The Humane Society of the United States Launches New Line of Natural, Organic Pet Food

“Humane Choice” brand to be sold at PETCO, Whole Foods, and other stores

Selecting a high-quality pet food is one of the most important decisions a pet parent can make. To celebrate pets, The Humane Society of the United States announces the nationwide launch of a cruelty-free, all natural and certified organic “Humane Choice” dog food. The HSUS developed this new product to offer consumers a wholesome and nutritious dog food that does not contain animal-based proteins or support the factory farming industry. 

Consumers have become more aware of the quality and humane standards of their pet’s food after the recent pet food adulteration scandals, massive pet food recalls, and the increased exposure of inhumane factory farming practices. The HSUS’ new Humane Choice dog food is nutritionally complete and balanced, contains the finest quality organic plant-based ingredients and meets the nutritional levels established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials for adult dog food. The food was not tested on laboratory animals, is cruelty-free and does not contain any fats or proteins derived from animals.

“Americans are concerned about the food we eat, and it just makes sense that we’d be concerned about the food we provide to our pets,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the HSUS. “Humane Choice is a nutritious, environmentally friendly and ethically responsible food for our best friends. Every bag of Humane Choice helps us celebrate the pets we love, and provides us with additional resources to help animals through our programs.”

The Humane Choice dog food is currently available in several independently owned pet supply stores and PETCO.com and will soon be on store shelves at selected PETCO locations and selected Whole Foods locations in New Jersey and New York. More PETCO and Whole Foods locations will carry Humane Choice in the spring. The HSUS will receive 6 percent of the wholesale price of each 6.6 lb bag sold and will use the funds in its programs to provide spaying and neutering and other veterinary care for animals, to rescue animals from natural disasters and cruelty cases, to conduct undercover investigations of animal abuse and more.

Humane Choice is produced by a USDA Organic-certified grower and manufacturer in Uruguay. The family-owned and operated business has been growing grains and vegetables and making and exporting organic and vegetarian dog food for many years. Humane Choice does not contain corn, dairy, artificial coloring, wheat, wheat gluten, animal-based protein, or ingredients produced by genetic engineering.

For more information on Humane Choice dog food, click here.

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ARK NATURALS NAMED PET AGE PINNACLE AWARD WINNER
BREATH-LESS Brushless Toothpaste Readers’ Favorite Dog Product of 2009

Ark Naturals® Products for Pets, a leading pioneer of the natural pet health and remedies category, announced today its BREATH-LESS Brushless toothpaste earned the coveted Pet Age Pinnacle Award as the number one dog product in the Health and Care Category, as determined by the magazine’s reader requests in 2009.

According to Pet Age, the industry’s leading business-to-business pet retail magazine, winners are chosen by readers who vote electronically on products showcased in the magazine’s “Top Shelf” and “Products” sections. This year’s electronic process replaced the reader-service card and brought in more responses than ever before.

“We are thrilled with the demand and appreciation that this product has gained among our retail partners,” expressed Ark Naturals® president Susan Weiss. “In choosing this product as the leading dog health and care category choice, our partners are validating consumers’ increased awareness and desire for products that solve common health issues, naturally.”

According to studies, 80 percent of all dogs have dental problems by the age of three.  Yet, many pet dental products contain non-natural or chemical ingredients, leaving pets open to other sensitivities and issues. Ark Naturals® introduced BREATH-LESS® ® Brushless-Toothpaste to help address pet dental health naturally and to give consumers a tasty and easy-to-administer alternative.

About BREATH-LESS Brushless-Toothpaste
Brushless-Toothpaste is a delicious chewable remedy for pets, which is covered with a rice-based bone on the outside and contains three bacteriostats in the center – one of which is pet toothpaste, inhibiting the growth of plaque forming bacteria. Brushless-Toothpaste also assists with tartar and plaque build-up and bad breath.  Brushless-Toothpaste is very easy to digest and ideal for dogs over 12 weeks old and with animal protein related issues.

All Ark Naturals® products and ingredients are 100 percent manufactured in the United States, follow all USDA guidelines, and are researched and formulated by Dr. Nancy Scanlan DVM and Dr. C. Leigh Broadhurt. BREATH-LESS Brushless-Toothpaste is available in 12 oz and 18 oz packages for Small to Medium and Medium to Large dogs with the suggested retail price of $13.99 and $18.95.

