Unusual Allergens for Pets

Pets suffer from food allergies but did you know that many have inhaled allergies too? More times than not this fact is over looked as we sometimes think that dogs and cats that rummage around outside all day long couldn't possibly have allergies.  Here are a few of the symptoms of inhaled allergies:
  • sneezing
  • coughing
  • watery or red eyes
  • red ears
  • chewing of the feet
  • licking
(many of these symptoms are similar to those of other more serious health concerns so please seek veterinary advise if your pet exhibits these.)
There is testing available for allergies.  It usually involves a small blood sample and a larger amount of cash out of your pocket.  Although you will receive a very detailed list of allergens, it is nowhere complete nor is it absolutely necessary.  An easy, yet a little time consuming, alternative is to take a look around and see what just might be bothering your pet.  Here are a few things that you may want to check out that aren't obvious:

  • Laundry or dish detergent - you may want to try perfume and dye free kinds
  • Pet shampoo
  • Any carpet or furniture treatments, powders, cleaners
  • House plants
  • Cleaning products
  • Air deodorizers
  • Pet bedding
  • Lawn treatments
  • Plants in the lawn
  • Bird feeding areas (indoor and outdoor)
  • Pine, cedar, mulches
  • Fertilizers
Take the time to observe your pet.  See what all your pet comes into contact in a day.  Does your pet start chewing it's feet when it lays in it's bed? Maybe on your bed?  Watch if your pet tries to avoid certain areas.  Does your pet rub itself on the carpet you just sprinkled a deodorizer on it?  The power of observation can save you much time and money.
If you happen to notice that your pet is exhibiting some allergies with something in your environment, change it!  If it is something that you can't change, change how you deal with your pet - wipe their body down when they come in contact with the allergen ( a slightly wet washcloth works well - no need for a full out bath), change your air filters often, and even changing their water often helps.

There are medications that can help as well.  Chlorphenaramine, Benedryl*, etc can always ease the symptoms but do cause excessive drowsiness and are costly because you will need to use it often.  No one wants a drugged up pet!  What is the alternative? Building your pet's immune system! How to do that?  Casey Essentials. Period.  Build the immune system, allow the pet to fight off allergens!

So try the above before investing in allergy testing.  You'll have a happier pet and an even happier wallet.

*do not use any medication on your pet prior to discussing with your veterinarian
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Take Your Dog to Work Day - June 25th

That's right!  June 25th is actually "Take Your Dog to Work Day". You've heard of "Take Your Kid to Work Day", well it was only a matter of time before this theme spilled over to pets.


Here at Casey, we bring our dogs in all the time and I have mixed feelings about it:

One one hand you have the calming effect of animals and how just petting them can calm nerves and lower blood pressure and really, how many of us could use a little of that through out our work days?  It's nice to be able to take a little break now and then and go wrestle with your dog now and then.

On the other hand, they can be a huge distraction (and this depends on the dog of course).  Wanting your attention, needing to go outside, food, water, etc. all things that we may not be as productive in our day if we need to deal with this as well.  Then there is the blaring fact that not everyone wants your dogs in the office space.


It really is a hard decision.  I'd love to hear what everyone's opinions are so please let us know!  To bring or not to bring your dog to work?!

Honestly I think the people of Sam Adams have it right...a beer delivered to the office every day! And they will never have a "Bring Your Cat to Work Day" because the cat would do a better job than all of us!


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Pets Bring People Together

This past weekend, Casey Petraceuticals had the honor of participating in the Paws for Applause event in downtown Durham.  It was 95 degrees, blaring sun and no breeze and yet, people were happy to be there.  Why?  Their pets of course!


Paws for Applause was a fund raiser for the Carolina Theatre, Durham ASPCA and Independent Animal Rescue.  It included a handful of pet item and food vendors, Locopops (a local favorite), a crazy clown and of course lots of people ready to show off their dog.

A fashion show was the highlight of the event with winners in categories such as "Best Smile", "Best Trick", Best Costume" and of course "Best in Show".  A great time was had by all...humans and dog alike, but something more happened this day.


