four paws pimple ball recall

Just a quick note to let you know about an important recall from Four Paws. Four Paws, who offer a full line of dog and cat products are best known for their Wee Wee pads for puppies.

They have issued their own recall of the Four Paws Pimple Ball with Bell toys which recently resulted in the the amputation of a dog’s tongue. Due to an apparent design flaw, the second hole in the toy is sometimes missing or covered up resulting in a suction effect and in this case resulted in the amputation of the dog’s tongue.

The company has personally addressed the issue with the dog’s family and the Executive VP is heading to the manufacturing facility to address quality control issues. While Four Paws is under no legal obligation to recall the products, it appears they are being proactive and socially conscious.

If you would like to read more information on the situation here is an article from the Sun Sentinel in South Florida. And here is a link to the Four Paws website with refund information.

If you have this toy - take it away from your pup immediately and return it to Four Paws for a replacement.

now you can give your dog a pill (and then a bone)

Convincing my dog, Henry that taking a glucosamine and chondroitin tablet will be beneficial to his health was really futile. Upon my vet’s recommendation, I was to give my labs, Henry and Jess pills to promote flexible joints and seeing as labs are notorious for having hip dysplasia, I obliged. I searched for supplements that would be easy for them to eat - powder, perhaps? I found gel caps and time-release ones but no powder. I finally tried GNC and they had tablets but they also had something called a tablet splitter or crusher. For $5.99 you can split a pill in half or crush it completely. Place the pill in the top half to cut in half (watch out for the open razor). Unscrew the top half, put the pill in and screw it back on for crushing. Storage is in the bottom.

After extensive testing in Henry’s Lab, we found this to be a fantastic product (just don’t let the kids get a hold of it because of the razor). it even has a chamber to store the tablets if you need to take them on vacation. An excellent product with a great price and widely available.

Henry’s Lab Ranking:

top 10 must have’s for new dog owners

There is a maze of products out there for new puppy owners but here are the top ten most needed for your new pup and your sanity!

10) Chew toys. The first thing those little darlings want to do each day is play and chew. From furniture to ankles, they will bat around and bite anything in their way. A good quality, interesting chew toy is an essential. I have found that the Planet Dog (www.planetdog.com) toys are especially durable, bouncy and minty, too! They have a wide selection in various interesting shapes - strawberry & artichoke to name just a few. who knew!  And they are 100% recyclable and eco-friendly.

9) Soft training treats. Soft training treats have a few advantages over regular treats 1) they are small enough to give repeatedly (and you’ll need that) 2) they are moist so he won’t wander off looking for a drink. The best I have found are Simon & Huey’s soft training treats (www.simonandhuey.com). All natural and human grade  - super tasty and super healthy. 

Spot and Stain remover. Sorry but it’s necessary. Before you are able to train your dog to share their excitement outside, they will share it inside - invevitably on your favorite rug. I found that good, old Resolve Spot and Stain remover is the best. It even gets out stains you didn’t get to immediately (behind the sofa?). Don’t forget to blot and not rub.

7) Healthy food. With all the food recalls last year, food manufacturers are getting better at regulating themselves but they have a long way to go. A listing of “by-product meal” can be any part of the chicken from feet to intestines. I found some exceptionally healthy food through a company called Pet Lane.

6) Dog shampoo. Not people shampoo but dog shampoo. People shampoo is PH balanced for people and not for dogs and it can dry out and damage your dog’s skin. The resulting itchiness can cause scratching and irritation and set the stage for bacterial infections. So wash that muddy puppy but use the right shampoo - I like Happytails sparkle & shine shampoo (www.happytailsspa.com) - their products are all natural and luxurious.

5) Good scooper. It’s a necessity. I tried buying lots of cheap, plastic ones but once I spent a few extra dollars on a metal/wood one, I was sold. I have been using it for years now and it hasn’t let me down (nor broken my back). The Scoop Pooper by Flexrake has served me well - each and every day. I use the scoop & spade. Find it at www.petsmart.com.

4) Training classes. Don’t wait until your puppy is 4-5 months old to learn the best ways to train him. You will want to understand a dog’s perspective from the very beginning. I unexpectedly found exceptional training at my local PetSmart but have also heard excellent success with Bark Busters (www.barkbusters.com) - great for behavioral issues at any age, too.

