What this means to consumers is that those that are shopping for pet medications and supplies on EBay are either ending up with “knockoff” items or “short dated” products when they get a “great deal”.  Really?

Knock off’s speak for themselves. Short dated means the expiration date is fast approaching and discounted by the manufacturer to move a product before it goes bad on the shelf. 

Easy to see why consumers can get confused on why an item in our store costs more versus another store (or individual) with the same goods.

Of course there are those that shop by price alone. To that end one must realize that you get what you pay for.  There are no free rides with pet medications or supplies either.

There is an enormous amount of work and dedication that goes into the making of an online retail store. I know because it took 2 years and a few programmers to get it right.

So buyer beware and remember, if it looks to good to be true………

Regards

Dr John

So what do they hope to get out of all this?  Well, the answer is a better understanding of genetic traits and behavioral conditions among the population of mixed-breed dogs.

Mars Veterinary urges dog owners to participate by going to MuttCensus.com by August 31, 2010 and taking a 5 minute survey that asks about your dog’s size, weight and health, feeding and exercise habits, and whether he/she was adopted from a shelter. The findings will offer the most comprehensive analysis ever of the nation’s mixed breed dog population.

Hopefully, the results will give researchers a better understanding of what makes “Fido” tick and the predisposition to genetic disease and longevity.

Dr John

Instead I think it important to give some comments on the supplements we buy and eventually give our furry friends.

Not all supplements are created equally.  So it pays to be educated and know exactly what you are buying and paying for. 

Lucky for you there is a national organization entrusted with this monumental task of sorting through the good, the bad, and the ones that should be left on the shelf.

The National Animal supplement Council (NASC) goal is to promote the health and well-being of non-human food chain animals that are given animal health supplements by their owners, and to protect and enhance the integrity of the animal health product industry.

 All NASC members are required to undergo a rigorous independent audit of their facilities.  Upon completion of this audit, members are then able to display the NASC Seal of Quality to show consumers they are committed to the “highest current standards of quality in the industry today.”  To see those members who have successfully completed the quality audit, go to www.nasc.cc  or go to the link page on Dr John’s Pets Rx to get to their website.

NASC advocates and collectively enforces Good Manufacturing Practice Quality Standards in manufacturing, labeling and marketing animal health supplements. 

Through its diverse, member-directed activities, NASC brings about understanding  to animal owners about the importance of safe, high quality products for the health and well-being of companion animals.

Now you know the real deal, and if you look at the supplements on my website you will see those bearing the NASC seal of approval.

Dr John

Dog & Cat Shampoo Classifications

At Pets Rx we feature only professional shampoos and conditioner formulations that are theraputic, hypoallergenic and deliver the highest levels of protection and results.

Regards

Dr John

Harnesses/Leashes

1. Easy  Walk Harness by Premier Pet Products

2. Come With Me Kitty Harness by Premier Pet Products

3. Sporn Simple Control Harness by Sporn Pet Products

Toys

1. Dog Tornado by Zoo Active Products

2. Dura Doggie Disc by Durable Ideas

3. Chuckit! Ball Launcher by Chuckit Fetch Games

Food Bowls

1. Brake-Fast Dog Bowl by Brake-Fast LLC

2. Neater Feeder by TowerStar Pets, LLC

Technology

1. Fitbit by Fitbit Inc

2. Thew Beacon by Ruff Wear Inc.

3. Dogtread by PetZen

Other Products

1. Liver Biscotti by Premier Pet Products

2. Port-A-Poo Poop Bag Holder by Mind Body and Paw, LLc

3. DOOG Walkie Belts by DOOG Pty Ltd

For a detailed report visit PetObesityPrevention.com

Regards,

Dr John

Let’s cut to the chase and with some considerations worth discussing when it comes to therapeutic and commercially available pet  foods.

1. Make Them Prove It.

If a pet food claims to contain “human grade” ingredients then in addition to reading the label, go online and research the manufacturers website and ask their customer service rep’s for additional information or ingredient analysis.  Remember, very little governmental oversight goes into the manufacturing of pet foods.

2.  Still itching?

Wheat, soy and corn have no business in a dogs diet. In fact they are the scientifically cited causes of food allergies. Keep clear of these ingredients even if your pet has no food allergies.  These are food “fillers” with little or no nutritional value.

Consider novel protein sources for dogs such as white fish, venison, duck, rabbit or vegetarian diets. Potatoes are a great carbohydrate source.

Cat owners, consider venison, duck,rabbit and lamb instead of fish and use green peas as a carbohydrate source.

3. On A Diet–Eat It Up.

Remember, your pet only cares about one thing-taste.  Owners often complain about therapeutic diets being bland and poorly received.  No wonder why diets high in fats or laced with sugars (including beet pulp) are scarfed down.  So remember, there are inferior pet foods just as there are inferior human (fast) foods. 

The key to feeding a successful therapeutic diet for overweight management  is intestinal fortitude on your part.  Just say NO to your pets hunger fasts, to the whining or meowing fits.  Feed at specific times, preferably after you have eaten, leave the food down for no more than 1 hour then pick it up until the next scheduled feeding, and lay off the treats.  Treats should only account for 10% of your pets caloric intake.

4. Get Help

As a veterinarian, I find many of my colleagues know very little about pet nutrition.  Their pushing of certain pet foods commonly found in their waiting rooms meet with questionable science background.  Question the use of alternative pet food diets or homemade diets that can be matched to the desired affects that you seek.  There are many ways to keep your pet satisfied and therapeutically meet the physiological needs of the condition you are treating.

No kidding, check out our “Healing Diets and Pet Health” pages for more informative recommendatrions and discussion.  If that’s not enough, then give us a call so we can point you in the right direction.

Dr John

We welcome all comments and suggestions on how to better serve you and address the health concerns of your animals.

Take the time to review our website and let us know what you like or would like to see added.

Regards

Dr John