2011/06/21
Meat Labeling Standards
The world of food labels can be confusing. The more information that is put on labels, the more complicated it gets to figure it all out. Meat labeling is supposed to give shoppers some guidance by way of the various codes and logos. Learn about meat labeling if you want to be sure about choosing brands that have high standards regarding hygiene and traceability and avoidance of animal charity.
Consumers should beware of labels that say things like 'Farm Fresh' or 'Natural'. There are no specifications about what these terms mean and they don't give any information about how animals may have been treated or that animal cruelty free methods were used..
There are some labels that you might want to keep an eye out for. When choosing poultry, look for the free-range label. The European Union has regulations about the specific definition of free-range. It means the animals spend time outdoors over part of their lives. Tesco Willow Farm and Freedom Food poultry is not free-range, but they are brands known for high standards of animal handling.
Look for foods with the organicmeat labelling . There are nine different organizations that certify foods as organic. This label indicates the food was produced on a farm that does not use chemical pesticides or fertilizers and that animals have been handled in a humane manner.
When you see the Soil Association Organic Standard label you know that the food comes from farms with high standards of animal welfare and handling. The Soil Association certifies milk, butter, and other dairy products.
When choosing bacon, ham, and pork you want to be sure that the animals were either raised outdoors, or were reared inside in a humane manner. Select beef where the meat labeling indicates it is grass-fed. The European Union is currently considering regulations that would require labeling of meat where the animal has been stunned prior to slaughter. The final vote on this will be in July of 2011.
Some food merchants have standards of their own that may be higher than those of outside organizational schemes. MS and Waitrose, and Whole Foods all maintain high levels in terms of treatment of chickens and other animals.
The Red Tractor logo is the symbol of the Assured Food Standards, an organization made up of The Food and Drink Federation, the National Farmers' Union (England and Wales), the Ulster Farmers' Union, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, Dairy UK and the British Retail consortium. The Red Tractor logo on a package is a sign that certain basic standards of the Assured Food Standards food assurance scheme have been met.
Assurance schemes that truly reflect a concern for stopping animal cruelty will cover such things as space and bedding requirements for farm animals whether they are reared indoors or out.
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Doggie Wheelchairs: Caring for the Running Dog
The world thinks of dogs mostly as domestic pets. It's simple to neglect that several people hold real "jobs." A number of the services they render are so essential, risky even, that they sometimes get harmed.
Situations like that is what reminds a community that they have an obligation to their dependable canine friends.
Outpouring support for leads to that pay tribute to seriously injured dogs with jobs often make the news. Not long ago, a young lady's attempts to increase funds to purchase a dog wheelchair for an injured dog got plenty of buzz and donation.
Projects like this happen throughout the country and in several parts of the world. People-those with and without pets-feel much compassion not just for the furry cuties and also for the tough, loyal, and hard-working friends as well. The desire to acquire these working dogs treatment, rehab, or dog wheelchairs is strong certainly among the people they work together with.
There's so many varieties of work these dogs are put into that their supporters and "co-workers" vary. There are actually herd dogs at farms and ranches; service dogs who support individuals with handicaps for example visual, mobility, and hearing disability; search and rescue dogs who work with rangers and emergency response teams; detection dogs are a popular fixture at airports to sniff out bomb threats and illegitimate substances; and police and military services dogs; these are simply a few of the variety of jobs dogs happen to be tasked with. Despite having their various abilities and environments, handling working dogs if they get injured is really the same in general. Medication, therapy, surgery, and rehab are pretty standard dog-care. When applicable, using a device for mobility assistance, dog wheelchairs, become part of that package in the process.
Although these are typically hard times for many people, providing care for working dogs are slightly easier. The neighborhood they serve often band together to support with their care. For some people, this means pitching in to pay for treatment or even to get hold of a dog wheelchair; for some individuals, it's sharing their time or lending their expertise in some other way. It's not to mention that working dogs are definitely more lovable and deserving of care, but it's pretty hard to deny that oftentimes, these loveable creatures touch more people's lives.
Caring for handicap dogs can be challenging and energy draining. But with sturdy, affordable and readily available dog wheelchairs from Best Friend Mobility, you will surely get that handicapped dog of yours back to its mobile feet. Check it out today.
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2011/06/19
Exercise and Training Advice for Your Golden
Golden Retrievers are among the more active breeds and require a lot of exercise to stay fit and happy. Originally bred for game fetching, these energetic dogs can run much of the day, even late into life.
When your Golden Retriever is around 8-10 weeks, please train it.At first the level of activity should be no more than what the pup is willing to do spontaneously. They'll scamper around, explore bushes and wrestle with one another in between naps. But add to that by getting them to follow you in a particular direction, at least briefly. That's the beginning of focusing on you and doing as you ask.As they mature, their legs and heart quickly become able to tackle small hills and half-mile walks. At about 4-6 months, a good half an hour hike is a possibility, provided water is available.During this period from about two to six months, the usual 'sit, stay, heel' routines can easily be folded into the mix. But there should be time allowed for less structured activities, as well. Goldens can be good show dogs, but they are also very free spirited and sometimes a little unfocused. Not all will excel at that kind of rigorous training. Giving them some time and space to simply run around and fetch a ball or sniff makes for a good balance.
