10

10 log in or sign up to start earning Butterfly Credits today!
learn more »
earn credits for web search

community & fun

groups

get together & make a difference

Groups > Poodle Lovers / Doggie Adorers > Discussions > Topic: Recalled Pet Foods, Treats, Etc. and Unsafe Items
Topic: Recalled Pet Foods, Treats, Etc. and Unsafe Items

powered by Care2.com • Care2 Home • E-cards & Fun • Shopping • Healthy Living • News Network • Petitions • Click to Donate


Lilith G.	Recalled Pet Foods, Treats, Etc. and Unsafe Items July 03, 2006 8:39 AM This thread is for listing any pet foods, treats, or items that have been recalled or deemed unsafe for our pets. [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Wegmans Recalls Dog Food July 03, 2006 8:46 AM Star-Gazette June 30, 2006 ROCHESTER – Wegmans Food Markets Inc. is voluntarily recalling a store brand of dog food because the product contains mold, the company announced today. The product is Wegmans 37.5-lb. Super Premium Adult Dog Food in the lamb and rice flavor with the product code 02-2007 SMJ048, the company said in a news release. No other varieties or code dates are being recalled, the release said. Customers may return the product to Wegmans for a full refund. Consumers who have questions or concerns about this recall should call Wegmans Consumer Affairs Department in Rochester at 585/464-4760 or call toll-free at 800/934-6267 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, the release said. For Wegmans’ online list of product recalls, go to www.wegmans.com and click on “food safety.” Cross Post From: Wegmans recalls dog food and Killing Our Pet's With Every Meal. [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Dog Food Recall July 03, 2006 9:02 AM WDEF.COM News 12 / AP Tuesday, June 13, 2006 BISMARCK, N.D. - Some products marketed by an Arkansas-based pet food company are being recalled because of a manufacturing defect. The North Dakota Agriculture Department says the Simmons Pet Food company of Siloam Springs voluntarily recalled them after finding random flaking of the inside coating of the cans. The department said the products being recalled include all 22-ounce canned pet food with "use by" dates between March 16th, 2008, and June 6th, 2008. Some are distributed through Kmart, some through Wal-Mart and others through Allied Foods. Consumers who bought the products may return them to the store where they were purchased for a refund. The products are: Twin Pet with Beef Dog and Puppy Food (UPC 071682241234) Twin Pet with Beef Liver Flavor Dog and Puppy Food (UPC 071682241333) American Fare Dinner with Turkey and Bacon (UPC 07200019342. Use By Date 04/05/08 only) American Fare Chunky Dinner with Beef and Bacon (UPC 07200019344. Use By Date 04/05/08 only) American Fare Chunky Dinner with Beef (UPC 07200019341. Use By Date 04/05/08 only) American Fare Country Stew with Beef (UPC 07200019343. Use By Date 04/05/08 only) Strongheart Beef Flavor Dog Food (UPC 071682641232) Ol' Roy Beef Flavor (UPC 0068113189763 and UPC 072562350237) Ol' Roy Chicken Flavor (UPC 0068113189762 and UPC 072562349231) Ol' Roy Hearty Loaf with Chopped Beef (UPC 0068113189770) Ol' Roy Hearty Loaf Chopped Meaty Combo (UPC 0068113189771) Pot Luck Canned Pet Food (UPC 72562326232) Fit and Active Hearty Loaf with Beef (UPC 072562328229) Fit and Active Hearty Loaf with Chicken (UPC 072562378224) Canine Cuisine Dog Food Prime EntrDee Cuts with Beef (UPC 084579100163. Use By Date 05/08/08 only) Strongheart Beef Flavor Dog Food (UPC 071682641232) More information is available from Simmons at (800) 232-9880 This story can be found at: http://www.wdef.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WDEF/MGArticle/DEF_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1149188452482&path= [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Fungus Forces Recall of Dog and Cat Food! July 03, 2006 9:09 AM December 30, 2005 1:35 PM Updates/Press Releases \| Recall Q & A \| How Can I Get Help? COLUMBIA, S.C. -- A pet food company (Diamond Pet Foods) has advised retailers in more than 20 states, including Pennsylvania, to stop selling some of its dog and cat food that may be contaminated with toxic fungus. Several dogs have gotten sick, and some have died. The fungus produces poisonous aflatoxin. Symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning include lethargy, loss of appetite, yellowish eyes and gums, and severe or bloody diarrhea. The 19 varieties of dog and cat food recalled this week were made by Diamond Pet Foods and sold in 23 other states and under the brand names Diamond, Country Value and Professional. The recalled batches have date codes of March 1, 2007, through June 21, 2007, and were made at the company's plant in Gaston, S.C. Several retailers in and near Centre County carry the pet food, according to the company's web site (http://www.diamondpet.com). Two that were contacted Friday said they've pulled Diamond products from their shelves. "We replaced it with another variety and we're replacing it bag per bag as people bring it back," said Chris Cole, owner of Centre Hall Farm Store. The store is issuing refunds, or replacing the bags with another product of similar value. Cole estimated that between 10 and 20 bags total might be subject to the recall. Kendra Fleck, assistant manager at Tractor Supply Co. in State College, said the store is issuing refunds for Diamond products, regardless of where they were purchased. "It doesn't matter where you bought it, we just need to get it off the streets," she said. The federal Food and Drug Administration and South Carolina Agriculture Department are investigating the plant, state Ag Commissioner Hugh Weathers said. South Carolina State Veterinarian Tony Caver said that state has five presumed cases linked to aflatoxin -- three fatal. One of the deaths was of Scott Brown's yellow Labrador, Lacy, was the first presumed case in the state. "Really, it's amazing how fast (Lacy) went from doing OK to crashing," said veterinarian Eric Rundlett, who works at Wateree Animal Hospital in Camden. "They can be on it a couple of weeks or a month, and not show any signs. ... We're not really sure how long it takes to build up." Seven dogs from the Rochester, N.Y., area were being treated for liver disease and failure at Cornell University Hospital for Animals after eating contaminated food, said university spokeswoman Sabina Lee. An area veterinarian discovered the link after three dogs died in the area, she said. The pet food was distributed to stores in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Vermont, and Virginia. Updates/Press Releases \| Recall Q & A \| How Can I Get Help? http://www.diamondpet.com [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Edible Nylabones Are Not Digestible! July 03, 2006 9:18 AM There have been many documented cases of animals swallowing smaller pieces of the Nylabone Edibles Product Line. The Edible Nylabone products are marketed as digestible and safe for dogs. They are not! There are several documented cases, including my best friend, of dogs either choking on these pieces or the pieces have lodged inside their digestive tracts which can and is life threatening. Death has resulted from these intestinal blockages. Source: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/477664303 [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Greenie Danger July 03, 2006 9:29 AM Dog Treat May Carry Danger Wayne Havrelly KIRO 7 Consumer Investigator UPDATED: 9:01 am PST November 15, 2005 A KIRO 7 Consumer Investigation exposes a potentially deadly problem involving one of the most popular dog treats on the market. Millions of dogs chew on the treats every day, and there's a good chance your pooch is one of them. Consumer Investigator Wayne Havrelly discovered the danger. These dog treats are called "Greenies." They're sold in stores everywhere. But our investigation found Greenies and products like them can pose a real danger to dogs. Matthew Balkman of Issaquah uses cheese to reward his dog "Beau." He used to use Greenies, a doggie treat designed to clean teeth and freshen doggie breath. "The dogs do like 'em. They're tasty; he liked eating them," Balkman said. But last May, Beau acted started acting sluggish after eating one. "He wasn't eating at all," Balkman said. "I took him to the vet, the vet monitored him for a day and said there was something obstructing his bowel, 'We need to go in and operate.'" Dr. Jayne Jensen performed the operation and removed a large green lump from Beau's intestine. "She handed it to me, asked me if I knew what this is, and I said, 'Yes, that's a Greenie,'" Balkman said. The package says Greenies are "100 percent edible" but a company spokeswoman told us they are "85 percent digestible." "That was not 85 percent