AKC Canine Health Foundation Provides Dog Owners And The Veterinary Community With Improved Methods For Preventing And Treating Epilepsy In Dogs

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) has taken a major step to better understand epilepsy in dogs with the launch of an Epilepsy Research Initiative. The Initiative will provide dog owners and the veterinary community with improved methods for preventing and treating epilepsy in dogs.

 The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) has taken a major step to better understand epilepsy in dogs with the launch of an Epilepsy Research Initiative. The goal of the Initiative is to provide dog owners and the veterinary community with improved methods for preventing and treating epilepsy in dogs.

Epilepsy research has been articulated by dog clubs, owners and veterinarians as an unmet need in the field of canine health. The seizure-related syndromes collectively known as epilepsy represent the most common neurological disorders in dogs. Data indicates that half of all dogs diagnosed with epilepsy are not able to achieve relief from seizures with the current drug therapies available, and current treatment options also carry possible negative side-effects.

According to Dr. Shila Nordone, CHF Chief Scientific Officer, “The Initiative aims to fund research grants that will better classify the disease, provide a more thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms that predispose dogs to epilepsy, and introduce new drugs into the canine epilepsy treatment pipeline.” Dr. Nordone goes on to state, “CHF strives to be responsive to donors, dog owners and the veterinary community and we expect this major, two-phase research effort to have a wide-ranging impact on not only canine epilepsy, but epilepsy in humans as well.”

A Request for Proposal (RFP) went out to the research community in March 2014. Proposals are currently under review with funding announcements expected later in 2014. In order to qualify for funding, scientists are expected to deliver tangible outcomes that will help bring an understanding about the causes of epilepsy, as well as identify additional treatment options. Collaboration among researchers is required to translate results from bench to bedside as rapidly as possible.

Dog owners who have been impacted by epilepsy can access free resources on CHF’s website. Understanding Canine Epilepsy is a comprehensive, peer reviewed white paper on the current state of epilepsy research. This valuable resource, which includes a seizure diary, is ideal for pet owners and for veterinarians to distribute to clients. Also available on the CHF website is What to do if Your Dog Has a Seizure, which provides detailed information on what to do during and after your dog has a seizure.

CHF is grateful to the following dog clubs for their support of the Initiative:

Lead Epilepsy Initiative Sponsors ($25,000 - $49,999):
Giant Schnauzer Club of America
United States Australian Shepherd Foundation/USASA

Charter Epilepsy Initiative Sponsors ($10,000 - $24,999):
American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club Charitable Trust
Australian Shepherd Health & Genetics Institute
English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association Foundation
German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America
Keeshond Club of America
Toby's Foundation

Epilepsy Initiative Sponsors ($2,500 - $9,999):
American Belgian Tervuren Club
American Pointer Club
Field Spaniel Society of America
Irish Water Spaniel Club of America

For information on how you can support the Canine Epilepsy Initiative, please contact chfgrants(at)akcchf(dot)org.

CHF is a non-profit organization dedicated to funding research to prevent, treat and cure canine disease. Visit CHF online at http://www.akcchf.org for more information about the Foundation. Like CHF on Facebook, follow CHF on Twitter @CanineHealthFnd, or connect with CHF on LinkedIn.

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About CHF
The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping dogs live longer, healthier lives by funding research that helps prevent, treat, and cure canine disease. Established in 1995, CHF’s mission is to advance the health of all dogs and their owners by funding sound, scientific research and supporting the dissemination of canine health information. Through the generous support of the American Kennel Club, Nestlé Purina PetCare, Zoetis (formerly Pfizer Animal Health), dog clubs, and dog owners worldwide, CHF has dedicated more than $40 million to canine health research projects and education programs. Visit CHF online athttp://www.akcchf.org for more information.

Do You Know What A Yellow Dog Leash Means On A Dog

  Have you noticed people walking their dogs with a yellow ribbon tied to the leash? Do you know what these ribbons mean?

While the dogs might be patriotic, these ribbons aren't being used to show support for our troops. They serve as a warning that the dog at the end of the leash doesn't like to be approached and petted by strangers, and that you should keep your distance.