Golden are ready to tackle more complex tasks when they are six months of age.Many are taught starting at this age (or a little younger) to be guide dogs, rescue dogs, drug search dogs and other roles requiring sophisticated skills. They're among the most intelligent of breeds and can learn obstacle courses, complex dance routines and the like provided the trainer has the skill and patience.
Introducing them to other dogs and animals they may encounter or live with in early age of your Golden is wonderful advice.Golden Retrievers are by nature very sociable, but any dog that is isolated from other dogs, people or pets will be wary. Goldens are very loyal, too, and they can be territorial. Allowing them to safely interact with other dogs will help keep that to an appropriate time and level.A word of caution: since Goldens, especially those with parents from private owners, may not have been checked for hip dysplasia, you should discontinue exercise at any sign of hindquarter weakness. Have the dog examined. The vet will take an x-ray and check for signs of bone or joint problems. Goldens with this condition can still lead happy, healthy lives but reduced activity and special treatment is warranted.
You would spend a lot time on specialized training.At least an hour per day should be devoted for basics, more for more specialized tasks. Simple goals, like 'sit', 'stay' and others can be accomplished quickly. Dance routines, obstacle courses, game fetching or other tasks may take months or years to perfect. Guide dog training and similar 'jobs' require intensive training for two years or more.But compared to many other breeds, Goldens will catch on quicker and execute more accurately. They're eager to please, energetic and highly intelligent. Their trainer just needs to have the same qualities.
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Golden Retrievers - Common Health Problems
It is common for Golden Retrievers to have diseases in fact.That's not to say most Golden's are unhealthy. They suffer no more than any other breed. But there are a group of afflictions that are more typically found among them than some others.
Skin diseases and conditions come to the first place to danger Skin Golden Retriever.Something as simple as a mosquito or flea bite can cause a small itchy section. Golden Retrievers are very mouthy and tend to chew what they can reach. That quickly produces a raw, moist patch called a hot spot that the dog tends to enlarge. Keeping them unable to reach it via a collar or bandage, or uninterested via sprays is the standard treatment.Goldens also have a somewhat higher tendency than some other breeds to allergic reactions to certain food components. Wheat is a common part of many dry commercial dog foods. Though not toxic, dogs' stomachs are designed to digest meat not wheat, and some individuals are sensitive to wheat, causing itching. That can be seen by excess paw licking or face scratching on the carpet or grass.But the more serious forms of skin disease actually happen underneath the outer layers. Various forms of fatty lipomas and the more serious liposarcoma are common, especially later in life.The first are typically benign and can be removed when the dog is already undergoing a procedure requiring anasthesia, such as a dental cleaning. They may enlarge, but in most cases they represent no health risk and can just be left alone for long periods. Liposarcomas, on the other hand, are malignant tumors and should be treated as soon as they're diagnosed. When in doubt, see your vet and pay for a lab test.
Golden Retrievers would get eye problems especially they are older.Eventually these lead to reduced vision and even blindness. There's little that can be done to treat the condition, unfortunately.Golden Retrievers aren't at high risk statistically for heart conditions, but when they occur it tends to be either subvalvular aortic stenosis or cardiomyopathy.
Surgery is an option, but it's risky and has had limited success to date. In mild cases, the condition is harmless, though restricted activity may be required. In more serious cases, the heart muscle tissue thickens and the heart has to work harder to pump an adequate amount of blood.
The heart muscle of Golden Retrievers becomes thin and flabby if one gets Cardiomyopathy.It tends to occur in dogs between the ages of 4-10 and the causes are largely unknown. It is progressive and ultimately fatal.Despite the somewhat scary list, serious health problems in a well-cared for Golden Retriever are relatively rare and most live a long, healthy life. Proper diet and exercise, with appropriate screening is the best approach to optimizing their health.
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Removing Pet Odors From Your Carpets And Furniture
Regardless how much you care about your cat or dog, it's really no fun to come home from work and be hit by the smell of your pet as soon as you walk in the door.Of course, you might let them live outside on a regular basis and never come into the house.Then again I don't know about you, but I could under no circumstances banish my dog to the backyard for the rest of his life.Read on to find out a few ways for reducing and removing pet smells from your living environment.
When you are a cat lover, you understand how unpleasant it is to walk into your house and get a whiff of the litter box.A good way to really lessen litter box odor is to change the cat litter every few days.On top of that, you could add baking soda to your cat litter to keep odors under control.
For you people that have carpeting, there is a really easy way to get the smell of your dogs or cats out of the carpeting.The first thing you may wish to do is to get yourself a sizeable spray bottle.So now top off the sprayer with water.Now start to squirt water all through your carpet.You never want to saturate the carpeting simply make it a little moist. Now try taking a little baking soda and carefully sprinkle it all over the moist carpet.
Should you own a carpet brush, use it to help a carpet soak up the water and baking soda.A carpet brush is only a brush designed to be applied on carpeting.In look and feel it is closer to a landscaping rake than a normal brush.You ought to be able to find one of these brushes at a carpet retailer or your local hardware store.
