It's the Little Things....

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Zimbio

Just signed up to link my blog to another site!! =) Hopefully I can share my thoughts with more people. =)

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Dog and Cat Symptoms of Salmonella Poisoning

I just wanted to give everyone some information on Dog and Cat Symptoms of Salmonella poisoning, due to the recent outbreak in peanut butter. Please keep this in mind if your dog or cat exhibits these symptoms. This article was written after the Pedigree recall in August of 2008.

Salmonella in Cats and Dogs This Bacteria Causes Vomiting, Diarrhea and Fever © Mia Carter Aug 14, 2008

Pedigree's Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bits dog food has been voluntarily recalled and pet owners are left wondering if their dog could have salmonella.

In the future, when Americans look back upon the summer of 2008, it's very likely they will recall the series of salmonella outbreaks that occurred, triggering panic and concern over foods like tomatoes, beef and peppers.

Unfortunately, humans aren't the only ones affected by concerns of salmonella, as pets and dogs in particular are at risk of contracting salmonella from contaminated pet food. The first Pedigree dog food recall in this series was announced in early August, 2008 by Mars Petcare US, parent company of Pedigree, that a certain variety of Pedigree dog food may be contaminated with salmonella. On September 12, 2008, a larger Pedigree recall was issued and this time, more than a dozen additional brands by the same manufacturer were affected as well.

As a result of August's discovery, the dog food manufacturer issued a voluntary recall affecting Pedigree Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy bits dog food. A limited number of the recalled 52-pound bags of dog food were delivered to Costco stores in Northern California and Nevada, while about 100 20-pound bags were delivered to Albertsons stores in Southern California and in the area of Las Vegas, Nevada.

In September, the voluntary Pedigree recall was extended nationwide to include all Pedigree dry food and several other brands that were manufactured at Mars Petcare's Everson, PA manufacturing plant.

With this latest pet food recall and salmonella scare in mind, many pet owners are concerned that their pet may have been infected with the salmonella bacteria. Fortunately, Dr. Michael Levine, DVM, provided information on the signs and symptoms of salmonella infection, also known as salmonellosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella in Dogs and Cats A combination of the following symptoms typically arises about 72 hours following exposure. It should be noted that while an array of symptoms can be present in salmonellosis sufferers, digestive upset is virtually always present to some degree. Vomiting (often with blood in the vomit) Diarrhea (often with blood present) Fever A refusal to eat Gurgling and bubbling sounds in the abdomen Lethargy Dehydration, often severe Drooling and panting (often a sign of nausea and/or pain in dogs and cats) In a minority of cases, dogs and cats can experience symptoms such as arthritis-like joint pain and stiffness, urinary tract abnormalities that can lead to straining and frequent urination, along with redness and swelling involving the eyes.

"This is an infection that can be very severe and treatment, especially for dehydration, is required if you are to maximize the chances of a good outcome," explained Dr. Levine. Notably, a pet with salmonellosis can spread the infection to human family members and other pets in the household, including small mammals, birds and reptiles.

"This is among the few illnesses that can be easily transmitted between species...It's vital that if your pet is exhibiting symptoms of salmonella that you begin by immediately disposing of any feces to help eliminate the chance of spreading the problem to other household members and pets. Wash your hands after handling fecal material and get your dog to the vet as soon as possible," Dr. Levine added.

Treatment for Salmonella in Pets

In most cases, the symptoms of salmonellosis will disappear with little intervention within about one week. But during that week, an animal can loose so much fluid that the cat or dog's condition will become critical and life-threatening by the time the illness runs its course. Salmonella infections are diagnosed by testing a fecal sample, once diagnosed, treatment can begin.

With that said, the treatment for salmonella in pets is often comprised primarily of supportive measures such as nutritional supplementation and subcutaneous or intravenous fluid injections. In cases where secondary infection has occurred, or when the salmonellosis is severe, oral antibiotics may be prescribed.