Of course it's always good to ask permission before petting someone's dog—yellow ribbon or not. Doing so is just one way to help prevent some of the estimated 4.5 million dog bites that happen every year in the United States.

This week (May 18-24) is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). With an estimated population of 70 million dogs living in U.S. households, millions of people – most of them children – are bitten by dogs every year. The majority of these bites are preventable.

Every day during National Dog Bite Prevention Week, the AVMA will be releasing a short, fun video with a tip on preventing dog bites. The first video, released Sunday, discusses the yellow ribbon campaign and stresses the importance of asking permission before petting someone's dog.

Monday's video serves as a reminder never to pet a dog over or through a fence, even if it's one you know. Future videos will address other bite risk scenarios such as dogs that are eating, dogs and postal workers, and more.

Visit the AVMA's website to learn more about dog bite prevention and access tools to help educate others so we can all work together to prevent dog bites. And subscribe to AVMA's YouTube channel for daily dog bite prevention videos all week, as well as other pet, vet and animal-related videos throughout the year.

For more information, or to set up interviews with veterinary experts on dog bites and dog behavior, contact Michael San Filippo, AVMA media relations assistant, at 847-285-6687 (office), 847-732-6194 (cell) or msanfilippo@avma.org.

The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world, with more than 85,000 member veterinarians engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. Visit the AVMA website at avma.org to learn more about veterinary medicine and animal care and to access up-to-date information on the association's issues, policies and activities.

Well Rachael Ray At It Again This Year With A $100K Challenge With 50 Different Animal Shelters Competing

ASPCA Kicks off 2014 Rachael Ray $100K Challenge This Sunday at Shelters Nationwide

Animal shelters compete for chance at $600,000 in prize grants for saving more animals.

 The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is gearing up for Sunday’s start of the 2014 ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge, where a total of $600,000 in prize grants is up for grabs to help shelters save more homeless cats and dogs.

The 50 contestants will work to save more animals during the months of June, July and August 2014 than they did over the same three-month period in 2013. Last year's competing shelters saved more than 56,000 cats and dogs during the contest, an increase of 12,050 over the same period in 2012.

"If you’re at all considering making a pet part of your family, then this contest – which will feature major adoption events and promotions in communities across the country for the next three months – is the perfect time to do just that," says Bert Troughton, vice president of Community Outreach at the ASPCA. "We’re gearing up for what we hope will be another record-breaking year, and the public will be an integral part of this life-saving mission."

The 50 contestants in the 2014 ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge are: 