As I was walking around taking pictures and talking to people I noticed one thing, the dogs gave everyone a similar link.  There were Caucasians, African Americans, Hispanics, Indian, straight, gay, young, old, you name it, they were there, but no one noticed!  It was all about the dogs and I can tell you that dogs don't care who or what their owners are!  


All the dogs care about is who loves them.  Seems like a lesson that we can all take home with us.  So the next time you are ready to judge a person, listen to your pet, they really do know best!!!




Read about the winners here
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Environmental Awareness - Why Now?

The recent oil spill has brought about so much concern for our environment that it makes me wonder why does it take something so big for people to really take the time to care?  Or do they really?  Every day our environment is blasted one way or another.  It may be small things like that plastic water bottle you just drank out of or something big like the oil spill.  The question is...why does it take a major catastrophe to bring people's thinking around?


Here are a few things to ask yourself...
1. Could you do without oil?
2. Could you provide for yourself if you needed to?
3. How does your life effect the environment?
4. Do you give back to the environment?

I know this may sound like I'm a complete "tree hugger" but I'm not.  I still drive my car to work every day. I still buy some of my food from the grocery store.  I still use tons of gadgets that run on batteries and electricity.  But what I do do is be aware that these things do make an impact on the world around me.

I do try to make some difference though.  I garden as much as I can, I make my own breads and cheeses, I barter with my neighbors for food and other items that I may need, I build many of my needed furniture, and I even brew my own beer.  Many of these things started as mere hobbies I admit but I've found that the gas I save running to the store, the joy in seeing my own handiwork, the goodness of eating local food and most importantly the sense of community with my neighbors is amazing and great for the environment.

We at Casey are trying to do some of the same.  Soon we will be introducing a new section of the company that will focus on items to help our environment.  Small steps towards a new future.  So do your part! Think about all the things in your life and how you might be able to change for the better.  It isn't as hard as you think and believe me the benefits that you will reap will outweigh anything you put into it.
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I've got an IRON MAN problem with my Pet Product

Catchy headline huh? 

I hope so since my desire is to get more people reading this blog for my company, Casey Petraceuticals, LLC. Not for any monumental reason mind you but mainly because I have a company I care about (as well as people who work for me---and a product I know is incredible) and I want more people to be aware of what we're doing. The WHAT in what we are doing is manufacturing one of the most high quality and uncompromising pet supplements on the market.





How do I know this? Because it was created for and has been used by honest to goodness pet enthusiasts. In fact, our product is one of the few but not the only supplements on the market that is:

1. Affordable.
2. All-natural.
3. Has 31 ingredients (all Human-Grade and very expensive to make too).
4. Fast-acting (as in 3 to 7 days for signs of positive results in most pets) and...
5. All-in-one (not the buy one for hip and joint and one for anxiety supplements).

  How do I know this? Well, I'm the President of the company. My name is Frederick Jones and I'm a long-time pet owner (currently my parents have our family dog while my beloved pet was lost to an ex in a past relationship) who is now becoming an enthusiast of pets thanks to the wonderful people I work with and the work our company does on behalf of the health of dogs and cats. The fact of the matter is that I represent most of the mainstream pet owners in America who have grown up with a dog but considered that any pet with food in the bowl (no matter the brand) who lived indoors (not outdoors or in a dog house) and goes to the Vet twice a year (not put down when they got sick)--was the BEST PET CARE an owner could give.

Boy, have I learned a LOT. 

Since joining the company, I've learned that most pet owners (i.e. such as myself) are unaware of the best choices they can make in feeding their pet. They are unaware that the hundreds (or thousands they spend on vet bills) are largely the product of the food and exercise that they give to their pet as much as it is a result of the pets' activities. But more than anything I've learned that the pet business is aside from being exciting and fun it is not easy and that as much as we need to educate the average pet owner--we need to educate ourselves as pet businesses to make sure that we are growing the business to include all pet owners (i.e. mainstream and pet activist).

This gap in educating the pet owner and the pet businesses is a problem to say the least but it's a problem that will not only destroy small companies like mine but will hurt the industry as whole if we do not work to correct it. More to the point-destroying the business means we lessen the impact we can have on the pet community.

