Tracie Hotchner, author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible, helped listeners with dogs who eat things they shouldn’t be eating, such as poop or rotting animal parts. One of her tricks? Keep Halo Liv-a-Littles protein treats in your pocket as the ultimate reward when your best friend responds to “come!” and “drop it!” As Tracie reminds us, don’t forget to lavish the verbal praise when Spot responds!

Visit our News page for a direct link to the audio.

Pig ears and beef hooves manufactured by Pet Carousel may be contaminated with Salmonella and should be avoided until further notice.

Keep current on human and pet food safety, food recalls, tips on how to handle food safely and news from governmental food regulatory agencies at Foodsafety.gov. This recently launched consumer website allows you to receive e-mail and RSS alerts on recalled or potentially unsafe food–for the health of your entire family!

You just HAVE to read this column! Eight year old Gordi, invited to a charity cruise and soiree to the South Pacific, bemoans her “eight year old Labrador physique,” feeling she “had become an old girl.” But her best friend Happa, “an elegant Italian greyhound,” told Gordi the secret to her inner and outer beauty.

“Happa went on to tell me about an eating program he had switched to, after much frustration with foods that included unsavory fillers. The Pet Promise regimen had worked for a time, but because they were going out of business, Happa was in the process of switching over to the Halo menu.

“I thought Pet Promise was amazing,” he said. “But I’m feeling even better since I started Halo. I didn’t think life could get any better — but it has!”

Tune in to this 8-part series, a fanciful but reality-based account of Haute or Not columnist Rick Tamargo’s beloved Gordi’s transition to Halo. Under the supervision of Halo consulting veterinarian Dr. Donna Spector, the real-life Gordi has begun the transition to Halo Spot’s Stew (dry and wet), treats, supplements and grooming products. It’s can’t miss journalism!

2009 H1N1 Confirmed in an Iowa Cat

A 13 year old cat developed lethargy, decreased appetite and trouble breathing after several human members of its family became ill with H1N1 flu. Yesterday it was confirmed as the first case of H1N1 flu in a cat and the cat is recovering. To date, there is no indication that this cat passed the virus to any people.

In addition to people, at this point in the United States, 2009 H1N1 has been documented in pigs, two ferrets, and now one cat. Based on evidence available at this time, all infections were spread from people to these animals. It is unknown if pets can spread the infection to people. The USDA has begun posting documented infection in domestic animals at FINAL RESULTS 2009 PANDEMIC H1N1 INFLUENZA CHART.

Other influenza viruses have been known to cross species and all pet owners should take the same hygiene precautions against spreading H1N1 flu to pets as they would with humans. In addition, pets should be monitored for any signs of illness and a veterinarian should be contacted immediately if you have concerns. There is no H1N1 flu vaccine available for pets at this time.

The US FDA has issued a warning about Vetsulin, an insulin commonly used in the treatment of diabetes for dogs and cats. There have been varying amounts of insulin found in the product which could cause unpredictable and possibly dangerous fluctuations in blood sugar levels. If your pet uses Vetsulin, monitor them carefully for unusual signs of high or low blood sugar. Vetsulin supplies will be limited until the problem has been fully resolved and the FDA recommends possibly changing patients to other forms of insulin.

Contact your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet with diabetes. Read articles for more information on treatment options for feline or canine diabetes, Feline Diabetes: A New Look at an Old Disease, and Diabetes in Dogs.