The author's traveling companions.

In the past I traveled across the U.S. and Canada with one dog, pulling a very small trailer. We had wonderful times. Last year, I bought a Class B Roadtrek, and with my three large dogs have traveled 4,000 miles through the West.

 In this column, I'll address issues or problems that RVers who travel with pets might encounter. Occasionally, I might mention a book or other resource that you might find useful. And I'll pass along any news that might affect you in your travels -- or just news about pets in general, such as a recent pet food scare:

MORE THAN 100 DOGS HAVE DIED as a result of a toxin in Diamond Pet Food. The corn, it seems, is infected with "a deadly aflatoxin that wastes the liver away," according to Dr. Sharon Center at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell. Diamond Pet Food also manufactures under the brand names Professional and Country Value. If you feed either of these products to your dog, stop immediately. Not surprisingly, dogs have sensed that the food was bad and so refused to eat it. Dog owners, trying to make it more appealing, have added gravy and other temptations.

Do you travel with a pooch? Then this is a book for the both of you -- the only travel guide to camping with a dog.

On Wednesday, Jan. 11, the company narrowed the batches of potentially toxic dog food to two varieties: Diamond Maintenance Dog and Diamond Premium Adult Dog with "Best By" dates of April 3, 4, 5, and 11, 2007. But the company said consumers should continue to return to retailers any products included in the initial recall, which included 19 different varieties of pet food.

Early indications of poisoning are lethargy, loss of appetite and vomiting. If you see these signs, get to a veterinarian immediately. This is definitely a life and death situation. Two thirds of dogs showing symptoms have died. Later symptoms include orange colored urine and jaundice, a yellowing of the eyes and gums. There is no direct antidote available as yet according to Dr. Center. A recall on the product was announced in mid-December but the word has been slow reaching consumers.

Do you have a question for Christy Powers? She can be reached at cpwrather@earthlink.net