The Proctor & Gamble Company has issued a voluntary recall of 6.8 pound bags of Iams Proactive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care cat food. These bags have a code date of 02304173 (B1-B6) and the UPC number 1901403921.
The bags have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
If you have this product, discard it and call P & G toll-free at 800-862-3332 Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST for a product refund.
So far the recall has been limited to Loveland, Colorado...but I would check any bags you own anyway. I will keep you posted on any expansion of this recall.
Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause severe gastrointestinal disease. It can also affect other organ systems as well. Typical signs associated with Salmonella in pets include but are not limited to: vomiting, diarrhea, diarrhea with blood, lethargy, depression, weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, and abdominal pain.
Animals that don't show clinical signs can also be carriers of Salmonella and pass it to other pets and humans.
If your pet has any signs or has ingested the product mentioned above, please contact your veterinarian.
Salmonella can also affect humans and there is a risk if you or someone you know has come in contact with pet food, treats or supplements contaminated with Salmonella, this includes dry products. The elderly, children and immunocompromised individuals are most at risk.
To reduce risk of infection, people should wash their hands with hot soapy water after touching pet foods and surfaces pet foods have come in contact with.
The clinical signs are similar as in pets. If you or anyone you know is showing clinical signs after coming in contact with this product, contact your health care provider.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Merrick Pet Care Extends Recall...Again
Merrick Pet Care, Inc. has extended its July 2, 2010 & August 5, 2010 recall of 10 oz "Beef Filet Squares for Dogs (Texas Hold'Ems)" pet treat to include (ITEM # 60016 ALL LOT NUMBERS).
Previously the recall was restricted to (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10084TL7 BEST BY MARCH 24, 2012) and (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10127 BEST BY MAY 6, 2012) only.
These products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Consumers who have purchased this product are urged to return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F 8:00 - 5:00 CDT.
Pictures of the packaging can be seen at the FDA's Website.
Previously the recall was restricted to (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10084TL7 BEST BY MARCH 24, 2012) and (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10127 BEST BY MAY 6, 2012) only.
These products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Consumers who have purchased this product are urged to return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F 8:00 - 5:00 CDT.
Pictures of the packaging can be seen at the FDA's Website.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Merrick Pet Care Extends Recall
Merrick Pet Care, Inc. has extended its July 2, 2010 recall of 10
oz "Beef Filet Squares for Dogs (Texas Hold'Ems)" pet treat (ITEM
# 60016 LOT # 10084TL7 BEST BY MARCH 24, 2012) to also include 83
cases of "Texas Hold'ems" (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10127 BEST BY MAY 6,
2012).
These products have the potential to be contaminated with
Salmonella.
Consumers who have purchased this product are urged to return the
unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387
M-F 8:00 - 5:00 CDT.
oz "Beef Filet Squares for Dogs (Texas Hold'Ems)" pet treat (ITEM
# 60016 LOT # 10084TL7 BEST BY MARCH 24, 2012) to also include 83
cases of "Texas Hold'ems" (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10127 BEST BY MAY 6,
2012).
These products have the potential to be contaminated with
Salmonella.
Consumers who have purchased this product are urged to return the
unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387
M-F 8:00 - 5:00 CDT.
Top Human Medication Ingested by Pets
When I worked at an emergency clinic, I saw my fair share of accidental poisoning. These poisonings ranged from antifreeze to believe it or not - hard liquor. But none were more common than poisonings from the ingestion of human medications.
Below is a list of the top 10 human medications most frequently ingested by pets:
1) NSAIDs (e.g. Advil, Aleve and Motrin)
Topping our Top 10 list are common household medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), which include common names such as ibuprofen (e.g., Advil and some types of Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). While these medications are safe for people, even one or two pills can cause serious harm to a pet causing serious stomach and intestinal ulcers as well as kidney failure.
2) Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol)
When it comes to pain medications, acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) is certainly popular. Even though this drug is very safe, even for children, this is not true for pets - especially cats. One regular strength tablet of acetaminophen may cause damage to a cat’s red blood cells, limiting their ability to carry oxygen. In dogs, acetaminophen leads to liver failure and, in large doses, red blood cell damage.
