Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about Merit Pet Products.
Petshield – KI
Many authorities on radiation exposure and thyroid cancer have made statements about the benefits of Potassium Iodide(as provided by PETSHIELD – KI) following a nuclear accident.
Dept of Homeland Security - Ready.gov
"Consider keeping potassium iodide in your emergency kit, learn what the appropriate doses are for each of your family members and pets".
FEMA - Nuclear Power Plant Preparedness Document
"The thyroid gland is vulnerable to the uptake of radioactive iodine. If a radiological release occurs at a nuclear power plant, States may decide to provide the public with a stable iodine, potassium iodide, which saturates the thyroid and protects it from the uptake of radioactive iodine. Such a protective action is at the option of State, and in some cases, local government".
FDA - Radiation Emergencies
In December 2001, the Food and Drug Administration released their final guidance on Potassium Iodide as a Thyroid Blocking Agent in Radiation Emergencies. Quote - "FDA maintains that KI is a safe and effective means by which to prevent radioiodine uptake by the thyroid gland, under certain specified conditions of use, and thereby obviate the risk of thyroid cancer in the event of a radiation emergency". FDA December 2001
World Health Organization Prophylaxis Following Nuclear Accidents
In 1999 the World Health Organization (WHO) updated their Guidelines for Iodine Prophylaxis Following Nuclear Accidents. Quote - "Stable iodine administered before, or promptly after, intake of raddioactive iodine can block or reduce the accumulation of radioactive iodine in the thyroid glands of humans and animals. Intake of radioactive iodine by inhalation begins when the radioactive cloud arrives at a location and continues during the passage of the cloud. Action to implement stable iodine prophylaxis, and thereby reduce the dose to the thyroid, will be required promptly". WHO 1999
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
"The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is amending its emergency planning regulations governing the domestic licensing of production and utilization facilities. The final rule requires that consideration be given to including potassium iodide (KI) as a protective measure for the general public that would supplement sheltering and evacuation. KI would help prevent thyroid cancers in the unlikely event of a major release of radioactivity from a nuclear power plant". - NRC January 2001
"At last count, some 1,800 children in the former Soviet Union have developed thyroid cancer as a result of the [Chernobyl] accident. Almost all were very young-in the womb or under 2 years old-at the time of exposure. In adults, thyroid cancer is usually slow-growing, but in the Chernobyl children, it has proved to be aggressive. In more than two-thirds of cases, the malignancy has spread beyond the thyroid by the time of surgery. The disease has a long latency period, so thousands more cases are expected in coming decades". - in a letter from Peter G. Crane, former attorney for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The American Thyroid Association - Radiation Emergencies
In November 2001, The American Thyroid Association endorsed the usage of Potassium Iodide for Radiation Emergencies. "The American Thyroid Association endorses the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission's December 2000 action requiring states and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to look into having potassium iodide (KI) stockpiled and available for populations at risk for exposure to radioactive iodine from a nuclear emergency." - ATA November 30, 2001
National Academy of Sciences - KI Distribution
"A radius of 20 miles [KI distribution around nuclear plants] is required by the Bioterrorism Act of 2002 (P.L.107-188) but this is much too restricted in light of the Chernobyl experience". - In response to the National Academy of Sciences Study of Strategies for KI Distribution and Administration.
"...both an expert committee of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Thyroid Association endorse the use of KI and have confidence in its safety..." - Letter from ATA President to Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C.