So I know you're wondering just what is this blog about? Simply put, I want to talk about the amazing work my team is doing and touch on my occasional thoughts in running a company with interests in the pet industry. For example, what I fear most (as do all start-ups) is failure in trying to capture momentum. Coming from another industry (i.e. videogames/ entertainment products) I've discovered that customers tend to fall into two camps: the hardcore and the mainstream.  

Now the hardcore rock! They can sustain a business like no other. They truly keep it alive when it's suffering and they advocate the business when no one else is getting through to the masses. In the pet world they tend to be the most educated (i.e. particularly in nutrition for pets and breed specifics) and involved of pet owners. In my previous life this was most evident in something like comicbooks such as Green Lantern and Iron Man. Neither were as strong as say Superman or Spiderman (respectively to DC and Marvel fans) but they had a LOYAL following and whether it be a recession or an inflation of comics or overall changes in pop culture (just when did "Kick-ass" become a comicbook worthy of being a film)--the Hardcore were the only thing keeping those books (and those characters) alive.

I see a lot of this in the pet business. The Pet advocates and enthusiasts who are passionate about healthy foods and knowledgeable about breeds are the ones who keep the small, innovative companies like mine around and even give us a shot. They help us get into the local stores and in some cases are the reasons we have that initial shot into a big box retailer. Without the hardcore market-- I have to wonder if companies like Zukes and Honest Kitchen would be the companies they are today.

That said, eventually the mainstream must be involved or at best you're struggling each year just to survive. The mainstream is not some strange elitist group either. Most Americans who shop at Wal-Mart fall into this group. They love their dogs as much as the next person but they can only do what they know to do. When supplements, field rage chicken/beef (as opposed to processed meat) are NOT DISCUSSED on everyday program or news shows then the average American does the right thing by their pet but it may not be the BEST THING THEY CAN DO. As the son of two parents who have always had a dog but has at times fed the pup the product sold at their local grocery store with words like "meat by products" let's face facts--they are just trying to keep up with their dogs. This is where things get tricky though because to move into the next level of growth (i.e. being able to donate more to local and national rescue groups, develop better formulations for new healthier products and so on) a company needs to push out into the mainstream.  No matter who the manufacturer is--ultimate success means converting some of it not a large portion of mainstream customers. Sometimes though that push can lead to some alienation of the hardcore. This leads to what I call the "Iron Man problem".

Iron man was a second rate Marvel Comics character for decades before the Robert Downey Jr. film came out in 2008 (the second already having grossed over half a billion worldwide) and was such a massive success that his profile rose significantly causing related merchandise and comicbooks to sell at record levels. The problem is that the comicbook stores themselves did not see a large part of this growth (some would argue ANY).

There are several reasons for this:
  • Old and mismanaged fixtures
  • Hard to find store locations
  • Poor merchandising of new products
  • Minor services or customer service of any type
  • Ineffective advertising
  • High prices
The fact of the matter is that the mainstream and areas that support the mainstream is where Iron Man succeeded and the hardcore fans (while still around) and the places that supported the hardcore fans  did not see the sort of success that their loyalty possibly deserved. The places that did see growth in Iron Man sales were Barnes and Nobles, Target and even grocery stores! 


There are several reasons why they succeeded:

  • Convenient locations
  • Aggressive pricing
  • Strong advertising
  • Uniques services (i.e. wi-fi, reading clubs, contests, related discounts to other products like food/ coffee)
  • Efficient merchandising 


Pet supplements seem an awful lot like Iron Man to me. To be honest, it might be worse than Iron Man as I don't know if we even could call ourselves "second-tier". Whether it be Nupro or Missing Link--we do not make the pet industry's highest revenues. Dog foods and dog treats are only followed by leashes and bowls in the revenue making portion of the industry. While the supplemental category is growing every year the fact remains that while most Americans know what Centrum is and why it's necessary very few people know that pets need to be supplemented with quality nutrition as well.

Now, I know the analogy is crude (it's my first blog people--;) because the average comicbook store is NOT like the average pet store but as a manufacturer of a pet supplement--we would not exist right now without the help of true pet enthusiasts. However, for our company to truly reach a level of success that will benefit the number of pets we want to help (yes, our ambitions are global--more middle classes worldwide means more pets and more poor pet nutrition), we will need to reach more and more people (i.e. mainstream owners). Our goal is to do this WITH the hardcore pet enthusiasts and avoid the Iron Man problem. Casey Pets (our pet line) is for the pet community and deserves to give back everything we're getting from our fans and retailers.

