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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…

If the presidential election goes to the dogs, then Republican John McCain will be the best in show.

A new Associated Press-Yahoo News poll finds that pet owners favor Senator McCain 42 to 37 percent over Senator Barack Obama, with dog owners especially in McCain’s corner.

Obama doesn’t have any pets, but McCain has several including a two dogs, two turtles, and three parakeets.

On the other hand, the poll also finds that among people who don’t have pets, Obama leads McCain 48 to 34 percent.

But that still leaves McCain looking strong because 63 percent of all American homes have a pet.

Obama has reportedly promised his two daughters a dog after the campaign is over.

Associated Press 2008

So, we all love our pets, or else we wouldn’t be reading the Luv My Pet blog now, would we? Seriously…. next time you’re at a party and people are talking about their precious dogs and cats, maybe you would like to dazzle them with your knowledge of pet facts (including actual statistics!)… OR, maybe you’re just curious and like reading fun facts. In any case, enjoy reading about these trends in the pet industry….

* 83% of pet owners refer to themselves as their pet’s mom or dad

* 70 % of pet owners sign their pet’s names on greeting cards

* 18% of dog owners say they have included or would include their pet in their wedding

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Hi Fellow Pet-Lovin’ Bloggers,

Now is your chance to enter the Luv My Pet PHOTO CONTEST
!!!!

Submit your pet’s photo(s) OR simply vote for one of the pet contestants for an opportunity to win a $100 gift card to PETCO!!!

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We all know that much of the world has gone pet crazy. But now dating has gone pet crazy too! Many singles now determine whether or not they will date someone based upon their love for pets. It’s a fact. Pet-love is bringing people together, and probably tearing others apart.

It is estimated that there are 40 million single pet owners in the United States. And when it comes to choosing a date, singles want to make sure their pets will be welcomed into the relationship with open arms. According to a survey taken by Knoxville New-Sentinel, 65% of dog owners say they would refuse to date someone who didn’t like their pet.

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More and more pet owners are beginning to include their pets in their wedding. The American Kennel Club recently conducted a survey that reported 18% of dog owners say they have or would include their dog in their wedding.

The reason for this is very simple. To many people, their pet is part of their family. And it is only natural to include them in important celebrations and events. Many dog owners wouldn’t dream of celebrating the most important day of their life without their pet by their side.

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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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