digestible," Jensen said. "That was not digestible." Constance Odle's dog Berkley is recovering from the same emergency surgery. But instead of a Greenie, a similar product was blocking the dogs intestine. "At first, I thought he ate a piece of a toy and when the vet told me what it was, I felt terrible guilt because I was the one who gave it to him," Odle said. Berkley is the latest of several dogs Dr. Jennifer McBride has operated on after eating teeth cleaning products, mostly Greenies. "We will see things in abdomens that will dissolve like bones and over time, they will dissolve and go away. But these are mostly indisolvable, so they tend to get stuck more often," McBride said. Our investigation discovered the results are sometimes fatal. "I tried to revive her," said Gilbert Wright. Wright lost his prized show dog, "Pompey of the Desert" after feeding him a petite size greenies treat. He feels an overwhelming sense of guilt. "And I will feel that ways for the rest of my life!" Wright said. During our investigation we tracked down nine people who claim their dogs died after eating greenies. We passed that information on to the company. A warning on the Greenies label says to make sure you're giving the right size Greenie for your breed of dog. It also cautions you to "monitor your dog to ensure the treat is adequately chewed". "They don't chew. They don't even have the muscles to chew. I mean, we chew, we do that. Dogs don't do that," said Jensen. "They also say on their Web site to avoid gulping or sloppy eating but heck people can't even train their children not to do that," said Gilbert Wright. Company officials with Greenies declined our request for an on-camera interview. They sent us a statement expressing sadness over all the dogs in our investigation. They say "millions of Greenies are sold and enjoyed by dogs, every week without incident." And "though injurious incidents are rare, more often than not, the pet is not fed according to our feeding directions." Gilbert Wright just got a new Pompey, but his heart will always be with the show champion original who won countless awards for agility. Beau has recovered from surgery and Mathew Balkman feels lucky. "I'm saddened for the people that have actually lost their pets because we came very close." Vets say nearly all dog treats, chews and toys can make your pets sick. They say it's important to keep a close eye on them. Source: http://www.kirotv.com/money/5325021/detail.html [ send green star]
Lilith G.	String, Thread, Rope Toy Danger! July 03, 2006 9:32 AM Pet Safety Warning: String, Thread, Yarn, Rope Toys, Etc. Danger! Never let your pet play with String, Thread, Thread Spools, Yarn, Rope, String Toys, Rope Toys, Floss, Fishing Line, Etc. (or anything like this) These items can be very dangerous to your pet. Small (or large) lengths of string can be inadvertently swallowed and lodge in the intestinal track. The workings of the intestine can cause the string to work like a cutter, causing damage and even death. [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Foods That Are Dangerous for Dogs July 03, 2006 9:39 AM Some of these foods are outright toxic to dogs, and others are unhealthy for the reasons given. 1. Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which at certain doses can cause tremors, heart arrhythmias, and seizures. Because of its high fat content, chocolate also can trigger a painful bout of pancreatitis. The level of theobromine and caffeine in unsweetened baking chocolate is ten times higher than that in milk chocolate, which makes unsweetened chocolate the most dangerous. (Semisweet chocolate contains approximately half the theobromine and caffeine of unsweetened chocolate, making it intermediate in toxicity.) For more about that, click here. But chocolate in any dose—even a single Oreo cookie—is junk food pure and simple, and there’s no sane reason to feed it to your dog. Call your vet if your dog eats chocolate to discuss whether treatment or monitoring in the hospital are warranted. 2. Macadamia nuts: Surprisingly, macadamia nuts can cause weakness or paralysis in dogs. The exact substance that triggers the reaction is unknown. Usually, a dog will develop weakness or paralysis in the hind legs within about 24 hours of eating macadamia nuts, then gradually regain strength over several days. The toxic dose is very small--as little as 1 ounce of nuts for a 20-pound dog--so never leave macadamia nuts where a dog (or cat) can reach them. 3. Tomatoes and tomato plants: These contain atropine, which can cause dilated pupils, tremors, and heart arrhythmias. The highest concentration of atropine is found in the leaves and stems of tomato plants, followed by unripe (green) tomatoes, followed by ripe tomatoes. So if you have the good fortune to have a tomato plant or two on your stoop, be sure your dog doesn't nibble on it, and it’s safest not to feed him tomatoes either. 4. Onions: Onions contain a compound that dogs don't metabolize well, and eating large amounts of them can cause hemolytic anemia. A trace of onion probably won't harm your dog, but don't cook him up a batch of sauteed liver and onions or give him food that’s heavily seasoned with onion. 5. Any food that has mold on it or may be even slightly spoiled: When dogs get outright food poisoning, slightly spoiled or moldy food is often the culprit. This is sometimes called “garbage-can toxicosis.” Dogs can develop severe vomiting, diarrhea, and shock after eating spoiled food. So when you're cleaning out your refrigerator, don't use your dog as a four-legged garbage can. Any food that’s not fresh enough for you to eat isn't fresh enough for your dog either. 6. Raw meat, raw bones, and cooked bones: There are many conflicting reports on this topic. From what I've read the negative effects of giving dogs bones are as followed: -Chicken / Turkey Bones - Splinter and can become a choke hazard. Also they can puncture or become lodged in the intestinal track and stomach, causing damage and even a painful death. -All Bones can be buried by your pet and dug up later to be eaten rotten, causing food poisoning, etc. Also Dogs can get bloat after swallowing a large piece, trapping air in the stomach, causing death. -For more about the bones-and-raw-food (BARF) diet, click here. 7. Cookies and other sweets: These have no nutritional value. You're doing your dog no favors by giving him junk food. 8. Candy: A potentially bigger hazard then chocolate is the mesh bags candy is sometimes packaged in--if eaten, mesh bags can block a dog's stomach or intestines and might even have to be removed surgically. 9. Fried, greasy, or fatty foods: Fried chicken, French fries, potato chips, and other high-fat foods can trigger pancreatitis in dogs. Pancreatitis causes severe abdominal pain and vomiting, and dogs often require hospitalization on IV fluids for several days to recover. 10. Beer, Alcohol, and Tobacco: In a dog, alcohol can cause weakness, depression, and staggering. Tobacco can cause drooling, vomiting, weakness, and coma. 11. Corncobs, peach pits, wood grilling skewers, and similar indigestible food accoutrements: Dogs will gulp down the most amazing things, but unfortunately, those things can get stuck in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, and surgery may be required to remove them. . (continued on next post.) [ send green star]
Lilith G.	(Continued) Foods That Are Dangerous for Dogs July 03, 2006 9:45 AM 12. Grapes / Raisins: In May 2001 it was reported that eating unknown amounts of grapes or raisins caused sudden kidney failure in ten dogs between 1999 and 2001. Five of those dogs died, and five recovered “with aggressive treatment,” according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. The amount of grapes or raisins the dogs had eaten was known in four of the cases, and ranged between 0.2 ounces and 0.5 ounces of fruit per pound of the dog’s weight. This translates to between 4 ounces (one quarter-pound) and 10 ounces of grapes or raisins for a 20-lb. dog, or between 8 ounces and 20 ounces for a 40-lb. dog. The dogs all began vomiting within a few hours of eating the grapes. When they were taken to a veterinarian, blood tests showed a variety of abnormalities related to kidney damage. The dogs that survived were hospitalized on IV fluids and medications for up to three weeks. One dog that survived underwent dialysis. The specific substance in the grapes and raisins that caused the kidney damage is unknown. The Animal Poison Control Center is continuing to investigate this newly discovered “grape toxicity” to discover the cause. Some possibilities are mold toxins; high levels of vitamin D or similar compounds; contamination with pesticides, heavy metals, or other environmental toxins; or an as yet unknown toxin in the grapes themselves. Another question yet to be answered is whether eating a grape or two at a time may cause slight, but potentially cumulative, damage to a dog’s kidneys. I think the best bet is to avoid feeding grapes or raisins to your dog altogether until more is known about this newly discovered toxicity. 