As a founding member of the National Animal Supplement Council and CEO of Ark Naturals®, an industry leader in natural animal supplements, Ms. Weiss is on the front line of an emerging category of pet products that’s making all-natural, organic and chemical-free diets as readily available for pets as they have become for humans. As a passionate proponent of animal rights, she says her company was launched with the mission of ensuring sound nutrition for America’s estimated 77.5 million dogs and 93.6 million cats (statistics from The Humane Society of the United States).

Based in Naples, Florida, Ark Naturals® markets more than 20 premium, nutritional solutions and natural remedies to maintain joint, teeth and gum, skin and coat and digestive health. Made exclusively in the USA, all Ark Naturals® pet care products are free from fillers, chemicals, preservatives, artificial flavors or colors, soy, corn, wheat or animal by-products.

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NAVTA Announces New Surgical Technician Specialty

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is pleased to announce a new specialty, the Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians.  “The NAVTA Academies give veterinary technicians recognition for having advanced education, training and experience in an area of specialization,” stated Amy Butzier, CVT, Chair of the NAVTA Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties (CVTS).  “We are pleased to now recognize the Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians for those veterinary technicians with specialized knowledge in the surgical field of veterinary medicine.”

The Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians (AVST) will create a standardized route through which technicians may qualify for a national examination to become a Veterinary Technician Specialist, or VTS (Surgery).  A 2009 survey of veterinary professionals indicated the need for technicians with advanced knowledge in many areas related to surgery.  “As veterinary knowledge and skills have expanded, so has the need for trained technical support,” said Teri Raffel, Secretary of the AVST.  “Veterinary technicians play an integral role in the care of perioperative veterinary patients,” added Heidi Reuss-Lamky, President of the AVST. “Veterinary technicians must not only understand sophisticated soft tissue and orthopedic surgical procedures, but also must possess advanced knowledge in areas such as anatomy and physiology, equipment/instrument care and maintenance, principles of asepsis, wound management, and diagnostic imaging techniques.  Furthermore, surgical patients often require postoperative support such as coaptation or rehabilitation.  A highly skilled technical staff assures that perioperative surgical patients receive a level of care commensurate to the surgical procedure performed.”   The Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians encourages experienced surgical technicians to enhance their education and training by pursuing a surgical specialty. Veterinary technicians interested in learning the specific criteria involved in pursuing a surgical technician specialty should contact Teri Raffel at raffelteri@gmail.com or Heidi Reuss-Lamky at frzbdogmom@aol.com. 

The NAVTA Committee on Veterinary Technicians Specialties (CVTS) was formed in 1994 and is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association. CVTS provides guidelines to veterinary technician organizations to facilitate the formation of a specialty organization. Academies develop advanced pathways which a candidate must follow and complete in order to be awarded the designation of VTS (Veterinary Technician Specialist) in their specific discipline.  Current specialties recognized by NAVTA are:  dentistry, anesthesia, emergency and critical care, behavior, equine, zoology, and internal medicine, with subspecialties of neurology, small animal medicine, large animal medicine, cardiology and oncology.  

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America is a nonprofit organization that represents and promotes the profession of Veterinary Technology. NAVTA provides direction, education, support and coordination for its members. Incorporated in 1981, NAVTA is the national organization devoted exclusively to developing and enhancing the profession of veterinary technology.  For more information about NAVTA and the veterinary technician specialties, visit their website at www.navta.net.

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 PABS, Pet Anti-Breeding System for your female dogs

Every year millions of dogs are put down in U.S. Shelters due to
overpopulation. You won't believe what a Louisiana man invented to help
stop this pet problem. I thought you might be interested in this very
interesting pet story.

PABS, Pet Anti-Breeding System, is commonly referred to as a Pet
Chastity Belt- which covers and protects your four-legged female
friend's reproductive parts to prevent unwanted breeding. It's a great
alternative to spaying you pup, perfect for pet breeders and show dog
owners. PABS allows animals to perform their normal bodily functions -
and is easily removable and machine washable.

