Pet Food Recalls

CINCINNATI, July 30, 2010 - The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) (NYSE:PG) is voluntarily expanding its recall to include veterinary and some specialized dry pet food as a precautionary measure because it has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella. No salmonella-related illnesses have been reported. The affected products are sold in veterinary clinics and specialty pet retailers throughout the United States and Canada. No canned food, biscuits/treats or supplements are affected by this announcement. A full listing of UPC codes can be found at /www.iams.com

These products are made in a single, specialized facility. In cooperation with FDA, P&G determined that some products made at this facility have the potential for salmonella contamination. As a precautionary measure, P&G is recalling all products made at this facility. Visit Company website for complete press release website

This is a company recall of it's chicken-flavored pet food because it could be contaminated with salmonella. Nature's Variety is announcing that out of an abundance of caution, they are voluntarily recalling all Chicken Formula and Organic Chicken Formula products with a "Best If Used By" date on or before 2/5/11. Check out their website for full list...Nature's Variety News

It's hard to believe a houseplant could harm a tough cookie like the Woytek family's Lab mix, Amber. A survivor of Hurricane Ike, the young pup was diagnosed with distemper in the months after her adoption from the Houston SPCA in September 2008. But according to Laurie Woytek, Amber defeated the often fatal virus-and went on to form a tight bond with her canine "sister" and partner-in-crime, Scout, a one-year-old Rhodesian ridgeback mix.

Early last month, Laurie discovered that Amber had eaten parts of a sago palm plant. Sago palm-with its dark green leaves and hairy trunk-has become a popular houseplant in recent years, but unbeknownst to many green-thumbed pet parents, it's also highly toxic to cats and dogs. read the rest of article by ASPCA

About The Sago Palm

Cycad Sago Palm is extremely poisonous to both humans and animals if ingested. Pets are at particular risk since they seem to find the plant very palatable. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center estimates a fatality rate of 50 to 75 percent when ingestion of the Sago Palm is involved. The incidence of Sago Palm ingestion by pets has risen by over 200% in the last five years. If any quantity of the plant is ingested, a poison control center or doctor should be contacted immediately. Effects of ingestion can include permanent internal damage and death.

All parts of the plant are toxic; however, the seeds contain the highest level of the toxin cycasin. Cycasin causes gastrointestinal irritation, and in high enough doses, leads to liver failure. Other toxins include Beta-methylamino L-alanine, a neurotoxic amino acid, and an unidentified toxin which has been observed to cause hindlimb paralysis in cattle

(Article Source)

National Poison Prevention Week, March 15-21, the ASPCA reminds all pet parents to stay informed about protecting pets from accidental poisonings. Please read their poison prevention tips online.

Here we go again, The peanut butter recall across the country will now include pet foods and pet snacks. Some pet foods are said to have been infected as well and are being recalled, These include PetSmart Grreat Choice Dog Biscuits and 'Peanut Corporation of America or Parnell's Pride'.

List of recalls for Pet Food Products from Brand 'Grreat Choice'

List of recalls for Pet Food Products from Brand 'Peanut Corporation of America or Parnell's Pride'

Major national brands of jarred peanut butter are not affected by the PCA recall. PCA does not sell peanut butter directly to consumers. PCA only sells peanut butter to institutions and food manufacturers (some of which use it as an ingredient in other processed/packaged foods). Some food manufacturers use PCA peanut butter or peanut paste in baked or processed foods, such as crackers, cookies, cakes or ice cream to name a few. The FDA and food manufacturers are working to identify products that may be affected, and to track the ingredient supply chain of those products to facilitate their removal from the marketplace.

The FDA Continues To Receive Complaints about Chicken Jerky Products for Dogs and Cautions Consumers.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to caution consumers of a potential association between the development of illness in dogs and the consumption of chicken jerky products also described as chicken tenders, strips or treats. The FDA continues to receive complaints of dogs experiencing illness that their owners or veterinarians associate with consumption of chicken jerky products. The chicken jerky products are imported to the U.S. from China. FDA issued a cautionary warning to consumers in September 2007.

