara S, Kato R, Inoue T, Miyagawa H, Sashihara J, Kawakami M, et al. Successful treatment of life-threatening human herpesvirus-6 encephalitis with donor lymphocyte infusion in a patient who had undergone human leukocyte antigen-haploidentical nonmyeloablative stem cell transplantation. Transplantation. 2004;77:835-8. (1.) Denes E, Magy L, Pradeau K, Alain S, Weinbreck E Ranger-Roguez S. Successful treatment of human herpesvirus 6 encephalomyelitis in an immunocompetent patient. Emerg Infect Dis. 2004;10:729-31. (6.) Cermelli C, Berti R, Soldan SS, Mayne M, D'ambrosia JM, Ludwin SK, et al. High frequency of human herpesvirus 6 DNA in multiple sclerosis plaques isolated by laser microdissection. J Infect Dis. 2003;187:1377-87. (4.) Wainwright MS, Martin PL, Morse RP, Lacaze M, Provenzale JM, Coleman RE, et al. Human herpesvirus 6 limbic encephalitis after stem cell transplantation. Ann Neurol. 2001;50:612-9. Eric Denes * and Sylvie Ranger-Rogez * In conclusion, we think that viruses, particularly HHV-6, should be considered in ADEM, even in immunocompetent patients. In case of a positive result, antiviral treatment must be given, eventually in association with corticosteroids. We cannot recommend using corticosteroids alone because of the risk of spreading the infection. References Address for correspondence: Jose Luis Soto-Hernandez, Instituto Nacional de Neurologia Mexico, Insurgentes Sur 3877, Tlalpan CP 14269, Mexico City, Mexico; fax: 525-528-7494; email: joseluissotohernandez@ yahoo.com

References In Reply: The disease that we reported (1) was encephalomyelitis induced by a human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) reactivation. Our aim was to emphasize that HHV-6 can cause such a disease, even when the patient is immunocompetent, and to urge physicians to search for it. Spontaneous improvement of ADEM is regularly reported; however, when treatment is needed, especially during the acute phase, steroid therapy is frequently used. In our case, corticosteroids did not affect the evolution of the patient's neurologic symptoms. Conversely, introducing the antiherpes drags (cidofovir and ganciclovir) was followed by improved clinical signs and negative results for HHV-6 in the CSF by PCR. Corticosteroids likely influence inflammation associated with ADEM, but if ADEM is the result of a viral infection with persistent viral replication, steroids might be deleterious, allowing an increase in viral replication (8,9). (9.) Caserta MT, Hall CB, Schnabel K, McIntyre K, Long C, Costanzo M, et al. Neuroinvasion and persistence of human herpesvirus 6 in children. J Infect Dis. 1994;170:1586-9 (8.) Hudnall SD, Rady PL, Tyring SK, Fish JC. Hydrocortisone activation of human herpesvirus 8 viral DNA replication and gene expression in vitro. Transplantation. 1999;67:648-52. (2.) Mader I, Stock KW, Ettlin T, Probst A. Acute disseminated eucephalomyelitis: MR and CT features. Am J Neuroradiol. 1996;17:104-9. (5.) Schwarz S, Mohr A, Knauth M, Wildemann B, Storch-Hagenlocher B. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis: a follow-up study of 40 adult patients. Neurology. 2001;56:1313-8. To the Editor: Denes et al. (1) reports successful treatment of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) encephalomyelitis. The patient was an immuno-competent young woman whose symptoms were fever, urinary retention, blurred vision, quadriparesis, bilateral papillitis, and optic neuritis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multiple lesions on the spinal cord white matter and the left thalamus, and the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) showed inflammation. The patient was treated with acyclovir for 3 days, high-dose methylprednisolone for 5 days, cidofovir for 1 day, and ganciclovir for 15 days, starting on day 23 of hospitalization. By establishing a relationship between antiviral drug doses, serial determinations of HHV-6 DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in CSF, and neurologic improvement, Denes et al. concluded that antiherpesvirus drugs led to her recovery. This case fits well in the spectrum of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous systems of children and young adults, which occur in close temporal relationship with several infectious illnesses and immunizations (2-6). The disease has particular predilection to the optic nerves, spinal cord, brainstem, basal ganglia, and cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres. Maximal neurologic deficits are reached within several days, and resolution takes weeks or months. The condition is typically monophasic, but relapses have been reported (7). Histologic multifocal areas of inflammation and demyelinization are Ibund. In the pathogenesis of ADEM, an initial injury caused by an infectious agent, followed by a secondary autoimmune response, has been postulated, and animal models have provided experimental support; both CD4 and CD8 T cells have been implicated in a secondary autoimmune response (6). Despite the lack of controlled studies, corticosteroids are widely used to treat ADEM and high-dose methylprednisolone is the drug of choice (3,4). The largest series of ADEM in adults included 40 patients with a mean follow-up period of 38 months. The patients were given a standardized treatment regimen about herpes of methylprednisolone, 500 mg daily intravenously for 5 days, with no additional therapy if they recovered completely. In patients with persistent neurologic deficits, the initial intravenous therapy was followed by a regimen of oral methylprednisolone, which was slowly tapered over 4 to 6 weeks. In patients with no response to this therapy, or whose condition had deteriorated during therapy, cyclophosphamide was given to seven patients, and immunoglobulin was given to one patient. Thirty-eight of 40 patients improved during the acute phase of the illness; in 7, symptoms completely resolved. One patient's condition remained unchanged and one patient died; no antiviral drugs were given (5).

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Herpes info href=""> href=''>

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Toxic Treats from China Killing US Dogs, Say Pet Owners

The Thaxtons say they had fed their dogs Waggin' Train treats, produced by Nestle Purina. The company also produces Canyon Creek Ranch treats, which other consumers have publicly blamed for dog illnesses and deaths. On the Canyon Creek package, an image of a rancher and his dog roaming the farm are on the front; on the back of the bag, the company's address in South Carolina is prominent. Underneath that, in smaller print, it reads: "Product of China." http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/toxic-treats-china-killing-us-dogs-pet-owners/story?id=15927579 Facebook pages and online petitions devoted to pulling the treats from the shelves have been getting reaction from dog owners around the country. One Facebook page is titled "Animal Parents Against Pet Treats and Food Made in China." Another includes photos of dogs who allegedly died from eating the chicken jerky treats. News of the possible risk to dogs comes at a time when the safety of imported food is being heavily scrutinized. On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control reported that foods imported from other countries are to blame for dozens of recent foodborne disease outbreaks. The CDC looked at outbreaks from 2005 to 2010 and concluded that 39 outbreaks and over 2,300 illnesses came from food imported into the U.S. Nearly 45 percent of the foods that caused the outbreaks came from Asia.

Dog Owners Demand Action from FDA In just the past four months, the Food and Drug Administration has fielded over 530 complaints from pet owners claiming their dogs suffered illness or death after eating jerky treats made in China, officials tell ABC News. The FDA has issued three separate warnings about Chinese jerky treats in the past four years -- advising owners who give their pets the snacks to watch the dogs closely for signs of illness. But since the agency says it has yet to find a "definitive cause" for the mystery ailments, it hasn't blamed Chinese treats for the illnesses, it hasn't named any of the well-known American firms like Purina that sell them, and it hasn't recalled any of the products. Dog owners and legislators are now demanding action.

"I grabbed the bag of treats and turned it over," Candace said. "At first I saw it said 'Manufactured in South Carolina' so I thought I was safe. Then I looked harder and it said 'Made in China' and I just said 'Oh no.' " Susan Rhodes started an online petition to get chicken jerky treats from China off the shelves after her 14-year old German Shepherd mix Ginger suffered kidney failure. Once she stopped giving Ginger the treats, the dog's condition improved, but Rhodes says her aging pet is not well and will likely never fully recover. Her online petition has received 3,800 signatures in 11 days.

