Total Recall

 

question markIf you’re like us, you’re appalled at the frequency and number of recalls on pet food in the US.  How can anyone keep up with it all?  We thought we’d start with a list of helpful links we encourage pet owners to check on a regular basis.

If you live in the United States, we suggest you start with the USFDA website, which contains an up to date list of every recall out there.  You can also find a wealth of information at the Humane Society of the US, including Tips To Protect Your Pets From Contaminated Food and Treats, Poisonous Foods to Pets, Poisonous Plants to Pets and Common Household Dangers to Pets.

We weren’t able to find any corresponding links for our readers logging in from India, Canada and the UK, but these might be a good place to start:

Food Safety and Standards Agency of India

Food Standards Agency of the UK

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

We would love to hear from our readers outside the US about any helpful links we can pass along to our readers.  Please comment here, or e-mail joy@yourpetspace.info

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product News!

We are pleased to announce the first three companies to affiliate with us are Petsmart, the ASPCA and Pet Food Direct!  We expect to be offering special deals right here on our website for our visitors, and adding even more affiliates over the coming weeks.

Please remember to go through our Recommended Products and Services page to shop at these stores.  By doing so, you can trust we have dealt with all of the companies listed there and have had a positive experience.  You’ll also be helping to keep Your Pet Space up and running!

Look for product reviews here as we test new vendors and items.  As always, we are here to serve every need of you and your pets.

 

 

Finding The Best Vet

Vet questions: CaduceusWhen we polled our potential readers before opening Your Pet Space, we found one of the most important things to them was how to find the best vet. The worst time to find a new veterinarian is when your pet is having an emergency, so hopefully this will help you be prepared ahead of time.

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is a good place to start.  They have a search feature that allows you to find accredited facilities in your area that have been evaluated on their facilities, staff, equipment and patient care.  You can also find vets that are open 24 hours or that specialize in areas such as dermatology, oncology or cardiology.  InfoVet of Canada also offers this service for our friends up north.  And for our friends in India, we recommend Bring Fido.

Another great way to find the right vet for your pet is to get recommendations from other pet owners who share your general philosophy (such as, if you don’t want your pet routinely vaccinated).  You could also ask local animal shelters, dog trainers, groomers or pet sitters.

But, once you find an accredited vet near you, how do you know it’s the right vet for you?

  • Arrange for a first appointment without your dog to speak with a veterinarian.
  • Once you’re there, check whether the space is clean, modern and well-organized.
  • Ask about whether vets on staff share responsibility and cover for each other during vacations or other absences.
  • Do you have good rapport with the vet? This is critical.
  • Ask questions! The best thing you can do as a pet parent is not be shy asking what you really want to know.

You may want to ask:

  • How are overnight patients monitored?
  • What sort of diagnostic and monitoring equipment does the practice use?
  • Does the vet refer patients to specialists?
  • How are patients evaluated before anesthesia and surgery?
  • Does the practice have licensed veterinary technicians on staff?
  • What is the protocol for pain management?
  • Does the practice offer emergency after hours treatment? If not, to whom do they refer?
  • What’s the average cost of routine procedures like wellness exams, titers and teeth cleaning?

Above all, don’t be afraid to change vets if you are not happy for any reason.  Trust your gut.  Your pet will thank you.

Welcome! We’re Glad You’re Here

Hello, everyone.  My name is Joy Jones, and along with my husband Dave and with the help of some awesome friends, we’re about to make this the very best site for companion animal owners anywhere on the web!  If you haven’t already, check out our About Us page to read how we got this crazy idea in the first place.   And don’t forget to sign up for our monthly newsletter as well at the tab on the side of each page.

Over the next few weeks we’ll be introducing tons of new features to the site, and some pet experts we know personally will be contributing guest blogs.  We’ll also share with you articles on the following:

  • A way to find local vets that are highly rated.
  • Alerts on pet product recalls.
  • Safe, homemade or affordable, teaching pet toys.
  • Human foods that are good/bad for dogs to eat, toxic items for pets.
  • Common medical symptoms to watch out for and tips to determine how serious symptoms should be before calling the vet.
  • Making your own treats.

And MUCH more!

Our Prime Directive is to become your first stop for everything to do with your pet.

Thanks for stopping by and we’ll talk again soon, I’m sure.

Joy