Australian news organizations report the University of Sydney is also investigating an association between illness in dogs and the consumption of chicken jerky in Australia. At least one firm in Australia has recalled their chicken jerky product and the recall notification stated the chicken jerky product was manufactured in China.

The FDA believes the continued trend of consumer complaints coupled with the information obtained from Australia warrants an additional reminder and animal health notification.

Chicken jerky products should not be substituted for a balanced diet and are intended to be used occasionally and in small quantities. Owners of small dogs must be especially careful to limit the amount of these products.

The FDA, in addition to several veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the U.S, is working to determine why these products are associated with illness in dogs. To date, scientists have not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses. The FDA has conducted extensive chemical and microbial testing but has not identified any contaminant.

The FDA is advising consumers who choose to feed their dogs chicken jerky products to watch their dogs closely for any or all of the following signs which may occur within hours to days of feeding the product: decreased appetite, although some may continue to consume the treats to the exclusion of other foods; decreased activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; and increased water consumption and/or increased urination. If the dog shows any of these signs, stop feeding the chicken jerky product. Owners should consult their veterinarian if signs are severe or persist for more than 24 hours. Blood tests may indicate kidney failure (increased urea nitrogen and creatinine). Urine tests may indicate Fanconi syndrome (increased glucose). Although most dogs appear to recover, some reports to the FDA have involved dogs that have died.

The FDA continues to actively investigate the problem. Many of the illnesses reported may be the result of causes other than eating chicken jerky. Veterinarians and consumers alike should report cases of animal illness associated with pet foods to the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator in their state. FDA Home

Did you know that Poinsettias are not the deadly flowers that popular legend has made them out to be? Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are part of a family of plants known as spurges. During the 1820s Joel Robert Poinsett, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico at the time, first brought poinsettias to the U.S. from a Mexican city he had visited.

It was during the early part of the 20th century that the myth of the plant's toxicity began when the two-year-old child of a U.S. Army officer was alleged to have become ill and died from consuming a poinsettia leaf.

As a result of this rumor, the toxic potential of the poinsettia has become highly exaggerated. In reality, poinsettia ingestions typically produce only mild to moderate gastrointestinal tract irritation, which may include drooling, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Therefore, while keeping this plant out of the reach of your pet to avoid stomach upset is still a good idea, pet owners need not fear the poinsettia and banish it from their homes for fear of a fatal exposure. ASPCA SOURCE

During the winter season, holiday parties abound, with many festivities including cocktails and other alcoholic libations. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises pet owners to avoid leaving alcoholic drinks unattended; such beverages should always be kept well out of the reach of pets. Depending on the amount ingested, alcohol ingestions can potentially result in vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, acidosis, coma and even death...ASPCA SOURCE

By Tricia Pursell
The Daily Item

SELINSGROVE - Dog owners, beware.

In the midst of the holiday season, while the smells and tastes of baked goods abound, the calories aren't the only things to be watching.

Xylitol, a white, crystalline sugar alcohol used as a sugar substitute sweetener in many products, including a variety of baked goods, mints, candies, chewable vitamins, toothpastes and sugar-free gum, can be lethal to dogs.

Dr. Eric Dunayer, senior toxicologist at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, said xylitol can easily be fatal to dogs. "The effects vary," he said. "I have seen some dogs start to show signs of low blood sugar in as little as 30 minutes."

If an animal brought to an emergency center has low blood sugar, professionals will give it intravenous glucose to keep the blood sugar up until the effects of xylitol wear off.

If the xylitol has reached the liver, however, Dunayer said there is no antidote for the toxic effects. "This is a rare effect, but when it does occur, three-fourths of dogs will die. It's rare, but usually fatal."

Mandy Wilver, a veterinary technician at Companion Animal Hospital, Selinsgrove, said many pet owners are unaware of xylitol and its potential effects on dogs. "The sweetener substitute can have an effect on their blood sugar and drop it so low that if not caught soon enough, can cause seizures and even death," she said.

Quick action can be a life-saver.

Wilver said she saw a case involving xylitol toxicity in a dog this past month. "The dog ate a whole pack of gum," she said.

The animal's owner called a local animal hospital and asked if the family should be worried, Professionals at the animal hospital encouraged them to bring the dog in immediately. They were able to get the dog's blood sugar level back up to the normal range before the xylitol could cause serious damage.