READ Nestle Purina's FAQ about Waggin' Train treats. WATCH Sen. Brown on the floor of the Senate. "I wanted to speak out because I thought really, what was the FDA doing?" McCutcheon said. "We buy those because we think they're safe." Click Here to Sign Up for Breaking News and Investigation Alerts From The Brian Ross Investigative Unit But after years of concern over the safety of Chinese imports, including melamine-tainted pet food that the FDA blamed for hundreds of dogs and cat deaths in 2007, consumers -- and lawmakers -- are frustrated with what they say is lax oversight by the federal government. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, has been urging Congress to take the Chinese dog treat issue seriously, citing ineffective trade laws that have allowed unsafe products to slip into the U.S. Click Here for the Blotter Homepage. Petition Demands Recall of Chinese Dog Treats "[Pet owners] shouldn't have to worry about the safety of the food they give their pets. It's an example again of a trade issue transforming into a safety issue," Brown said on the floor of the Senate in February. "I'm calling on the http://www.chewy.com/dog/dry-food-294 FDA to accelerate its investigation of the imported pet food, especially food imported from China, where the possibility of food contamination is higher. That's the FDA's job." The FDA wouldn't comment on Brown's statements, telling ABC News it would respond to the senator directly. Kurt Gallagher from the Pet Food Institute, an industry group, says no company wants to make an unsafe product. When asked about the increase in recent complaints, he pointed to the FDA warning, stating, "People are hypersensitive, so if any health issue pops up, they automatically think, 'This could be what's wrong.'" "Why are we even waiting for the FDA to get them off the shelves?" said Kevin Thaxton. "It should have been done already." "I would like more than a warning. Remove the products from the shelves, whatever they can do," Rhodes said. "Anything but saying everything is fine. Everything is not fine. My dog is not fine." Holly McCutcheon, a dog owner who says her fit, four-year-old dog Jack got sick in January, says there's no doubt in her mind that it was due to chicken jerky treats from China. She joined Sen. Brown at a recent press conference to make sure she tells pet owners about the potential life-threatening risk. The FDA issued its first warning about chicken jerky treats from China in 2007, in response to the first wave of consumer complaints, and then issued a second in 2008. When the FDA issued a third warning in late 2011, based on another increase in complaints that year, it asked consumers to report any other purported incidents directly to the agency. Since that update, hundreds of dog owners have come forward to share their concerns. The Thaxtons, who say their dog Penny recovered after they stopped feeding her the treats, are now part of an angry population of pet owners who say the FDA hasn't done enough to protect their four-legged family members in the years it has known about the problem. PHOTOS of dogs who allegedly died after eating Chinese-made treats. "It was so hard. It was just devastating," Kevin Thaxton told ABC News. The FDA says it is actively investigating reports of illness and death and has been conducting tests on samples of the treats. An FDA spokesperson said the samples came from around the country but would not cite specific sources that provided the samples. A spokesperson for Nestle Purina told ABC News that the safety of pets is the company's utmost priority and that production of the treats in China is held to the highest quality and safety standards. "Our chicken jerky treats are safe to feed as directed," said Keith Schopp. He points out that the treats are made in China because white chicken meat is so readily available in the country. Chinese consumers prefer dark meat, leaving an abundance of white meat to be manufactured into treats and imported to the U.S. But the Thaxtons would go through the ordeal again just weeks later -- leading them to a new theory behind Chansey's death -- when their new Pekingese-mix puppy Penny exhibited the same symptoms, finally resulting in kidney failure. When Candace Thaxton stumbled on a Food and Drug Administration warning that there'd been an increase in complaints about chicken jerky dog treats made in China, she says she knew immediately what had happened to her beloved dogs. When Kevin and Candace Thaxton's 10-year-old pug Chansey got sick late last year, the couple assumed at first it was simply old age. The small dog started showing symptoms of kidney failure -- drinking water excessively and urinating in the house. By the time the Thaxtons got her to a veterinarian, Chansey's kidneys had shut down and she was in extreme pain. She died two days later. The FDA responded to Brown's inquiries in a letter obtained by ABC News, stating that veterinarians at the agency have tested 80 samples and are awaiting results on over 150 more. Melamine tests were negative, as well as tests for toxic metals. "To date," the letter states, "scientists have not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses." The letter is signed by the FDA's Assistant Commissioner for Budget. Brown's office called the FDA response "inadequate" and has sent a second letter to the agency. Brown has criticized how the FDA has made the public aware of its warnings, saying if consumers don't know to go to the FDA website, they'll never know their pets could be at risk.

Schopp, the Nestle Purina spokesman, points out that the company has not been named in any of the FDA warnings and that the reported illnesses may be the result of eating things other than the chicken treats, something the FDA also says in its warnings. "We're always concerned anytime a consumer has a question about our products," he says. "We've looked at this, and we continue to look at this."

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Five Dog Treat Recipes that are Easy to Make

2. Form into bite-sized patties and place on a greased biscuit tray. Bake for 20 minutes, or until dry and hard. 3. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Ingredients for sweet breath dog treats Preparation method for sweet breath dog treats This can make 24 biscuits. No Flea Homemade Dog Biscuits Ingredients 2. Form into bite-sized patties and place on a greased biscuit tray. Bake for 20 minutes, or until dry and hard. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Mix the dry ingredients together, and then add the wet ingredients to that. Combine everything well. Place the cookies on a greased baking sheet. Bake them for about 20 minutes, and then turn the oven off, letting the cookies dry out overnight. 5 cups rice flour 1 Tbsp parsley 1 cup cold water 1/2 cup olive oil 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 cup powdered milk 2 extra large eggs credit: photobucket.com/user/cboyko/media/Super%20Dog%20Sunday%202012/SuperDogPics%202012/a2bb2c8e.jpg Homemade Dog Treats with BaconIngredients The benefits of making healthy dog treats yourself comes down to a number of different factors. Firstly, your dog simply has to have treats as a reward. Part of his diet should be made up of this. Ingredients for sweet breath dog treats Directions credit: photobucket.com/user/FrivolousFinds/media/IMG_1841.jpg Makes 24 medium biscuits Directions Preparation method for sweet breath dog treats Here is a specialty dog biscuit that you don't have to shell out a fortune for at a pet shop. Puppies often have 'puppy breath' that they naturally outgrow by the age of 6 months. If an adult dog has occasional bad breath, this tasty recipe will combat the problem. If bad breath persists, however, it may be a sign of dental or digestive problems that a vet should treat. Makes 24 medium biscuits 1. Preheat the oven to 200C (Gas 6). Process the charcoal in a coffee grinder until finely ground. Mix the flour, bran, polenta and charcoal together in a bowl. Stir in the other ingredients. 3 teaspoons activated charcoal (available in fish section of pet shops) 1/2 cup (75 g) wholemeal flour 1 cup (150 g) white flour 1/4 cup (20 g) bran cereal 1/2 cup (75 g) polenta (cornmeal) 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil 1 egg 1/2 cup (30 g) chopped fresh basil, wintergreen or mint 1/2 cup (30 g) chopped fresh rosemary or thyme 1 cup (250 ml) acidophilus milk 1 egg 1/3 cup peanut butter 1/2 cup mashed banana 1 Tbsp honey 1 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 cup oats 3 teaspoons activated charcoal (available in fish section of pet shops) 1/2 cup (75 g) wholemeal flour 1 cup (150 g) white flour 1/4 cup (20 g) bran cereal 1/2 cup (75 g) polenta (cornmeal) 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil 1 egg 1/2 cup (30 g) chopped fresh basil, wintergreen or mint 1/2 cup (30 g) chopped fresh rosemary or thyme 1 cup (250 ml) acidophilus milk Makes 24 medium biscuits Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Mix everything together so that it forms a dough. Place this in the fridge for an hour Now you can bake the cookies once you have rolled out the dough at cut them out. Preparation method for sweet breath dog treats - See more at: http://www.readersdigest.co.nz/dog-treat-recipe-for-good-breath#sthash.4My2k0Mv.dpuf Here is a specialty dog biscuit that you don't have to shell out a fortune for at a pet shop. Puppies often have 'puppy breath' that they naturally outgrow by the age of 6 months. If an adult dog has occasional bad breath, this tasty recipe will combat the problem. If bad breath persists, however, it http://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/nutrition-center/choosing-best-dog-food may be a sign of dental or digestive problems that a vet should treat. Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with grease proof paper. 2. In a large bowl, add all of the ingredients, and mix them together until they form a dough 3. Now you can roll it out onto a floured surface, making 1/2 inch balls. Place these 2 inches apart onto your baking sheet. Push them down with the back of a floured glass. 4. Bake them for about 15 minutes, until they start to go brown around the edges, and then cool them on a wire rack. 3. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) and grease a baking sheet. Add the egg, peanut butter, banana, and honey in a medium bowl, and mix until everything until it is combined. Now add the flour with the oats, and mix this until it forms a dough. Sprinkle some flour on your table or a board, and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch in thickness. Get yourself a cookie cutter and cut out the biscuits. Bake these until they are golden brown for 30 minutes (depending on size) - cool on a wire rack. These healthy homemade dog treats are easy to make and will pay off in the long run. Peanut Butter Dog Treat Recipe with Banana Ingredients Ingredients for sweet breath dog treats 1. Preheat the oven to 200C (Gas 6). Process the charcoal in a coffee grinder until finely ground. Mix the flour, bran, polenta and charcoal together in a bowl. Stir in the other ingredients. 2 small sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed 1 medium chicken breast, cooked and blended 1/2 cup cake flour

