Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Iams Proactive Health Recall

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 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.

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.

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.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Proctor & Gamble Extends Recall

July 30, 2010

The Proctor & Gamble Company has extended its recall to include additional products due to the possibility of Salmonella contamination.

The products include:

All dry sizes and varieties of Iams Veterinary Dry Formulas with "best-by" dates of July 1, 2010 - Dec 1, 2011 (all UPC codes)

All dry sizes and varieties of Eukanuba Naturally Wild with "best-by" dates of July 1, 2010 - Dec 1, 2011 (all UPC codes)

All dry sizes and varieties of Eukanuba Pure with "best-by" dates of July 1, 2010 - Dec 1, 2011 (all UPC codes)

All dry sizes of Eukanuba Custom Care Sensitive Skin with "best-by" dates of July 1, 2010 - Dec 1, 2011 (all UPC codes)



For more information visit: http://www.iams.com/iams/en_US/data_root/html/recall_message.html

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Mice Direct Frozen Reptile Feed Recall

July 28, 2010

Biggers & Callaham LLC., (also known as) Mice Direct of Cleveland Georgia is recalling frozen reptile feed (mice, rats, chicks), because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

The frozen reptile feed was shipped in plastic bags with the following product codes M-SP100, M-P100, M-PF100, M-F100, M-H100, M-W50, M-A50, M-JA25, R-P100, R-F50, R-PUP50, R-W50, R-S50, R-M20, R-L10,R-J5, R-C5, R-M3 followed by E9, F9, G9, H9, I9, J9, K9, L9 or A10, B10, C10, D10, E10, F10, G10 and whole frozen chicks in 25 count bags.

The frozen reptile feed was distributed through pet stores and by mail order and direct delivery in all states, except Hawaii.

A sampling by the FDA has tested positive for Salmonella.

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause severe gastrointestinal disease. It can also affect other organ systems as well. Typical signs associated with Salmonella include but are not limited to: vomiting, diarrhea, diarrhea with blood, lethargy, depression, weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.

Human illnesses that may be related to the frozen reptile feed have been reported in 17 states. Consumers exhibiting clinical signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

The recalled product should not be fed to animals, even after heating in a microwave oven, since the heating may not be adequate to kill Salmonella.

If your pet has any clinical signs or has ingested the product mentioned above, please contact your veterinarian.

Remember, animals that don't show clinical signs can also be carriers of Salmonella and pass it to other pets and humans.

Consumers who purchased reptile feed from Mice Direct should contact Mice Direct by telephone at 888-747-0736 from 9:00a.m - 5:00p.m EST Monday-Friday or by e-mail at sales@micedirect.com for instructions concerning this recall and for credits towards replacement of unused product.

Monday, July 26, 2010

New Iams Recall

July 26, 2010

The Proctor & Gamble Company has issued a voluntary recall of 5.5 pound bags of dry Iams Veterinary Formula Feline Renal with the lot numbers 01384174B4 and 01384174B2. Lot numbers can be found on the lower right corner on the back of the bag.

A random sampling by the FDA has tested positive for Salmonella.

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 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.

Consumers who have purchased dry cat food with these codes should discard it. For further information or a product refund call P&G toll-free at 877-894-4458 (Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST).

This is the second Iams recall in the past month. The first was a voluntary recall of Iams ProActive Health canned Cat and Kitten Food - all varieties of 3 oz & 5.5 oz cans with the date 09/2011 to 06/2012 on the bottom of the can. It was found that this product may contain insufficient levels of Vitamin B1 (thiamine).

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Feline's Pride Recall Expansion

July 15, 2010

Feline's Pride has expanded its voluntary recall of Feline's Pride Raw food with ground bone for cats and kittens, Natural Chicken Formula, Net Wt. 2.5 lbs. (1.13 kg., 40 oz.) to include the product produced on 6/21/10, because it may be also be contaminated with Salmonella.

