The family’s all here and they finally eat.
I must be invisible! HEY… I’m right by your feet!

I’m ignored by my humans, as they stuff their own faces.
They depart from the table, and clear up their places.

In front of the TV, for football’s the retreat.
The remaining fixin’s… for me to eat?

My belly is full, I’ve just been fed.
My patience paid off, waitin’ all day for that spread.

Turkey, stuffing, yams and stuff.
Oh dear me, I ate too much!

I heard the vet’s warning, to my human she said.
No turkey or stuffing, only dog food instead.

Thanksgiving meals for Samson beware.
Overindulgence is a dog’s worst nightmare.

Well… I’ve outsmarted the humans, but it’s no time to gloat.
It seems I’ve contracted a bad case of BLOAT! ~ Chloe Wilson

The word bloat is a term that is synonymous with the more scientific term “Gastric Dilation/Volvulus.” or GDV, a condition in which a dog’s stomach distends with air, twists and cuts off blood flow to the point that the dog goes into shock and may die.

Even though scientific evidence substantiating the causes of bloat are inconclusive, one common explanation suggests it may be caused by eating large amounts of food coupled with excessive water consumption during highly excitable times, or followed by strenuous exercise. This type of feeding behavior is considered to be a serious threat to pets.

Bloat is a deadly condition and allows a very limited amount of time to act. If your pet displays symptoms of abdominal distention, salivating, retching, restlessness, depression, lethargy, anorexia, weakness or rapid heart rate, consult your veterinarian immediately. The stages and manifestations of this condition can develop rapidly once started, so a delay in seeking medical care can produce dire consequences.

Help protect your pets against bloat by not allowing them to overeat. Feed several smaller meals per day as opposed to one larger one. Dogs tend to gulp down their food as a “defense” mechanism in the presence of intruders. Feeding your dog during quiet times when he/she is calm, as opposed to highly excitable times such as when you have a house full of company, as well as refraining from the temptation to engage your dog in vigorous exercise prior to or after feeding time, may help prevent bloat.

Are Pet Tabs Safe?

Pet-Tabs are sold by PetsMart, Doctors Foster and Smith, and virtually every pet shop, and on-line pet store in the nation. Pet-Tabs are made by the giant Pfizer Pharmaceutical Corporation, one of America’s leading opponents of health care reform and industry inspection and regulation. Pet-Tabs are sold under another corporate name: “Virbac”
Consumer Lab tests mostly human products. Sadly, this report and the previous years’ report confirming lead contamination in Pfizer/Virbac Pet-Tab supplements calls into serious question the safety and efficacy of these giant corporations’ entire product lines.
Consumer Lab tests mostly human products. There is no other information (such as why or how this supposed animal health care product has been laced with toxic levels of lead for years).

LEAD POISONING
Lead can be absorbed through the skin or, in the case of these supplements, ingested and absorbed. Clinical signs can be gastrointestinal and/or neurological. Many dogs or cats who are chronically ill, have upset stomachs, anorexia (food avoider’s), blood disorders, kidney disorders (degeneration of the glomeruli and tubules),
immunological problems, reproductive problems, or are suffering abnormal behavioral signs could have suffered chronic, catastrophic lead poisoning through supplements.

Before this revelation of supplement poisoning, the most common known cause of lead poisoning in people and dogs was contact with lead based paint or old car batteries. Other common causes of lead poisoning include ingestion of lead shot (fatal to many wild birds and sometimes served up in food that is hunted) and handling lead painted toys and ceramic ware. During the past 6,000 years humans have mined and redistributed lead on the planet to the extent that each of us has
approximately 1,000 times the lead in our system (as measured in our bones) than prehistoric North American Indians.

Puppies absorb lead more readily than adults and are at greatest immediate risk for signs of lead poisoning, but lead poisoning can prove debilitating, even fatal for mature pets as well.

If your dog suffers from the diffuse signs of lead poisoning or if your dog or cat have been exposed to Pet-Tabs, the CTCA recommends you have its blood tested for lead concentration. Children in the household should also be tested should your pet prove contaminated.

CTCA RECOMMENDATIONS
I would avoid all vitamin and mineral supplement products sold under labels by either Pfizer or Virbac. These include labels such as “Pet-Tinic,” and “Lixotinic,” and “Liqui-Tinic, ” which are generally sold for large animals.
Save any bottles of these products in a sealed Zip Loc bag. Label the bag well, stating “DO NOT USE – POISON!” You may need a sample of this product should your dog or cat become symptomatic. You will need to save the original packaging and product should Pfizer/Virbac be subject to a Class Action suit.