3) Antidepressants (e.g. Effexor, Cymbalta, Prozac, Lexapro)
While these antidepressant drugs are occasionally used in pets, overdoses can lead to serious neurological problems such as sedation, incoordination, tremors and seizures. Some antidepressants also have a stimulant effect leading to a dangerously elevated heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. Pets, especially cats, seem to enjoy the taste of Effexor and often eat the entire pill. Unfortunately, just one pill can cause serious poisoning.
4) ADD/ADHD medications (e.g. Concerta, Adderall, Ritalin)
Medications used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder contain potent stimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate. Even minimal ingestion of these medications by pets can cause life-threatening tremors, seizures, elevated body temperatures and heart problems.
5) Benzodiazepines and sleep aids (e.g. Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien, Lunesta)
These medications are designed to reduce anxiety and help people sleep better. However, in pets, they may have the opposite effect. About half of the dogs who ingest sleep aids become agitated instead of sedate. In addition, these drugs may cause severe lethargy, incoordination (including walking "drunk"), and slowed breathing in pets. In cats, some forms of benzodiazepines can cause liver failure when ingested.
6) Birth control/Menopausal Meds (e.g. estrogen, estradiol, progesterone)
Birth control pills often come in packages that dogs find irresistible. Thankfully, small ingestions of these medications typically do not cause trouble. However, large ingestions of estrogen and estradiol can cause bone marrow suppression, particularly in birds. Additionally, female pets that are intact (not spayed), are at an increased risk of side effects from estrogen poisoning.
Recently the FDA reported that Evamist (estradiol transdermal spray), a topical hormone replacement product, sprayed on the forearm to reduce hot flashes in women during menopause, has the potential to cause health problems in pets exposed to the product on the owner’s skin.
7) ACE Inhibitors (e.g. Zestril, Altace)
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (or "ACE") inhibitors are commonly used to treat high blood pressure in people and, occasionally, pets. Overdoses can cause low blood pressure, dizziness and weakness.
8) Beta-blockers (e.g. Tenormin, Toprol, Coreg)
Beta-blockers are also used to treat high blood pressure. Overdoses can cause life-threatening decreases in blood pressure and a very slow heart rate.
9) Thyroid hormones (e.g. Armour desiccated thyroid, Synthroid)
Large acute overdoses in cats and dogs can cause muscle tremors, nervousness, panting, a rapid heart rate and aggression.
10) Cholesterol lowering agents (e.g. Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor)
These popular medications, often called "statins", are commonly used in the United States. Thankfully, most "statin" ingestions only cause mild vomiting or diarrhea. Serious side effects from these drugs come with long-term use, not one-time ingestions.
Tips for preventing poisonings from human medications
Always keep medications safely out of reach and never administer a medication to a pet without first consulting your veterinarian.
Never leave loose pills in a plastic Ziploc® bag - the bags are too easy to chew into. Make sure visiting house guests do the same, keeping their medications high up or out of reach.
If you place your medication in a weekly pill container, make sure to store the container in a cabinet out of reach of your pets. Unfortunately, if they get a hold of it, some pets might consider the pill container a plastic chew toy.
Never store your medications near your pet’s medications - veterinarians frequently receive calls from concerned pet owners who inadvertently give their own medication to their pet.
Hang your purse up. Inquisitive pets will explore the contents of your bag and simply placing your purse up and out of reach can help to avoid exposure to any potentially dangerous medication(s).
It is also important to note that while a medication may be safe for children, it may not be safe for animals. Pets metabolize medications very differently from people. Even seemingly benign over-the-counter or herbal medications may cause serious poisoning in pets.
If your pet has ingested a human over-the-counter or prescription medication, please call your veterinarian,Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680, ASCPA Poison Control at 888-426-4435 (there is a fee for these calls) immediately.
-This top 10 list is courtesy of VNN and the Pet Poison Helpline.
Below is a list of the top 10 human medications most frequently ingested by pets:
1) NSAIDs (e.g. Advil, Aleve and Motrin)
Topping our Top 10 list are common household medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), which include common names such as ibuprofen (e.g., Advil and some types of Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). While these medications are safe for people, even one or two pills can cause serious harm to a pet causing serious stomach and intestinal ulcers as well as kidney failure.
2) Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol)
When it comes to pain medications, acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) is certainly popular. Even though this drug is very safe, even for children, this is not true for pets - especially cats. One regular strength tablet of acetaminophen may cause damage to a cat’s red blood cells, limiting their ability to carry oxygen. In dogs, acetaminophen leads to liver failure and, in large doses, red blood cell damage.
3) Antidepressants (e.g. Effexor, Cymbalta, Prozac, Lexapro)
While these antidepressant drugs are occasionally used in pets, overdoses can lead to serious neurological problems such as sedation, incoordination, tremors and seizures. Some antidepressants also have a stimulant effect leading to a dangerously elevated heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. Pets, especially cats, seem to enjoy the taste of Effexor and often eat the entire pill. Unfortunately, just one pill can cause serious poisoning.
4) ADD/ADHD medications (e.g. Concerta, Adderall, Ritalin)
Medications used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder contain potent stimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate. Even minimal ingestion of these medications by pets can cause life-threatening tremors, seizures, elevated body temperatures and heart problems.
5) Benzodiazepines and sleep aids (e.g. Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien, Lunesta)
These medications are designed to reduce anxiety and help people sleep better. However, in pets, they may have the opposite effect. About half of the dogs who ingest sleep aids become agitated instead of sedate. In addition, these drugs may cause severe lethargy, incoordination (including walking "drunk"), and slowed breathing in pets. In cats, some forms of benzodiazepines can cause liver failure when ingested.
6) Birth control/Menopausal Meds (e.g. estrogen, estradiol, progesterone)
Birth control pills often come in packages that dogs find irresistible. Thankfully, small ingestions of these medications typically do not cause trouble. However, large ingestions of estrogen and estradiol can cause bone marrow suppression, particularly in birds. Additionally, female pets that are intact (not spayed), are at an increased risk of side effects from estrogen poisoning.
Recently the FDA reported that Evamist (estradiol transdermal spray), a topical hormone replacement product, sprayed on the forearm to reduce hot flashes in women during menopause, has the potential to cause health problems in pets exposed to the product on the owner’s skin.
7) ACE Inhibitors (e.g. Zestril, Altace)
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (or "ACE") inhibitors are commonly used to treat high blood pressure in people and, occasionally, pets. Overdoses can cause low blood pressure, dizziness and weakness.
8) Beta-blockers (e.g. Tenormin, Toprol, Coreg)
Beta-blockers are also used to treat high blood pressure. Overdoses can cause life-threatening decreases in blood pressure and a very slow heart rate.
9) Thyroid hormones (e.g. Armour desiccated thyroid, Synthroid)
Large acute overdoses in cats and dogs can cause muscle tremors, nervousness, panting, a rapid heart rate and aggression.
10) Cholesterol lowering agents (e.g. Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor)
These popular medications, often called "statins", are commonly used in the United States. Thankfully, most "statin" ingestions only cause mild vomiting or diarrhea. Serious side effects from these drugs come with long-term use, not one-time ingestions.
Tips for preventing poisonings from human medications
Always keep medications safely out of reach and never administer a medication to a pet without first consulting your veterinarian.
Never leave loose pills in a plastic Ziploc® bag - the bags are too easy to chew into. Make sure visiting house guests do the same, keeping their medications high up or out of reach.
If you place your medication in a weekly pill container, make sure to store the container in a cabinet out of reach of your pets. Unfortunately, if they get a hold of it, some pets might consider the pill container a plastic chew toy.
Never store your medications near your pet’s medications - veterinarians frequently receive calls from concerned pet owners who inadvertently give their own medication to their pet.
Hang your purse up. Inquisitive pets will explore the contents of your bag and simply placing your purse up and out of reach can help to avoid exposure to any potentially dangerous medication(s).
It is also important to note that while a medication may be safe for children, it may not be safe for animals. Pets metabolize medications very differently from people. Even seemingly benign over-the-counter or herbal medications may cause serious poisoning in pets.
If your pet has ingested a human over-the-counter or prescription medication, please call your veterinarian,Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680, ASCPA Poison Control at 888-426-4435 (there is a fee for these calls) immediately.
-This top 10 list is courtesy of VNN and the Pet Poison Helpline.