Recently in Pet Health Category

Did you know mistletoe, a popular yuletide decorative plant, can be potentially toxic to pets if eaten?

American mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum) is the most common species of mistletoe recognized as a symbol of the holiday season. It is actually a parasitic plant which lives off of a variety of different tree species, and can be found throughout the United States.

If ingested in large enough quantities, mistletoe has the potential to produce gastrointestinal irritation, excessive thirst and urination, incoordination, a drop in blood pressure and heart rate and -- in severe cases -- difficulty breathing, seizures, coma and even death.

Find out more on the ASPCA's Poison Control web page.

From ASPCA.org:

A slice of avocado may be the perfect addition to your sandwich, but it can have serious consequences for our feathered and furry friends. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana, IL, pet poisonings from avocado and avocado-based foods like guacamole are a consistent risk.

In 2008, the Center managed 115 cases involving ingestions of avocado, and though an overwhelming 83 percent of those incidents involved dogs, the most devastating effects were seen in birds, rabbits and certain large animals like horses and cattle.

A native of Central and South America, avocado (Persea americana) is a subtropical tree that produces a pear-shaped fruit prized for its high fat content, vitamin-rich "meat" and smooth texture. Unfortunately, the fruit also contains a toxin called persin that's harmful to animals, especially in large quantities.

"Avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark all contain the toxic principle known as persin," said Dana Farbman, CVT, Senior Manager of Professional Communications at APCC.

Mars Petcare US has recalled a limited number of bags of Special Kitty Gourmet Blend dry cat food sold at Wal-Martin Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia.

The pet food is being recalled following a positive test result indicating a potential salmonella contamination.

From ASPCA:

That parade of kids, adults--and yes, even pets--in funny outfits is due to arrive at your door next week, bringing all the sweet and scary joys of Halloween! But pet parents, as you carve the jack-o-lanterns and fill those bowls of candy, please be aware that your furry friends may stumble upon dangers you hadn't thought of.

The following are just a few precautions you should take:

No Chocolate: Even if your pet has a sweet tooth, ingesting chocolate--especially baker's and dark chocolate--can be dangerous for dogs and cats, possibly causing vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity and even seizures.

Luv My Pet low-cost vaccinations will be offered 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 6, 13 and 20; and Oct. 4, 11 and 18 at Petco, 905 Loucks Road, York, PA (717-699-2825).

Services include:

Luv My Puppy Pack -- $49, includes 6-in-1 (DH4LP and parvo), corona, bordatella, dewormer for hookworms and roundworms.

Luv My Dog Pack -- $49, includes rabies, 6-in-1 (DH4LP and parvo), corona, bordatella.

Super Dog Pack -- $64, includes rabies, 6-in-1 (DH4LP and parvo), corona, bordatella, heartworm test.

Luv My Kitty Pack -- $41, includes 4-in-1 (FVRCPC), feline leukemia, dewormer for roundworms and hookworms.

Luv My Cat Pack -- $41, includes rabies, 4-in-1 (FVRCPC), feline leukemia.

Super Cat Pack -- $56, includes rabies, 4-in-1 (FVRCPC) and feline leukemia with FeLV test; or $66, includes 4 in 1 (FVRCPC) and feline leukemia; with FeLV/FIV test.

Rabies vaccination -- $15. Rabies vaccination is free with purchase of a package other than the puppy or kitten package.

Microchip -- $39 (includes lifetime registration).

Bring pet's prior vaccination records, if possible. All vaccines are available individually. Frontline, Advantage, Interceptor and other products are available for purchase. There will be a $2 medical waste disposal fee per pet.

Dogs must be on leashes and cats must be in carriers.

For details, visit www.luvmypet.com or call (301) 604-2670.

Cost is $10 per animal. Other vaccines will be available at regular cost.

All animals must be on a leash or in carriers. Please bring proof of previous vaccinations.

For details, call (717)993-2155.

Here's a recipe for dog shampoo that a co-worker (Sam) found online. She tried it on her bulldog (Diesel), and said it's awesome, and makes Diesel smell great!

It's easy to make and inexpensive. Store it in an old shampoo bottle, then just shake it well before shampooing your dog.

What you'll need:

A container, such as a shampoo bottle or other squeeze bottle.

WHITE vinegar.

CLEAR liquid antibacterial soap. Sam used Ivory, and was very pleased with the results.

Mix equal parts vinegar and soap in your container. Shake well. You're done!

Use the shampoo the same way you would any dog shampoo. Be careful not to get it into your dog's eyes or ears.

Start with a small amount because it lathers well, and work the suds deep into the coat. Rinse well and dry.