1 tsp cinnamon 1 cup oats 1 tsp honey 3. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. - See more at: http://www.readersdigest.co.nz/dog-treat-recipe-for-good-breath#sthash.4My2k0Mv.dpuf http://www.infobarrel.com/Five_Dog_Treat_Recipes_that_are_Easy_to_Make 2 cups cake flour 1 cup beef stock 3 Tbsp vegetable oil cup oats 1 tsp table salt cup brewers yeast 2 cloves garlic, minced Here is a specialty dog biscuit that you don't have to shell out a fortune for at a pet shop. Puppies often have 'puppy breath' that they naturally outgrow by the age of 6 months. If an adult dog has occasional bad breath, this tasty recipe will combat the problem. If bad breath persists, however, it may be a sign of dental or digestive problems that a vet should treat. - See more at: http://www.readersdigest.co.nz/dog-treat-recipe-for-good-breath#sthash.4My2k0Mv.dpufBiscuits For Dogs with ArthritisApple and Cinnamon Homemade Dog Treat Recipe Ingredients 3 teaspoons activated charcoal (available in fish section of pet shops) 1/2 cup (75 g) wholemeal flour 1 cup (150 g) white flour 1/4 cup (20 g) bran cereal 1/2 cup (75 g) polenta (cornmeal) 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil 1 egg 1/2 cup (30 g) chopped fresh basil, wintergreen or mint 1/2 cup (30 g) chopped fresh rosemary or thyme 1 cup (250 ml) acidophilus milk photo credit: photobucket.com/user/emekja92/media/DogTreats1.jpg Easy Homemade Dog Treats with Sweet Potato and Chicken for the Sensitive Pups Ingredients 1. Preheat the oven to 200C (Gas 6). Process the charcoal in a coffee grinder until finely ground. Mix the flour, bran, polenta and charcoal together in a bowl. Stir in the other ingredients. Directions However, one can never trust what is bought at the store, and this means that without recipes for homemade dog treats, your pup may come into contact with all sorts of problems, such as skin allergies and stomach problems. 2. Form into bite-sized patties and place on a greased biscuit tray. Bake for 20 minutes, or until dry and hard. 3 slices cooked bacon, crumbled 1 Tbsp olive oil 250g whole wheat flour 1/4 cup cornmeal 2 eggs, beaten 1/4 cup non-fat dry milk powder 125 ml water 250g oats Directions This mixture will make about 26 biscuits. You can keep these in the fridge. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Grease two baking sheets. Mix the garlic with the oil Mix the flour, separately, with the brewers yeast, oats and table salt. Alternate the stock between your two mixtures, stiring slowly, until blended. Add the two mixtures together and knead this until you have a dough. Shape this until you have a ball. Now roll it out on floured surface until it is about 1/2 inch thick, and then start to cut out the biscuits with a cookie cutter. Place these on your baking sheets, and bake for 20 - 25 minutes until they are golden brown. Let them dry out in the oven overnight with the oven switched off. You can store these in the refrigerator or the freezer.

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Tennessee Puppies Found Taped in Box Cruelly Marked 'Stuffed Animals'

"We have dozens of leads coming in from Tennessee and Georgia," Stokes said. "It happened in the middle of the day, so someone had to see something. We are trying to get surveillance video from someone at Goodwill to see if there were any cars that pulled in." To donate to the cause, visit McKameyAnimalCenter.org. "Chattanooga Goodwill Industries is grateful for the quick thinking and reaction of a "good Samaritan" who noticed and rescued the three puppies that were recently placed in a taped-up box and left on a sidewalk in the near vicinity of one of our donation center trailers. And we are thankful that McKamey Animal Care Center was able to take in and care for the puppies.

A representative of Chattanooga Goodwill Industries, Inc. released the following statement to ABC News regarding the incident. The three female puppies, who were given the names Greta Garbo, Bette Davis, and Marilyn Monroe, have already been requested for adoption by many. The box, labeled "stuffed animals," was taped shut and found by the concerned citizen on the afternoon of April 18th, said Jamie Lampman, executive director of the McKamey Animal Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The puppies, who are all estimated to be nine to 12 weeks old, were immediately brought to the shelter by the woman. The attendant on duty that day was not approached or contacted by the woman who found the box or by the McKamey Animal Care Center. The attendant was unaware of the situation since the box was not found in the immediate area of the donation trailer. It is the policy of Chattanooga Goodwill Industries that one's immediate supervisor be contacted if an animal is left at any of our donation sites." There's currently a reward for $4,000 to whomever can lead the McKamey Animal Center and or the Chattanoga Police to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for abandoning the puppies. Leslie Stokes, an animal service officer who's investigating the case, said that she's relying on tips from the public to eventually prosecute those responsible. http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/tennessee-puppies-found-taped-box-cruelly-marked-stuffed/story?id=30560900 A citizen brought the puppies to the local animal shelter. A woman made a terrifying discovery last week outside a Goodwill center in Chattanooga, Tennessee, when she came across a box with three puppies trapped inside. "They were pretty dehydrated and haven't had a lot of nutrition, but they are http://www.petsmart.com/dog/dry-food/cat-36-catid-100032 flourishing," she said. "Within 48 hours they started to act like puppies again. They've really stolen a lot of hearts." Despite the horror they endured, Green said the puppies' health statuses are improving. "We've been calling them 'the Goodwill' puppies," Green said. "As they got in the car they saw the box moving," Lampman said. "It was taped pretty solid. When they popped a hole in the box, all the noses popped out. They were covered in urine and it was about 83 to 85 degrees that day." The incident is currently under police investigation.

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Pig Stuffed Animal, Pig Stuffed Animals

In the http://petfoodtalk.com/dogfoodreviews/ study, conducted by Dr. Catherine Douglas, researchers set out to determine if pigs were feeling optimistic or pessimistic about life in general based on the way they were living. The pigs were taught to show how they were feeling with the use of a an apple attached to a note on a percussion instrument and a kind of dog training 'clicker' that had something attached to it which was not as pleasant [as the apple] - a rustling paper bag. Half the pigs were put into an environment in which they were given more space to roam and the freedom to both walk and play with 'pig' toys in fresh straw. The other half of the pigs were placed in a smaller area that contained no straw and just one interactive toy. A squeaky noise was then played to see how the pigs would respond. The study done on the pigs is part of an ongoing project to understand quality of life for animals on a farm with the intent of improving animal welfare and animal lives in general. One of the United Kingdom's leading experts in pig welfare says the results of this latest study need to be further "refined and validated so it could be used to help scientists determine what is really important to the pig for its well-being." There is no denying that a pig stuffed animal can compare in all around adorableness to the teddy bear; with its pink plush fur, curly tail and overall pleasing expression, children and even adults find themselves collectors of all things pig related - including the pig stuffed animal. The pigs living in the better environment took an optimistic approach to the sound they had never heard before and went on to approach it with the expectation they would get the treat (the apple). The other pigs, living in the area which was not as pleasant, took the opposite approach and were wary of the noise thus did not attempt to come forward for the treat. The reactions of the pigs is similar to the way humans feel and will react when approached with something ambiguous. For example, if your boss calls you into your office on a day when you are feeling particularly stressed and out of sorts, you will likely conclude that you have done something wrong. On the other hand, if your day has been a positive one and you are called into the boss' office, you might think you will be greeted with praise and, even a raise. http://animal.ezinemark.com/pig-stuffed-animal-pig-stuffed-animals-16e4a0c3669.html If you have ever wondered what an animal feels and just how happy they really are, look no further than a 2010 study on pigs conducted by experts from Newcastle University. The School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development have successfully shown that depending on how content a pig is, it will mirror what its mood is like. All that to say, pigs are indeed capable of complex emotions and they are directly influenced how they feel by the conditions they are living in. It goes without saying that any pig stuffed animal you might have in your possession should only ever be treated with the utmost love and care. After all, that pig stuffed animal is likely your most treasured companion and confidante and as is the case, is regarded as no less than a member of the family.

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Wainwrights Dog Food – Healthy Food for Your Dog

Then, for that excellent dog food brand, there is really a Wainwrights Dog Food brand. You're possibly questioning whether Wainwrights Dog Food is a beneficial decision, and whether or not you should add it to your short list of goods to try out. Wainwrights Dog Food appears to be to generally be not that the food is bad, most people today that have tried it enjoy it. The product is priced so closely to competing brands.

Wainwrights dog food have formulas which they use. They may be as careful with ingredients and proportions with Wainwrights Dog Food as they can be with most in the larger, much more high priced brands. Hypoallergenic ingredients, together with legitimate meat, are thoroughly blended with quality carbs, important additives like yucca and taurine, plus the formula is scientifically well-balanced. Then there is style and which is important, since you can find very several brands around that promise all varieties of benefits, but that give your dog that slightly unsatisfied check out dinnertime. http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/wainwrights-dog-food-healthy-food-for-your-dog These Wainwrights dog food are nutritious complete dog food that happen to be particularly formulated to generally be delicate on your senior dog's digestion; excluding quite a few with the ingredients which might be known to commonly cause allergies. You can find also Wainwrights dog food items for puppy. You'll find some solutions of Wainwrights dog food offered in the industry, for example Wainwright's Adult Complete Dog Food with Turkey & Rice, Wainwright's Adult Complete Dog Food with Salmon and Potato 2kg and 15kg, Wainwright's Lgt Adult Complete Dog Food with Turkey and Rice, Wainwright's Senior Complete Dog Food with Turkey and Rice. Pet's health are really related to pet's food. Should you need to boost your dog's health then you should pay a closer interest on what your dog eats. A shiny coat, lean body and bright eyes are just some in the signs you search for to tell http://www.amazon.com/dogs-food-wellness-grain-free/b?ie=UTF8&node=2975359011 that your dog is without a doubt healthy. So if your dog will not have these traits then you might have some do the job to accomplish and for starters you need to start on the food that he eats. Author's Bio: Enjoy a collection of Wainwrights Dog Food in our site. Practical tips on Wainwrights Dog Food. Covers Wainwrights Dog Food related issues, news, research, tips, and guide I am an internet marketer who always tried to give the best Furniture beds information for you. I hope what I have done can be useful for others.