Allow your carpet to dry out thoroughly and then vacuum it. Despite the fact that this method is very effective on average pet odors, you will need to find another solution for urine smells.You'll need to get hold of a solution produced to remove pet urine odors.Also make certain what ever they try to offer you features enzymes in it.Dog or cat enzymes are very effective in breaking down urine so that the odor can be eliminated.You can use most of these methods on furniture as well.Grab a short while to examine your furniture tags so that you don't hurt the fabric.On a concluding remark in regards to the furniture cleaning.If cash is not a concern for you, you may prefer to replace that old piece of furniture rather than trying to clean it.Whether that or simply use a professional to come in and clean it.
Another method to removing embarrasing pet smell is taken care of your pets regularly. Pet Bath Tub and Dog Grooming Tubs assortment will help you to choose the best suited tubs for simple pet grooming.
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Top Tips on Dog Food
Pet owners today are luckier because they have now more freedom on their choices among the numerous different types of dog foods in the market. Many companies are now offering various pet food varieties which are more specific to the various needs of specific breed of dogs. This allows pet owners to easily find the right food products for their pet because they can now simply buy according to the breed of their pets, unlike before which was general. Additionally, the Royal Canin dog food Australia brand even offers pet food products based on the nutritional requirements of the dog, thereby creating a new trend of buying dog food today.
Like humans, the nutritional requirements of each dog are greatly influenced by several factors that include the type of breed, health condition, weight, and age, among many others. Similarly, adult dog foods are different from foods of puppies. This is due to the fact that adults need specific nutrition that is more concentrated on giving them energy, while foods for puppies are more focused on pet growth and development.
Thus, it is important to note that buying food for pets is not as simple as getting just any kind of pet food displayed on the shelves of retail outlets. You need to buy the perfect food products that are highly specific to the needs of your pet for optimum health. In fact, among the various dog food variations that are now available in the market include foods for dog weight management, nursing female dogs, dental needs, diabetic management, puppy needs, and pet food for older or senior dogs, just to name some.
Another method of selecting the ideal food type to buy is to base your option according to the food ingredients. For dog foods, the most common ingredients are vegetables like carrots and potatoes, fruits like apples and berries, grains like barley and rice, lambs, salmon, and ducks, just to name some. Obviously, each ingredient has different nutritional values. If you are buying dog food based on the nutritional needs of your pet, then you must carefully check the ingredients of the product to ensure that it contains the necessary supplements that meet the nutritional needs of your dog.
One of the highly recommended techniques of buying pet food is to focus your selection according to the nutritional needs of your pet. This is the more efficient option for maximum health. It is for this reason that the Royal Canin dog food Australia brand is reasonably popular among pet owners because of the awesome nutritional benefits that their products offer.
Get the right dog food for your pet that is not only packed with high nutrition, but very tasty as well to ensure that the foods are completely consumed. The Royal Canin dog food Australia is one of the best pet foods and highly recommended for your pet because they are healthy and at the same time delicious.
Orignal From: Top Tips on Dog Food
2011/06/18
How To Relieve Dog Hot Spots
When you left this morning you noticed that your Golden Retriever was scratching at his left shoulder. When you got back this afternoon he was totally agitated and had a large red raw patch inflamed skin there. It seems really painful and he doesn't want you to get too close to it. In fact, though he is typically very well mannered, he growled at you when you tried to go in for a closer look. This is all extremely upsetting. You don't know what has happened or what to do for him.
## What on earth is going on with my dog? I have never seen anything like this.
It sounds as if your dog is suffering with a fairly common skin disorder known as dog hot spots. Also known as acute moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis, it is a self-inflicted inflammation caused by excessive scratching or biting. Typically it presents itself as a red, raw patch of itchy, infected skin. Sometimes but not always it is accompanied by fur loss.
## But what exactly triggered this in the first place?
While the inflammation and infection is self-inflicted from the biting and scratching there is usually a fairly straight forward inciting factor such as fleas, mites, injury, or insect bite. It is also possible that the dog has suffered some sort of allergic contact to something that made him itchy.
## How do I treat it?
You'll want to get your dog checked out by a vet as soon as possible to help ensure that any infection does not spread or worsen. Usually the afflicted area will be shaved, dried and kept clean. Often some sort of dog collar is used to prevent the dog from worrying at the area. It's possible, based on the severity of any infection, that the dog will be prescribed a course of antibiotics or perhaps a medicated shampoo.
## How can I prevent it from happening in the future?
The most effective way way to prevent future hot spots on dogs is to reduce the potential inciting factors. Keep your dog well groomed. Use a dog shampoo that reduces itchy skin and make use of products that can effectively control fleas and mites.
If you are interested to find out more about common dog skin disorders simply go online and Google 'dog hot spots', 'dog rashes' or maybe a more generalized search like 'itchy dog' or 'stop dog shedding'. While it's unpleasant to see your dog suffering through any sort of condition it's good to know that hot spots are relatively common and entirely treatable.
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