13. String and Rope toys: Those toys can be dangerous. Small lengths of string can be inadvertently swallowed and lodge in the intestinal track. The workings of the intestine can cause the string to work like a cutter, causing damage and even death. (Info from: Julie C.) 14. Rawhides: Rawhide is dangerous for multiple reasons. Dogs can get bloat after swallowing a large piece, trapping air in the stomach, causing death. It can also be a choking hazard. Remember, rawhide is just a big piece of cow skin, not something the dog would usually eat in one big helping like that. (Info from: Julie C.) 15. Protein Shakes / Protein Supplement Bars: To much protein all at once, an unnatural amount, can cause renal failure. (Info from: Rach N.) Foods That Are Generally OK for Most Dogs 1. Cooked lean meat and eggs. 2. Raw or cooked vegetables other than tomatoes and onions; and raw or cooked fruits. But remember that not all dogs can tolerate all fruits and vegetables, so watch for foods that give your dog an upset stomach. 3. Rice and other cooked grains. 4. Plain low-fat yogurt. 5. Small amounts of bread. I say “small amounts” because most bread contains carbohydrates and very little else, so it’s not a particularly healthful addition to a dog’s diet. . [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Danger: Rawhides, Cow Hooves, Pig Ears July 03, 2006 9:49 AM Searching further on the web I found a few more items of interest by vet@dog. From: http://www.dog.com/vet/holidays/04.html R A W H I D E S, C O W H O O V E S, & P I G S ' E A R S These well-liked dog treats are purchased in large numbers, especially around holidays, by well-meaning dog owners hoping to give their pets something special. These toys are favorites for many dogs and are popular with owners because they keep their pets occupied and supposedly out of trouble during holiday activities. There are definite risks associated with these treats, however. All three types are supposedly made of digestible animal products. However, they are digested quite slowly and, if consumed rapidly, can cause either vomiting or diarrhea from the many pieces still sitting undigested in the GI tract. If the treats are swallowed whole or in large chunks, there are additional dangers. Rawhide chews can lodge in the throat and cause choking, or a large piece may be swallowed, scraping and irritating the throat and esophagus on the way down. Once in the stomach or intestinal tract, a large piece of rawhide can also create a physical obstruction. An additional danger that is less widely known is the practice, in some countries, of using an arsenic-based preservative in the processing of rawhide toys. We recommend that, if you do purchase these products, stick to brands processed in the U.S. There has also been a recent FDA alert about the risk of Salmonella accociated with dog chew products made from pork or beef-derived materials: refer to the FDA advisory or call 1-888-INFO-FDA. See below (discussion on pigs' ears) for more details. Cow hooves are even more dangerous than rawhides. They are hard enough that a dog can actually break a tooth on one. They can also be chewed up into sharp fragments which may cause a partial intestinal obstruction. Partial obstructions are often difficult to diagnose until the point at which the fragment is ready to perforate the wall of the bowel from pressure against the sharp edges. If perforation has occured, the infection that ensues from leakage of intestinal contents can be fatal. Pigs' ears can cause GI upset if overeaten, similar to the situation with rawhides, although obstructions are less common because the ears are not usually shaped into solid chunks. There is, whowever, a less widely known danger associated with pig ears: A recent FDA advisory published by the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human services on Oct.1, 1999, stated that there is "a nationwide public health warning alerting consumers about a number of recent cases in Canada of human illnesses apparently related to contact with dog chew products made from pork or beef-derived materials (e.g., pigs ears, beef jerky treats, smoked hooves, pigs skins, etc.)... FDA is urging pet owners... to handle them carefully. Anyone who comes in contact with these treats should wash their hands with hot water and soap. Initial reports of illnesses came from Canada and involved Canadian products, but subsequent examination of similar products produced in the U.S. indicate that all pet chew products of this type may pose a risk...." glass ornaments for information on ways to handle sharp objects that have been ingested. [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Food Additive Potentially Deadly To Pets July 03, 2006 9:55 AM UPDATED: 6:46 am PDT October 14, 2005 Vets Warn Owners To Keep Sugar-Free Products Away From Pets LANCASTER, Pa. -- If you've got a pet around the house, you may feed them the same things you eat. But the ingredients of some human food could possibly kill man's best friend, Lancaster television station WGAL reported. Xylitol is one of those unusual chemicals you may find listed under ingredients on a food item and wonder what it is. The potential hazard of Xylitol became known to Cindy Stahl and her family a few weeks ago, when their 9-month-old boxer, Lucy, started acting strange. While trying to figure out what was wrong with her dog, Stahl noticed something else. "I turned around and saw that there was pink gum wrappers laying across the floor that she had chewed up," Stahl said. Stahl said she instinctively shoved the gum wrappers in her pocket and rushed the dog to the veterinarian. Blood work and X-rays were ordered and it was believed that Lucy was in a sort of diabetic seizure. "The brain needs sugar almost as much as it needs oxygen, and so basically her brain wasn't functioning normally so she would have seemed disoriented," said veterinarian Dr. Mark Kapolka. Then Stahl remembered the gum wrappers. As they looked over the ingredients of the gum, Xylitol was recognized by one of Kapolka's assistants. A bulletin from the Veterinary Medical Association issued one year ago warns that Xylitol could cause life-threatening problems for dogs. Consumed in large quantities, Xylitol may produce a sudden drop in a dog's blood-sugar levels. Based on the amount of gum that was missing, it seemed that Lucy had ingested a large quantity of Xylitol. "We estimated that she had 20 pieces of the gum," Stahl said. "To give you some perspective, if gum is exclusively sweetened with Xylitol, one or two pieces of chewing gun is enough to cause serious consequences for a 20-pound dog," Kapolka said. Lucy weighs about 50 pounds. If the Stahl's had waited another hour or two to get to their vet, Lucy may not have survived. Xylitol looks and tastes just like sugar. It's being used in more and more sugar-free foods, but does not affect humans the way it affects dogs. The gum that Lucy ate, Koolerz, is made by Hershey Foods. Contacted by the station regarding the story, Hershey issued a statement encouraging "all pet owners to follow the advice of animal experts and to keep any sugar-free products out of the reach of their pets." But Stahl would like to see more. "We want labels to indicate that Xylitol is very harmful to canines," she said. Veterinarians said there are many foods that humans eat that are toxic for dogs, such as chocolate and many kinds of nuts. If you feel your dog has consumed something that may be toxic, call your veterinarian or you can call the National Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. For more information, check out the American Veterinary Medical Association's Web site at avma.org. Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. http://www.nbcsandiego.com/family/5098529/detail.html Cross Post From: Killing Our Pet's With Every Meal. [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Rabies Vaccine Recall July 05, 2006 10:06 AM Anita S. IMPORTANT - Rabies Vaccine Recall June 19, 2006 8:29 PM I was going to start a new thread for this as it is very important to be aware of. Please note the two documents attached. Fort Dodge is recalling Rabvac 3 TF (Thimerosal Free) Serial 873113A. Rabvac 3 is a killed virus vaccine for the vaccination of healthy dogs, cats and horses against rabies. Below is an excerpt from the memo attached: Serial 873113A was released into the veterinary market in November 2004 and expires June 29, 2006. Before release, the product was tested and found to be safe and effective; meeting all USDA-approved testing requirements. Fort Dodge recently conducted a quality assurance test, which indicated an issue with its duration of protection. The Company has elected to voluntarily recall this serial in the best interest of animals, owners and veterinarians. Fort Dodge has conducted potency testing on other marketed serials of Rabvac 3 TF, all of which have met requirements. see The Charlotte Observer article at http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlo...ss/14786163.htm also see Dogs Adverse Reactions webpage: http://www.dogsadversereactions.com/RabvacRecall.html. [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Pet Poison Alert: Beware Batteries! July 05, 2006 10:08 AM Brenda S. Pet Poison Alert: Beware Batteries! January 14, 2006 9:58 AM Get any new toys, electronics or other gizmos for the holidays this year? No doubt many of these items require various types of batteries to power them up. While we want you to use and enjoy your gifts, we also want to make pet owners aware of the risks that batteries can pose for their animal friends. Alkaline batteries—generally the most common type—contain corrosives that, if chewed or punctured by curious dogs and cats, can result in oral and gastrointestinal ulcers. And some batteries used in cameras, MP3 players and watches contain nickel cadmium, which can lead to gastrointestinal irritation; in cases of large ingestion, neurological effects may occur. Because of these potential risks, be sure to securely store batteries in areas that are completely inaccessible to pets. For additional cautions about batteries, please visit ASPCA.org. And if you suspect that your pet may have been chewing on or swallowed a battery—or gotten into any other potentially poisonous substance—call your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435. [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Warning for Gorilla Glue July 05, 2006 10:12 AM Carolyn M. See: https://www.cpsc.gov/incident.html Notice on Gorilla Glue There is a product out on the market called "Gorilla Glue" that is becoming very popular (and works very well) but comes with some problems for small pets and especially for dogs. It has a smell that dogs seem to go nuts over and they will eat it if they can get to it. It then swells in their stomachs and has to be removed surgically. One vet removed a mass the size of a grapefruit ... Just thought all pet owners should be aware of this product. [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Important Info. July 05, 2006 10:14 AM A Lot of This Info is Cross Posted From: Health & Medical Info. For Dogs (Q&A) [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Household Dangers July 07, 2006 3:55 PM Many substances kept in the average household are toxic to pets. Although it is common sense to store medications, cleaning agents, detergents, and household chemicals out of reach of children and pets, there are other items that are extremely harmful to pets – that we may not see as dangerous substances. Listed below are some very harmful household hazards, accompanied by some information on why they are toxic and what effect they can have on your pets. Chocolate Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, a compound which is very similar to caffeine. This substance is dangerous and potentially lethal to your pet. The most dangerous type of chocolate is Bakers chocolate, the pure unsweetened chocolate used for baking. This type of chocolate is considered toxic to animals in a dose as small as 1/10 of an ounce per pound of body weight. Other chocolates, such as milk chocolate, contain lower amounts of theobromine and are mixed with milk and other ingredients. Milk chocolate is considered toxic at 1 ounce per pound of body weight. In toxic quantities, chocolate causes vomiting, rapid and sometimes irregular heartbeats, muscle tremors, and even death. Onions Onions are another danger to both dogs and cats, as they contain a toxic ingredient called thiosulphate. In large doses, or when highly concentrated (like in onion soup for example) they can cause Heinz body anemia. Onions in small doses should not propose a problem, but in larger doses can cause the oxygen-carrying red blood cells to acquire a structural defect called Heinz bodies. The body deems these blood cells as non-functioning, and rejects them, causing Heinz body anemia. This is a deficiency in oxygen-carrying red blood cells. As a result your pet will experience breathlessness, and the red pigment from the rejected blood cells will become present in your pets urine. Garlic can have the same effect, but requires much larger doses to be considered toxic. Avocado The avocado is very dangerous to all animals – the fruit, leaves, stem, and pit are all considered toxic parts of the plant. The toxic substance in the Avocado is called persin, which is a fatty acid derivative. Although poisonous to both cats and dogs, this plant is particularly deadly to birds. This is also a proven poison to various other types of animals including: goats, sheep, horses, cattle, rabbits and even fish! Ingestion of the avocado plant can lead to cardiovascular problems, and often results in death. This plant is highly toxic, and in animals symptoms can range vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, generalized congestion, fluid accumulation around the heart, and heart failure. The avocado is deadly and should not be fed to any pet under any circumstances. Macadamia Nuts The toxic compound is unknown but the affect of macadamia nuts is to cause locomotory difficulties. This means muscle weakness. Symptoms are generally swollen limbs and general weakness. But large doses, macadamia nuts can cause skeletal tremors and even hindquarter paralysis. The effect can occur from ingesting the nuts, or macadamia butter. This is known as a toxin only to dogs. Yeast Dough Uncooked yeast dough is very harmful to animals. When ingested the yeast will “rise” in the stomach, causing the dough to increase to several times it’s size. Because the dough will often expand to several times it’s size, it poses the danger of expanding your pets stomach. In addition to this, fermenting dough produces alcohol. Thus, ingesting yeast dough can lead to alcohol toxicity. Symptoms include vomiting, retching, stomach discomfort, cramps, and sluggishness. Left untreated, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, commonly known as bloat, can be the end result. Bloat is characterized by the stomach swelling and twisting at the esophagus and/or the lower intestine. The bloated stomach obstructs veins in the abdomen, leading to low blood pressure, shock, and damage to internal organs. Grapes/Raisins Essentially unheard of prior to 2001, raisin and grape toxicity has become increasingly recognized as a real danger to pets. Although previously deemed as harmless treats, research has determined grapes and raisins have been linked to kidney failure in both dogs and cats. The toxic substance in grapes and raisins is unknown, as is the amount required to produce toxicity. Since 1989, the ASPCA has documented many cases of raisin and grape toxicity, and more recently (2001) it has been officially recognized as a toxin to animals. Studies of documented cases show estimated amounts of grapes or raisins eaten ranged from nine ounces to two pounds, with symptoms occurring within approximately 6 hours of ingestion. Symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite, sluggishness, and abdominal pain. Testing found elevated blood calcium levels, as well as elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and phosphorous – all substances that affect kidney function. The result is the development of acute renal (kidney) failure, within as little as 3 days of ingestion. (continues on next post) [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Household Dangers (cont.) July 07, 2006 4:04 PM (continued from previous post) Diet Aides Many diet aides contain natural sources of ephedra and caffeine. Just because the product says "all natural" this does not mean it's safe for your pet. Depending on the amount ingested, and your pet's body weight, effects can range from stomach upset, to severe illness. Symptoms can occur as quickly as 15-30 minutes after ingestion, and the end result can be fatal. Signs of ingestion may consist of hyperactivity, hyperthermia, agitation, vomiting, and cardiac or respiratory distress. Liquid Potpourri Liquid potpourri contains essential oils and cationic detergents, both of which are harmful to pets. Although this is a danger to both dogs and cats, cats are more commonly affected as the potpourri containers/burners are often kept in places that are readily accessible to cats (counter tops, shelves, etc.) Symptoms are