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Toxic Treats from China Killing US Dogs, Say Pet Owners

Holly McCutcheon, a dog owner who says her fit, four-year-old dog Jack got sick in January, says there's no doubt in her mind that it was due to chicken jerky treats from China. She joined Sen. Brown at a recent press conference to make sure she tells pet owners about the potential life-threatening risk. Brown's office called the FDA response "inadequate" and has sent a second letter to the agency. Brown has criticized how the FDA has made the public aware of its warnings, saying if consumers don't know to go to the FDA website, they'll never know their pets could be at risk. The FDA wouldn't comment on Brown's statements, telling ABC News it would respond to the senator directly. WATCH Sen. Brown on the floor of the Senate. The FDA issued its first warning about chicken jerky treats from China in 2007, in response to the first wave of consumer complaints, and then issued a second in 2008. When the FDA issued a third warning in late 2011, based on another increase in complaints that year, it asked consumers to report any other purported incidents directly to the agency. Since that update, hundreds of dog owners have come forward to share their concerns. The Thaxtons, who say their dog Penny recovered after they stopped feeding her the treats, are now part of an angry population of pet owners who say the FDA hasn't done enough to protect their four-legged family members in the years it has known about the problem. "I wanted to speak out because I thought really, what was the FDA doing?" McCutcheon said. "We buy those because we think they're safe." Facebook pages and online petitions devoted to pulling the treats from the shelves have been getting reaction from dog owners around the country. One Facebook page is titled "Animal Parents Against Pet Treats and Food Made in China." Another includes photos of dogs who allegedly died from eating the chicken jerky treats. "Why are we even waiting for the FDA to get them off the shelves?" said Kevin Thaxton. "It should have been done already." Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, has been urging Congress to take the Chinese dog treat issue seriously, citing ineffective trade laws that have allowed unsafe products to slip into the U.S. Petition Demands Recall of Chinese Dog Treats Susan Rhodes started an online petition to get chicken jerky treats from China off the shelves after her 14-year old German Shepherd mix Ginger suffered kidney failure. Once she stopped giving Ginger the treats, the dog's condition improved, but Rhodes says her aging pet is not well and will likely never fully recover. Her online petition has received 3,800 signatures in 11 days. "I grabbed the bag of treats and turned it over," Candace said. "At first I saw it said 'Manufactured in South Carolina' so I thought I was safe. Then I looked harder and it said 'Made in China' and I just said 'Oh no.' " Schopp, the Nestle Purina spokesman, points out that the company has not been named in any of the FDA warnings and that the reported illnesses may be the result of eating things other than the chicken treats, something the FDA also says in its warnings. "We're always concerned anytime a consumer has a question about our products," he says. "We've looked at this, and we continue to look at this." Click Here for the Blotter Homepage. The FDA says it is actively investigating reports of illness and death and has been conducting tests on samples of the treats. An FDA spokesperson said the samples came from around the country but would not cite specific sources that provided the samples. The FDA responded to Brown's inquiries in a letter obtained by ABC News, stating that veterinarians at the agency have tested 80 samples and are awaiting results on over 150 more. Melamine tests were negative, as well as tests for toxic metals. "To date," the letter states, "scientists have not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses." The letter is signed by the FDA's Assistant Commissioner for Budget. PHOTOS of dogs who allegedly died after eating Chinese-made treats. But the Thaxtons would go through the ordeal again just weeks later -- leading them to a new theory behind Chansey's death -- when their new Pekingese-mix puppy Penny exhibited the same symptoms, finally resulting in kidney failure. When Candace Thaxton stumbled on a Food and Drug Administration warning that there'd been an increase in complaints about chicken jerky dog treats made in China, she says she knew immediately what had happened to her beloved dogs. "[Pet owners] shouldn't have to worry about the safety of the food they give their pets. It's an example again of a trade issue transforming into a safety issue," Brown said on the floor of the Senate in February. "I'm calling on the FDA to accelerate its investigation of the imported pet food, especially food imported from China, where the possibility of food contamination is higher. That's the FDA's job." When Kevin and Candace Thaxton's 10-year-old pug Chansey got sick late last year, the couple assumed at first it was simply old age. The small dog started showing symptoms of kidney failure -- drinking water excessively and urinating in the house. By the time the Thaxtons got her to a veterinarian, Chansey's kidneys had shut down and she was in extreme pain. She died two days later.

"It was so hard. It was just devastating," Kevin Thaxton told ABC News. But after years of concern over the safety of Chinese imports, including melamine-tainted pet food that the FDA blamed for hundreds of dogs and cat deaths in 2007, consumers -- and lawmakers -- are frustrated with what they say is lax oversight by the federal government. Click Here to Sign Up for Breaking News and Investigation Alerts From The Brian Ross Investigative Unit A spokesperson for Nestle Purina told ABC News that the safety of pets is the company's utmost priority and that production of the treats in China is held to the highest quality and safety standards. "Our chicken jerky treats are safe to feed as directed," said Keith Schopp. He points out that the treats are made in http://www.1800petmeds.com/Dry+Pet+Food-cat230002.html China because white chicken meat is so readily available in the country. Chinese consumers prefer dark meat, leaving an abundance of white meat to be manufactured into treats and imported to the U.S. The Thaxtons say they had fed their dogs Waggin' Train treats, produced by Nestle Purina. The company also produces Canyon Creek Ranch treats, which other consumers have publicly blamed for dog illnesses and deaths. On the Canyon Creek package, an image of a rancher and his dog roaming the farm are on the front; on the back of the bag, the company's address in South Carolina is prominent. Underneath that, in smaller print, it reads: "Product of China."

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/toxic-treats-china-killing-us-dogs-pet-owners/story?id=15927579 Dog Owners Demand Action from FDA In just the past four months, the Food and Drug Administration has fielded over 530 complaints from pet owners claiming their dogs suffered illness or death after eating jerky treats made in China, officials tell ABC News. The FDA has issued three separate warnings about Chinese jerky treats in the past four years -- advising owners who give their pets the snacks to watch the dogs closely for signs of illness. But since the agency says it has yet to find a "definitive cause" for the mystery ailments, it hasn't blamed Chinese treats for the illnesses, it hasn't named any of the well-known American firms like Purina that sell them, and it hasn't recalled any of the products. Dog owners and legislators are now demanding action. READ Nestle Purina's FAQ about Waggin' Train treats. "I would like more than a warning. Remove the products from the shelves, whatever they can do," Rhodes said. "Anything but saying everything is fine. Everything is not fine. My dog is not fine."

News of the possible risk to dogs comes at a time when the safety of imported food is being heavily scrutinized. On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control reported that foods imported from other countries are to blame for dozens of recent foodborne disease outbreaks. The CDC looked at outbreaks from 2005 to 2010 and concluded that 39 outbreaks and over 2,300 illnesses came from food imported into the U.S. Nearly 45 percent of the foods that caused the outbreaks came from Asia. Kurt Gallagher from the Pet Food Institute, an industry group, says no company wants to make an unsafe product. When asked about the increase in recent complaints, he pointed to the FDA warning, stating, "People are hypersensitive, so if any health issue pops up, they automatically think, 'This could be what's wrong.'"

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Give Your Dog The Right Kind Of Treats