Your furry friend's life does not have to be put on hold every time they
go into heat, this pet chastity belt allow then to continue as normal!
If you love taking man's best friend to the dog park, you'll want to
make sure you have a PABS securely fastened on them to protect your
pooch. www.PabsforPets.com

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Pet Obesity

Obesity is a growing problem.  And one that has a trickle down effect – from humans to Huskies.  Statistics indicate that as many as 25 – 30% North Americans are obese, and our pets are taking after us.

A fat dog is an unhealthy dog, one more prone to diabetes, heart disease, joint problems and a host of other conditions that can make life harder, if not shorter.

How do we replace canine “fatness” with fitness?  Renowned pet wellness expert and nutritional biochemist Franco Cavaleri, BSc., says the onus is on the pet owner.   “With dogs, there are no issues of will power or motivation.    Humans have complete control over as well as responsibility for the quality and quantity of what they eat, as well as a huge influence on exercise.”

The solution, according to Cavaleri, is a combination of a better, more nutrient-dense diet, appropriate supplements that restore metabolic efficiency, and exercise.  Cavaleri advocates a grain-free diet that maximizes whole meat sources.  He has developed a line of supplements for BiologicVet (www.biologicvet.net) that replace the essential fatty acids missing from most commercial pet foods and help to jumpstart dogs’ natural fat-regulating mechanisms.  (Processing, storage and other factors diminish the potency and bioavailability of these and other nutrients in pet foods.)

For humans, having an exercise buddy is great motivation, not to mention more fun.  For dogs, it is absolutely critical.  Cavaleri suggest variable terrain walks done at varied paces.  These will not only burn calories but will help build and maintain muscle.

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FEBRUARY IS PET DENTAL MONTH!

Clean teeth and fresh breath made easy
Breakthrough pet products fight periodontal disease
 without brushing or a trip to the vet

According to American Veterinary Medical Association, periodontal disease is the number one disease among both dogs and cats. Left unchecked, it can even threaten a pet’s life. Yet less than 20 percent of dog and cat owners take their pet to the vet for dental care or routinely brush their pets’ teeth.
 
That’s because most oral care products require the use of a toothbrush, which is a nuisance for both owners and pets. And although it is a very common and statistically safe process, many pet owners are concerned about having their pet's teeth cleaned at a veterinary clinic because they usually anesthetize pets. That’s why every pet parent is sure to appreciate TropiClean fresh breath made easy!™ – a new generation of safe, natural products designed to make pet oral
care exceptionally easy.
 
“Many pet owners are unaware that one of the first warning signs of periodontal disease is bad breath,” said Darin Kassebaum, Director of Marketing at TropiClean. “Our hope with fresh breath made easy! is to make dental care an easy part of their daily routine.”
 
These four uniquely effective products are designed to promote cleaner, healthier teeth as well as freshening the breath.
 
    -      Apply a dab of CLEAN TEETH GEL directly to the pet’s teeth to remove built-up plaque and tartar within thirty days, without brushing. It features a “touch-free” applicator tip so no finger or toothbrush is required.
    -      Add a teaspoon of WATER ADDITIVE to the pet’s water bowl to maintain optimal oral health while eliminating bad breath for up to 12 hours.
    -      Between meals, the chewy texture of fresh breath made easy! DENTAL TREATS helps cleans teeth down to the gums.
    -      When company’s coming, a quick spritz of fresh breath made easy! Fresh Mint FOAM instantly kills the germs that cause bad pet breath. ­
 

These products are proudly made in the USA by TropiClean, a leading provider of innovative pet grooming products for over twenty years. Like all TropiClean products, every item in this new line is veterinarian recommended and approved.
 
The suggested retail price for these products ranges from $5.99 for the Treats up to $14.99 for the Gel. TropiClean fresh breath made easy! products can be found in independent pet stores, finer online retailers, and at Petco outlets nationwide.  For details, visit www.tropiclean.net.

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 Shower your Pup with Kisses
Stella & Chewy’s Introduces Wild Alaskan Salmon Carnivore Kisses:
 The Perfect Kiss for Valentine’s Day
 

Stella & Chewy’s has kisses of all flavors to give dogs what they crave. Now one more enticing flavor has been added to the Carnivore Kisses line, and it’s perfectly pink for Valentine’s Day.  Stella & Chewy’s introduces Wild Alaskan Salmon Carnivore Kisses, for a bite-sized Valentine’s Day gift that will have your dog giving you back kisses of her own.
 
