Dogs are people, too......NOT!

"Copper" 

There is a popular saying among pet owners that liken pets to humans.  Indeed, pet's that have been with an individual for a long time often have a special bond that makes them as close as one's best human friend. A pet that has lived with a family for years is often identified as "part of the family."  Anyone who has a loved pet can relate. Pet owners invest a great deal of time, love, and money into the care and well-being of their pets. Dogs, in particular, are the earthbound examples of unconditional love.  A pet is commonly described by its feelings, opinions, habits, or personality type, and thus earns the label of being "almost human."

Still, it is important to recognize that dogs, cats and other popular pets are NOT human. What may serve humans well, could endanger the life of the loved pet.  Take the artificial sweetener, Xylitol, for example. Marketed as an anti-cavity agent, this chemical is often added to many popular sugar-free toothpastes, chewing gum, chewable vitamins, candy or baked goods. Some popular products that use Xylitol are Tic-Tacs, Ice Breaker and Orbit gum, Crest Whitestrips, and even Sugar-free Jello Pudding. Each of these products are intended for use by humans, and as such, are perfectly safe.

But earlier this year the FDA issued a warning to pet owners about the dangers associated with the consumption of Xylitol by dogs and ferrets. There have been several reports of dogs becoming ill after accidentally consuming Xylitol. According to the FDA, this chemical in a dogs system can cause vomiting  depression, seizures, liver failure and extreme hypoglycemia. The ladder of these conditions can be fatal to dogs.The onset of the illness can happen in a few minutes to a few days.

As smart consumers, we know it is wise to read the labels of everything we purchase.  Labels on food goods should be plain, simple and easy to understand. A general rule to follow is that If there is something on a label you are not familiar with...don't buy it.  Do your research before putting it into your body. And, since a lot of the food we buy for ourselves ends up accessible to our curious pets (like droppings under the high chair, or toothpaste left out in the bathroom) - its good to know the chemicals that can harm them if they accidently eat it.

Who knew?  Are there other toxins in our households that can be unsuspectingly hazardous to our pets?  Turns out grapes and raisins are known to cause kidney damage in dogs. And in case you were going to bring your dog to the Annual Gilroy Garlic Festival in northern California (or any one of the other U.S. states' popular garlic celebrations), leave Fido at home!  Chowing down on garlic and onions can cause anemia in our precious pets.

For more information about unwitting poisons in your household or yard, check here.

More drop-side cribs recalled due to safety hazards

Drop-side cribs manufactured by Shermag, Incorporated, and sold in The Land of Nod specialty stores and other US and Canadian children’s retail stores, are being recalled due to the potential for multiple safety hazards. Approximately 2,300 units in the USA and another 800 cribs in Canada are being taken off the market in response to evidence that entrapment, suffocation, and fall hazards may exist. No child-involved injuries have occurred, but there have been twenty-one reports of the drop-side rails failing or detaching from the crib frame.

As of June 28, 2011, traditional drop-side cribs were banned and stronger safety and testing requirements are mandated. This historical decision was made as a result of a comprehensive study of crib-related infant deaths reported to CPSC between January 2000 and early 2010. Shermag, located in Quebec, Canada, sold the high-end cribs from September 2004 and through December 2008 at a retail price of $400 to $800.

According to the September 29^th CPSC recall, “The drop-side rail hardware on the cribs can break or fail, allowing the drop side to detach from the crib. When the drop side detaches, a hazardous gap is created between the drop-side rail and the crib mattress in which infants and toddlers can become wedged or entrapped, posing risks of suffocation and strangulation. In addition, children can fall out of the crib when the drop-side rail falls unexpectedly or detaches from the crib. Drop-side rail failures can also occur due to incorrect assembly or with age-related wear and tear.”

The wooden Shermag drop-side crib styles involved in this recall include:

• Model 202647
• Model 211047
• Model 272547

The model number is labeled on the crib’s headboard or footboard.  For more details go to Shermag’s website at http://www.shermag.com.  You can also call them at (800) 567-3419.  They are offering a no-cost repair kit that will immobilize the movable side.

Canadian consumers can view Health Canada's press release here.  

To see if your crib has been subject to a safety recall, go to www.cpsc.gov.

Battat, Inc. hits sour note with musical table toy recall

Rat-a-tat-tat and a bang-bang-bang!  Toddlers love to make noise, and for years they have depended on the fun, colorful instruments and toys from Battat Incorporated to develop their young musical talent. Battat has been around for forty years in the USA and their products have been a favorite with parents for just as many years.

Today, however, Battat hit a sour note as they announced the recall of 14,000 Musical Wooden Table toys that had been sold nationwide at various retail and web toy and music stores.  Nine reports of the small pegs on the xylophone pulling off during use caused concern about the potential for a small part choking hazard. Battat reports that they have fortunately received no injury reports, but the recall was issued to reduce the potential for choking incidents in the future.

As shown below, the Musical Wooden Table is a freestanding table with a colorful mix of instruments, including a yellow cymbal, rainbow xylophone and clear plastic drum. The top of the toy is about 7.5 inches in height and is supported by three wooden legs. The tables involved in the recall were sold from September 1, 2006 through October 2010.  Cost averaged $30 each.

 

Now for the tough part – Taking the toy away from the child!  It has to be done in the name of safety, even though giving up the noisemaker may create disharmony between caregiver and child.  The good news is that consumers can contact Battat immediately for a free and improved replacement.  They can be reached by phone at (800) 247-6144, or via their website at www.battatco.com.