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There are some great dental bones for dogs on the market today and these are my favorite kind of treat to give my dogs. They are made to look like bones but really they are made from a corn starch base. These types of bones also offer an added benefit for your pooch which is a much needed cleansing of the teeth and breadth. They should not be used as a replacement for a good teeth brushing but they work in a pinch to help clean their teeth of some plaque and freshen their breadth. They are also a great way to distract your dog when he is bored or you are not able to play at the moment because it generally takes them quite a while to chew down this type of bone. The bigger the dog, however, the faster they can grind them down. One of my dogs is medium-sized but when you give her a dental dog chew, she devours it in 10 minutes or less every time and comes out for seconds.....sorry Cocoa, only one per customer. Every morning and evening like clockwork, you put a specified amount of your dry dog food in his bowl to which he may or may not eat right away and every once in a while, you give him the wet food but what about treats? What kind of treats do you give your dog? What are the healthiest types of treats out there and how often should you give him a treat? Giving your dog treats is a great way to tell your dog what a good boy he is or it can be a way of expressing your love and sharing some quality time together. Either way, your dog will love you and follow you around in anticipation for the next treat. There are some major precautions you need to learn before handing Fido food from your plate. Certain types of human food is not good for your dog, in fact, they can be deadly. You should never feed your dog chocolate, grapes, and nuts. A dog's system cannot digest or metabolize these foods the way humans can. Other table scraps are not always the healthiest kinds of foods for him either. Most human food is ladled with salt, preservatives and added fat that does not mix well with the delicate digestive tract of dogs so these types of treats should be given sparingly to your pet. If you are serving something extremely spicy or rich in flavor, use your best judgment as to whether or not you should share with four-legged child. If he sleeps with you, you may not appreciate the gastrological after-affects of your decision, if you know what I mean. A lot of trainers suggest using treats for training purposes but you must http://www.consumersearch.com/dog-food only reward a dogs good behavior and remain as consistent as possible otherwise you will do nothing but confuse him in the end. http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Give-Your-Dog-the-Right-Kind-of-Treats/1408001 By: Vanessa Lea Just like humans, dogs become bored with their diet over a period of time so a little variety to their diet doesn't hurt. The treats you serve your pet should not only be healthy for him but also great tasting and used only as part of an overall meal plan. It's important to realize that your dog does not require a treat after every meal and you do not want to establish this type of routine for him because at some point, he may only expect the treat and not eat his regular food. Whichever type of treat you decide to give your dog, be sure it's the right size for his breed. Giving a small dog a large bone could become a heart-breaking circumstance if he ends up choking on it. Never give a bone or chew to a dog and leave him alone. Even large dogs can become a victim of choking on these treats and you will want to monitor him until he's finished. Vanessa has written informative articles online for many years. Her passions in life are centered around animals and healthy living. You can check out her latest website here www.reedbartonflatware.com/ where she recommends her choice for the best flatware for quality and price. If you're looking for elegant and affordable flatware you'll want to check out this website for her review. Treats for you dog come in many different sizes, shapes, flavors and textures. If you're using treats as part of a training regimen, it's best to use small bite-size chunks so that you can use this tool sparingly. Large treats broken up into small chunks will definitely work in a pinch. Jerky-style treats are wonderful snacks to use for training purposes because I have yet to see a dog go crazy over them. It is important for you to ensure that you only use the jerky treats that are specially made for dogs and not give them jerky for humans. Jerky for humans are extremely salty and fatty and they are an all around bad choice to utilize as a reward for good behavior.

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DOG TREAT BAN APPLIES TO ALL CARRIERS.

Copyright 1997, Gale Group. All rights reserved. Gale Group is a Thomson Corporation Company. Byline: Eric Leach Daily News Staff Writer Postal officials emphasized the rule during a safety talk for all mail carriers, Mazer said. COPYRIGHT 1997 Daily News No portion of this article can http://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/dog/dog-food-and-treats be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder. But Mazer said postal officials were concerned that the dogs would expect the biscuits and attack substitutes who come empty-handed when the regular carrier is off duty. http://www.thefreelibrary.com/DOGTREATBANAPPLIESTOALLCARRIERS.-a083876277 It was not known if Story's mail van was among those in which dog treats were found, but he had regularly bought dog biscuits with his own money. Story estimated he spent $350 a year to feed man's best friend. He began giving the treats for fear of being bitten. But postal officials said their order was aimed at all mail carriers after dog biscuits were found in several postal vehicles during routine inspections. Postal officials said Friday they were not singling out mail carrier Jerome Story when they issued an order to stop carrying doggie treats last week. Residents along Story's route in Van Nuys were outraged when they learned that the mail carrier who had been bringing treats for their pets for years was rendered biscuitless by the Postal Service. ``Nobody came up to Jerome and said stop doing that,'' said David Mazer, manager of corporate relations for the U.S. Postal

Service in Los Angeles. ``He's a fine carrier. He does a good job. He wasn't spoken to individually.''

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PetSmart®, The Adopt Spot™, Announces Another Record-Breaking National Adoption Weekend with More than 24,000 Pets Adopted

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--More than 24,000 pets found their forever homes last week during PetSmart's signature National Adoption Weekend event held at more than 1,400 PetSmart stores across North America - setting another PetSmart adoption record and continuing its trend of adopting more pets at its 2016 nation-wide events than it has since they were initiated by the retailer more than a decade ago. PetSmart Charities, Inc. is a nonprofit animal welfare organization that saves the lives of homeless pets. Each year nearly 500,000 dogs and cats find homes through our adoption program in all PetSmart stores across the U.S. and sponsored adoption events. Each year millions of PetSmart shoppers contribute to PetSmart Charities to help pets in need by making donations on a pin pad at the register. PetSmart Charities efficiently uses 90 cents of every dollar to support its mission of finding lifelong, loving homes for all pets. PetSmart Charities grants more money to directly help pets in need than any other animal welfare group in North America, with a focus on funding adoption and spay/neuter programs that help communities solve pet overpopulation. PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization, independent from PetSmart, Inc. PetSmart Charities has received the Four Star Rating for the past 13 years from Charity Navigator, an independent nonprofit that reports on the effectiveness, accountability and transparency of nonprofits, placing it among the top one percent http://www.drsfostersmith.com/dog-supplies/food/ps/c/3307/28497 of charities rated by this organization. Click to Tweet "We are thrilled so many pets - more than 24,000 in all - found their forever homes this past week at The Adopt Spot," said Eran Cohen, chief customer experience officer, PetSmart. "Our signature National Adoption Weekend events are highly coordinated efforts involving all aspects of our company, PetSmart Charities, PetSmart Charities of Canada and thousands of animal welfare partners. From setting up tents and preparing stores to serve as adoption centers, we couldn't be more proud of the collaborative efforts that resulted in this recent adoption success - together we are saving lots of lives!"

Share your adoption pics and stories! #theadoptspot Last year PetSmart hit a major milestone, adopting out more than 500,000 pets in a single year and in February, its first National Adoption Weekend of 2016, PetSmart hit its first record with more than 25,000 pets adopted - more than any previous event. For every 30 seconds a PetSmart store is open a pet's life is saved, totaling about 1,400 lives saved every day. http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160520005713/en/PetSmart-Adopt-Spot-Announces-Record-Breaking-National-Adoption 24,417 pets were adopted throughout the event last week (Monday - Sunday), the second-best National Adoption Weekend event on record for PetSmart and representing a 43 percent adoption increase over last year's May event. PetSmart is on track to save its 7 millionth life in early fall. The May event also included more than 200 stores - double the number from the last National Adoption Weekend event held in February - and expanded life-saving efforts to include small animals such as ferrets, guinea pigs and rabbits with 530 small pets adopted. Each year, about 7 million pets enter shelters across North America and some 3 million healthy, adoptable pets are euthanized. To save lives, PetSmart joins PetSmart Charities, PetSmart Charities of Canada and nearly 3,000 local animal welfare organizations across North America on a range of powerful adoption events in PetSmart stores including National Adoption Weekends held four times a year. About PetSmart Charities To help new pet parents, on the weekend of May 28-29, just on the heels of its National Adoption Weekend, PetSmart will host its New Pet Event featuring education and problem-solutions tips to help first-time pet owners welcome their newest family member and celebrate all of the exciting "firsts." About PetSmart Charities(TM) of Canada PetSmart Charities of Canada is a nonprofit animal welfare organization that saves the lives of homeless pets in Canada. Each year more than 20,000 cats and dogs find Canadian homes through our adoption program in nearly all PetSmart stores across Canada and our sponsored adoption events. A leading funder of animal welfare, PetSmart Charities of Canada has granted more than $9 million to help pets in need with a funding focus on adoption and spay/neuter programs that help communities solve pet overpopulation. PetSmart Charities of Canada is a registered charity, independent from PetSmart. The PetSmart Adoption Kit provides important content on how to integrate a pet into the family and true value - with more than $400 in real savings - to the adoption parent. Included are coupons for a free bag of dog or cat food from Simply Nourish(TM), Authority or Good Natured(TM), as well as a free veterinarian visit, half-off on two grooming services, a free training session with an accredited trainer, a free Doggie Day Camp session and a free overnight boarding stay. Also included are savings on all the essentials for a new pet including beds, crates, gates, brushes, feeding bowls, collars, leashes, toys and treats, as well as solutions like pet calming products and stain and odor remedies for the mishaps that are sure to occur. The Adopt Spot, Where People Save Pets (and Pets Save People) "PetSmart is so committed to ending pet homelessness and saving pets' lives through adoption, it delivers nearly 10,000 free Adoption Kits every week to those who adopt - a gift to anybody who gives the gift of life," said Cohen. "The PetSmart Adoption Kit is industry-leading and available to anybody who adopts, no matter where they adopt* - at PetSmart, a shelter, community event, or even another retailer." About PetSmart These signature National Adoption Weekend events are held at PetSmart, The Adopt Spot, in collaboration with PetSmart Charities, PetSmart CharitiesTM of Canada and thousands of local animal welfare organizations. While called National Adoption "Weekend," the adoption efforts span the week with the majority of the pets, about 22,272, adopted between Friday and Sunday when many stores host large parking lot tent-events with their local adoption partners to connect adoptable pets with their forever families. *Adoption papers required. PetSmart, Inc. is the largest specialty pet retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. At PetSmart, we love pets, and we believe pets make us better people. Every day with every connection, PetSmart's passionate associates help bring pet parents closer to their pets so they can live more fulfilled lives. This mission impacts everything we do for our customers, the way we support our associates, and how we give back to our communities. We employ approximately 53,000 associates, operate approximately 1,450 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico and approximately 202 in-store PetSmart PetsHotel dog and cat boarding facilities. PetSmart provides a broad range of competitively priced pet food and pet products and offers dog training, pet grooming, pet boarding, PetSmart Doggie Day Camp day care services and pet adoption services in-store. Our portfolio of digital resources for pet parents - including PetSmart.com, PetFoodDirect.com, Pet360.com and petMD.com - offers the most comprehensive online pet supplies and pet care information in the U.S. Through our in-store pet adoption partnership with independent nonprofit organizations, PetSmart Charities and PetSmart Charities(TM) of Canada, PetSmart helps to save the lives of more than 500,000 homeless pets each year. In addition, PetSmart supports organizations that make communities a better place to call home through our philanthropy program, PetSmart Gives Back(TM). By giving back to the communities where we live and work, PetSmart not only celebratesthe power of pets to enrich people'slives--we live it. PetSmart is The Adopt Spot, where pets find their forever homes every day among PetSmart's pet-loving customers and guests. Since its founding in 1987, PetSmart recognized the pet homelessness problem and made the decision to never sell dogs or cats. In 1994 and 1999, PetSmart Charities and PetSmart Charities of Canada were respectively created as nonprofit organizations with a mission toend pet homelessness. Together, they are now the leading animal welfare organizations granting more money to directly help pets in need than any other animal welfare groups in North America - $274 million to date.