•     Shelby Humane Society in Columbiana, Ala.
•      Pinal County Animal Care in Casa Grande, Ariz.
•     Arizona Humane Society in Phoenix, Ariz.
•     HALO Animal Rescue in Phoenix, Ariz.
•     Pima Animal Care Center in Tucson, Ariz.
•     Burbank Animal Shelter in Burbank, Calif.
•     Ventura County Animal Services in Camarillo, Calif.
•     City of Chico Animal Shelter in Chico, Calif.
•     Central California SPCA in Fresno, Calif.
•     Moreno Valley Animal Shelter in Moreno Valley, Calif.
•     City of Stockton Animal Services in Stockton, Calif.
•     Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region in Colorado Springs, Colo.
•     Foothills Animal Shelter in Golden, Colo.
•     First State Animal Center - SPCA, Delaware in Camden, Del.
•     Alachua County Animal Services in Gainesville, Fla.
•     Clay County Animal Care and Control in Green Cove Springs, Fla.
•     Osceola County Animal Services in St. Cloud, Fla.
•     Gwinnett County Animal Welfare & Enforcement in Lawrenceville, Ga.
•     Thomasville-Thomas County Humane Society, Inc. in Thomasville, Ga.
•     The Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago, Ill.
•     Humane Society Calumet Area in Munster, Ind.
•     Unleashed Pet Rescue and Adoption in Mission, Kan.
•     Coastal Humane Society in Brunswick, Maine
•     Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) in Baltimore, Md.
•     The Humane Society of Washington County, Inc. in Hagerstown, Md.
•     Humane Society of Charles County in Waldorf, Md.
•     Oakland County Animal Control & Pet Adoption Center in Auburn Hills, Mich.
•     Southern Pines Animal Shelter in Hattiesburg, Miss.
•     Kansas City Pet Project in Kansas City, Mo.
•     Animal Welfare Association in Voorhees, N.J.
•     Humane Society of Greater Dayton in Dayton, Ohio
•     Humane Society of Delaware County in Delaware, Ohio
•     The City of Oklahoma City Animal Welfare Division in Oklahoma City, Okla.
•     Greenhill Humane Society in Eugene, Ore.
•     Anderson County P.A.W.S. in Anderson, S.C.
•     Pet Helpers in Charleston, S.C.
•     Spartanburg Humane Society in Spartanburg, S.C.
•     McMinn Regional Humane Society in Athens, Tenn.
•     Williamson County Animal Control and Adoption Center in Franklin, Tenn.
•     Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County in Memphis, Tenn.
•     Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter in Georgetown, Texas
•     Houston Humane Society in Houston, Texas
•     City of Pasadena (TX) Animal Control and Adoption in Pasadena, Texas
•     San Antonio Animal Care Services in San Antonio, Texas
•     Lynchburg Humane Society in Lynchburg, Va.
•     Angels of Assisi in Roanoke, Va.
•     Everett Animal Shelter in Everett, Wash.
•     SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. in Spokane, Wash.
•     The NOAH Center in Stanwood, Wash.
•     Fox Valley Humane Association in Appleton, Wis.

The ASPCA and Rachael Ray will award a $100,000 grand prize to the shelter contestant that achieves the greatest increase in lives saved during this three-month period. The contestant that does the best job of engaging its community members in helping to save more animals will win $25,000. Those organizations that do the best in their divisions will be eligible for between $10,000 and $25,000 in additional grants. In total, $600,000 in grant funding will be awarded for increases in animal lives saved, as well as a photo contest and general participation.

All her life, Rachael Ray has been an advocate for animals and a supporter of animal welfare groups. Her love for animals and for her pit bull, Isaboo, inspired her to create a pet food called Nutrish® to raise money for animals in need. Ray donates her proceeds from the sale of Nutrish® to organizations like the ASPCA so they can implement programs like the $100K Challenge and support shelters and animal organizations around the country.

The ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge is a groundbreaking contest that challenges animal shelters across the country to come up with innovative ways to engage their communities and get more homeless cats and dogs into loving homes. For information about the 2014 ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge, please visithttp://www.aspca.org/100K.

About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visithttp://www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

About Rachael Ray
Rachael Ray is best known as the host of the hit syndicated Emmy Award winning daytime television show “Rachael Ray” produced by CBS Television Distribution in association with Harpo Productions, Scripps Networks and Watch Entertainment. Rachael's warmth, energy, and boundless curiosity also reach millions of fans through her popular Food Network shows, her lifestyle magazine Everyday with Rachael Ray, her bestselling cookbooks, her digital home base http://www.rachaelray.com, her signature line of cookware manufactured by Meyer, her meal transport products by RR Accessories and her pantry products by Colavita. In 2007, Rachael launched the Yum-o! organization, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering kids and their families to develop healthy relationships with food and cooking and in 2008 she partnered with Ainsworth Pet Nutrition to create a line of pet food with her proceeds being donated to organizations that help animals in need. For more information, visithttp://www.rachaelray.com.

About Rachael’s Rescue ™ and Nutrish
In 2008, Rachael Ray partnered with pet nutrition experts from Ainsworth Pet Nutrition to develop a line of food and treats for dogs called Rachael Ray Nutrish®, and in 2014 introduced Nutrish for Cats, a line of natural food for cats. Rachael Ray Nutrish® for dogs is designed to meet a variety of nutritional needs, from Super Premium natural nutrition (original Nutrish recipes), to limited ingredient nutrition (Nutrish Just 6), to grain-free recipes (Nutrish Zero Grain), as well as six flavors of natural Wet Foods for Dogs (Nutrish Naturally Delish) and Nutrish Treats for Dogs. Rachael Ray Nutrish® for cats is offered in both dry and wet formulas, with real meat like chicken or fish as the first ingredient in the recipes. Rachael’s proceeds from each sale are donated to organizations that help animals in need through Rachael’s RescueTM.

