#PetSafety | AM 1180 Radio

July 6, 2026

Pedigree Recalls Select Canned Dog Food Over Possible Metal And Plastic Contamination

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Pet owners are being urged to check their dog food after the manufacturer of Pedigree canned dog food announced a voluntary recall of two products because they may contain metal and plastic fragments.

The recall affects select lots of Pedigree Choice Cuts in Gravy canned dog food. According to the manufacturer, the foreign materials could pose a choking hazard or cause injury if consumed by pets.

Consumers who have recalled products should stop feeding them to their dogs immediately. Pet owners are encouraged to dispose of the affected cans or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

Anyone whose dog has consumed the recalled food and is showing signs of illness or injury should contact a veterinarian promptly.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact the manufacturer or visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website for complete lot numbers and additional information.

July 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Walker County Animal Shelter Reopens After Month-Long Quarantine Following Canine Distemper Case

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The Walker County Animal Shelter has reopened after completing a 30-day quarantine that began when a litter of surrendered puppies tested positive for canine distemper virus, or CDV.

Shelter officials announced that the facility resumed normal operations on June 24 after all cleaning and quarantine protocols were completed. Sadly, all eight puppies in the affected litter died from the highly contagious virus. Officials said no other animals at the shelter became ill during the quarantine period.

Canine distemper is an airborne virus that spreads easily among dogs. Because the Walker County Animal Shelter has an open-concept design and does not have adequate facilities to fully isolate exposed animals, officials determined that a complete shutdown of the shelter was necessary to prevent the virus from spreading.

During the month-long closure, shelter staff conducted an extensive deep cleaning of the facility, disinfecting equipment as well as all entry and exit points.

The shelter currently has more than 60 dogs and cats available for adoption. Staff members have also been working through a backlog of stray animals and owner surrenders that accumulated during the quarantine.

The Walker County Animal Shelter is located at 5488 North Marble Top Road near Chickamauga and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

June 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Protect Pets and Livestock During This Week’s Extreme Heat

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With dangerous heat and heat index values climbing above 100 degrees across Northwest Georgia, veterinarians and agricultural experts are urging pet owners and livestock producers to take extra precautions to protect animals from heat-related illness.

June 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Animal Advocates Remind Pet Owners To Prepare Ahead Of July Fourth Fireworks

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With July Fourth fireworks just around the corner, Animal Advocates of Chattooga County is reminding pet owners to make sure their dogs and cats have proper identification before the holiday.

Each year, shelters and rescues see an increase in lost pets following fireworks displays, as loud noises can cause animals to panic, run away or escape from yards and homes.

Pet owners are encouraged to make sure their animals are microchipped and that all contact information is current. Collars and ID tags should also be secure, readable and up to date. For pets without an ID tag, advocates say even a simple collar with a phone number written on it can help reunite a lost pet with its owner.

Owners of pets that become especially anxious during fireworks should also consider talking with their veterinarian about calming options before the holiday arrives.

Animal Advocates of Chattooga County says the time to prepare is now, before fireworks begin, to help make sure pets stay safe and make it home.

June 12, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Heat Safety Important for Pets and Livestock Across Northwest Georgia

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With temperatures climbing into the 90s and heat index values approaching 100 degrees across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, animal owners are being reminded to take extra precautions to protect pets and livestock from dangerous heat-related illnesses.

May 1, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Free Animal Vaccine Clinic Today In Summerville

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A free animal vaccine and microchipping clinic is happening today, Friday, May 1, for dogs and cats in Chattooga County.

The event will be held from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM at Tractor Supply, 11788 Highway 27 in Summerville.

The clinic is sponsored by the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia in partnership with the Chattooga County Animal Shelter. Services include rabies vaccines for dogs and cats, DHPP vaccines for dogs, FVRCP vaccines for cats, and microchips.

Animal Control Director Charlie Long says all dogs should be on a leash, and all cats must be in a crate while attending the clinic.

Because of the event, the Chattooga County Animal Shelter will be closed today.

April 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Free Pet Vaccine & Microchip Clinic Set for Friday in Summerville

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Pet owners in Chattooga County will have a chance to take advantage of free services for their animals this Friday during a vaccine and microchipping clinic in Summerville.

The event will take place tomorrow, May 1st from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tractor Supply on Highway 27. Organizers say the clinic is open to the public on a first come, first served basis, and services will be available while supplies last.

Dogs and cats can receive rabies vaccinations, along with DHPP vaccines for dogs and FVRCP vaccines for cats. Microchipping services will also be offered at no cost.

The clinic is being hosted in partnership with the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia and the Chattooga County Animal Shelter.

Officials say this is a great opportunity for residents to ensure their pets are protected and up to date on essential care, especially with warmer months ahead.

Pet owners are encouraged to arrive early due to expected demand.

April 15, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Free Pet Vaccines And Microchipping Event Set For May 1 In Summerville

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Pet owners in Chattooga County will have an opportunity to protect their animals at no cost during an upcoming free vaccination and microchipping event.

The event is scheduled for Friday, May 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tractor Supply, located at 11788 Highway 27 in Summerville.

Organizers say the clinic will offer rabies vaccines for dogs and cats, DHPP vaccines for dogs, FVRCP vaccines for cats, and microchipping services.

The event is being held for dogs and cats belonging to Chattooga County residents and is sponsored by the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia in partnership with the Chattooga County Animal Shelter.

All dogs must be on a leash and all cats in a crate.

Officials say the event is a great opportunity for pet owners to ensure their animals are up to date on vaccinations and properly identified.

April 10, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Red Cross Highlights Free Pet First Aid Resources During Awareness Month

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April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month, and the American Red Cross is encouraging pet owners to take advantage of free tools that can help them respond quickly when a dog or cat faces an emergency.

April 10, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

“Beau’s Law” Passes Alabama Legislature, Awaits Governor’s Signature

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A bill known as “Beau’s Law” has passed through the Alabama Legislature, aiming to establish stricter statewide standards for how dogs are treated—particularly those kept outdoors.