So to put it all together for you, that's Feline's Pride Raw food with ground bone for cats and kittens, Natural Chicken Formula, Net Wt. 2.5 lbs. (1.13 kg., 40 oz.) produced on 6/10/10 or on 6/21/10 and placed and shipped from June 10 through June 26, 2010.

For additional information or help, contact the company at (716) 580-3096, Monday - Friday from 10 am - 4 pm EDT.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

More Salmonella Related Recalls...

July 3, 2010

Feline's Pride has issued a voluntary recall of Feline's Pride Raw food with ground bone for cats and kittens, Natural Chicken Formula, Net Wt. 2.5 lbs. (1.13 kg., 40 oz.) produced on 6/10/10 due to a possibility of Salmonella contamination.

This company produces a raw cat food diet that is frozen and shipped directly to consumers. This voluntary recall affects only those orders placed and shipped from June 10 through June 17, 2010.

For additional information or help, contact the company at (716) 580-3096, Monday - Friday from 10 am - 4 pm EDT.



Merrick Pet Care has issued a recall of their Beef Filet Squares 10oz bag (item # 60016 lot # 10084tl7 best by March 24,2012) due to a possibility of Salmonella contamination.

Consumers who have purchased this product are urged to return the product where it was purchased for a full refund. Consumers with additional questions can contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F 8:00 - 5:00 CDT. You can also visit their website at: Merrick Pet Care

Last week I wrote about a recall regarding United Pet Group Pro-Pet Adult Daily Vitamin tablets. United Pet Group has extended this recall to additional products. For a list of these products see: FDA Website



About Salmonella...

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.

If your pet has any signs or has ingested the product mentioned above, please contact your veterinarian.

Animals that don't show clinical signs can also be carriers of Salmonella and pass it to other pets and humans.

Salmonella can affect humans and there is a risk if you or someone you know has come in contact with pet food contaminated with Salmonella. 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.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Pro-Pet Vitamin Recall

June 24, 2010

United Pet Group has issued a voluntary recall of all unexpired lots of Pro-Pet Adult Daily Vitamin tablets for dogs due to a possibility of Salmonella contamination. This product has a UPC code of 26851-01800.

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.

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.

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.

Consumers who have purchased the product mentioned above are asked to contact United Pet Group at 1-800-645-5154 ext. 3, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00pm EST.

Unfortunately this is the second Salmonella related recall this week. The first being Natural Balance 5 lb. and 28 lb. Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog food.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Natural Balance Pet Food Recall

June 21, 2010

Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall of Natural Balance 5 lb. and 28 lb. Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog food, with a "Best By" date of June 17, 2011.

A random sampling by the FDA has tested positive for Salmonella.

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.

Salmonella can also affect humans and there is a risk if you or someone you know has come in contact with pet food contaminated with Salmonella, this includes dry pet food.

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.

Consumers who have purchased the product mentioned above are asked to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

For additional information or help, contact Natural Balance Pet Foods Customer Service at 800-829-4493 from 8am to 5pm PDT. You can also visit their website at www.naturalbalanceinc.com.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Iams Kitten & Cat Food Recall

June 10, 2010

The Proctor & Gamble Company has issued a voluntary recall of Iams ProActive Health canned Cat and Kitten Food - all varieties of 3 oz & 5.5 oz cans with the date 09/2011 to 06/2012 on the bottom of the can.

It was found that this product may contain insufficient levels of Vitamin B1 (thiamine).

Consumers who have purchased the cans above are urged to discard them.

"Early signs of thiamine deficiency may include loss of appetite, salivation, vomiting and weight loss. In advanced cases, signs may include ventroflexion (downward curving) of the neck, wobbly gait, falling, circling and seizures. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat is displaying any of these signs. If treated promptly, thiamine deficiency is typically reversible."

For more information and for a product refund contact P & G toll free at 877-340-8826 Monday through Friday from 9 am to 7 pm Eastern Time.