 I just love what this girl has done to help all of those poor animals over the years.

Thank you Rachael

Pet Center Inc Is Voluntarily Recalling Its 3 oz Bag Of Lamb Crunchy’s Dog Treats

Pet Center, Inc. Voluntary Recall of 3 oz bag of Lamb Crunchy’s Because of Possible Health Risk

 Pet Center, Inc of Los Angeles, CA. is voluntarily recalling its 3 oz bag of Lamb Crunchy’s dog treats (LAM-003) (UPC# 727348200038) with date code 122015 product of USA, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surface exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

This product was distributed to CA, WI, CO, and WA. to the following distributors; Gelson’s Market, General Pet, Nor-Sky Pet Supply, and Independent Pet.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Salmonella was detected by the State of Colorado, Department of Agriculture in a random sample.

Consumers who have purchased this product are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 800-390-0575 Monday-Friday between 7:30am through 4pm PST.

PetSmart And Petco Finally Will Stop Selling China Made Pet Treats

 When I read this article this morning I said to myself why did it take so long.

There were so many illnesses and deaths from these treats over the years and you wonder why.

So remember its buyer beware and start reading the labels when you’re buying treats and food for your dog or cat.   

Read the AP report it on Fox news.

Bravo Issues Nationwide Recall For Dog And Cat Food

 Bravo® Issues Nationwide Recall of Pet Food for Dogs and Cats

 Bravo is recalling select lots and product(s) of Bravo Pet Food because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

However, healthy cats and dogs rarely become sick from Listeria. Animals ill with Listeria will display symptoms similar to the ones listed above for humans. People who have concerns about whether their pet has Listeria should contact their veterinarian.

The recalled product was distributed nationwide to distributors, retail stores, internet retailers and directly to consumers. The product can be identified by the batch ID code (best used by date) printed on the side of the plastic tube or on a label on the box.

The recalled products are as follows:

1) These products are being recalled because they may have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! BEEF BLEND FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand) 
All 2lb., 5lb., and 10lb. tubes
Product Numbers: 52-102, 52-105, 52-110 
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier

PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! BEEF BLEND FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand) 
All 2lb., 5lb., and 10lb. tubes 
Product Numbers: 52-102, 52-105, 52-110 
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier

2) These products are being recalled out of an abundance of caution because while they did not test positive for pathogens, they were manufactured in the same manufacturing facility or on the same day as products that did test positive.

PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! LAMB BLEND FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand)
All 2lb., 5lb., and 10lb. tubes 
Product Numbers: 42-102, 42-105, 42-110
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier

PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! LAMB BASIC FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand) 
2lb. tubes 
Product Number: 42-202 
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier

PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! BEEF & BEEF HEART FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand)5lb. tubes 
Product Number: 53-130
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier

PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! 100% PURE & NATURAL PREMIUM GRASS-FED BUFFALO FOR DOGS AND CATS (Manufactured by: Bravo! Manchester, CT) 
NET WT 2LBS (32 OZ) .91KG (Tubes)
Product Number: 72-222 
Best Used By Date: 1/7/16

PRODUCT: BRAVO! TURKEY BALANCE FORMULA (Manufactured by: Bravo! Manchester, CT) 
NET WT 2 LBS (32 OZ) .09KG, Chub (tube)
Product Number: 31-402 
Best Used By Dates: 1/7/16 and 2/11/16

NET WT 5 LBS (80 OZ) 2.3KG, Chub (tube) 
Product Number: 31-405
Best Used By Dates: 1/7/16 and 2/11/16

PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! LAMB BLEND FOR DOGS AND CATS (Manufactured by: Bravo! Manchester, CT)
5 LBS (80 OZ) 2.3KG, Chub (tube)
Product Number: 42-105
Best Used By Date: 2/11/16

This voluntary recall has been issued because the FDA has reported an independent lab detected the bacteria in a sample during a recent review. The company has received a limited number of reports of dogs experiencing nausea and diarrhea that may be associated with these specific products. The company has received no reports of human illness as a result of these products.