3) Crate and blanket. While I loathed the idea of putting my dog in a crate (or “cage”) it really is necessary for your sanity and for their happiness. My dogs loved it and really considered it home. Besides being an effective housebreaking tool (because dog’s are generally reluctant to have accidents where they sleep), it can also help to reduce separation anxiety, prevent destructive behavior (such as chewing furniture) and to keep a puppy away from potentially dangerous household items (i.e., poisons, electrical wires, etc.). Be sure to choose one that will grow with your dog. And don’t forget - never use it for punishment.

2) Training booklet - While there is a vast array of training books on the market, which, if you’re like me, you don’t have the time to read all 300 pages, I found a 23 page booklet loaded with pertinent and concise information. Way To Go! by Patricia McConnell (www.patriciamcconnell.com). A PHD certified applied animal behaviorist, Dr. McConnell has been working with treating serious behavioral problems since the eighties and now has a collection of useful booklets, DVD’s and more. She is truly an expert on the subject!

1) Taste deterrent. All the wood in my kitchen at ankle height has seen better days before the puppy chewing began. It’s partially a boredom thing and partially a teething thing and partially and new taste sensation for puppies but regardless, there had to be a better way. And there is…a bitter way to be exact - Grannick’s Bitter Apple (available at major retail stores, even Walmart). I’ll warn you, it doesn’t always work for everyone but our lab tests in Henry’s Lab had a tremendous success rate and showed that this is the one product most likely to deter your pups from chewing on your furniture - and even their own coat.

Don’t forget to see the Puppy Survival Kit in Henry’s Store for a great gift for yourself or a friend who is a new puppy owner! It’s chock full of the perfect (and necessary) products - you’ll thank me later.

Check out some other great top ten lists (like Top 10 Smartest Dogs and Top 10 Most Dog Friendly Cities in America) at toptenz.net.

Henry’s Lab - Dry Dog Instant Clean

Here’s what Boo Boo & Lily’s Mom had to say about testing out Happytails Dry Dog Instant Clean spray - it is just like it sounds - a “dry shampoo” for your pup:

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“We tried the Doggie Instant Clean on our dogs, Boo Boo & Lily and it was great. It made their coats very shiny and great smelling, but for a deep cleaning all the way to the skin, I would still do a full blown bath with shampoo and water. The Instant Clean was great for a quick spruce-up job, like when you don’t have time for a regular bath, have company coming, and your dogs smell “less than wonderful”. I even had someone comment on how shiny their coats looked after using the Instant Clean, which was very nice. The scent is great too. We all highly reccommend it!”

Boo Boo & Lily’s Mom, Lora.

Henry’s Lab Ranking:
    

what can I do about my overweight dog?

According to Parade.com “experts say that nearly 45% of all pets in the US are overweight and at risk for health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, high blood pressure and cancer.” There can be many reasons for dogs to be overweight but there are some simple things you can do to help change the situation. Some may seem obvious but they do work.

1) Cut down on the dog food.
Some overweight dogs, like people, have slow metabolisms - and then again, some are just lazy (and we love them for it!). But cutting down on their food and feeding them weight control dog food can be all it takes to put them back on track. Be sure you measure their dog food each time you serve up. Also, check out the Dog Pause dog bowl reviewed in Henry’s Lab for help in slowing your dog down when he eats.

2) Use vegetables for treats.
My dog, Jess loves carrots. My dog, Henry loves green beans. I didn’t know until Jess was 25 pounds overweight and I offered her carrots and she loves them! They are crunchy, chilled and delicious. Why not?  

3) Take your dog for a walk.
Obvious, but necessary. Dogs don’t usually exercise on their own so you need to help them get going. Go play in the park, take them on a run, or just chase them around the house. You should aim for getting your dog to play for around 30 minutes twice a day (or as much as you can). It’s also good for your health!

4) Don’t feed your dog from the dinner table.
Encourage them to stay in another room with their favorite blanket or toy. You will be less tempted to share and your dog can’t give you those big eyes.

My Jess was 25 pounds overweight and I followed these steps and I’m happy to say she is now at fighting weight! There isn’t always a complicated answer to overweight dog issues - sometimes it’s just a bit of common sense.

And don’t forget to give your dog lots of love - much better than treats.