Pet Food Recall Alert: Salmonella Contamination in Multiple Brands
For the second time this week, dog food is being recalled, this time due to Salmonella. Earlier in the week, Smuckers recalled cans of Gravy Train because samples tested positive for the drug Pentobarbital, a drug used for euthanizing animals. This time the recall comes from four different companies that received reports of pets dying or becoming ill after consuming contaminated pet food. This recall involves a variety of pet food products that made pets sick or, even worse, caused their deaths. The recall came about because an adult dog that experienced diarrhea for nine months tested positive for salmonella. ...
International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day: Celebrating Our Dogs’ Favorite Treat
Every year, on February 23, dogs all around the world pay homage to their favorite treat—The Dog Biscuit. This year, International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day falls on a Friday, which means dogs all across the globe will wag their tails when their owners serve them a tasty treat! It doesn’t matter if it’s made from scratch or bought at the store, your dog’s still going to love you. After all, it’s the thought that counts, the fact that you didn’t forget to reward your dog for all the love and joy they’ve brought into your life. Origin of the dog ...
Walking the Dog Day: Get Moving for a Healthier Life with Your Pup
Did you know that 40 percent of all dogs in the United States are considered overweight? That’s 17 million dogs to be exact. In just 30 minutes a day, you and your dog could be on your way to living a longer and healthier life. Here is one way to get up and get going! Wednesday, February 21, 2018 is officially known as ‘Walking the Dog Day!’ While the origin of ‘Walking the Dog Day’ is unknown, the day was started by an animal lover who felt the need to get up off the couch and walk their dog. Whoever ...
FDA Investigates Euthanasia Drug Found in Dog Food on Store Shelves
The Food and Drug Administration is launching an investigation after learning that a drug used for euthanasia was found in dog food already on store shelves for purchase by consumers. The drug found in the dog food is called Pentobarbital, and it’s used by veterinarians to put dogs, cats, and even horses to sleep. Traces of the drug were found in sixty-two samples of wet dog food from more than two dozen brands. The dog food in question is wet dog food found in cans. One brand in particular is Gravy Train. Gravy Train is made by Big Heart Brands, ...
National Love Your Pet Day: Celebrate the Special Bond with Your Pet
Tuesday, February 20, 2025 is known as National Love Your Pet Day. It’s a day for pet lovers to give their pets the extra love and attention they might be missing out on. It’s also a great day to reflect upon the special relationship that one might have with their pet. When we say ‘pet,’ we don’t just mean a dog or a cat because many pet owners don’t own either one of these two animals. Many own birds, or snakes, or even ferrets, and today is the day to love them all! Most households in the United States have ...
National Prevent a Litter Month: Spay and Neuter Your Cat
February is National Prevent a Litter Month, which means it’s time to discuss how to prevent your kitten, or cat, from bringing forth an unnecessary number of new kittens into the world. This holiday falls in February because the spring season, or “kitten season,” is right around the corner. Did you know that each year more than 2.7 million healthy cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters across the country? Rather than be part of the problem, we, as pet owners, should be part of the solution. While kittens are cute, there are far too many cats living in our ...
National Unchain a Dog Month: End the Cruelty of Chaining Dogs
February is National Unchain a Dog Month, a month that marks one of the most important aspects surrounding dog education. While we are already halfway through the month, this is still an important topic to talk about, so here we go. Imagine for a moment that you’re a dog and that you’re confined to just a small area and that you have something heavy wrapped around your neck. You’re trying to move about your yard and you find that you’re being choked by a rope or a chain that your owner placed around you. Dogs weren’t blessed with the ability ...
Pet Theft Awareness Day: Protect Your Pet from Thieves
This year, Pet Theft Awareness Day falls on Valentine’s Day, Wednesday, February 14, 2025. Pet Theft Awareness Day is placed on the calendar to call attention to the importance of making sure that your pet can be identified if lost or stolen. As pet owners, it is our responsibility to make sure our pets are well taken care of, and proper identification of our pets is part of that responsibility. If your pet does turn up as missing, their identification tags or microchip will hopefully ensure a much quicker reunion with their family. Pet Theft Awareness Day was launched in ...
National Pet Dental Health Month: Why Your Dog or Cat’s Bad Breath Could Signal Something Serious
If your dog or cat has noticeably unpleasant breath, it may be more than just an annoyance—it can be an indicator of an underlying health concern. Odor coming from your pet’s mouth often points to issues that affect not only the teeth and gums but potentially major internal organs as well. To highlight the importance of proper pet dental care, February is recognized across the country as National Pet Dental Health Month. Each year, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) leads this nationwide initiative to remind pet owners how essential it is to protect and maintain their animals’ oral health. ...
Spay and Neuter Awareness Month: Why It Matters in Utah
February marks Spay and Neuter Awareness Month, a yearly reminder of the growing population of unwanted dogs and cats in shelters and rescue facilities across the United States, including many right here in Utah. This observance encourages pet owners to reflect on the impact of responsible pet care and the role sterilization plays in reducing the number of homeless animals. When bringing home a new puppy, kitten, dog, or cat, choosing to have them spayed or neutered is one of the most meaningful commitments you can make to their long-term health—and to the broader pet community. Across the country, it’s ...
Celebrating National Cat Health Month
February marks National Cat Health Month, making it the perfect time to give your feline companion the additional care and attention they deserve. This month also serves as an ideal reminder to schedule a wellness visit with your veterinarian to ensure your cat is thriving and comfortable in the safety of your home. Since February is also recognized as Pet Dental Health Month, it’s an excellent opportunity to combine your cat’s wellness check with a thorough dental exam and cleaning. Cats hold a special place in our homes and hearts, and their popularity continues to grow. In fact, the American ...
February’s Biggest Pet Events: Puppy Bowl, Dog Shows, and Feline Fun You Won’t Want to Miss
February is an especially exciting month for pet lovers, packed with important pet health awareness initiatives and fun-filled animal events. From National Cat Health Month to nationally televised dog competitions, there’s no shortage of opportunities to celebrate our four-legged companions. We love sharing timely updates and pet-related highlights, so be sure to check back often for news and information about your favorite dogs and cats. Today’s focus, however, is all about the entertaining side of February. If you enjoy watching adorable animals steal the spotlight, this month delivers everything from heartwarming adoption stories to high-energy competitions featuring dogs and cats ...