severe and include vomiting, increased salivation, hyperthermia, respiratory problems, and oral ulcers. Antifreeze Antifreeze has an attractive smell to most animals, and a pleasurable taste. Although it is common sense to properly store antifreeze, it is a common mistake to leave a spill when changing or adding antifreeze to your car. Antifreeze, contains a few toxic substances; the most dangerous and most common is ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is often found in antifreeze at a concentration of 95% to 97%. Its sweet taste attracts pets and ingesting even a very small amount causes fatal kidney toxicity. Ethylene glycol can cause metabolic acidosis, an increased acidity in the blood pH level. As it crystallizes in the body, it can cause a kidney tube blockage, called acute renal tubular necrosis. Symptoms include vomiting, a drop in body temperature, seizures, and the appearance of intoxication similar to drunkenness. Animals are often affected within 1-3 days or ingestion. Further stages of toxicity include increased heart rate, respiratory problems, slowed down or complete inability to urinate, possible stroke and even death. A Final Note Of course, these are not the only toxic substances found in the household – fertilizers, cleaning agents, detergents, moth balls, vitamins, diet pills and most types of medication are extremely hazardous to pets. It is common sense that these items are properly stored out of reach of your pets – and your kids! For more information on chemical dangers, including substances like ice melt, gorilla glue and other such harmful household products, check out our chemical dangers article. Never give your pet medication unless prescribed by a veterinarian, and be sure to read the label when using over-the-counter medications, such as flea products. Some flea products that are safe for dogs, for example, are deadly to cats. If your pet has ingested any of these substances, please contact a vet immediately. The ASPCA has a wonderful resource – the Animal Poison Control Centre. There are numerous articles and reports available on the dangers listed above. If you are interested in learning more about these and other household toxins, the Poison Control Center can be accessed at the link below: http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=apcc Written by Dana Grove , Webworks Creations From: http://www.bdnhumanesociety.com/householddangers.htm [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Tumors Caused by Pet Microchip ID's July 13, 2006 10:08 AM Tumors in Long-Term Rat Studies Associated with Microchip Animal Identification Devices. Elcock LE, Stuart BP, Wahle BS, Hoss HE, Crabb K, Millard DM, Mueller RE, Hastings TF, Lake SG. Bayer Corporation, Toxicology Department, Stilwell, Kansas 66085, USA. laura.elcock.b@bayer.com Tumors surrounding implanted microchip animal identification devices were noted in two separate chronic toxicity/oncogenicity studies using F344 rats. The tumors occurred at a low incidence rate (approximately 1 percent), but did result in the early sacrifice of most affected animals, due to tumor size and occasional metastases. No sex-related trends were noted. All tumors occurred during the second year of the studies, were located in the subcutaneous dorsal thoracic area (the site of microchip implantation) and contained embedded microchip devices. All were mesenchymal in origin and consisted of the following types, listed in order of frequency: malignant schwannoma, fibrosarcoma, anaplastic sarcoma, and histiocytic sarcoma. The following diagnostic techniques were employed: light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. The mechanism of carcinogenicity appeared to be that of foreign-body induced tumorigenesis. PMID: 11256750 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11256750&d http://www.care2.com/news/member/100654768/125596 [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Acetaminophin Danger to Pets August 07, 2006 8:44 AM JUST HOW DANGEROUS IS ACETAMINOPHIN TO PETS? Acetaminophen/Paracetamol (Tylenol/Panadol) No one needs to tell Beth Tucker of Syracuse, NY, how harmful acetaminophen can be to pets. In February 2006, Beth’s cat, Scooter, ingested a 500-milligran acetaminophen tablet that had been accidentally dropped on the floor. Despite treatments by a local veterinarian, the beautiful grey cat did not recover. “She suffered tremendously for five days as we tried to save her,” says Beth. “We finally made the extremely painful decision to end her suffering.” Sadly, Scooter is one of many cats to have succumbed to accidental acetaminophen poisoning. In 2005, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) handled close to 300 cases from around the country. Explains the APCC’s Dana Farbman, “Depending on the amount ingested, clinical effects can include a condition called methemoglobinemia, which affects blood cells’ ability to carry oxygen to vital organs.” In addition, liver damage and even death could result. And because cats lack a specific enzyme that enables the body to metabolize the drug well, they are especially sensitive to acetaminophen toxicity—although it can be toxic to dogs and other pets, as well. Cautions Farbman, “Pet owners should never give this medication to their animals, and should always store potentially poisonous substances in a secure cabinet above countertop level and out of the reach of pets.” Beth and her family continue to miss Scooter every day. “She was the most loving kitty in the world,” says Beth. “And every evening at 5:00 P.M., if you were anywhere near the kitchen, you could count on Scooter meowing for her nightly treat.” Beth hopes that by sharing Scooter’s experience, she can help others avoid having to go through the anguish she suffered by losing her feline friend. “I feel that telling what happened to Scooter will help make something positive come out of our tremendous loss.” If you think that your pet has accidentally ingested acetaminophen, or any other potentially dangerous substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for round-the-clock telephone assistance. For more pet poison prevention tips, please visit APCC Online. [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Cross Post About Organix January 02, 2007 11:18 AM Killing Our Pet's With Every Meal [ send green star]
Lilith G.	About the Organix Claim January 02, 2007 11:29 AM I've looked online and can't seem to find anything supporting the anonymous claim that Organix contains Aspergillus (black mold) and another mycotoxin. I have no idea if it's true or not. Hopefully anonymous will post more about it. I'd also love to know how the little pug is doing. I hope he/she's doing better. [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Pet Poison Alert: Liquid Potpourri January 02, 2007 11:47 AM Want a fresh and fragrant home? Before setting out that delicious-smelling potpourri simmer pot, please take heed. Many liquid potpourris contain essential oils and detergents that could prove hazardous to your furry companions, based on an analysis of calls to the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center. According to the ASPCA’s Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist and senior vice president, the essential oils found in many of these products can cause irritation of the skin, gastrointestinal tract and mucous membranes. More significant injuries are typically a result of thermal burns or exposure to a specific type of detergent. Says Hansen, “A class of detergents known as cationics is usually responsible for severe ulceration of the membranes of the mouth, throat and gastrointestinal tract. Where there is contact with the skin, redness, swelling and extremely painful lesions can appear.” Symptoms of these exposures include drooling, vomiting, depression, metabolic disturbances and difficulty breathing from fluid on the lungs. Although 10 percent of the liquid potpourri poisoning cases managed by the ASPCA since 2001 have included life-threatening effects, most animals make a full recovery if treated promptly. “However, it is important to note that treatment can be very extensive and may involve a lengthy hospitalization,” says Hansen. And feline caretakers, please take note—cats are more likely to be at risk than dogs. “This is most likely because cats have greater access to the simmer pots, which are usually kept on countertops or other high-level surfaces,” explains Hansen. Most exposures occur when cats lap up heated liquid from the simmer pot, or when liquid spills on their fur from a leaky container. To avoid exposing your pet to the dangers of liquid potpourri, ASPCA experts offer the following tips: - Place potpourri simmer pots and unused liquid in rooms where pets cannot gain access. - Consider using