This will be challenging (it always is) but we will strive to succeed where others have failed. We want to help the hard working men/ women of the pet retailers portion of this industry to not fight over the same customer but to GROW THEIR CUSTOMER BASE. This blog will capture my observances of this process as we turn Casey Pets into THE NAME BRAND FOR QUALITY ALL-NATURAL PET PRODUCTS.

In my next post, I'll touch on retailers and how we can all strive to be better about reaching customers.
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Vaccines - Are they needed? Part 2 - Those Pesky Non-Core Vaccines

So your dog is now vaccinated or titered for the main vaccines but now your veterinarian is mentioning MORE!  What is needed, what isn't needed? What is necessary for my area, what isn't?  All questions that your veterinarian should be able to answer but you should have a little knowledge before you enter that exam room.

Bordetella - The first thing you should know about this vaccine is that it is NOT pronounced Bordello!  You say this and you will get a snicker or two from your veterinary technician - sorry, we just can't help it!  This vaccine is also called the Kennel Cough vaccine.

So what is it? 
Bordetella is the most common bacteria isolated from dogs with tracheobronchitis. It is transmitted through the air and direct contact.  Its symptoms include dry hacking cough sometimes followed by retching. Many owners describe the cough as having a 'honking sound.' A watery nasal discharge may also be present.  Many times, there is a recent history of boarding or coming in contact with other dogs. In severe cases it can cause pneumonia and even death though this is rarely seen.

So does your dog need this vaccine?  You bet!  Even if your dog never goes out side, never comes in contact with other dogs, never boards anywhere, etc. your dog needs this vaccine.  Why?  If you are in the veterinary office getting your dogs annual vaccines and exam done, you pet is at potential risk.  If you live in a neighborhood where dogs are, your dog is at risk.  It's an easy vaccine, usually intra-nasal (given by a few drops in the nose) and it is given in low doses so get it done!  Unless your dog has major health issues, get this vaccine, it will save you a ton of headaches.

Leptospirosis - A very big word for such a tiny little bacteria that can cause a lot of damage.  Lepto is transmitted through the urine and feces of wild animals such as deer and racoons cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, and rodents.  It effects the liver and kidneys of dogs by causing vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fever and depression.  If it is not treated it can cause death.  Sounds like something to be vaccinated against right?  Not convinced yet?  You can get this too.
Is this bacteria everywhere? Pretty much but it does vary by locations.  Here in North Carolina we have at least 4 types of Lepto and the usual vaccine given here is designed to cover those strains.  Check with your veterinarian about what is best in your area.

Lyme - Lyme disease is caused by your dog (or yourself) being bitten by an infected tick - usually a deer tick - that attaches and feeds.  
The usual symptoms are joint inflammation and pain, lethargy, vomiting and depression.  Usually the first limb to experience this pain the the one bitten.

Many antibiotics later, your dog may not feel any repercussions from this disease.  The best way to avoid all of this, vaccinate.  

Now not every area in the United States is at high risk so you may want to speak to your veterinarian about the risk in your area.  Remember that even though you live downtown in a major city, you may visit the countryside or a cabin in the mountains, so think of all the areas that your dog may visit.

All vaccines should be discussed with your veterinarian and your pet's health should be considered at all times.
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Vaccines - Are they needed?


You take your dog to the veterinarian for his annual exam.  They draw blood for a heartworm test, the obtain a fecal sample to check for internal parasites, the veterinarian performs a physical exam and then they give him his "annual vaccines".  Do any of these questions pop into your head? "What are these annual vaccines?  Are they necessary? Is there an alternative to these vaccines?  What is the difference between modified-live vaccines and killed vaccines?  Are all vaccines needed for my pet in the area I live?  My pet doesn't go outside, does it still need vaccines?" No?  Well they should.  They pop into the minds of veterinarians and has started some very heavy debates among them. The best thing to do is to do a little research and have a heart to heart with your veterinarian.  The next series of blogs will explore these questions. Here is a bit of information to get you started.