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Food & meds. - Free Online Library

KINETIC PERFORMANCE DOG FOOD MERRICK GAME BIRD

Proprietary research by Purina has led to the creation of Bright Mind, a revolutionary formula that not only provides a balanced diet for older dogs but helps them with mental acuity as well. This formula is designed for dogs at least 7 years old and contains B vitamins, antioxidants and botanical oils to promote healthy coats, proper digestive health and increase mobility. On top of that, Bright Mind lives up to its name by helping your aging hunting partner stay mentally sharp and focused throughout the day. Chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM are the natural ingredients in COS Pellets that treat a litany of issues. COS provides hip and joint support and builds stronger bones. Doc's backs up COS Pellets with a 100 percent money-back guarantee. Anyone who has spent a single day behind a well-trained gun dog knows how hard they work. Our upland bird hunters are the canine version of extreme athletes and because of that, they need to be taken care of physically. Naturally, we assume their coats, paws, ears and eyes deserve plenty of TLC post-hunt. But it's what's inside that matters far more. Their joints, muscles, and overall health depend entirely on what foods, medications and supplements we provide for them. So choose wisely because your hardest-working hunting partner is depending on it. $20-$70 | merrickpetcare.com $23-$56 | realtree.com ZOOM DOG ITCHY DOG Your hunt for the right joint health supplement is over! Help support the joint and pad health of your sporting dog with Cosequin ASU Sport. Patented combinations of ingredients help deliver joint support, while biotin helps support pad health and integrity, was well as a healthy coat. Whether it's through the fields or in the woods, use Cosequin ASU Sport to help keep your dog moving! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] $15-$39 | zoomdogsupplements.com Feeding an ultra-high protein and fat formula to an off-season dog can be a recipe for a pudgy pooch. This is why Native offers several dog foods, including Energy Level 1. This formula is 24 percent protein and 14 percent fat, which is perfect for dogs that receive normal exercise and activity. As training increases and hunting season is eventually in full swing, you can bump all the way up to Energy Level 4. Native dog foods are chock-full of Omega-3s and Omega-6s and are created without corn, wheat, soy or meat by-products. REALTREE HIGH PERFORMANCE DuraSpot uses Nylar, a proven insect growth regulator to kill and repel fleas and ticks for up to four weeks. It also prevents re-infestation of fleas for up to five weeks and kills flea eggs and larva for up to four months. It is also capable of killing and repelling lice, mites and mosquitoes for up to four weeks. Anyone who spends time outside in the spring, or in certain geographic areas during the fall, knows that the tick problem isn't going away. In fact, it's getting worse. And more ticks mean more tick-borne diseases for our bird dogs. Since we can't sequester our sporting dogs for months at a time, it's best to treat them with a product like Bravecto. This chewable tablet effectively kills fleas and multiple tick species for up to 12 weeks after a single treatment. BRAVECTO [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] $45-$49 | kineticdogfood.com $17-$61 | proplan.com http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Food&meds.-a0458159914 $50 | nativedogfood.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] $35 | happyjackinc.com HAPPY JACK DURASPOT [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] $29-$162 | docsproducts.com Kinetic co-creator John Howard knows what dogs need to stay healthy and hunt hard. From their Active 26K Formula, which contains 26/16 percent protein to fat ratio, to the Ultra 32K (32/24 protein to fat), Kinetic has http://www.consumersearch.com/dog-food your sporting dog's activity level covered. All formulas in Kinetic's lineup have been tweaked to ensure your dogs get what they need with every feeding. NUTRAMAX COSEQUIN ASU SPORT $39 | bravecto.com What could be more fitting for a sporting dog than food that utilizes turkey, duck, quail and chicken? Merrick's Raw Infused Game Bird Recipe is an excellent choice for filling your four-legged hunting partner's bowl. Considering it is 38 percent protein and entirely grain-free, this formula is guaranteed to keep your dog going. For home feeding, choose the 22-pound bags and check out the 12- or four-pound options on road trips $27 | cosequinsport.com PURINA PRO PLAN BRIGHT MIND DOC'S COS PELLETS NATIVE LEVEL 1 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sporting dogs are prone to coat and skin problems due to genetic issues and harsh hunting environments. If your pheasant dog spends a bit too much time scratching, it's probably time to pick up a bottle of Itchy Dog. These tablets contain vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants that tamp down skin and coat issues. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's hard to find a dog food formula that contains a 30/25 protein to fat ratio but Realtree has done it. Their chicken- and fish-based formula is a nutrient dense, low-carb option designed to maintain proper weight and a healthy coat. Available in 33-pound bags or new Adventure Pack, which contains single B servings for those week-long rooster forays.

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Dog Blog | Dog Treats - IVF

shih-poo Both leash training and reward training have been around for a very long time, and they have proven their effectiveness over time. The type of training that works best will vary from Shih Tzu to Shih Tzu. It is important to remember that each breed of dog has its own unique qualities, reinforced by hundreds of years of selective breeding. Although you can get great nutritional value from common food ingredients, not all food ingredients are safe for Golden Retrievers. Chocolate, mustard, onions and grapes can make a dog sick. Cook and mash vegetables and use rice and potato rice for easy digestion. Fish oil and flaxseed oil are great nutritional oils supplements for a dog's food. Bone meal and Brewer's yeast add nutritional value. You can match a dog's dietary needs for best Golden Retriever nutrition for any stage of life. Golden Retriever care involves the best nutrition.