relatively safer alternatives, such as plug-in or solid air fresheners. (Do take care to use these in out-of-reach locations as well.) - If you suspect your pet has been exposed to liquid potpourri, please call your veterinarian or the APCC's emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for round-the-clock telephone assistance. For more information on poison prevention, visit APCC online ©2007 ASPCA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer...xs3c1.app27b#1 Cross Post From: PET POISON ALERT: Liquid Potpourri Packs a Painful Punch Posted By: Anita S. [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Poison Prevention for Pet Owners January 02, 2007 11:54 AM The Danger of Liquid Potpourri To Pets Exposures To Popular Home Air Freshener Products May Cause Serious Harm Ask the APCC: Okay or No Way? Our experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center set the record straight on a variety of substances, from pomegranates to paint balls. Keep Your Pet's Home Poison Safe Memorize our list of foods and common household products that can be dangerous to pets. Forbidden Flora Is it true what they say about yew? Are lovely lilies not so lovely for felines? Check out our list of toxic plants, nontoxic plants, and 10 most common poisonous plants. http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc [ send green star]
Kim H.	January 02, 2007 5:38 PM Wow, awesome information on this thread. Thanks for posting all of this!!!! [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Menu Foods, Inc. Recall of Pet Foods March 19, 2007 11:43 AM Recall of Pet Foods Manufactured by Menu Foods, Inc. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been informed that Menu Foods, Inc., a private-label pet food manufacturer based in Streetsville, Ontario, Canada, is recalling all its "cuts and gravy" style dog and cat food produced at its facility in Emporia, Kansas between December 3, 2006 and March 6, 2007. The products are sold in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The recall was prompted by consumer complaints received by the manufacturer and by tasting trials conducted by the manufacturer. There has been a small number of reported instances of cats and dogs in the United States that developed kidney failure after eating the affected product. Ten deaths, one dog and nine cats, have reported at this time. The firm has undertaken extensive testing of the pet food products in question, but to date has been unable to find the source of the problem. The products are packaged in cans and pouches under numerous brand names and are marketed nationwide by many pet food retailers including Ahold USA Inc., Kroger Company, Safeway, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., PetSmart, Inc., and Pet Valu, Inc. Menu Foods, Inc. has identified the potentially contaminated products on the Internet at www.menufoods.com/recall. Consumers who have any of these products should immediately stop feeding them to their pets. Dogs or cats who have consumed the suspect feed and show signs of kidney failure (such as loss of appetite, lethargy and vomiting) should consult with their veterinarian. Menu Foods, Inc. is notifying retailers by telephone and mail and is arranging for the return of all recalled products. FDA is conducting an investigation and working with Menu Foods, Inc. to ensure the effectiveness of the recall. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-866-895-2708. Consumers who wish to report adverse actions or other problems can go to http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html to contact the FDA complaint coordinator in their state. #### Menu Foods, Inc. Press Release Nestlé Purina PetCare Company Press Release Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. Press Release P&G Pet Care Press Release (Consumers who have purchased IAMS or Eukanuba pet food who have questions should check the IAMS web site. Consumers who have purchased other pet food distributed by Menu should contact Menu.) http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01590.html [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Recalled Pig Ears April 06, 2007 12:08 PM Erika D. pig ears Friday, 9:59 PM I just recieved a link about a recall on pig ears. I don't use them, but for anyone that does: http://www.avma.org/press/releases/070326_pigears_recall.asp I guess when it rains, it pours. [ send green star] http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=3600&pst=505225 [ send green star]
Lilith G.	More Recalled Pet Food/Treats April 09, 2007 7:23 AM Carla H. More updates Saturday, 11:28 AM Check this page for the latest recalls. Several brands of dog biscuits have been added to the list. http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=6835&pst=931442 [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Recall: Dingo Chick'N Jerky Treats April 09, 2007 7:25 AM Elena P. Wednesday, 5:54 AM Received in an e-mail today: All Lots of Dingo Chick'N Jerky Treats for Dogs, Cats and Ferrets May Contain Salmonella Eight In One, a division of United Pet Group, Inc., announced a voluntary recall across Canada of all lots of Dingo Chick'N Jerky Treats for Dogs, Cats and Ferrets. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) was notified of this voluntary recall by United Pet Group Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio. In Canada, the affected products were sold at various retailers. According to the notification, the jerky treats have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, which can cause serious infections in dogs and cats. Common symptoms of Salmonella infection are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, although more serious consequences are possible, especially in young children, in the elderly, and in people with weakened immune systems. People may risk bacterial infection by handling the treats directly or by contact with pets who have used the treats. Anyone who may have handled the treats should wash their hands with warm water and soap. Consumers should dispose of these treats in the trash. To see the Eight in One release please click here: http://www.eightinonepet.com http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=6835&pst=931442 [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Massive Pet Food Recall April 09, 2007 7:28 AM Arlene L. Massive Pet Food Recall Thursday, 8:31 PM Dear Arlene, Let me help you ensure the safety of the animals in your own home in light of the Menu Foods dog and cat food recall and tell you what PETA is doing to hold the dog and cat food industry accountable. You must know that dog and cat food manufacturer Menu Foods is recalling some 90 name brands of canned wet food, including Iams and Eukanuba, that have been linked to renal failure and more than a dozen animal deaths. How to Keep Your Animals Safe Make sure you are not feeding your animal companion any of the recalled foods. You can find the full list of products that are being recalled by Menu Foods here. If you believe that your animal companion has fallen ill from eating a product manufactured by Menu Foods, immediately take the animal to your veterinarian. Symptoms of kidney failure include lack of appetite, listlessness, increased thirst, increased urination, vomiting, and diarrhea. Please also report any animal illness or death to Menu Foods at 866-895-2708 and to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at 888-463-6332. What PETA Is Doing The fact that animals are dying from tainted Menu Foods products is horrific. To make matters worse, the company's response is stupefying and infuriating. It's our understanding that Menu Foods learned of animal deaths as early as February 20 but didn't issue a recall for almost a month. PETA is urging government authorities in Canada and the U.S. to investigate Menu Foods and file criminal charges if the company is found to have violated laws by waiting nearly a month before recalling contaminated food and intentionally feeding it to healthy dogs and cats in laboratories, killing several of them. We know from experience that Menu Foods has never put the interests of animals ahead of its profits. Do you remember when a PETA investigator went undercover at a contract testing laboratory in Missouri that conducted cruel experiments on animals for Menu Foods and Iams? What PETA's investigator uncovered there was shocking; some dogs had huge chunks of muscle removed from their legs and were left to suffer for days. You can read more about the investigation here. We took action then and changes were made, but now ... this! What You Can Do to Keep Animals Safe in the Future Each of us, as loving companions to the cats and dogs in our care, must stand up to corporations like Menu Foods and Iams and hold them accountable for