Dogs absorb xylitol rapidly into the bloodstream, which causes insulin release, which in turn can cause hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Signs may include weakness, collapse and seizures, and eventually death.

The dangers seems to be unique to dogs.

"Cats don't have much of a sweet tooth, so we don't have much of a problem with them," Dunayer said.

As little as one or two pieces of chewing gum can cause hypoglycemia in a 20-pound dog.

"There are some brands (of gum) where there is a very high amount (of xylitol); other brands without a high amount wouldn't do that," Dunayer said. "It depends on the particular brand of gum. If you have dogs, and you buy xylitol gum, you shouldn't leave it where a dog can get to it. Keep it out of reach of the dogs." Article Source

NEW YORK, September 13, 2008 - The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today advised pet owners to discontinue using certain dog and cat foods manufactured by Mars Petcare US, which has voluntarily issued a nationwide recall because of potential contamination with Salmonella serotype Schwarzengrund. This voluntary recall only affects several brands of dry pet foods in the United States including Pedigree, Special Kitty, Paws & Claws, Natural Dog Food, Red Flannel, Country Acres, Buju & Ziggie, Member's Mark, Natural Cat Food, Retriever, Bruiser, Doggy Bag, PMI Nutrition, and Pet Pride. For a complete list of affected brands and more information on the recall, please visit http://www.petcare.mars.com .

"The ASPCA recommends that pet parents discontinue the use of all affected products immediately until further information has been received," said Dr. Steven Hansen, the ASPCA's Senior Vice President of Animal Health Services. "Pet parents should wash their hands after handling any potentially contaminated pet food and immediately consult with a veterinarian if any signs or symptoms are noticed in their pets."

The recall may affect several brands that are widely distributed at pet specialty stores, supermarkets, mass retailers, as well as other retail and wholesale outlets.

In an emergency situation, pet owners may also call the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435...The ASPCA®

It broke our hearts that such a horrible thing happened to Chai and cannot imagine the pain he went through. Our prayers and love are with him. Thank God that Chai has a wonderful and loving papa. "On Sunday, June 22, 2008 my 10-year old lab mix, Chai, sustained a severe injury from a product that the company Four Paws Inc, produces. The toy I'm referencing is the pimple ball with bell. (Item #20227-001, UPC Code 0 4566320227 9)" Please visit Chai's blog for more information and how you could help get this toy off the market before it hurts another dog...Chai's Blog

Information current as of June 25, 2008

Note: This compiled list represents all pet food recalled since March 2007. If and when new information is received, this list will be updated. The "Information Current as of" date provided above indicates when this Web page was updated; it does not indicate the date when the pet food recalls listed below were initiated. Once listed, each of the recalled pet food products remains listed, even if there are no new recalls associated with that product. Although we have taken care to make sure the information is accurate, if we learn that any information is not accurate we will revise the list as soon as possible. For initiation dates of specific recalls, click on the brand name and then product description links that appear on these pages.

For recalls that occurred before September 1, 2008, a date range might appear in the initiation date field. The date range indicates the timeframe within which multiple recalls of this product were initiated. For recalls that occur September 1, 2008 and after, the actual initiation date of each recall event is provided for each product. If a new recall is initiated for a product that had previously been recalled before September 1, 2008, the food product will be listed again, with the new recall initiation date. If a new recall is initiated for a product that had previously been recalled after September, 1, 2008, the initiation date of the new recall event will be added to the previous date listed. Complete FDA Recall List

FRANKLIN, Tenn. - October 27, 2008 - Mars Petcare US today announced a voluntary recall of a limited number of bags of SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend dry cat food sold at Wal-Mart locations in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia. The pet food is being voluntarily recalled following a positive test result indicating a potential contamination with Salmonella.

This product should not be sold or fed to pets. Pet owners should dispose of product in a safe manner (example, a securely covered trash receptacle) and return the empty bag to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there is cross contamination caused by handling of the pet food, in people as well, especially children, the aged, and people with compromised immune systems. Healthy people potentially infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. On rare occasions, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

There have been no complaints or reports of illness resulting from consumption or handling of the recalled product.