Stella & Chewy’s, a natural, raw pet food company that’s serious about dog nutrition, continues to produce all-natural foods and treats that are nutritious and tasty for dogs and cats. The newest product, 100% Wild Alaskan Salmon Carnivore Kisses, is an addition to the company’s line of other Carnivore Kisses, including beef, bison, chicken, and duck. With a pink label, these new Carnivore Kisses are the perfect way to melt your dog’s heart, while keeping it healthy.
 
The Wild Alaskan Salmon Carnivore Kisses are comprised of one ingredient—salmon – right from the ocean. There are no added grains, fillers, hormones or antibiotics, artificial preservatives, colorings, sugars, or salt. The treats, made with diced 100% raw salmon, are freeze-dried to lock in the nutrition and flavor. Through the freeze-drying process, the moisture is removed from the raw meat without cooking, thus the nutritional value of the raw meat is retained.
 
The makers of Stella & Chewy’s believe that dogs deserve to be spoiled every day of the year and should thrive on pure, simple, minimally processed food – the way nature intended.  On Valentine’s Day, a little extra spoiling is ok, so give them something they’ll love. Look for Wild Alaskan Salmon Carnivore Kisses Treats, at $9.99-$10.99 per package, at a fine independent retailer near you. Visit www.stellaandchewys.com <http://www.stellaandchewys.com>  or call 888-477-8977 for more information or to find out about the company’s full line of products.
 

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 Valentine’s Day Pet Recipe:
Valentines Liver Nibbles

 
This recipe uses heart-shaped or other cookie cutters to make pretty treats as a gift for your pet - or his or her boyfriends and girlfriends - for Valentine’s Day or other special occasions.
 
Ingredients
1 lb Fresh Raw Chicken Liver, preferably organic
3 Free Range Eggs
¼ Cup Canola or other vegetable oil.
2 Cups Instant Quinoa Flakes
1 Tbsp Applesauce 
¼ cup dried Cranberries or Blueberries
1 Clove Fresh Garlic, crushed
1 Tsp of Dried Basil
Filtered Water sufficient to make a batter
 
What To Do
Process the liver in a blender or food processor, until completely pureed.
Beat the eggs in a bowl and pour in the oil. Add the liver. Mix in the dry ingredients slowly, stirring continuously so they are thoroughly combined. Add water gradually, until you have a ‘batter’ consistency. Pour this batter into a flat 1 ½ to 2” cake  tin. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.
Cool in the tin until able to be handled, then gently turn the ”cake” out onto a rack and refrigerate to cool completely.  Use heart-shaped or other cookie cutters to gently press out individual shapes.

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 PETFINDER.COM PROVIDES TIPS FOR KEEPING PETS SAFE IN EXTREME COLD WEATHER

As frigid temperatures sweep over many parts of the country, it is critical for pet parents to take the appropriate measures in keeping their pets warm and safe. Below are some tips from Petfinder.com, the largest online database of adoptable pets and the No. 1 pet-related site on the Web.

• After a walk, remove any ice or snow from your pet’s paws and towel him / her off to avoid a chill.
• Make sure your pet has plenty of high-quality protein if he / she is outside - staying warm burns more calories.
• Always give the hood of your car a sharp knock before starting the engine. Cats and other small animals sometimes climb up under the hood of a car to get warm. The noise will wake them up and give them time to escape.
• Never leave your pet in a car in cold weather. Your car is like a refrigerator and may cause hypothermia.
• Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep.
• Never use metal water bowls outside. When it is cold, your pet’s tongue may stick to the metal. Check water frequently to ensure it has not frozen.
• Save that shaved look for warm weather. A dog can use a bit of a fur coat when temperatures dip.

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 Winter Skin-Care Tips for Dogs

Tips from American Humane and “Happy Dog: Caring for Your Dog’s Body, Mind and Spirit”

to Keep Your Dog’s Skin and Coat Healthy This Winter

With winter comes snow, mud and dirty dogs! Take care of your pet’s skin and coat with the following winter care tips from the American Humane Association:

1.      All dogs (except for the truly hairless breeds) require frequent brushing regardless of coat type. Brushing is very important to your dog’s health and happiness. Brushing stimulates the skin by removing dead skin flakes, encourages natural oil production, removes irritating debris and encourages blood flow to the skin. It also uncovers skin and coat troubles, such as dandruff, parasites or dry or brittle fur, which may indicate an illness. Failing to brush your dog regularly may result in mats, which breed bacteria and infections and can be very painful for your dog.