Bravo discontinued all manufacturing in New Zealand on October 10, 2013. Bravo will immediately start working with distributors and retailers to properly dispose of any affected product left on freezer shelves. The company will also be announcing the recall to pet owners to ensure they dispose of any affected product that has been purchased.

Bravo is issuing this action out of an abundance of caution and sincerely regrets any inconvenience to pet owners as a result of this announcement.

The recalled product should not be sold or fed to pets. Pet owners who have the affected product at home should dispose of this product in a safe manner (example, a securely covered trash receptacle). They can return to the store where purchased and submit the Product Recall Claim Form available on the Bravo website www.bravopetfoods.com for a full refund or store credit. More information on the Bravo recall can also be found at www.bravopetfoods.com, or call toll free (866) 922-9222.

Animal Planet's Jackson Galaxy Joins The Save Them All Campaign

Jackson Galaxy, Star of Animal Planet’s ‘My Cat From Hell’ Lends His Support to Best Friends Animal Society's ‘Save Them All’ Campaign  


Star of “My Cat From Hell” on Animal Planet, Jackson Galaxy joins other celebrities in supporting national animal welfare organization Best Friends Animal Societyhttp://www.bestfriends.org and the efforts to end the killing of dogs and cats in our nation’s shelters.

 Cat behaviorist by day and rock n’ roller by night, author, and star of “My Cat From Hell” on Animal Planet, Jackson Galaxy is the latest celebrity to show his support for national animal welfare organization Best Friends Animal Society’s efforts to end the killing of dogs and cats in our nation’s shelters.

Galaxy joins Danny Trejo, Carrie Ann Inaba, Denise Richards, Nils Lofgren, and other celebrities who are featured in Best Friends’ photo campaign featuring celebrities posed with their personal rescued dogs and/or cats in support of the Save Them All® call to action.

The new season of “My Cat from Hell” premieres at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 26 on Animal Planet. In addition to starring in ‘My Cat From Hell’, Galaxy is the show’s executive producer, author of “Cat Daddy: What the World’s Most Incorrigible Cat Taught Me About Life, Love, and Coming Clean” and the upcoming book, “Catification.” Galaxy also has deep roots in animal welfare. He worked in an animal shelter for almost 10 years and specializes in environmental and behavioral enrichment in a rescue setting. He recently launched a ‘Team Cat Mojo’ campaign to attract those who want to build a community focused on making life better for all animals.

Galaxy said: “With more than 9,000 dogs and cats killed in our nation's shelters each day, we find ourselves at a crossroads, a place where our choices can change things in a profound way. I’m extremely proud to stand side-by-side with Best Friends to help raise awareness about the importance of adopting shelter animals and spaying and neutering to control population. Each time this positive choice is made, not only is a life is saved, but we move one step closer to Saving Them All."

According to national statistics, each day more than 9,000 dogs and cats die in the nation’s shelters. Best Friends has brought increased awareness to how people can get involved in the solution by adopting, and spaying/neutering their pets, donating, volunteering and sharing this message with their friends.

About Best Friends Animal Society®

Best Friends Animal Society is the only national animal welfare organization focused exclusively on ending the killing of dogs and cats in America's shelters. An authority and leader in the no-kill movement since its founding in 1984, Best Friends runs the nation's largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals, as well as life-saving programs in partnership with rescue groups and shelters across the country. Since its founding, Best Friends has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters from 17 million per year to about 4 million. Best Friends has the knowledge, technical expertise and on-the-ground network to end the killing and Save Them All®.

To like Best Friends Animal Society on Facebook go to: http://www.facebook.com/bestfriendsanimalsociety.

Follow Best Friends on Twitter: http://twitter.com/bestfriends.