"The seminal event that opened the world’s eyes to the importance of KI distribution was the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident, releasing a fallout cloud that spread radioactive iodine and other radionuclides throughout eastern and central Europe. Starting a few years later, infants, children, farm animals and pets who had been exposed to the fallout were diagnosed with an unusual and aggressive form of thyroid cancer, except in Poland where the government had distributed KI pills". From an ATA news summary titled, Experts Discuss Potassium Iodide Distribution in Case of Nuclear Incident (PDF document)
Public Citizen - NRC's Failure to Stockpile Potassium Iodide
Public Citizen is a national, nonprofit consumer advocacy organization founded in 1971 to represent consumer interests in congress, the executive branch and the courts. Their website covers are aspects of consumer protection including their statement on The NRC's Failure to Stockpile Potassium Iodide & Protect the Public Health and Safety. "For over 25 years, the use of blocking agents such as potassium iodide to prevent the accumulation of radioiodine in the thyroid gland has been known. The effectiveness of potassium iodide administration for thyroid gland protection in the event of releases of radioiodine was recognized by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement in 1977. The Food and Drug Administration authorized use of potassium iodide as a thyroid-blocking agent for the general public in December 1978." - Public Citizen 2001
Union of Concerned Scientists - Precaution for Nuclear Accident
The Union of Concerned Scientists is a nonprofit partnership of scientists and citizens combining rigorous scientific analysis, innovative policy development and effective citizen advocacy to achieve practical environmental solutions. Read their release entitled, "Precaution for Nuclear Accident a Stitch in Time That Saves Way More Than Nine". Quote - "A January decision is expected by the Commissioner of Public Health for the State of Massachusetts on whether to recommend that potassium iodide be stockpiled to protect public health in event of an accident at a nuclear facility. The Union of Concerned Scientists joins many others from the environmental and medical communities in urging the Commissioner, Dr. Howard Koh, to recommend this crucial precaution." - Union of Concerned Scientists December 22, 1999
Potassium iodide is extremely safe in the dosage provided by PETSHIELD – KI . Because it is widely used in other treatments, Potassium Iodide’s effects are well known. Calculations by the National Council on Radiation Protection suggest that the incidence of adverse reactions to Potassium Iodide can be as low as 1 in 10 million, and often no more than a mild skin rash. In the 1930s the government required salt manufacturers to add Potassium Iodide to its table salt (like Morton salt) because people in the great lakes region had iodine-deficient diets and had a high rate of goiters and other thyroid problems. Potassium Iodide is also added to children's Flintstone vitamins because it is an essential mineral. It has also been used as a children's expectorant for years.
Note: Iodine is found in table salt, fish oil, kelp, daily vitamins, etc.
From the FDA - "Short-term administration of KI (Potassium Iodide) at thyroid blocking doses is safe and, in general, more so in younger patients. The risks of stable iodine administration include sialadenitis (an inflammation of the salivary gland, of which no cases were reported in Poland among users after the Chernobyl accident), gastrointestinal disturbances, allergic reactions and minor rashes. In addition, persons and animals with known iodine sensitivity should avoid KI, as should individuals with dermatitis herpetiformis and hypocomplementemic vasculitis, extremely rare conditions associated with an increased risk of iodine hypersensitivity. Owners of companion animals should check with their Veterinarians that their pets are not sensitive to Iodine. There is no question that the benefits of KI treatment to reduce the risk of thyroid cancer outweigh the risks of such treatment.
5 year shelf-life from date of manufacture of PETSHIELD - KI.
For optimal protection against inhaled radioiodines, PETSHIELD – KI should be administered before the passage of the radioactive iodine plume, though Potassium Iodide may still have a substantial protective effect even if taken 3 or 4 hours after exposure. Give one dose as soon as possible and then every 24 hours at the same time each day. Give PETSHIELD – KI only when exposed to radioactive iodine as notified by state or local public health officials. Furthermore, if the release of radioiodines into the atmosphere is protracted, then, of course, even delayed administration may reap benefits by reducing, if incompletely, the total radiation dose to the thyroid. As time is of the essence in optimal prophylaxis with Potassium Iodide, timely administration is a critical consideration in planning the emergency response to a radiation accident and requires a ready supply of Potassium Iodide. Potassium Iodide has no impact on the uptake by the body of other radioactive materials and provides no protection against external irradiation of any kind. FDA emphasizes that the use of Potassium Iodide should be as an adjunct to evacuation (itself not always feasible), sheltering, and control of food stuffs.
