NATURE'S VARIETY EXPANDS RECALL

Nature's Variety has expanded it's nationwide voluntary recall of it's Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet's for dogs and cats dated "Best used by" 10/29/10 and 11/9/10 due to possible Salmonella contamination.  

Pets infected can have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, be lethargic, fever or vomiting.  People that handle the contaminated products can become sick as well.  If people become ill, they should contact their health provider.

For more in depth information go to http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm203612.htm

AJ Pet Products promotes food and products that have never been recalled. To learn more about these products go to  http://www.healthypetnet.com/HealthyPetNet/Home.aspx?realname=40029663&cat=0&hdr=&Ath=False

 

REPORTING PET FOOD COMPLAINTS

Hopefully you will never need to report a complaint for food your pet has eaten.  If you do however, here is a link for phone numbers that you can call in your respective state.
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/ReportaProblem/ConsumerComplaintCoordinators/default.htm  

If you do have a complaint about pet food, you want to give as much information as possible.

Many people store their pet food in containers for ease.  If you have a complaint you will want to give the following information:

1.)  The name of the pet food, including the lot number (by the expiration date), the expiration date, the size of package or container, when and where the food was purchased and how was the food handled by you (was it refrigerated,  how you stored it and if you had to prepare it in anyway, how it was prepared).

2.)  You want to tell the person on the other end of the hot line if there was a foul odor when you opened the food, if the package was swollen or opened when you bought the food and if there are any foreign objects in the food you want to describe them.

3.)  You want to tell what kind of animal is sick, the species, weight and age.  The previous health of your pet and if your pet takes supplements or any medication.  Any pre-existing conditions your pet might have.

4.)  How much of the product did your pet consume?  Was your pet outside unsupervised where they could have eaten something you don't know about?  What makes you think that the product you are complaining about is what made your pet sick?  What was your veterinarians diagnosis?  Results of any lab work done on your pet. 

RECALL OF INJECTABLE VETERINARY DRUG

A recall of an injectable veterinary anethesia came out in the news today.  If you have a pet that needs surgery, be aware that ketamine hydrochloride has been recalled.  Ketamine hydrochloride comes in a variety of names.  Butorphanol is also recalled.  Butorphanol is used as an opiate for pain.

If your pets are scheduled for surgery or taking pain medications, tell your veterinarian you know about these recalls and you want to make sure these medications are not being used on your pets.

HOW TO BRUSH YOUR PET'S TEETH

Every veterinary visit should include having your pet's teeth checked.  This can avoid heartache and pain in the future by knowing about your pet's dental health.

The first thing to keep in mind is you want to stay out of harms way when you brush your pet's teeth.  Some pets just don't like to have their teeth brushed, especially in the beginning, and they have sharp teeth that you don't want to be subjected to. 


You will want to have approved equipment such as pet toothbrushes and paste.   You don't want to use human toothpaste.  Some pet's don't like the mint that is in our toothpaste and the foaming agents in the fluoride can cause upset your pet's stomach.  Pet toothpaste comes in flavors such as beef or chicken so it tastes good to the pet. 

Let your pet become used to the toothpaste and brush before you start using them on your pet.  Associate the toothbrush and paste with treats so the pet knows it's a good thing.  Let them lick the toothpaste before you start brushing their teeth.  Give them lots of praise as you do this.  After the first step, let them lick the toothpaste off of their toothbrush.  Again praising them.  Be patient, this may take up to a couple of weeks.
Be sure to use a soft bristle toothbrush.  You always want to be gentle when you brush you pet's teeth, especially at the beginning.  Use your finger brush or pet toothbrush and start at the front of the mouth.  Brush the teeth up and down as well as in a circular motion and move your toothbrush back towards the molars.


Some pets will let you open their mouths and brush the tops of the teeth, but not all pets are going to let you do that.  The back of the teeth are not as susceptible to plaque as the front teeth.

Other things that can help with your pets plaque are dental treats for dogs as well as gourmet cat treats that even though they are for hairballs, the crunchiness of the nugget will help get rid of plaque.  Rope toys as well as other chew type of toys help keep the plaque off the teeth because of the chewing action.

FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL PET DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

   Although dental health for your pet family members is important all year long, the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) as well as several other veterinary groups sponsor National Pet Dental Health Month during the month of February.

   Don't discount bad breath as simply smelly.  Bad breath can mean a variety of health problems even affecting the internal organs of your pet.  Did you know that the most common problem in pets diagnosed is periodontal disease? Periodontal disease can lead to painful infections in your pets mouth, which can spread and become life-threatening.  Periodontal disease is an infection of your pets gums. Diabetes, heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease in many cases are linked to periodontal disease.   70% of cats and 80% of dogs have peridontal disease by the age of two.

The best prevention is brushing your pets teeth daily. That will be discussed in greater detail in the next blog.   Regular visits to your veterinarian are also important for dental check ups.

DISCLOSURE ABOUT LAST BLOG

This is a disclosure regarding the last post.  I did not write the last post, it was copied from the Oregonlive.com. 
The author was Lynne Terry   from the news room.

Raw pet food recalled over salmonella fears

Raw pet food recalled over salmonella fearsBy Lynne Terry, The Oregonian February 12, 2010, 9:34AMA company specializing in raw pet food -- which backers say is healthier than cooked products -- is recalling frozen chicken over salmonella fears.

Nature’s Variety, headquartered in Lincoln, Neb., said it is pulling its chicken formula raw frozen diet for both dogs and cats. The chicken was sold in retail stores nationwide and online.

The recall covers:

3-lb. chicken medallions (UPC# 7 69949 60130 2) with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10 6-lb. chicken patties (UPC# 7 69949 60120 3) with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/102-lb. chicken chubs (UPC# 7 69949 60121 0) with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10
The company said it received a customer complaint about a particular batch after its pet developed digestive problems. The call prompted a salmonella test, which turned up positive in another batch of the food.

The raw pet food diet known as BARF, or biologically appropriate raw food, is popular among owners who say it promotes health, longevity and cuts down on vet bills. But raw meat, especially chicken, carries a risk of salmonella.

The bacteria can cause health problems in both pets that eat the food and owners who might become poisoned after handling it.

Sick pets could become lethargic and develop diarrhea or vomiting. Some pets may lose their appetite, develop a fever or abdominal pain. If you suspect an issue, contact your veterinarian.

The company can be reached at 800-374-3142.