German Shepherd

German Shepherd Healthy treats for Labrador Retrievers can be similar to humans in a way. They enjoy apples and carrots and potatoes. You should stay away from citrus fruits because the acid doesn't always work the best with their digestive tract. Also you want to stay away from giving them small bones, i.e. chicken bones. Chicken bones can splinter in their digestive tract causing a blockage in their intestines. Also think of giving your Lab treats that are low in fat and not highly processed. Dogs are very alike to humans and if you feed them high fatty treats, they can gain excess weight, especially if they are not getting adequate exercise. Changing a Lab's treats from packaged/processed treats to a dry cereal such as Cherios can help with weight loss and eliminating excess fat from their diet. If you have time to make homemade treats that is always an option too. Be aware, if possible, of any allergies your Lab has. If a chew toy is not to your boxer liking then your boxer may instead enjoy a tug toy, tug toys are good for your boxer's teeth the same as chew toys are and it enhances the relationship between you and your boxer as you play with them. Be careful while using these toys as some boxers may think of this game as good behavior and will start tugging on trousers or other annoying or destructive things. IVF Resources: IVF Michigan, artificial insemination in Michigan Boxer is one of most hazardous dogs. If you want your boxer to be a part of your family who follows your house rules and respects your things instead of a big mess maker that destroys everything in sight and chews on all of your belongings, then you must go through dog training with your boxer. You can't expect an untrained boxer dog to understand what you expect of him. Golden Retriever needs supplements containing essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids important for maintaining over all health and optimal nutrition. If you have Golden Retriever 7 weeks or older, Bully Max is recommended. Often times we realize that our pups are out of dog food after it is too late to run to the store. As the owner of a Toy Poodle, our family has concocted our own recipes to feed our dog during these times. Brown rice, grilled chicken, and a scrambled egg is a dish that our little poodle enjoys best. Because it is made up of natural ingredients, it is a clean meal that offers her plenty of protein. If training your boxer solves all the problems why do many boxer dog owners don't even try to train their dogs? As a matter of fact, most dog owners do try but are not sure of what to do. You have to understand how a boxer dogs mind works before you can begin training. What usually happens is the dog owner applies some of the tips he or she read in a book or a magazine to their training and once they see that it doesn't apply to their boxer they give up on training all together. German Shepherds are not considered high maintenance, but grooming does require some effort in order to maintain a beautiful and shiny coat. German Shepherd's have a double coat, with a course outer coat, and a thick and more soft undercoat. The double coat makes this breed able to function in just about any climate. You can expect an adult German Shepherd to shed heavily twice a year, in the spring and once again in the fall. This may vary depending on the climate that you live in as well as your dog's living conditions. During the seasons when shedding is low, brushing Shepherds with a double coat is only necessary once a week, while long-haired Shepherds should be brushed on a daily basis. Matting is common in long-haired Shepherds, so brushing will help in keeping out any debris, twigs or mud. Can I get a dog an in vitro fertilization (IVF)? Can i get my dog to have an IVF? In vitro fertilization, IVF, means that the ovum are taken from the female and mixed in a petri dish with sperm from a male. When blastocysts form they are implanted in the female's uterus. Dogs rarely have this procedure of IVF. Therefore, instead, dogs have artificial insemination. A sample of sperm is introduced into the vaginal tract or implanted into the uterus. First contact the spam owner to find out if they do frozen or fresh. Then ask your veteranian for a referral to a vet who will do the artificial insemination procedure required for the type of sample you'll be buying. As part of good care of Golden Retrievers, Golden Retriever nutrition must meet the needs of Golden Retrievers for high quality protein. As a large working breed dog, Golden Retrievers have greater protein needs than their owners. A Golden Retriever has nutritional needs that can be met by the ingredients used to prepare Golden Retriever dog food recipes. First, Shih Poos need high-quality food that is specifically formulated for small dogs. When your Shih Poo is still a puppy, it is important for him or her to eat food that is high in protein and fat content. As your puppy grows, incorporating Omega 3's in their diet is necessary in keeping their coat shiny and healthy. One of the favorite for Boxer owners is to treat their boxer to homemade treats from recipes that can be found across the internet in many places, some of my favorites and personal recommendations are listed in the products page of dog treat website. Organic dog treats have become popular among pet owners, as they are all natural and made without artificial preservatives. Selecting a dog food with organic ingredients is a good way to ensure that your companion is receiving a healthy and high quality meal. Organic dog treats are more costly, but also more beneficial. In a collar and leash based Shih Tzu training program, first the Shih Tzu is taught a particular behavior, generally with the leash. After the Shih Tzu has demonstrated that it understands the command, the leash is then used to correct the Shih Tzu if it disobeys, or when it makes a mistake. The leash is the main form of controlling and communicating with the Shih Tzu in leash and collar training. German Shepherds take their exercise and play time very seriously, so supplying them with the right kind of toys is important in order to satisfy their needs. Most German Shepherds love the games of fetch and tug-of-war. Soft and plush toys do not work well with German Shepherds because of their strong and aggressive nature. Toys such as stuffed animals or anything made out of latex would not last in a game of fetch or tug and would most likely be destroyed within minutes. Firm and durable toys, such as large plastic bones, knotted ropes, or rubber tug toys are the ones to stick with in order to keep your German Shepherd happy for more than a few minutes. German Shepherds need daily exercise, aside from fetch or tug of war. Walks and/or jogs should always be incorporated in your daily routine with your German Shepherd or the dog will become restless and possibly destructive. Diet is extremely important in order to keep your German Shepherd as healthy as possible. Searching for dog foods with natural ingredients is important. Flavors like lamb, fish, and chicken are usually well-liked with all dogs, but the ingredients should not include several preservatives. The more natural, the healthier it is! Shih Tzu Proper nutrition and diet, as a part of excellent overall Golden Retrievers' care, will meet the dietary needs for protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. Natural supplements can be given to help a dog meet daily nutritional needs. With proper nutrition and fresh water, a dog will not become overweight, suffer from malnutrition or suffer an excess or absence of a mineral or vitamin. Meat provides the protein that is easiest to digest. Protein provides amino acids that are vital to your Golden Retievers' health. As for carbohydrates, ground whole grains, brown rice, potato starch and oatmeal can provide carbohydrates. The amount of fat eaten should be controlled. Fats help http://www.petfooddirect.com/dog/ the body to absorb oil-soluble nutrition. Vegetable fiber sources provide a vitamins and minerals and enough fiber to keep the digestion tract healthy. Although beans are nutritious for Golden Retrievers, beans and broccoli can cause excess gas. http://www.gibdogpetsuppliesblog.com/

Golden Retrievers In leash Shih Tzu training, varying degrees of force can be used, ranging from slight prompts with the lead to very harsh corrections. The amount of correction used should be appropriate to the situation, since using too much correction, or too little, will be ineffective. Boxer To your boxer, your new expensive shoes look like the perfect chew dog toys that he can play with. As a dog owner, you are responsible for training your boxer, so he knows what he can play with and what he isn't allowed to chew on. So when you get home from a long day at work to find your living room ripped up to shreds by your beloved boxer, punishing your boxer won't help in any anyway. When you try to discipline a boxer without training him first, he will be confused to why you are punishing your boxer and most likely will resent you for it, which can lead to worse behavior and more problems down the line. Being a large dog, an Alaskan Malamute would, naturally, enjoy large dog treats, right? Malamutes benefit from having a dog treat that will last and they can work at that, as it will model their natural instincts. Stuffing and freezing hollowed treats, such as bones and Kong toys with cheese or peanut butter, provide extended chew times and satisfaction for the dogs. Yogurt, bananas, honey, or mashed potatoes mixed with crushed dog food or biscuits are also good fillings for these types of treats. Most dog owners do try but are not sure of what to do. You have to understand how a boxer dogs mind works before you can begin training. What usually happens is the dog owner applies some of the tips he or she read in a book or a magazine to their training and once they see that it doesn't apply to their boxer they give up on training all together.

Leash training / collar training is the best way to accomplish many types of dog training, particularly in situations where the Shih Tzu must have a high level of reliability. For instance, Shih Tzu that have an important job to do, such as therapy Shih Tzu dogs, generally benefit from leash and collar training. If trained properly, almost any Shih Tzu can work as a therapy dog. There are many choices when it comes to rewarding your boxer dog with a dog treat for obeying your commands, and these treats make a big difference in your boxer dog's attitude towards you in learning new tricks, and why wouldn't they? To get anything in life you have to give something back and your boxer is no different, you help your boxer and he'll help you. How simple it is! With the right foods and nutritional supplements, you can meet the nutrition and dietary requirements for Golden Retrievers everyday. Proper Golden Retriever care requires meeting the nutritional and proportional needs with a balanced diet. Golden Retriever dog food recipes can be chosen to meet your Golden Retriever's dietary needs.

Alaskan Malamute German Shepherds, also known as Alsatian dogs, are considered one of the most loyal and protective of all dog breeds. These fearless creatures are used commonly around the world as police or military dogs for their dependability and obedience toward their masters. With their intelligence and strength, German Shepherds have an eagerness to learn new tricks and training techniques. Having an authoritative command over your German Shepherd is vital. With the proper training and maintenance, your German Shepherd will become your family's most loyal and trustworthy companion. If you are giving your Alaskan Malamute his or her treat outdoors or in an area that is ok to get messy, you may consider raw beef bones, deer parts, or turkey necks. These can be obtained from a hunter you may know, or possibly a butcher. Just be aware that these treats will smell after about a day and are something you want to keep far away from carpeted areas! Additional outdoor treats the dog may find him or herself would be mice or squirrels, but whatever you do, do NOT let them eat mice or other rodents! Rodents often carry diseases or poison in their systems, which would be detrimental if ingested by your friendly pet. But what are the best rewards and dog treats to give your boxer in times of good behavior? Well for starters you won't be short of treats to try, the markets as it is now is full to the brim of all the fancy rewards and dog treats you could ever think of.

Shih Tzu

Boxer Golden Retrievers German Shepherds are strong dogs, so you want to make sure to get the most durable and suitable leash and collar for your shepherd. If you want to use a harness, you should use one with a leash clip in the front rather than the back, which will help in retaining the dog from pulling. Leather leashes would work better than nylon leashes because they are easier on your hands. If you train your German Shepherd not to pull, the type of leash or collar would not matter as much. Don't be afraid to experiment with cat food, tuna, egg, or dried fruits, either. None of these are harmful to a Malamute's system and each dog may prefer a different flavor or texture. Many Alaskan Malamute treats stem from their roots, and do not have to be store bought, so keep this in mind when planning special treats for your dog! This article focuses on one of the most popular methods of Shih Tzu dog training - the so-called leash/collar style of Shih Tzu training. Other articles will focus on the other popular style of training Shih Tzu, often called reward training or positive reinforcement.