We recommended one 60gm Bottle of PETSHIELD - KI per pet for storing at home. That will provide about a 24 day supply for pets up to 60 pounds.
Yes !! PETSHIELD – KI has a strong beef liver flavor that your pet will like. Just sprinkle on their food once a day in the recommended amount.
How much PETSHIELD – KI should I give my pet?
From PETSHIELD - KI Consumer Insert
One dose every 24 hours. Take one dose of PETSHIELD – KI as soon as possible and then every 24 hours at the same time each day. Administer potassium iodide when exposed to radioactivity or when exposure is probable as notified by state or local public health officials.
One dose every 24 hours at the same time of day.
Dosage is based on the weight of your pet.
Pets weighing less than 9 pounds --- 1/8 teaspoon/day
Pets weighing more than 9 pounds and less than 25 pounds -- ¼ teaspoon/day
Pets weighing more than 25 pounds and less than 60 pounds -- ½ teaspoon/day
Pets weighing more than 60 pounds --- 1 level teaspoon/day
Potassium Iodide (chemical abbreviation is KI) is used by health officials worldwide to prevent thyroid cancer in people and animals exposed to radioactive iodides caused by nuclear reactor accidents and nuclear bombs. It protects against radioactive iodine by preventing its absorption by the thyroid gland located in the neck. Thyroid cells are unique among all cells of the human body as they are the only cells which have the ability to absorb Iodine. The thyroid gland absorbs it from the bloodstream and concentrates it inside the cell to produce hormones. For radiation that is not immediately lethal, the thyroid is your body's most sensitive organ to the effects of radiation. The Radioactive Iodine is absorbed by the thyroid and can cause thyroid disease and cancer later on. Sometimes it only takes a short time if the victim is a young because a youngster’s thyroid is very active in helping with growth. PETSHIELD – KI floods the thyroid with stable iodine, shutting off its absorption mechanism, and it will remain off long enough for the radioactive iodine that your pet inhaled or ingested to be safely disbursed through the kidneys.
By using radiation detectors, emergency officials, such as FEMA, monitor the environment for detectable levels of radiation. News organizations will broadcast alerts and information on nuclear accidents and radioactive plumes that may be drifting through the atmosphere. It is important to be prepared BEFORE such an event impacts your area.
Because of the inherent safety of Potassium Iodide, it is available without a prescription for radiation protection. Its use, however, should be limited to radiation emergencies and only when recommended by emergency response authorities. PETSHIELD – KI is a dietary supplement that will provide the recommended amount of Potassium Iodide to protect your pet in the event of a radiation event.
One of the most feared consequences of a nuclear reactor accident or nuclear bomb is the release of a radioactive iodine plume into the environment.
Radioactive Iodine (I-131) is a by-product of nuclear fission which occurs only within a nuclear reactor or during detonation of a nuclear bomb. What makes radioactive iodine so dangerous is that the body cannot distinguish it from ordinary iodine. As a result, if swallowed (in contaminated food or water), or inhaled (it can remain in the atmosphere for days), it will be absorbed into the thyroid gland (only the thyroid absorbs iodine) and may lead to thyroid cancer, especially in the young patients. The value of Potassium Iodide (KI) was demonstrated following the Chernobyl nuclear accident, where authorities began mass distribution of Potassium Iodide just hours after the explosion. In the years following the accident in areas where it was received, the incidence of thyroid cancer has not increased. But where Potassium Iodide was not distributed, previously rare forms of juvenile thyroid cancer have begun appearing at epidemic rates, with over 11,000 known cases. This number continues to rise and is not expected to peak after 2010.
Stop It
Coprophagia is the habit of eating stools(feces) exhibited by many dogs. There are few more upsetting things to a dog owner than having a pet eat its own or another pet's stool, and then turn to you, with its tail wagging, wanting to lick your face.
