FDA Issues Warning For Chicken Jerky

December 22, 2008January 20, 2009

FDA Issues Warning For Chicken Jerky

chickenjerky

The FDA has issued a warning about the possible danger of feeding pets chicken jerky from China. This follows Australia recalling Chinese chicken jerky. Australia recalled KraMar Supa Naturals Chicken Breast Strips after it was link to dogs falling ill. If this issue with chicken jerky sounds familiar, it’s because this is a repeat of the same problem a year ago.

The FDA warns that feeding your dog chicken jerky from China may result in illness and sometimes death. Signs of illness include:

decreased appetite
decreased activity
vomiting
diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
increased water consumption
increased urination

If your dog shows any of these signs, stop feeding them chicken jerky. If any of the symptoms above are severe or last more than 24 hours, get your dog to a vet immediately to check for kidney failure and Fanconi syndrome. Scientists don’t yet know what is causing transient Fanconi syndrome in affected dogs.

Fanconi syndrome is more commonly seen as a genetic disease found in Basenjis affecting the kidneys. The cases of Fanconi syndrome linked to jerky treats are acquired not inherited.

December 20, 2008

DIY: Holiday Round-Up Of Gift Ideas

Here’s the collection of DIY projects I’ve written about recently that would make good, inexpensive presents this year when money is tight for so many.

PetProject hopes all of you are enjoying the season, that you & yours are healthy & happy, and that the coming year is filled with joy.

On with the projects!

Cat Toys:

Dog Toys:

Pet Beds:

Nest Bed
Bed From A Sweater (including my version)
Bed From A Suitcase
Knitted & Felted Bed
Hooded Pet Bed

Dog Sweater:

Small, No-Sew Sweater From A Sock

December 18, 2008January 23, 2010

“Goth” Pierced Kittens Rescued From Home

I don’t even know what to say about this story—the mind just reels. This started when a man in one state noticed kittens in another state with piercings in their ears, neck, & tail were being sold as “goth” kittens on eBay. This compassionate man drove to Pennsylvania, saw the kittens at the woman’s home, and then called the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Luzerne County.

Humane officers and state police found three kittens with piercings, an adult cat, and a dog who also had pierced ears. I hope authorities look into the welfare of the child living there. Other than swearing, I’m pretty much speechless. I do not understand how anyone would think this was ok.

The ad also ran on a pets classified ad site. It looks like she docked their tails too.

Unfortunately, Pennsylvania only rates average when it comes to their state laws concerning animal protection. How does your state rate?

December 17, 2008December 17, 2008

Socks The Cat Terminally Ill

socks2 Sad news about Socks The Cat, who used to be the Clinton’s cat. At 19, Socks is terminally ill with cancer. He has been battling several illnesses not unusual for cats—thyroid and kidney problems.

Socks was adopted in 1991, when the Clintons were still in Arkansas and has lived with Betty Currie, Bill Clinton’s personal secretary, since 2001 when the Clintons left the White House. Socks has had a good life with Currie and is clearly much loved. He has even helped raise awarenes of the St. Mary’s County Animal Welfare League, his local animal rescue organization.

December 15, 2008October 17, 2011

DIY: 2 Tutorials To Knit & Felt A Pet Bed

Here are two different tutorials for knitting a pet bed for a cat or small dog. I suppose if you know how to alter patterns, you could knit a big bed for a large dog too. I just love that people take the time to make these tutorials and are happy to share their patterns. Very generous!

The KittyPi bed is knitted and then felted. This makes a great, durable bed that’s shaped like a flat-bottomed bowl. The felting gives it some structure, but it’s still soft and comfy. Love it! Don’t miss the two page gallery of beds people have made—lots of inspiration. The pattern is from Wendy at WendyKnits and since she’s generously shared this pattern, I want to let you know she has written two books—Wendy Knits: My Never-Ending Adventures In Yarn and Socks From The Toe Up.

The Dotty Cat Bed pattern is another lovely knitted and felted pet bed. (via craftzine) It has a wonderful polka dot pattern and it too makes a flat-bottomed bowl when it’s felted. Those dots are a nice touch. You can see what the bed looks like before felting. This great pattern is from Kelly over at Kelp!Knits. You can see some of her gorgeous sock patterns too—Interlocking Leaves, Oak Leaf, & Hanging Vines.

You’ll need to use a natural fiber yarn to get it to felt. Here are a few tutorials on felting, in case you need them: this one covers both hand & machine felting, here is a printable one on machine felting, and another on hand felting.