There is no wet-dog smell, and should be no residue on your dog's coat, thanks to the vinegar. The antibacterial aspect helps with parasites, dirt, and even minor skin abrasions and itchy or flaky skin.

According to online comments from users, the fresh smell stays for days, and your dog's coat will be soft and ultra-clean.

Mars Petcare US on Aug. 8 announced a voluntary recall of limited bags of Pedigree Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites sold in Albertsons stores in Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada.

The pet food was voluntarily recalled because of potential contamination with Salmonella. There have been no complaints or reports of injury resulting from consumption or handling of the recalled product.

The Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance will hold a FREE vaccine clinic for already spayed and neutered cats and dogs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, August 30, at Central Allison Hill Community Center, 1524 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, PA.

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Vaccines available are rabies and distemper. AVID microchipping will be available for a one-day special of $15, which includes registration.

Dogs should be on a short leash and cats should be in a secure carrier. The clinic veterinarian will be Dr. George Bates, DVM, Asst. Professor at Wilson College, Chambersburg, PA.

Call (717) 938-1191 for a vaccine appointment or to schedule a spay or neuter appointment. Donations are encouraged.

Breeders will NOT be serviced at this clinic.

For more info about CPAA, visit www.cpaa.info.

Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance and The Phoenix Rescue Group will offer a low-cost vaccine and AVID microchipping clinic for cats and dogs from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, August 16, at Blue Dog Pet Shop, 1004 Hummel Ave., Lemoyne, PA.

Appointments are not necessary.

Vaccines cost $10 each and microchips cost $25 each, including registration.

Dogs must be on short leashes and cats must be in secure carriers.

Dr. Sara Michler, DVM, of Good Hope Animal Hospital in Mechanicsburg, PA, is making this clinic possible.

For details on the clinic, e-mail pdravk@yahoo.com or call (717) 938-1191.

Please note: Breeders will not be served at CPAA's low-cost/free clinics.

PAWS will offer a low-cost vaccine clinic for cats and dogs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, August 8, at Superpetz, 4833 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA.

Dr. Robert Heidecker of Good Hope Animal Hospital will provide distemper and rabies vaccinations for cats and dogs. For a three-year rabies vaccination, owners must provide proof of previous rabies vaccination.

Vaccines will cost $10 each.

Cats must be in approved carriers and dogs must be leashed.

The clinic will be held in the rear of the store, with entry provided through the right rear door via the side parking lot.

The event will include a hot dog grill, baked goods and a book sale, as well as sales of pet-related items. Proceeds will be used to pay for free surgeries provided via the PAWS Trap-Neuter-Return program for free-roaming cats.

For details, visit www.pawsofpa.org or call (717) 957-8122, Box #5.

From ASPCA:

Planning any nature hikes this summer? Take care to prevent your curious pets from painful encounters with snakes. This applies to urban, suburban and deep country animals alike.

Take Stone, the four-year-old pit bull who was surprised last Tuesday, when a diamondback rattler, likely an escaped and illegally kept pet, bit him on the face in a Bronx, NY, park. Stone's owner did exactly what he should have: he immediately brought his dog to an animal care facility. Stone could have died from the snake bite within 24 hours had he not received the antidote, two injections of antivenin, so quickly.

Dr. Safdar Kahn, Director of Toxicology at the ASPCA Poison Control Center in Urbana, IL, offers the following bite prevention tips:

Walk your pet on a leash.

Steer your pet clear of long grasses, bushes and rocks.

Tidy up your yard by clearing away undergrowth, toys and tools that make great hiding places for snakes.

Clean up spilled food, fruit or bird seed, which can attract rodents -- and therefore snakes -- to your yard.

A snake can strike from a distance equal to about half his body length, so if you see a snake, head back the way you came.

If you think your pet has been bitten, keep him calm by limiting his activity.

For a complete list of snake bite prevention tips and symptoms that may indicate a bite, visit ASPCA.org.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health said Tuesday that a kitten given away from a York County residence tested positive for rabies, and there are other kittens that need to be located.

There were seven "free kittens," approximately 1 to 2 months old, advertised at a residence on West Canal Road in Dover, PA. One kitten taken from this residence on June 27 developed rabies several weeks later at its new home. A littermate is accounted for in that same household and tested negative for rabies.

Health Department officials would like to speak to anyone who picked up two free kittens June 14 or three free kittens June 26 from the residence. The department wants to check the status of these kittens and ensure there no possible rabies risks to humans or other animals.

