October 17, 2008 — Lotte USA, Inc., Battle Creek, MI initiated a recall of all Koalas’ March Cookies on September 29, 2008 because they were produced in China and they may be contaminated with melamine. The products are packaged in a plastic overwrap and the recall includes the following products:

Koala March King Size Chocolate 1.8 oz 50 grams
UPC 0 81900 00001 7

Koala March King Size Strawberry 1.8 oz/50 grams
UPC 0 81900 00007 9

Koala March King Size White Chocolate 1.8 oz/50 grams
UPC 0 81900 00011 6

Koala March Family Pack Chocolate 9.5 oz/270 grams
UPC 0 81900 08001 9

Koala March Family Pack Strawberry 9.5 oz/270 grams
UPC 0 81900 08002 6

Koala March Family Pack White Chocolate 9.5 oz/270 grams
UPC 0 81900 08011 8

Koala March Family Pack Chestnut 9.5 oz/270 grams
UPC 0 81900 08010 1

Koala March Family Hawaii Chocolate 9.5 oz/270 grams
UPC 0 81900 08003 3

Koala March Family Hawaii Pineapple 9.5 oz/270 grams
UPC 0 81900 08004 0
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LUV MY PET HEALTH ALERT - October 22, 2008

Rawhide Chips for Dogs Recalled by Hartz Mountain

The Hartz Mountain Corporation Voluntarily Recalls One Specific Lot of
Nationwide Chicken-Basted Rawhide Chips Because of Possible Health Risk

October 22, 2008 – The Hartz Mountain Corporation, Secaucus, NJ is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of Hartz Chicken-Basted Rawhide Chips due to concerns that one or more bags within the lot are potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Hartz is fully cooperating with the US Food and Drug Administration in this voluntary recall.
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A dog park can provide a lot of the benefits of doggy day care (see previous article) without the cost. But many more variables are at play at a dog park because many more humans are involved. Dog Parks can be much more dangerous than dog day care. Also, pet owners often do not have 8 hours to spend at a dog park, but only one or two hours at a time. Also,many humans have no idea of proper etiquette for a dog park, or even that a dog should not be yelled at for being a dog while at the dog park. But an informed pet owner can still use a dog park for a positive experience for the dog and for themselves.

Lets discuss some of the pros and cons of a dog park.

Pros of Dog Parks

Many of the pros for day care listed above are also pros for dog parks. Positive points of a dog enjoying a dog park include:
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Benefits of Doggie Daycare

Daycare for dogs is becoming more and more popular across the nation. The daycare facilities range from very small 1,200 sq ft facilities to expansive warehouse facilities, to indoor/outdoor facilities, some of which have multiple acres for the dogs to run. Fees range according to the size of the facility, the services offered, and geography. Orange County, California has an average per day fee of $35.00, while Orange County, FL has an average of $18.00 per day. Many facilities also offer pick up and drop off services for those pet owners who must be at work before or after the facility opens or closes.

Dog daycare is an excellent way to exercise dogs, especially large dogs. Many dogs whose owners work full time are cooped up most of the day. Some of these dogs are in a crate all day. Then when the owner arrives home, exercise can be as little as a brief walk outside to eliminate. Lack of exercise can lead to obesity, lack of overall fitness, mental boredom, and behavior issues. Read more…

Many of us would like to adopt a pet, but shy away from the proposition because of the costs involved - especially in the current economy. However, there are options for you to provide quality care for your beloved pets at affordable prices. Follow these money saving tips for pet care, and you might be able to visit the pound today!

Helpful Tips To Keep Your Pet Care Costs Low:

1. Use low cost clinics for routine shots i.e. rabies. www.LuvMyPet.com is the nation’s largest provider of affordable pet vaccination clinics, at Petco stores, located in 23 states. If you do not have a Luv My Pet clinic near you, then call your local human society for information, and/or ask your vet if he/she holds any such clinics and how often.

2. You may want to consider getting a cat, as medical costs can be twice as high when you own a dog. If you have your heart set on a dog, consider a mixed breed. Purebreds are known for having more hereditary medical problems than “mutts”.

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Summer is a time for both you and your pet to enjoy the sunshine and outdoors, but along with the fun, the season also offers up situations that can endanger your pet. By taking precautions, you can decrease the chance that disaster will happen. The HSUS offers these tips for pet owners to keep their furry friends safe this summer:

* In nice weather you may be tempted to take your pet with you in the car while you travel or do errands. But during warm weather, the inside of your car can reach 120° in a matter of minutes, even if you’re parked in the shade. This can mean real trouble for your companion animals left in the car. Dogs and cats can’t perspire and can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. Pets who are left in hot cars even briefly can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, and can even die. Don’t think that just because you’ll be gone “just a minute” that your pet will be safe while you’re gone; even an air conditioned car with the motor off isn’t healthy for your pet. To avoid any chance that your pet will succumb to the heat of a car this summer, be sure to play it safe by leaving your pet cool and refreshed at home while you’re on the road. And if you do happen to see a pet in a car alone during the hot summer months, alert the management of the store where the car is parked. If the owner does not return promptly, call local animal control or the police department immediately.

* It is very dangerous, and in some states illegal, to drive with a dog in the back of a pick-up truck. Not only can flying debris cause serious injury, but a dog may be unintentionally thrown into traffic if the driver suddenly hits the brakes, swerves, or is hit by another car. Dogs should ride either in the cab (in a crate or wearing a seat belt harness designed for dogs) or in a secured crate in the bed of the truck.
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If you’re looking for a gift for your pet or special someone, one of these amazing and/or useful pet inventions might give you some inspiration. Here are some of Luv My Pet’s favorite inventions:

#10 The Water Dog

Give your dog fresh clean water whenever he wishes with the “Water Dog” automatic water dispensor! A motion sensor detects whenever your dog gets to within a certain range of the device, and releases a stream of water. After the dog leaves, the water stops! For outdoor use only, runs on four “C” style batteries.
http://www.catsplay.com/bci168502.php3

# 9 Squeaker Toys Only Your Dog Can Hear!

Dogs just love squeaker toys, but the sound can get a little annoying after say, 3 hours of play time. Soniks will squeak alright, but the sound is above the range of humans, making Soniks the only squeak toy that only dogs can hear! Our only question is, how do we know it works?
http://www.activedogtoys.com/soniks.html
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Pet Tip for Today: Puppy House Training.

Even young puppies can be expected to “hold it” for at least a short period of time.
As a general rule, that can translate to one hour for each month of age, give or take an hour.

Thinking about acquiring a new pet? A pet is a commitment for 10 – 20 years, and the decision to bring one into your home and life should not be made lightly, or on the spur of the moment. Acquiring a pet for the wrong reasons, or bringing home the wrong type of pet for your lifestyle or environment, is a common mistake that often leads to the pet being given up. Most animals that are brought to shelters end up being destroyed. Many people start with good intentions, but do not think about the almost certain fate for the pet if ‘it doesn’t work out.”

So, how can you be sure you are ready for the commitment of a new pet? As with most decisions in life, knowledge is the key to making the best decision you can. Start by asking yourself some basic questions.

1. Does everyone in the household want a pet, or is the pet going to be source of argument?
2. Is everyone ready and able to share in the responsibility, or is just one person going to end up doing all the work?
3. Do you travel or work long hours, leaving little time to spend with a pet?
4. Do you have the disposable income to afford a pet?
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