2.      Dogs should be bathed regularly. Brushing before a bath is recommended, as it breaks down dirt, grime and debris so the shampoo will clean more effectively (and it might also relax the dog). Don’t wash dogs outside; the frigid water from a garden hose is extremely uncomfortable and can make them sick.

3.      Treat your dog to a visit with a professional groomer periodically. Dogs with coats that need regular trimming -- such as poodles and Shih Tzus -- can be professionally groomed every four to six weeks. Many mixed-breed dogs and those with multi-length coats -- such as golden retrievers, many spaniels and sheep dogs -- can get a professional grooming every six to 12 weeks. Dogs with uniform-length coats -- such as Labs, and beagles -- can visit a professional every 12 to 16 weeks, but can get by with home brushings. A professional can identify and remove mats safely. In addition, nail clipping, ear-hair removal and anal-sac expression are safer when performed by a trained professional. Professional groomers also have the tools and experience to safely cut and style your dog’s coat.

4.      Inspect your dog’s ears frequently. Clean inside the ear only when you see dirt, wax or debris. Use an unexpired canine ear-wash solution and cotton balls to clean the ear (do not use cotton swabs). Squirt the solution into the dog’s ear canal and massage the base of the ear canal for 20 seconds. Then use cotton balls to remove the wax, but only as far down as you can see. Stop immediately if your dog cries, bites or exhibits any sign of pain.

5.      Perform inspections of your dog’s skin and coat. Because your dog is covered in fur that can hide medical and grooming problems, you should inspect every inch of the skin and coat with your eyes and fingers. Regular brushing will make the inspection easier because dirt, mats and tangles won’t get in your way. Look for any changes or abnormalities, such as bites, parasites, injuries, lumps or changes in the skin's color or texture.

6.      Remember, it’s cold outside! Dogs with short hair and dogs that get cold easily should wear coats or sweaters while on a walk to keep them warm. You can also cover their feet with booties to protect their pads from salt or chemical de-icers. Wipe off any salt that might get on their stomach to keep them from licking it off.

Some of the information in this press release was taken from “Happy Dog: Caring for Your Dog’s Body, Mind and Spirit” by Billy Rafferty and Jill Cahr. For every copy sold at www.happydogland.com or www.barkerandmeowsky.com, $1 will be donated to American Humane. For more information about the book, you can also visit http://www.americanhumane.org/protecting-animals/happy-dog.html.

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iPHONE USERS

Just in time for the Chinese New Year comes Lucky Day for iPhone/iPod Touch ($1.99) from Silver Lining Ideas, Inc.  This new app puts a new spin on the classic Magic 8 Ball concept as Ka Ching the Panda invites you to shake your iPhone and make a wish or ask a question.  Users can also win prizes if they figure out how to enter Ka Ching's secret room.

While Lucky Day may or may not make your wish come true, it will certainly give you better karma because Silver Lining Ideas is donating 25% of revenues to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), which  is mounting an emergency animal relief mission in response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti.  As we all know, the humanitarian relief effort is well under way.  But many animals are also suffering, so IFAW is partnering with WSPA (World Society for the Protection of Animals) to mount a coordinated animal relief response.  The IFAW team will soon deploy to begin treating critically injured animals...vaccinating them against deadly diseases like rabies and leptospirosis and distributing food, water, and basic medical care.

So as you can see, Lucky Day might make your wish come true, or it might just give you a better day, knowing that you have donated a small amount to help better the lives of animals in need.

If you want more information on this new iPhone app, a promo code to check it out for free, artwork, or anything else, please visit:
http://appsto.re/lucky_day 
or
www.silverliningideas.com
or
http://tinyurl.com/ybpj3d9

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NEWS FROM GUIDEPOSTS MAGAZINE ABOUT THE SWINE FLU RISK IN ANIMALS

Good news. According to the ASPCA dogs have little chance of contracting swine flu. Experts are continuously keeping an eye on the situation for any changes.

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