the food they are selling. Please take immediate action: Buy pet food only from companies that test their foods in modern ways, not by experimenting on animals. The list of cruelty-free companies includes PetGuard, Evolution, and V-dog. One of the surest ways to stop corporations like Iams and Menu Foods is by not purchasing their products until they are proved to be safe and cruelty-free. For a list of manufacturers that do not test on animals, click here. Demand that Menu Foods take full responsibility for these animal deaths from tainted food and the company's slow response in letting people know. Insist that the company take measures to ensure that this will never happen again, and ask Menu Foods to end its cruel and old-fashioned experiments on dogs and cats. Demand that Iams (Menu Foods manufactured the recalled Iams food) immediately end all laboratory tests on animals. [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Rat Poison Found in Tainted Pet Food April 09, 2007 7:30 AM Carla H. Update March 23, 2007 9:55 AM Rat Poison Found in Tainted Pet Food ALBANY, N.Y. - Rat poison has been found in pet food blamed for the deaths of at least 16 cats and dogs, a spokeswoman for the State Department of Agriculture and Markets said Friday. Spokeswoman Jessica Chittenden would not identify the chemical or its source beyond saying it was a rodent poison. The Food and Drug Administration has said the investigation was focusing on wheat gluten in the food. Wheat gluten itself would not cause kidney failure, but the common ingredient could have been contaminated by heavy metals or mold toxins, the FDA said. State agriculture officials scheduled a news conference Friday afternoon to release laboratory findings from tests on the pet food conducted this week. The deaths led to a recall of 60 million cans and pouches of pet food produced by Menu Foods and sold throughout North America under 95 brand names. There have been several reports of kidney failure in pets that ate the recalled brands, and the company has confirmed the deaths of 15 cats and one dog. Menu Foods last week recalled "cuts and gravy" style dog and cat food. The recall sparked concern among pet owners across North America. It includes food sold under store brands carried by Wal-Mart, Kroger, Safeway and other large retailers, as well as private labels such as Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba. Menu Foods is majority owned by Menu Foods Income Fund of Streetsville. The company also makes foods for zoo cats, but those products are unaffected by the recall. The company's chief executive and president said Menu Foods delayed announcing the recall until it could confirm that the animals had eaten its product before dying. Two earlier complaints from consumers whose cats had died involved animals that lived outside or had access to a garage, which left open the possibility they had been poisoned by something other than contaminated food, he said. A spokesman for New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said he was not aware of any criminal investigation involving the tainted food. A complete list of the recalled products along with product codes, descriptions and production dates was posted online by Menu Foods and is available at http://tinyurl.com/2pn6mm. The company also designated two phone numbers that pet owners could call for information: (866) 463-6738 and (866) 895-2708. http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=6835&pst=931442 [ send green star]
Lilith G.	More on Menu Foods Recall April 09, 2007 7:34 AM Carla H. Pet food recall spreads, and so does confusion April 01, 2007 9:47 PM The exact nature of the contamination that has led to an expanding North American pet food recall and reports of thousands of sick pets is a mystery that's confounding toxicologists. It's also confusing pet owners who were told two weeks ago that all potentially contaminated food had been recalled only to learn over the weekend that it wasn't so. Since Friday, three other pet food makers have recalled small amounts of pet treats, more wet dog foods and one dry cat food. They join Menu Foods, which in mid-March recalled more than 60 million cans and pouches of wet dog and cat food. The contaminant is now believed to be the chemical melamine, which is used in the making of plastics and as a slow-release fertilizer, the Food and Drug Administration says. It was found in wheat gluten imported from China and used by Menu Foods and other makers, the FDA says. But toxicologists question whether it is toxic enough to cause kidney failure in animals. The FDA has not publicly identified the firm that supplied the contaminated wheat gluten to the USA. But on Friday, the agency issued an import alert — found on its website — saying wheat gluten from the Xuzhou Anying Biologic Technology Development Co. of Peixian, China, could be detained without inspection until it produced results from "the firm's investigation(s) into the problem of melamine contamination" and documents showing that corrective action had been taken. Since Friday, the FDA has tracked potentially contaminated wheat gluten shipments to Hill's Pet Nutrition, Nestlé Purina PetCare and Del Monte Pet Products. All three companies issued recalls of various pet food products. http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-04-01-pet-food-recall_N.htm I think it's safe to say that untill further notice, read every label of everything you give your pets and DO NOT feed them anything with "wheat gluten" listed as an ingredient in it. REGARDLESS of whether or not that particular brand of food has been recalled. It's the only way to be sure. http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=6835&pst=931442 [ send green star]
Dolores H.	May 19, 2007 8:24 AM Chenango Valley Pet Foods Expands Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Certain Pet Foods Contact: Dennis J. Bobita (610) 821-0608 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- May 17, 2007 -- Chenango Valley Pet Foods previously recalled dry pet foods manufactured with a shipment of rice protein concentrate supplied by Wilbur-Ellis that possibly contained melamine contamination. Chenango Valley Pet Foods is now expanding the recall action to include those pet foods that do not contain rice protein concentrate but were manufactured during periods when rice protein concentrate formulas were processed. The recall of these products is precautionary due to the possibility of cross-contamination. The following dry pet foods are involved in this recall action: DOCTORS FOSTER & SMITH LAMB & BROWN RICE FORMULA ADULT DOG FOOD, NET WT. 6 LBS. (UPC 25141 28244), 15 LBS. (25141 30074), and 30 LBS. (UPC 25141 06043); Date Codes: Best By Feb 09 09 and Best By Feb 26 09; SHOP RITE REDI-MIXT DOG FOOD FOR DOGS, NET WT. 25 LB. (UPC 41190 00555), Date Code: Code C7107; LICK YOUR CHOPS KITTEN & CAT FOOD, NET WEIGHT 4 LBS. (UPC 32976 25915), and 18 LBS. (UPC 32976 25925); Date Code: Best Used By April 29 08; SHEP chunk style dog food, NET WT. 20 LBS. (UPC 41498 14142); Date Code: Best By March 14 08; 8 in 1 Ferret ULTRA-BLEND ADVANCED NUTRITION DIET, NET WT. 20 LBS, UPC 26851 00413, Code: C7072; Bulk Lamb & Brown Rice Formula Dog Food, Date Code: Feb 09, 08, sold to one consignee SmartPak. Health Diet Cat Food Chicken & Rice Dinner NET WT. 1.81 kg/4 LB (UPC 78198 01594), 4 kg/8.8 LB (UPC 78198 01599), and 8 kg/17.6 LB (UPC 78198 01585); Code C7072; EVOLVE KITTEN FORMULA, NET WT. 3 LBS. (UPC 73657 00250) and 7 LBS. (UPC 73657 00251); Date Code: Best Used By Sept 13 08. Evolve has recovered 99.5% of the product from its distributors and is working with dealers to recover the remaining inventory. No illnesses or injuries related to these products have been reported to date. Pet owners who have purchased the pet foods listed above should immediately discontinue using the products and return them to the place of purchase for full refund. Pet owners should consult with a veterinarian if they have any health concerns with their pet. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-610-821-0608. [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Pet Treats--More Crap from China September 24, 2007 4:09 PM Hammy B. Pet Treats--More Crap from China September 15, 2007 3:11 PM I now look for source information along with nutritional information on all supposedly edible products (for human and animal consumption). If it comes from China, it stays on the store's shelves. Here's yet another warning just received today about dangerous pet treats. JERKY TREATS MAY BE DANGEROUS Please forward this information to family and friends who have pets. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has recently been made aware of several complaints from pet owners and veterinarians that multiple brands of jerky treats manufactured in China have been making pets sick. Symptoms of illness have included vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. For more information about the 12 products that "should" have been removed from store shelves please visit: http://www.nationalpetfoundation.com/foods/jerkytreats.html Get notifications within hours of new recalls and save your pet's life. Sign your family and friends up for the free pet alerts at: http://nationalpetfoundation.com/pet-food-recall.html The full list of already recalled food can be found at: http://nationalpetfoundation.com/list.html Please help get the word out and forward this email to any pet owners you know. Our goal is to keep our pets safe. National Pet Foundation NPF Thank you National Pet Foundation PO Box 37414 Houston, Tx 77056 US Cross Post From: http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=6835&pst=1100253 [ send green star]
