Pet treats may be contaminated with Salmonella

The Food and Drug Administration has issued an alert warning consumers to dispose of pig ears and beef hooves from Pet Carousel because of potential Salmonella contamination. PetSmart recalled two Pet Carousel products in response to the situation.

Pet Carousel distributed the potentially contaminated pig ears and beef hooves nationwide for sale in pet food and retail chain stores. The company sells pig ears under the brand names of Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel. The company sells beef hooves under the brand names of Choo Hooves, Dentley's, Doggie Delight, and Pet Carousel.

In September, the FDA detected Salmonella organisms during routine testing of pig ears from Pet Carousel. The finding prompted an FDA inspection of the company's manufacturing facilities. Further testing detected Salmonella organisms in beef hooves, pig ears, and the manufacturing environment. According to the FDA, Pet Carousel manufactured the pig ears and beef hooves under conditions that facilitate cross-contamination within batches or lots.

The FDA has not received any reports of illness in association with these products.
PetSmart's recall of Pet Carousel products applies only to Dentley's Bulk Cattle Hoof, bar code 73725703323, and Dentley's 10 Pack Beef Hooves, bar code 73725736055, that customers purchased between Oct. 2 and Nov. 3. Customers can return the products to any PetSmart store for a complete refund or exchange.

Screening a potential pet sitter

Last-minute travel plans are stressful enough, but finding someone to tend to your pet can add another level of anxiety.

Start with a recommendation from a friend, neighbor, veterinarian, humane society or dog trainer. Make sure your chosen pet sitter is affiliated with a professional pet sitting organization or has solid references. Once you have made a list of trustworthy and reliable sitters in your area, the next step is to call and interview candidates over the phone.

Ask what they charge, how long the visits are, if they are bonded and insured, and if they have any special skills, such as caring for birds or reptiles or veterinary experience. When calling an agency, find out how many pet sitters they employ and their days of operation. Inquire whether they charge extra during the holidays. And make sure you ask them to bring references if you decide you want to meet them in person.

Dr. Jennifer Kim and baby Kaitlyn stopped to visit us! They are both doing very well. Kaitlyn will be 6 months old December 12th.

Three things that facilitate longevity and comfort in your pet

*Nutrition
Feeding a good quality food that is appropriately formulated for your pets life stage and size is a very important consideration to keeping your cat or dog healthy and living comfortably. Nutrition in our pets has all the same benefits that eating mindfully have for us. Lean meats, fruits and vegetables, grains and lowfat dairy products are all components of a healthy diet for humans. We have faith in the pet food manufacturers that invest in nutritional research that provides our pets with nutritionally viable and complete diets for youth, adult and senior maintenance as well as addressing the specific nutritional needs of patients who suffer from a variety of diseases.

*Healthy weight
Feeding your dog or cat the right portion of food daily to maintain a healthy body condition where ribs are easily felt but not seen, and where a waist line is appreciated. Overweight or obese animals suffer all the same ailments that we as people suffer when we are heavier than we should be. Common ailments are diabetes, joint disease, heart and lung disease and problems with gastrointestinal function. All of the discomfort and expense related to these problems can be avoided by feeding an appropriate portion of food and if you notice your pets weight increasing talk to a veterinary health professional about how to reduce calorie intake to promote weight loss and then maintenance.

*Preventative care
Taking your pet to see a veterinarian on an annual or semi-annual basis and keeping your pet current on preventative care such as vaccinations, deworming, heartworm prevention, proper grooming, skin and ear care, fecal and bloodwork exams and dental care is a great way to facilitate your pets good health and most importantly maximize their comfort and quality of life.

If you have questions about how to provide these three basic concepts to your pet, we welcome your interest in your pets health and would be glad to answer questions or help you come up with a plan that meets your pets needs as well as your own.

Claim your pooch

This past July, US State Rep Thaddeus McCotter proposed the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) act, allowing pet owners to deduct up to a maximum of $3500 per year for pets’ expenses, including veterinary care. If passed, pet owners would be able to claim their pet(s) in the 2010 tax year. Under this legislation a pet is any legally owned, domestic animal.

To support this bill, write to your MD State Representative, Roscoe Bartlett.

Contact Congressman Bartlett
Washington, D.C. Office Information
2412 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-2006
Phone Number: 202-225-2721
Fax Number: 202-225-2193
To e-mail him, use the form: http://bartlett.house.gov/Email_Roscoe/

To read the bill, visit http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3501:

Curious to know what is in your mixed breed dog?

We now can analyze you dog's DNA to detect breeds in its genetic makeup. The Wisdom Panel is an in-depth breed analysis that examines over 300 sites along your pet's DNA. Just a blood sample will profile your dog's historical background, physical traits and breed-assoicated behaviors. This genetic information will also help you work with your veterinarian to provide the best possible care for your dog.


If you are curious about your dog, just ask a Kingsbrook Animal Hospital staff member about The Wisdom Panel.

My Dog Lives Here

My dog lives here, he's here to stay.
You don’t like pets, be on your way.
He shares my home, my food, my space
This is his home, this is his place.

You will find dog hair on the floor,
He will alert you’re at the door.
He may request a little pat,
A simple “no” will settle that.

It gripes me when I hear you say
“just how is it you live this way?
He smells, he sheds, he's in the way….”
WHO ASKED YOU? Is all I can say….

He loves me more than anyone,
My voice is like the rising sun,
He merely has to hear me say
“C’mon Mason, time to play.”

Then his tail wags and his face grins,
He bounces and hops and makes a din.
He never says “no time for you”,
he's always there, to GO and DO.

And if I’m sad? He's by my side
And if I’m mad? He circles wide
And if I laugh, he laughs with me
He understands, he always sees.

So once again, I say to you
Come visit me, but know this too….

My dog lives here, he's here to stay.
You don’t like pets, be on your way.
He shares my home, my food, my space
This is his home, this is his place.


Author Unknown