"Why do some dogs have this repulsive behavior?" . What is the motivation for this behavior? We don’t actually know for certain, but there are several common factors,….environmental, behavioral, and medical that keep appearing in these cases.
Coprophagia is a normal behavior for canines in certain situations. Females often eat their puppies' feces – to keep the area clean, and also instinctively to protect their pups from predators noticing their presence. Therefore, Coprophagia may be a biologic drive to eat feces, as a survival trait.
Also, pups often go through an oral stage where everything in their environment ends up in their mouths, including feces. Over time, most pups will grow out of this habit by their first birthday.
There is usually more than one reason that a pup may begin and then continue eating feces. Some of the more common reasons are:
- Learned Behavior: the pup has watched its mother eat stools. It must be OK!!
- Hunger: A pup needs to be on a regular, appetite satisfying feeding schedule.
- Boredom: All pets require routine exercise and stimulation.
- Dietary deficiency: Some pets with vitamin deficiencies, especially B vitamins, and protein deficiencies will sometimes eat feces in an effort to make up the deficits.
- Nervous Behavior: Some high strung dogs compulsively eat feces.
Best results will be had by utilizing a comprehensive approach that incorporates, medical advice, behavior supervision, activity modification, and dietary adjustment and supplement.
1. First and foremost, always check with your Veterinarian, whenever you have a concern regarding your pet’s health and/or behavior.
2. Once satisfied there are no health concerns, put your pet on a firm schedule of eating that provides adequate food without contributing to weight gain. Your Vet can suggest how much and how often you should be feeding your pup. Also, be sure that you are using a high quality(preferably dry), high protein dog food.
3. Take your dog for a good walk every day and also play with him. The pup will enjoy the attention, and you will benefit from the exercise, yourself. You might even have some fun!!!
4. If possible, take your dog to the same area to “do its’ business” and then immediately clean it up. At the very least, clean up any “poops” from the yard as frequently as possible. That will help remove the temptation.
5. Last, liberally sprinkle every meal you give your pet with STOP IT!! by MERIT, the most complete dietary supplement specially formulated to reduce Coprophagia. Your pet will really like the taste, but when it has been processed through its digestive tract, the taste changes to a very bitter flavor that discourages your pet from eating their feces. In addition, STOP IT!! by MERIT contains an effective deodorant that makes the feces smell less appetizing to your dog. Last, STOP IT!! by MERIT Contains powerful B Vitamins and added protein to supplement potential deficiencies.
Sprinkle liberally over every meal (Three shakes per 10 pounds of pet weight per meal) for 30 days, then taper off over two months. During first 10 days, you may increase dose if dog is not responding.
For use in puppies 12 weeks or older and adult dogs.
Formulated for use in dogs only. As with any supplement or medication, an examination by a veterinarian is always recommended before using the product. "STOP IT!!" has not been proven safe for "breeding" dogs. A special, "non-MSG" formulation, is available by special request by calling 401-333-1522 at no extra charge.
Keep this and all such products out of the reach of children.
Joint Health Formula
RE-FLEX JOINT HEALTH FORMULA is the most complete, all natural, dietary supplement that helps maintain and repair your pet's cartilage and joint structures. Scientifically formulated with a balanced blend of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Hyaluronic Acid, and powerful Anti-Oxidants, RE-LIEF JPF helps rebuild and support your pet's joints. Sprinkled twice a day on your pet's food, RE-LIEF JPF will start showing positive results for your pet in ten to fourteen days. Your pet will gain increased mobility with reduced pain.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin are the two primary naturaly sources of the critical chemical building block of joint cartilage. They are the most widely used dietary supplements in the world for both humans and animals in maintaing healthy cartilage and repairing damaged or worn cartilage,
Glucosamine and Chondroitin have been utilized to treat Osteo-Arthritis in both humans and pets in Asia and Europe since the 1970s. During the last 15 years or so, Physicians and Veterinarians in the USA started recommending them for their patients. Glucosamine and Chondroitin are now the most widely used supplements in the world, because both patients and doctors have been so very satisfied with the results. These products are proving to be the safest and best treatments for the crippling effects of Osteo-Arthritis that plague so many people and millions of aging cats and dogs here in the United States and around the world.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin products have been known in the United States for more than forty years, but until recently, they didn’t invite widespread acceptance. The reason is that the major pharmaceutical companies couldn’t patent the products to keep them exclusively to themselves. It just isn’t as profitable to big companies as they would like. Also, because Glucosamine and Chondroitin are food-grade supplements, naturally occurring substances found in many foods, they are not regulated by the FDA. Instead, Glucosamine and Chondroitin, and similarly beneficial supplements, are treated the same as vitamins.
