"In the 40 years since the introduction of high-fructose corn syrup as a cost-effective sweetener in the American diet, rates of obesity in the U.S. have skyrocketed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 1970, around 15 percent of the U.S. population met the definition for obesity; today, roughly one-third of the American adults are considered obese, the CDC reported. High-fructose corn syrup is found in a wide range of foods and beverages, including fruit juice, soda, cereal, bread, yogurt, ketchup and mayonnaise. On average, Americans consume 60 pounds of the sweetener per person every year."They also go on to say that the molecular structure of corn syrup combined with the manufacturing process sends the corn syrup directly to body fat instead of being metabolized as a carbohydrate, even when you compare corn syrup to other sugars. The study also reveals that corn syrup contributes to higher triglicerides.
"These rats aren't just getting fat; they're demonstrating characteristics of obesity, including substantial increases in abdominal fat and circulating triglycerides," said Princeton graduate student Miriam Bocarsly. "In humans, these same characteristics are known risk factors for high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, cancer and diabetes."According to Amy Attas, V.M.D of Webvet, 44% of dogs in this country are considered overweight, including 10% that were obese. This is seen as a rising problem with many contributors. We've all heard this for some time. Now check out this list. This is not a comprehensive list by any means, nor did I exhaustively include all ingredient statements:
"Consider a pair of cats that I treated two nights ago at the emergency hospital. The owner had purchased Sergeant’s topical flea control for them and her dog. She had applied the properly sized feline product on each cat. She had applied the appropriate canine product to the dog. None of the animals consumed the products orally. She thought she would save some money by using a cheaper product.
All three animals rapidly developed tremors (progressing to seizures in the cats), disorientation, and irregular behavior. The dog improved and was able to go home after the family veterinarian bathed him in dish soap. The cats were not so lucky. Despite bathing and clipping hair that was coated with the poison, both cats continued to suffer from symptoms. One cat had a nasty blister at the application site. Both cats required hospitalization, IV fluids, intensive care monitoring, and regular injections of muscle relaxants, sedatives, and anti-seizure medicines.
I expect all three animals to survive. When my shift ended the owner’s total veterinary bills were $2,600 and counting. So much for saving money.
Like every owner in this situation, she felt extremely guilty and very angry. She had no idea that Sergeant’s was so dangerous. I have seen dozens of similar cases. In every one of these cases the affected animals experienced adverse reactions far worse than I have ever seen from Advantage or Frontline."Dr. Barchas explains that while Frontline and Advantix and other veterinary products are designed act on nerve cells that only fleas or other arthropods possess. On the other hand, products available in grocery stores and other chains contain pyrethrins or pyrethroids, which are toxic to all creatures, they're just more toxic to smaller animals, which means it'll kill your fleas and ticks before it kills your cat. But you're still poisoning your animals. I wish someone had told me this before I used that stuff on my babies!
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is pursuing a series of actions to increase the safety of spot-on pesticide products for flea and tick control for cats and dogs. Immediately, EPA will begin reviewing labels and determining which ones need stronger and clearer labeling statements. EPA will also develop more stringent testing and evaluation requirements for both existing and new products. EPA expects these steps will help prevent adverse reactions from pet spot-on products.
EPA is coordinating with Health Canada and with the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine on these actions."Dr. Barchas notes that they don't name names, but he is confident that the problem lies with Hartz and Seargant's products and given my experience, I am as well. He also notes this action doesn't seem strong enough. So, if the EPA won't ban these products, at least we can educate ourselves about them. And tell other people about the dangers of these products. Because no one who loves their pets would ever intentionally poison them!
How does it work? It is a powder that you put on the dog's food or water daily. It "eliminates tear stains in 3-4 weeks."
"Real Ham Bone for Dogs could be a real problem: Dogs are reported to be sickened or killed after ingesting Dynamic Pet Products’ “Real Ham Bone for Dogs,” carrying the Frick’s Quality Meats label. According to the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, the Better Business Bureau of St. Louis has issued an alert saying the treats, made from 8-inch smoked pork femur bones, are splintering, creating intestinal blockages and death.
According to the BBB, a veterinarian who surgically removed bone fragments from one of the dogs said, “Things like this shouldn’t happen. If you can’t say it’s safe, it probably isn’t something you should have in stores.”ConsumerAffairs.com has received similar complaints. The bones are sold in stores such as Dollar General, as well as supermarkets nationwide. Where is the FDA, you ask? They are looking into it. Meanwhile, the company in question is quoted in a post from omidog saying, well, you can read it here:
The company said Thursday it was saddened to learn of the illnesses and deaths of customers’ pets, and that quality and safety remain priorities. The packaging contains a warning about the product not being for all dogs, and the possibility that it could splinter.If you have any of these treats in your home, you might want to consider not feeding them to your dogs and taking them back to the store."
"That is why every package contains a label that provides detailed instructions to owners on how they can help their pets best enjoy our products,” the company said in a statement. “We strongly encourage owners to supervise their pets with any treats or snacks.”
Hey Everyone!
"To make pets and pet owners happier while enhancing your business, please tell your people about Pethoven. Pethoven is music specially written and recorded for pets with more than 20 years of worldwide testimonials of appreciation. For a free preview go to iTunes.com and type in Pethoven."
"Pethoven is beautiful music uniquely composed and recorded in a special for way for Pets and their owners/parents. I created 12 songs first as music is normally composed and recorded. Then I went back to compose and record the same melodies and harmonies two, three, and sometimes four octaves above the normal level. This makes Pethoven special in that it is written and recorded in layered high frequencies that are pleasing to people and attractive and/or attentive to most pets.... Sincerely, Joe Procopio"I have to admit that I all of this piqued my curiosity so I went to iTunes and sampled a few of the songs. Sam and Hannah didn't seem to care too much about it. And while I'm not endorsing this music or even considering carrying it in our store, I have to admit that I am curious to know what your dogs think. Check it out on iTunes or Amazon and let us know!
Fayetteville pet food bank taking donations
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