REFERENCES FOR VETS
Veterinarians normally do not first associate gastrointestinal, immunological or even neurological signs with lead poisoning. Given America’s current largely untested, unregulated food, supplement, and pharmaceutical supply, perhaps they should.

Should your vet need additional information about lead toxicity, its diagnosis and treatment, I suggest the following available, up-to-date references:

Michael E. Peterson, Patricia A. Talcott (editors), “Small Animal
Toxicology, Second Edition,” Saunders Elsevier, St. Louis, MO. 2006

Ramesh G. Gupta (editor) “Veterinary Toxicology: Basic and Clinical
Principles,” Academic Press, New York, NY. 2007.

WHAT VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS ARE SAFE?
That question is analogous to asking: “what food is safe?” It’s a crap shoot to be sure. Consumer Lab tested only three pet supplements; one was “Halo Purely for Pets VitaGlo Daily Greens.” It did not contain lead, but it contained less than half its advertised vitamins. “21st Century Pet Nutrition Pet Chews Plus” was “approved” since it did not contain lead and its ingredients were as labeled.

Our veterinarian believes that one-half a Centrum Senior (human vitamin) is safe and effective for a dog the size of a Coton de Tulear. But without widespread government tests of our food, drug and supplement supply, who knows?

We have been using ProPet 8-in-one Vitamin supplements without problems, but chronic, gradual poisoning is not something we’d necessarily see. As noted: it is a gamble. And one that no one in this country should have to take.

This article was taken from the Consumer Lab’s paid subscription web site:

CONCLUSION:
The above article clearly demonstrates how important it is to buy from a credible, trustworthy source such as HealthyPetNet. Dr. Jane Bicks has dedicated her life to the well being of pets by creating the best products nature and science can provide. We can proudly say that our products are safe and effective for pets, and have never been part of a recall.

For anyone looking for a safe, whole food supplement, look no further than Dr. Jane’s Advanced Daily Supplement. Life’s Abundance Wellness Food Supplement for Dogs is formulated with a broad array of naturally nutritious ingredients from real food to help maintain overall health. The nutrients contained in this superior supplement are sourced from foods, like poultry liver, cranberries, carrots, eggs, pineapples and many others.

In this chewable tablet, Dr. Jane has included the following nutritious ingredients:

Poultry liver, which is rich in vitamin A and D, protein and selenium
Natural vitamin E, which is an antioxidant
Taurine, which is an essential amino acid
Stabilized rice bran, which is a rich source of vitamins and mine
Cranberries, a rich source of vitamin C, dietary fiber and manganese
Carrots, a rich source of beta-carotene (vitamin A), vitamins C, D, and E, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium and iron
Dried egg, one of nature’s most nutrient-dense foods, plays an important role in a balanced diet. Eggs are considered a complete protein source, providing essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals (vitamins A, B, E, biotin, and sulfur). Eggs also provide healthy fats, such as omega-6 for healthy skin and a glossy coat
Flaxseed meal is a rich plant source of antioxidant lignans and omega-3 fatty. Flaxseed meal also has a very high level of protein and essential amino acids. In addition, flaxseed meal contains significant amounts of fiber, vitamin E, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and is extremely rich in the minerals potassium, calcium and phosphorus
Direct-fed microbials, ingredients similar to those found in supermarket yogurts
Ester-C*, a unique and patented form of vitamin C (calcium ascorbate)
Tomato pomace, a good source of lycopene and vitamin C
Alfalfa meal, which is a good source of protein, vitamin A, niacin and calcium, and a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, pantothenic acid, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and manganese
Pineapple, which is a good source of enzymes, vitamins, minerals and fiber

Ear cleaner that contains alcohol can cause stinging and irritation. Be sure you’re using an alcohol free ear cleaner. I like HealthyPetNet’s Ear Care, made by the same company that makes Life’s Abundance Pet Food. Before applying the ear care or the drops set the bottles in a glass of very hot tap water for about 5 minutes. This will take the chill off them and lessen the shock for your dog. Towel dry the area around his ears after you’re done to make him more comfortable.

My friend tells me I shouldn’t take my bulldog, Princess, on our boat because bulldogs can’t swim. Is this true?

By virtue of their genetic design, bulldogs won’t be threatening Michael Phelps’ Olympic gold medals any time soon. Their thick bodies and short legs make them poor swimmers, so it’s a good idea to purchase Princess a life vest to thwart any maritime mishaps.