Despite many positive research studies performed overseas, American researchers are only now starting to perform controlled studies. Some early, small scale, American studies have given ambivalent results, but several large scale studies are underway to re-confirm the already positive results demonstrated to date. Many years of overwhelmingly positive experience by Physicians and Veterinarians with their patients have made Glucosamine and Chondroitin the supplement of choice for Osteo-Arthitis.
As with all supplements and medications, you should always check first with your Veterinarian to be sure that this or any product is suitable for your pet. The above article is for informational purposes only, and is not meant as medical advice. Glucosamine and Chondroitin have not been evaluated by the FDA for effectiveness.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin are absorbed into your pet’s system and utilized as the building blocks that their bodies use to bolster and replace damaged cartilage. A regular regime of this natural supplement will maintain and fortify your pet’s existing cartilage and joints. When used for injured joints, Glocosamine and Chondroitin help your pet’s body rebuild some of the damaged cartilage, thus helping to relieve pain and restore some lost mobility. Often, Glucosamine and Chondroitin are recommended to be used in conjunction with pain and anti-inflammatory medication for a more complete treatment of painful Osteo-Arthritis.
As with all supplements and medications, you should always check first with your Veterinarian to be sure that this or any product is suitable for your pet. The above article is for informational purposes only, and is not meant as medical advice. Glucosamine and Chondroitin have not been evaluated by the FDA for effectiveness.
MSM(Methylsulfonylmethane) is included in RE-FLEX JOINT HEALTH FORMULA to improve connective tissues and allows cells to retain their elasticity. It is scientifically formulated to complement Glucosamine and Chondroitin to support maximum joint health and resilience.
Hyaluronic Acid is a key component of Synovial Fluid, the fluid that fills the spaces between the joints and cartilage, It is a viscose, slippery substance that provides critical lubrication to the joint.
By incorporating Hyaluronic Acid into RE-FLEX JOINT HEALTH FORMULA, an extra layer of protection, and functionality are supported for maintaining or improving movement. Not only does increased lubrication improve mobility and reduce pain, it lessens the friction that might further degrade the joint surfaces.
Joint Pain Formula
RE-LIEF JOINT PAIN FORMULA by Merit is a breakthrough, all natural, dietary supplement utilizing concentrated White Willow Bark powder, powerful Anti-Oxidants, and pure Beef Liver powder to deliver a safe and effective pain reducing and anti-inflammatory response in dogs.
White Willow Bark is an all natural source of Salicin(a salicilate) that is a precursor for early Aspirin. It has been successfully used for centuries by Doctors, Veterinarians, and Holistic Healers as a treatment for mild fever, colds, infections, arthritis and other forms of pain associated with inflammation. In the late 1800s, a German company, Bayer, developed a synthetic analog, Acetyl salicylic Acid, that was marketed under the brandname Aspirin.
White Willow Bark works much in the way as Aspirin, Rimadyl(Carprofen), and other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs(NSAIDs), except that it is gentler to the stomach and intestinal tract. White Willow Bark takes longer to go into effect than Aspirin, but the beneficial effects last longer.
This product is for dogs only. Cats metabolize salicilates differently from dogs and may develop a toxic reaction to them.