Anyone who may have information about these kittens is encouraged to call the York County State Health Center at (717) 771-4505 or the Department of Health at (877) PA-HEALTH.

Touching or handling a potentially rabid animal does not constitute exposure unless you have been bitten or scratched. Under these circumstances, you should seek medical attention immediately.

For details, call the PA Department of Health at (877) PA-HEALTH. General information on rabies along with other diseases and illnesses is available at www.health.state.pa.us.

By Meghana Keshavan, Detroit Free Press:

The FDA has approved a single-dose antibiotic from Pfizer Inc. for cats and dogs, shortening treatment from two weeks to one day.

Convenia, an antibiotic injection administered at a veterinarian's office, treats common skin infections in companion animals.

The drug was developed in Kalamazoo, Mich., and will be produced in a new $35-million facility in Portage, Mich.

Clinical trials showed that Convenia was as effective as a 14-day course of its oral equivalent. The cost and dosage of the injection varies depending on the weight of the pet and the extent of the infection.

Although approved only last month for use in the United States, more than 4 million doses of Convenia have been administered in Europe. Pharmaceuticals geared toward pets have been profitable for Pfizer. Last year, the company's total revenue for animal health was $2.6 billion, a 13 percent increase from 2006.

A rabid kitten was also found on Danielle Drive in Dover Township. According to the York County SPCA, the ACO has trapped all the remaining cats and kittens and they were put down. The state is handling the case, but I haven't seen a press release on this one yet.

From PA Dept. of Health:

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Department of Health said today that a kitten dropped off last month at a farm in York County tested positive for rabies, and anyone who may have come into contact with the animal should call the local state health center.

The kitten, a black, short-haired female about eight- to 10-weeks-old, was abandoned on or around June 16 at the Fisher farm on Valley Road in Etters and tested positive for rabies on June 27. Another kitten, a black and gray tiger female, was also dropped off at the same time and is currently undergoing testing.

Health Department officials advise anyone who may have come in contact with these kittens, their littermates, or the mother cat, to call the York County State Health Center at (717) 771-4505 or the Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH.

Touching or handling a potentially rabid animal does not constitute exposure unless you have been bitten or scratched. Under these circumstances, you should seek medical attention immediately.

For more information, call the PA Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH. General information on rabies along with other diseases and illnesses is available at www.health.state.pa.us.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine has received reports of adverse reactions in dogs receiving the drug Comfortis (spinosad) concurrently with high, extra-label doses of the drug ivermectin. The clinical signs of these adverse reactions are consistent with ivermectin toxicity.

Comfortis (spinosad), manufactured by Elanco Animal Health, a division of Eli Lilly & Co., is a monthly oral, chewable tablet used for the prevention and treatment of flea infestations on dogs.

Veterinarians who use high, extra-label doses of ivermectin to treat dogs with non-responsive demodectic mange and other conditions should be aware that some dogs have developed signs of ivermectin toxicity when ivermectin is used concurrently with Comfortis (spinosad).

CVM and Elanco Animal Health are advising veterinarians that dogs receiving extra-label doses of ivermectin should not receive concurrent treatment with Comfortis (spinosad).

For more information, see elms.xh1.lilly.com/10788_03_tech_Bulletin.pdf or visit www.fda.gov/cvm.

Issued by:
FDA, Center for Veterinary Medicine,
Communications Staff, HFV-12
7519 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855
Telephone: (240) 276-9300 FAX: (240) 276-9115

Harper is an energetic and loving 7-month-old puppy, who started limping when he was just 4 months old.

At first, his person thought Harper might have pulled a muscle or injured something while playing.

Then, the limping got worse. X-rays showed that Harper was suffering from hip dysplasia.

Harper's first surgery is scheduled for July 10 at 8 a.m. They will be working on his left shoulder. Recovery is about 6 to 8 weeks. The vet will then determine if the right side should have surgery, or if his hip will be next.

The owners of Puppy Tails-Jorvik would like to thank everyone who has contributed. They will continue to raise funds for Harper until all needed surgeries are complete.

If you'd like to help, send donations to:

   Attn: Harper Duke
   Puppy Tails-Jorvik
   292 Dew Drop Road,
   York, PA 17402

For more information, contact Puppy Tails at (717) 741-9190 or puppytails@verizon.net; or read the previous blog entry.

Cocoa bean mulch may be a gardener’s top choice, but can be toxic to dogs attracted to the sweet aroma.

Ingestion of large amounts of cocoa bean mulch, which contains residual amounts of theobromine — a methylxanthine found in chocolate and known to be toxic to dogs — may cause a variety of clinical signs. These typically start with vomiting, diarrhea and elevated heart rate, and if large amounts are consumed, they may progress to hyperactivity, muscle tremors and possibly other more serious neurological signs.