Lilith G.	NEW RECALL: Bravo! Recalls Select Poultry Products For Cats And Dogs September 24, 2007 4:10 PM Carla H. Wednesday, 4:24 PM NEW RECALL: Bravo! Recalls Select Poultry Products For Cats And Dogs Bravo! Raw Diet has announced a recall of certain varieties of its poultry products for pets. Here is the press release dated September 18 that is on their website: Bravo! announces a voluntary recall of select tubes of three of its poultry products for cats and dogs. The pet food is being recalled because two of the products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, while the other product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Recalled Pet Food: Product: Bravo Original Formula Chicken Blend frozen raw food Product Numbers: 21-102, 21-105, 21-110 Sizes: 2 pound, 5 pound and 10 pound tubes Batch ID code (on hang tag): 236 Reason for Recall: Salmonella, Listeria Product: Bravo Original Formula Turkey Blend frozen raw food Product Numbers: 31-102, 31-105, 31-110 Sizes: 2 pound, 5 pound and 10 pound tubes Batch ID code (on hang tag): 236 Reason for Recall: Listeria Product: Bravo Basic Formula Finely Ground Chicken frozen raw food Product Number: 21-212 Size: 2 pound tube Batch ID Code (on hang tag): 226 Reason for Recall: Salmonella, Listeria Other Batch IDs for these same products are not involved in the recall. www.itchmo.com/new-recall-bravo-recalls-select-poultry-products-for-cats-and-dogs-2950 Cross Post From: http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=6835&pst=1100253 [ send green star]
Lilith G.	PetSmart Pulls Pet N’ Shape Chik ‘N Rings Dog Treats From Shelves September 24, 2007 4:12 PM Carla H. Friday, 6:35 PM PetSmart Pulls Pet N’ Shape Chik ‘N Rings Dog Treats From Shelves Last week, PetSmart pulled various Smokehouse brand chicken and duck dog treats from their shelves as a precautionary measure. The company pulled these treats in response to American Veterinary Medical Association’s warning about various treat products from China due to complaints from pet owners about ill dogs. PetSmart has also pulled Pet n’ Shape Chik n’ Rings dog treats from their shelves as a precaution. When we spoke to PetSmart last week, there was no word about a Pet n’ Shape treat being pulled off shelves last week. http://www.itchmo.com/petsmart-pulls-pet-n-shape-chik-n-rings-dog-treats-from-shelves-3002 Cross Post From: http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=6835&pst=1100253 [ send green star]
Lilith G.	FDA Confirms Probe of NUTRO Pet Food Deaths, Illnesses April 27, 2009 9:14 AM http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/04/nutro_foia.html [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Purina Pet Food Co Charged With Lying About Ingredients September 15, 2009 11:12 AM Lucky N. dog food co charged with lying September 06, 2009 10:20 PM Big Pet Food Co Charged With Lying About the Ingredients on Pet Food. Marked on the Packaging and Over Charging For Worthless Ingredients. False Advertising that the Pet Food uses high quality ingredients, when it does not. The law firm Call, Jensen & Ferrell announce a Class Action Complaint against Purina Pet Foods and Petco pet store. The suit, based on "unjust enrichment" and "fraud" was filed September 3, 2009 in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles. Summary: "Nestlé Purina PetCare Company markets and sells the "Purina Pro Plan Selects Formula" brand of dry pet food. They charge unwary pet owners more than double the amount of comparable quality pet food by claiming (false advertising) that Purina Pro Plan pet foods contain no "animal by-products" , which many consumers believe are dangerous to their pets. This claim is absolutely false. In reality, Defendants' products contain the low quality ingredients "chicken meal" and "fish meal." Chicken meal is the rendered dried meal from flesh, skin and other parts including carcasses of chickens. It can also include the rendered, dry product of chicken by-products, such as the intestinal tracts, spleens and other internal organs and blood. Low quality ingredient. Fish meal is "ground dried fish used as fertilizer and as feed for domestic livestock." Fish meal is further defined as "a commercial product made from both whole fish and the bones and offal from processed fish. Again, another low quality cheap ingredient. Thus, pet owners who have purchased Purina Pro Plan pet foods have paid more than double the price they should have paid, under the false belief that the pet food was free of animal by-products. And were misled by false advertising. Plaintiffs bring this lawsuit to enjoin this ongoing deception, to raise public awareness, to hold the defendants accountable, and to recover the many millions of dollars of profits generated by these false claims." Law firm Call, Jensen & Ferrell can be contact via their website www.calljensen.com Both suits are open to pet owners who feed these pet foods throughout the country. If you have the packages or receipts from this pet food, that will be helpful. Or a PetCo shopping card showing these purchases is also helpful. If they want to be added as plaintiffs, they can contact our witness coordinator for these matters, Mariam Yusuf, at myusuf@calljensen.com Cross Post From: http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=6835&pst=1389542 [ send green star]
Lilith G.	ASPCA Position Statement on Dog Chews/Treats October 21, 2009 9:40 AM ASPCA Position Statement on Dog Chews/Treats http://www.aspca.org/about-us/policy-positions/dog-chews-treats.html [ send green star]
Lilith G.	Purina Pet Foods Killing and Sickening Pets October 27, 2009 10:25 AM Lucky N. Group History read this if you feed Purina September 26, 2009 10:13 PM The following text is excerpted from http://www.consumeraffairs.com/ Looks like Purina has not cleaned up its act yet. Some of you may recall the email I sent out on this MONTHS AND MONTHS AGO regarding this issue. It seems that ALL BRANDS of Purina Pet Foods - have been killing and sickening pets (Dogs and Cats) for a LONG time - and CONTINUE to do so. Please check labels on all pet foods you buy - Purina makes DOZENS of brands under different labels - (Fancy Feast, Friskies, Pro-Plan, Alpo, Nature's Recipe, Meow Mix, Etc, Etc). You can find Purina Pet food Brands in ALL supermarkets, and in pet Stores Too! But in Supermarkets, Purina usually TOTALLY DOMINATES the Pet food shelves (Manufacturers often actually PAY for space on shelves for their products, and Purina seems to buy out all the space on Supermarket Pet Food Shelves). If any of your animals seems sick in ANY WAY, or lethargic, or have unusual symptoms (like bloody vomit, loss of hair, etc), before you search anywhere else for the cause, CHECK YOUR PETFOOD LABELS. If you find ANY made by Purina, this could be the cause. The complaints below from pet owners are very upsetting. If you want to see more - just go to: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/, and type "Purina" into the search box. There are PAGES AND PAGES of complaints from people who have lost their pets - or sickened them severely - after feeding Purina Products - virtually any and all of their products! This post was modified from its original form on 27 Oct, 10:27 [ send green star]
Lilith G.	FDA Warning - Pig Ears and Beef Hooves November 06, 2009 8:53 AM FDA Health Alert for Certain Pet Treats Made by Pet Carousel Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:56:00 -0600 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is issuing this health alert to warn consumers not to use Pig Ears and Beef Hooves pet treats manufactured by Pet Carousel because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The products were distributed nationwide in both bulk and retail packaging for sale in pet food and retail chain stores. Pet Carousel is based in Sanger, Calif. [ send green star]