When used as directed, RE-LIEF JOINT PAIN FORMULA dietary supplement is safer, with less side effects to your dog than Aspirin, Rimadyl, and other Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory preparations. People and other animals that cannot take Aspirin, like cats, should NOT be given any supplement containing White Willow Bark. Cats do not properly metabolize salicilates and they may develop a toxic reaction. It is safe for dogs.
As always, you should check with your Veterinarian before giving your pet ant supplement or medicine.
No prescription is necessary. RE-LIEF JOINT PAIN FORMULA is available as an over-the-counter dietary supplement that you can order through this website or by calling 401-333-1522.
Extra Strength Tear Stain Away Formula
Extra Strength Tear Stain Formula is a safe and effective product for the elimination of tear stain on cats and dogs.
Tear stains are the dark brown and/or reddish discoloration around a pet’s eyes. The technical term for tear stain is epiphora. There are several causes and contributing factors to tear staining. Tear staining can be traced to health and diet, as well as genetics. Most veterinarians agree that face staining results from excessive tearing. The damp face hair is a breeding ground for bacterial and yeast growth. The most common is “Red Yeast” which is often associated with reddish brown facial staining, and which may emit a moderately strong odor. Another common contributor to tear staining are Porphyrins. Porphyrins are a class of water-soluble, nitrogen based biological pigments that circulate in your pets serum and bodily fluids. These pigments are found in tears and in the presence of light contribute to the dark staining.
The active ingredient in Extra Strength Tear Stain Formula is Tylosin tartrate. It is an over the counter antibiotic in the macrolide family, like Erythromycin. In the subclinical dosing of Extra Strength Tear Stain Formula, it works, first to bind to serum Porphryns, reducing them in your pet’s tears, and secondly it reduces bacterial and yeast infections that contribute to excessive tearing and staining. Simply sprinkle on your pet's food once a day. In two to three weeks, you will start seeing fantastic results as the permanently stained hairs grow out, replaced by pristine, clean hair.
Yes. The ingredients in Extra Strength Tear Stain Formula have been extensively tested on dogs and many other animals. Tylosin tartrate is commonly used in beef cattle, poultry, swine, and many small mammals without deleterious effect. No negative indications in overdose amounts. No negative indications have been ovserved in newborns over 6 weeks or in pregnant and nursing mothers. Three generational tests found no genetic effects or teratagenicity. Yes, it’s safe.
Yes, but we go even farther than a guaranteed result. Extra Strength Tear Stain Formula by Merit has a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If for any reason you are dissatisfied with Extra Strength Tear Stain Formula, you may return it in the first ninety days and we will refund your full purchase price less shipping and handling. No Questions Asked !! No other tear stain remedy has such an unconditional promise!!
Urinary Tract Health Formula
FLOW-EEZ by MERIT is the Premium, Holistic, Dietary Supplement that supports Urinary Tract Health by preventing bacteria from adhering to bladder and urethra walls and by maintaining a healthy internal environment to discourage bacterial growth.
Urinary Tract Infections(UTIs) are very uncomfortable for your pets. They get them more often than you might expect. UTIs can make it very painful to urinate. Bacteria adhering to the walls of the bladder and urethra(the tube through which urine flows), are the primary cause of UTIs. And, if the infections aren't caught soon enough, they can migrate to the kidneys, causing even more serious problems.
The best way to eliminate a urinary tract infection is for your pet to receive an antibiotic that will kill the bacteria. Your Veterinarian will prescribe the antibiotic most suitable for your individual pet. Once treated for the infection, you will want to speed your pet’s recovery and then help keep them healthy going forward. Veterinarians have long recognized the benefit of Cranberries and Vitamin C in assisting recovery from Urinary Tract Infections.
The problem has always been getting cranberries in a concentrated enough form to be beneficial, and finding a way to make it taste good to your pet. Merit Pet Products, LLC developed FLOW-EEZ to deliver the required concentration of critical nutrients specially formulated to appeal to your pet's taste.