"Most cats and dogs are generally healthy and so the majority will survive a bout with salmonella without any lasting problems, but if your pet is chronically ill, very young or very old, there's a greater chance that the infection can spread or that he will become critically ill," Dr. Levine explained, adding, "As with all illnesses and infections, prompt diagnosis and treatment is key. If your pet is vomiting or experiencing other symptoms such as diarrhea, the situation should be improving within 24 hours, and it shouldn't be getting worse after the 18-hour mark. If your pet is getting worse or simply is not improving, it's time to get to the vet for an exam." Proper food handling techniques are vital to prevent human and pet cases of salmonella. The FDA offers information on how to handle recalled Pedigree and other pet foods, along with other valuable pet food recall resources for pet owners.

To learn more about this pet food recall involving Pedigree dog food and several other brands, visit the Mars Petcare website or contact your local pet food retailer or call Mars Petcare US at 877-568-4463.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Craaaaazzzzy-Berry

While browsing the web, I found this site -

http://www.hanttula.com

This site is dedicated to odd shaped foods that form some sort of image.

I found this strawberry super cool. I really wish they were shaped this way!! It's listed under the "indescribable" section, but honestly I think it should be under the "super-awesome-need-to-figure-out-how-to-make-it" section. =)

Friday, January 23, 2009

"Drunken Negro Face Cookies"

Owner Ted Capolino of Lafayette French Pastry Bakers in Greenwich Village, NY has begun making and selling "Drunken Negro Face Cookies" as a specialty item for the 2009 Obama Inauguration. For $3.50 you can own one of these cookies or perhaps the "Dead Goose Bread" is more to your taste, released after the plane crashed in the Hudson River recently (due to geese getting stuck in the motors). Mr. Capolino changed the name of the "Drunken Negro Face Cookies" on inauguration day to "Obama Heads". Personally, I think this is funny. I am white and if I saw someone make a "Redneck Cookie" complete with truck driver hat, missing teeth and scruffy face, I'd laugh my ass off. Seriously, all in all, WHO CARES - IT'S A COOKIE!!!! Video - Interview at Lafayette French Pastry Bakers about "Drunken Negro Face Cookies": http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshh0LHi87pv9SGdL0GI

Thursday, January 22, 2009

POP Containers by Oxo

I think these are in my future purchases list to organize my pantry. I think they would be a great asset to any pantry. Plus, they would allow foods to stay fresh longer, well snack foods and cereal don't last long in my house, but at least they'll be fresh for the short time they are here. lol. POP Containers by Oxo, www.oxo.com, $6.99-16.99 http://www.hgtv.com/organizing/what-we-love-best-pantry-organizers/pictures/index.html?nl=HGIdeas_v322_8

Mad Lynx - Funniest Thing I've seen in AWHILE

I could watch this video over and over. It cracks me up.

THIS is why I don't have felines!! lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y83131Y1178

Shoplifting Dog

I saw this video and was simply amazed. This dog walks into the store, knowing EXACTLY what he wants, takes it, and leaves!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3OQK6qMRGk The "puRp" (pup perp) is still on the loose!! Probably somewhere enjoying his free snack!!

Humane Society of Charlotte (& other locations)

I urge you all, if you are thinking of purchasing a pet - to go to your local Humane Society. There are so many animals out there that need forever homes and the HS is the best place to start. The adoption fees for my local HS are $85 for a puppy (I believe its a little less if you adopt an older dog) and $60 for a cat or kitten. Don't quote me on the cat/kitten fees because I haven't adopted a feline. All animals come spayed or neutered, up to date on shots and microchipped. It is well worth the adoption fee. Please reconsider if you are thinking of purchasing a pet. "They don't need much, but they do need you." If you aren't intersted in adopting, the shelter is always in need of items for the animals. They also accept donations, which are tax-deductable. Here is the link for tax-deductable donations at the Charlotte, NC Humane Society - http://humanesocietyofcharlotte.org/donate/easy_program.php And here is the link for items the HS of Charlotte currently needs - http://humanesocietyofcharlotte.org/donate/wishlist.php Items include: cleaning supplies, dog/cat food, treats, beds, blankets, office supplies, gift cards, etc. Please help if you can. Jenn