Have you thought about getting dog leashes for training Shih Tzu? There are many different styles of dog training for Shih Tzu, and finding the one that works best for your Shih Tzu is important for creating a Shih Tzu that is a talented, loyal and faithful member of the family. All successful methods of dog training work to reinforce the relationship between dog and handler, and the foundation of any successful training program is getting the respect of the Shih Tzu. Fortunately, Shih Tzu is wired by nature to seek out leaders, and to follow the direction of those leaders. Boxer Do I need a professional dog trainer to train my boxer? Boxers are intelligent dogs, but can get stubborn from time to time. That means training your boxer can be a bit challenging, but that doesn't mean you can't do it on your own! What you need however, is some proper information from someone who understands what goes in the mind of a boxer dog, especially if you are new to dog training. I know it might sound intimidating at first, believe me I've been in your shoes myself, but it really isn't that hard once you know what you're doing. Dog toys are also a good choice when rewarding your boxer; these include chewing dog toys such as kong dog toys, which can be very rewarding for boxer puppies and boxers alike. Saving one of your boxer's favorite toys for when your boxer behaves well makes everything more exciting for your dog and causes them to want to perform more for this reward. Shih Poos are a wonderful hybrid dog that will be healthiest when fed high-quality food. Take care of your new companion and choose dog food brands made with natural ingredients geared towards small dogs. A healthy puppy will grow into a strong dog that can stay by your side for many years to come! As for collars, German Shepherds have a unique shaped head, which makes it especially important to choose a collar that fits properly. When the collar is fitted correctly, you should be able to slide two fingers between the dog's neck and collar. The collar should be 1-1.5 inches wide with a durable buckle mechanism to prevent the dog from breaking free. If you are in the midst of training your shepherd, a choke collar, head collar, or harness would suit best. It may also be best to have both a conventional and a training collar on hand. A good conventional collar would be Gibdog's "SL - Standard Leash." Dog treats Resources: Dog treats | natural dog treats The Alaskan Malamute is a large dog that can be found in a variety of colors. They are playful and loyal and often used for sled dogs. No matter their location, they require a large amount of playtime and need space to run to meet this need.

Boxer Shih Poos, a crossbreed between a Shih Tzu and a Toy or Miniature Poodle, have become a popular hybrid of loving and adorable puppies that make great household pets. If you are the proud new owner of a Shih Poo, the knowledge on how to properly care for your pup is vital. Their fragile frame, small stature and hair-like coat are important to keep in mind while raising your dog, especially when it comes to picking out the right food.

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Ball dogs show their stuff at Brazil tennis match

The https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_food four dogs were Frida, Mel, Isabelle and Costela. She said the association is currently sheltering about 1,200 dogs and hopes to raise awareness with the "ball dog" initiative. "When we found him abandoned in an empty lot he was so skinny and ravaged by ticks that we called him Costela," Beckert said. On Sunday the dogs are expected to participate in the awards ceremony.

Story highlightsFour "ball dogs" handle retrieving duties during an exhibition at the Brazil OpenFrida, Mel, Isabelle and Costela were rescued from slums and vacant lots around Sao Paulo"We want to show that abandoned dogs can be adopted and trained," say trainer Andrea Beckert To prove the point, four shelter dogs rescued from slums and abandoned lots around Sao Paulo were trained as "ball dogs" for an exhibition tennis match this week at the Brazil Open. On Thursday the dogs donned orange bandannas and were cheered on for about a half-hour as they dashed after the lost balls. The competitors, Spain's Roberto Carballes Baena and Portugal's Gastao Elias, played along. http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/27/americas/brazil-tennis-ball-dogs/index.html "We want to show that abandoned dogs can be adopted and trained," said Andrea Beckert, a trainer from the Association of Animal Wellbeing. "After all, it's not easy to get a dog to only pick up the lost balls, and then to give them up!" The dogs playfully ran after the balls that went out of play and reluctantly returned them to the players and dog trainers during the match this week. "Costela" is the Portuguese word for "rib."

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Overheard on CNN.com: Listen to your dog, the doctor! – This Just In

denne11 said, "While I congratulate him on the switch, anything would have been better than what he was eating." Do you feel your views align with these commenters' thoughts? Post a comment below or sound off on video. From omnivore to vegan: The dietary education of Bill Clinton ajh011 said, "I am a doctor and I eat 98%+ plant foods. A comment posted earlier here about how we need cholesterol is false: our liver makes all we need on its own. That same commenter said that having canines means we are supposed to eat meat, which is also nonsense: gorillas have larger canines than we do, as do many other herbivores. It is possible to eat well on a plant-based diet, and there is substantial evidence to show that this type of diet can and does reverse multiple types of diseases such as Diabetes, cardiovascular disease (heart disease) and obesity, if followed correctly. And it can be quite satisfying." ldean50 said, "My two Labradors, Maggie and Morgan, and I had a nightly ritual: They would lie down on their beds in the living room, and I'd cover them up. I was having symptoms I thought were connected to menopause. One night Maggie and Morgan came to my room. Morgan lay down next to my bed, near my head, and Maggie sat like a guard in the doorway. I woke up in the middle of the night, and they were still there but had changed places. They did this for three weeks regardless of my cajoling. I recalled an "Animal Planet" show about dogs and cancer and went to my gynecologist. I had uterine/ovarian cancer and a complete hysterectomy. The first night home Maggie and Morgan went back to their beds in the living room. The doctor told me I would have been at Stage 4 within the year. Pay attention to your dogs' unusual, unexplainable changes in behavior!" itsallgood70 said, "Just because we eat some meat doesn't mean we're going to die a horrible death. Some of these posts on here just add proof to the stereotype that vegans are self-righteous a-holes."

But ReddirtTXn said, "I got bad news for vegans: You're still gonna die." Anavar said, "I never have really seen a healthy-looking vegan." NoTags said, "Give the dogs a white coat and let them open a practice. Just a box of dog biscuits and maybe a bone would make the dogs happy." Marion replied, "Funny post. I am sure the dog would actually 'listen' to me too. LOL" Compiled by the CNN.com moderation staff. Some comments edited for length or clarity. http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/18/overheard-on-cnn-com-listen-to-your-dog-the-doctor/ SeattleRain said, "In 1999, I went to a dermatologist during my lunch hour because of a tiny mole on my upper right arm. She didn't think much of it and was leaving the room when I told her my two dogs were 'fixated' with it and would stick their noses on it and hold perfectly still for a long time as if smelling something weird. She called her staff in and immediately took the mole off. She wouldn't even let me reschedule removal for later." Mary said, "I had a dog that was really into smelling https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pet_food my breath for three years. Then I was diagnosed with lung cancer, had a resection, and came home from the hospital; she approached me to smell my breath. The lung cancer was gone and so was her interest in my breath. As I would go for followups, I would check with her first to see if she was interested. Never again. After 11 years, the cancer has not come back." faycebooque said, "I never knew the former Prez was a fellow vegan. Cheers Mr. Clinton! It's been 6 years for me and there's no way I'm going back." nickvicious said, "Way to go, Bill! When I went vegan I got a LOT more energy. I need less sleep as well and a lot of my ailments (seasonal allergies, headaches, anxiety) lessened or disappeared altogether." "How much are they charging for the 'Lab' tests?"-J "All this time we've been doing CAT scans - we should have been doing DOG scans!"-Patrick "Actually, the newer technology is called 'PET' scans! LOL"-Liz Comments of the Day: AndreaMilnes said, "On the one hand, I believe in hedonistic feeding. If you have a chance to eat foi gras, by all means have at it, because you only live once. On the other hand - vain girl that I am - one of the musicians I particularly like is vegan, and he hasn't aged a day since 1985. So I guess the lesson here is eat the good stuff when you get the chance, but the rest of the time, stick to the healthy food." Our hamburger-chomping former president a vegan? According to Bill Clinton, a pair of heart procedures and some advice from a trusted doctor made him change his ways. The former president says he consumes no meat, no dairy, no eggs, almost no oil, and has lost more than 20 pounds. Even with the former president's example, CNN.com reader response-as with many stories on diet-was mixed. SJS52987 said, "To me going vegan is like going to AA meetings. You shouldn't do it unless you can't handle moderation or if it has been recommended by your doctor." MamaTurtle said, "If we aren't supposed to eat meat, then why do I end up hospitalized with malnutrition when attempting a vegetarian or vegan diet, even after following physician's advice? A little raw fish and some rare grass-fed beef, one each per week, plus a few servings of raw milk, seem to keep me in much better health." Growing body of research says dogs really can smell cancer KandyKane said, "Our dog, who follows me most of the time, suddenly would not leave my husband alone. Even when he went to the bathroom, she was right outside the door. Shortly after, he was diagnosed with cancer. After he started his radiation treatment, she would leave him alone more and more each day until she was back into her 'routine' of following me (I don't have cancer, thank goodness). Last summer, the dog started obsessing over my husband again, and this time it unnerved us. His annual scans showed the cancer had returned in a different location. Luckily, surgery removed all of it, but I'm definitely keeping my eye on the dog. If she starts getting infatuated with my husband again, his butt is going straight to the doctor!!" BillNaughton said, "Not necessarily true. There's a famous Arnold Schwarzenegger quote; "Bill Pearl didn't convince me to become a vegetarian, but he did convince me that a vegetarian could become a champion bodybuilder." maxsmom said, "My husband has Type-2 diabetes. He ended up having a toe amputated because of a severe bone infection. For weeks before we discovered this, our friend's beagle would obsessively sniff that toe. Now when our dog sniffs anything, we have it checked out. Recently another sniff-fest on his other foot. Sure enough, diabetic ulcer forming! Pay attention to your dog." If your dog shows a sudden, unusual interest in your breath, a mole, or a particular area of your body, you might want to let your doctor know, said many CNN.com readers. Dogs were able to smell lung cancer in breath samples, a recent study shows, and readers shared about their own pets' disease-sniffing abilities.