Dogs:

Let's start with what they call "core-vaccines".  These normally are the "required" vaccines.

Rabies - Whether a dog or a cat, this vaccine is more often than not required by the state you live in and for good reason.  Rabies is everywhere, whether you live in the most remote areas of the country or the most developed cities.  Rabies can be carried by any warm blooded animal, including humans. The most common carriers (and the ones that are the biggest threat to humans and pets) are  bats, monkeys, raccoons, foxes, skunks, cattle, wolves, coyotes, dogs, or cats. Rabies may also spread through exposure to infected domestic farm animals, groundhogs, weasels, bears and other wild carnivores. It is a deadly viral infection that attacks the brain and central nervous system.
  

It is normally spread through the transfer of the virus via blood or saliva - hence a bite is the most ideal situation.  So if your pet goes outside - at all - it is highly recommend that your pet is give a rabies vaccination. If your pet does not go outside for any reason, it is still recommended to have this vaccine.  Why?  Many state laws require it for one reason, and for a second reason, if your pet should happen to bite a person, that pet will need to be taken away for observation for rabies.  It isn't worth it.  
Dogs normally get a Rabies vaccine every 3 years (except during the puppy vaccine cycle - they receive their first vaccine at 12 to 16 weeks and then again the next year).  The rabies vaccine involves administering a small dose of killed virus in order to provoke a response from your dog's immune system, triggering it to create antibodies to fight future infection without actually giving your dog the disease. There is also a form of the vaccine available for people who work in high risk jobs that might bring them in contact with infected animals.

There is a small amount of danger with the Rabies vaccine.  Allergic reactions are extremely rare but not impossible and some sarcomas (malignant cancers of connective tissue like fat and cartilage) have been attributed to the vaccine.  This is one vaccine that is given intramuscular or subcutaneously (under the skin) so talk to your veterinarian about where they give the vaccine and the risks. If you truly believe that your pet is at no risk or either being bitten or biting someone, talk to your veterinarian about your concerns of vaccinating.

DHPP (the Distemper Vaccine) - This vaccine normally comes as a combo vaccine that covers Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo virus and Parainfleunza.  It will sometimes include Leptospirosis as well (DHLPP) but many veterinarians are choosing to vaccinate them separately as the new DHPP vaccines are given every 3 years while Leptospirosis is needed every 6 months to a year in high risk areas. Let's look at all the components separately:
  • Distemper virus - Attacks the lungs and affects the function of the brain and spinal cord. Disease can be fatal.
  • Hepatitis - Affects the liver and can cause loss of vision.
  • Parainfluenza - Respiratory virus that causes coughing.
  • Parvovirus - Attacks the lining of the intestinal tract and damages the heart of very young puppies. Can be fatal.


Sounds serious doesn't it?  It is but what many veterinarians don't tell clients is that after the first few years of vaccinating, many dogs don't need the vaccine anymore.  The way the vaccine is designed it that it helps the body build up a defense against these viruses.  If the bodies antibody levels are high enough, then no vaccine is really needed.  After for dog has gone through the puppy vaccines (starting at 6 weeks of age and then every 3 weeks until they are 12 to 16 weeks old) start discussing the option to titer instead of vaccinate.
Titering is a way to test those antibody levels.  It is a simple blood test.  What is the difference?

Pros - no need for unnecessary vaccinating, no chance of allergic reaction, proof that your pet is protected
Cons - more expensive than a vaccine, if levels are low then vaccination is needed anyway, time constraints (it may take some time until the results are back from the lab)

Talk to your veterinarian about what is best for your dog.

Your dog is inside only?  It doesn't come in contact with any other dogs?  Does your pet still need to be protected? Yes!  All of these viruses can be contracted via the air, contact with urine or feces and some even last up to months outside its host.  If your dog is at the veterinarian, it is at risk. If your dog is riding in your car or sitting by an open window, it is at risk. Get your pet protected.

Watch out for the next blog when we look at some of the "non-core" vaccines for dogs such as Bordetella, Leptospirosis and Lymes.  After that, we'll look at cats!

Always remember - talk to your veterinarian. If they question why you are questioning them, look for a new veterinarian.  This is your pet we are talking about, find a veterinarian that will listen and talk with you but always give you the best options.


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