Pet owners who have questions about the recall should call 1-877-568-4463 or visit www.petcare.mars.com.

Recalled Pet Food
Product: SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend Dry Cat Food
Best If Used By Date: AUG 11 09
Best If Used By Date Location: Back of bag
Production Lot Code: 50 XXXX X (Found on back of bag just after "Best If Used By" date. Consumers should look for "50" as the first two digits of the second line.)
UPC Code: UPC code numbers can be found directly underneath the bar code on the package. Please find recalled pet food UPC information below.

3.5 lb.

SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend
81131 17546
7 lb.

SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend
81131 17547
18 lb.

SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend
81131 17548

Affected Stores: Wal-Mart locations in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia.

In an effort to prevent the transmission of Salmonella from pets to family members and care givers, the FDA recommends that everyone follow appropriate pet food handling guidelines when feeding their pets. A list of safe pet food handling tips can be found at: www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/petfoodtips080307.html

Pet owners who have questions about the recall should call 1-877-568-4463 or visit www.petcare.mars.com.

On March 15, 2007, FDA learned that certain pet foods were sickening and killing cats and dogs. FDA found contaminants in vegetable proteins imported into the United States from China and used as ingredients in pet food.

A portion of the tainted pet food was used to produce farm animal feed and fish feed. FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture discovered that some animals that ate the tainted feed had been processed into human food. Government scientists have determined that there is very low risk to human health from consuming food from animals that ate tainted feed. All tainted pet food, animal and fish feed, and vegetable proteins continue to be recalled and destroyed.

As a result of FDA and USDA's comprehensive investigation, on February 6, 2008, FDA announced that two Chinese nationals and the businesses they operate, along with a U.S. company and its president and chief executive officer, were indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a scheme to import products purported to be wheat gluten into the United States that were contaminated with melamine. Read The FDA's Invetigation

May 2, 2007 -- Menu Foods has previously recalled wet cat and dog food produced with adulterated wheat gluten supplied by ChemNutra Inc. Menu Foods is now expanding the recall to include cuts and gravy and select other products which do not include ChemNutra wheat gluten but which were manufactured at any of Menu Foods' plants during the period that ChemNutra wheat gluten was used at that plant, to the extent they have not already been subject to a recall, due to the possibility of cross-contamination. Menu Foods has received a report from a customer and has received study results, both of which indicate cross-contamination.

As a result, Menu advises the public:

* Additional items in the United States and Canada have been added to the recall list as shown below. A further two varieties for Europe have been added to the recall list.
* The recall dates of those products previously recalled have been modified to include all dates during the period that ChemNutra wheat gluten was used in the applicable Menu plant. All of these products, including the expanded dates, have previously been withdrawn from the market and should already be off the retailer shelves.

Menu estimates that this additional recall represents less than 5% of the products that have already been recalled or withdrawn.

An updated list of the recalled products, including this addition, is available at the Menu Foods website at http://www.menufoods.com.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are used to control the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Inflammation - the body's response to irritation or injury - is characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. NSAIDs work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, the body chemicals that cause inflammation.

In veterinary medicine approved veterinary NSAIDs are used to control the pain of osteoarthritis in dogs and some veterinary NSAIDs are approved for the control of postoperative pain in dogs. However, there are risks and benefits with all commonly prescribed veterinary drugs, including NSAIDs. Veterinarians and pet owners should be aware of the following facts:

Oral NSAIDs are approved for use in dogs only.

All dogs should undergo a thorough history and physical examination before beginning NSAID therapy.

Appropriate blood/urine tests should be performed to establish baseline data prior to, and periodically during, administration of any NSAID.

Veterinary NSAIDS may be associated with gastrointestinal ulcers/perforations, liver, and kidney toxicity.

Use with other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as other NSAIDs and corticosteroids, should be avoided.

Patients at greatest risk for kidney problems are those that are dehydrated, are on diuretic treatment, or have pre-existing kidney, heart, and/or liver problems.

NSAIDs can cause stomach or intestinal bleeding.

Risks associated with NSAIDs are detailed on the package inserts and Client Information Sheets. Read More on This article