For details, visit www.aspca.org.

From ASPCA:

Flea season — it’s almost here. And every year at this time, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center receives thousands of calls from pet owners who have accidentally misused flea control products on their cats.

There are almost 20 brands of products containing permethrin currently available that are labeled “for dogs only.” When used on cats — even in small amounts — these products can spell big trouble.

Signs commonly seen with permethrin toxicity in cats include tremors, muscle fasciculation or twitching, and seizures. These symptoms can develop within mere hours, or might be delayed up to two days.

Most cats have a good chance of recovering with prompt and aggressive veterinary treatment, which may include medication, IV fluids, bathing and other supportive care.

APCC experts urge you to consult with your veterinarian before purchasing products to control fleas on your pet or in your home — and always read the product instructions completely before using any product on your pet.

If you have used a flea control product and notice that your cat is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, call your veterinarian, or call 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.

Just a heads up ... I've been getting some reports of people having problems with pets becoming ill after eating certain types of Nutro pet food.

Since I don't feed it to my pets, and don't know of anyone who does, I don't know if there's a problem locally or not. But if you do feed your pets this brand, you should either switch foods or watch carefully for signs of illness.

Find out more about the complaints at www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/nutro.html.

If your dog or cat will be joining your family trip this Memorial Day weekend, take steps to ensure his safety and comfort on the road or in the air. Learn what supplies you need and precautions to take to make sure everyone travels safe.

For travel safety tips, see Petside's Guide to Traveling with Pets.

Or, click here for tips on finding a pet sitter.

Harper is an energetic and loving 7-month-old puppy, who started limping when he was just 4 months old.

At first, his person thought Harper might have pulled a muscle or injured something while playing.

Then, the limping got worse. X-rays showed that Harper was suffering from hip dysplasia.

May is Pet Cancer Awareness Month. Find out more at www.petcancerawareness.org/home.aspx.

Thanks to a grant, Castaway Critters and the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area will be offering free spay/neuter services to feral cats received from residents of the City of Harrisburg every Wednesday (BY APPOINTMENT) at the shelter, 7790 Grayson Road, Harrisburg, PA.

The cats must be dropped off at the shelter between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday mornings. The cats must be checked in at the front desk and proof of residency, such as a driver's license, must be provided.

PLEASE DO NOT DROP OFF THE CATS WITHOUT CHECKING IN AT THE FRONT DESK.

For details or to schedule an appointment, call Castaway Critters at (717) 831-5010 (Mailbox #2) or e-mail ALR@paonline.com.

Help your dogs survive the dog days of summer with a Cool Vest.

It's made with a special water- absorbing fabric without any chemical gel crystals. By simply soaking the adjustable, fashionable vest in water, it provides a protective layer from direct and indirect sunlight and heat.

The Cool Vest is washable, extremely light, and doesn’t require refrigeration. Find out more at www.coolvest4dog.com.

Here are some links to places that might be able to help with veterinary bills in an emergency:

Angels4Animals Guardian angels for animals

Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program

Help-A-Pet

IMOM.org In Memory of Magic

The Pet Fund

United Animal Nations

HandicappedPets.com

Ten ways to make your aging cat more comfortable, from Cat Fancy magazine:

1. Add more bathrooms: Extra litterboxes can help a forgetful elderly cat remember where the toilet is.

2. Go for easy access: Provide litterboxes with at least one low side. These will be easier for an older cat with achy joints to get in and out of.

3. Ramp it up: Add ramps or low stairs to help your cat get to its favorite sleeping spot on a sofa or bed.

From FDA.gov:

March 7, 2008 -- The Hartz Mountain Corporation is voluntarily recalling a second specific lot of Hartz Vitamin Care for Cats due to concerns that bottles within the lot may have been potentially contaminated with Salmonella.

Hartz is fully cooperating with the US Food and Drug Administration in this voluntary recall. Hartz recalled a specific lot code of Hartz Vitamin Care for Cats last November due to similar concerns. Both lot codes were manufactured for Hartz by UFAC (USA) Inc. in 2007, and were removed from distribution last November. However, bottles from the second lot had been shipped to customers prior to their having been removed from distribution.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, all of whom are at particular risk from exposure and should avoid handling these products.

Salmonella symptoms may include fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea in both cats and humans. Anyone experiencing the symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek immediate medical attention. Owners of cats exhibiting these symptoms should also seek veterinary assistance.

The product involved is 739 bottles of Hartz Vitamin Care for Cats, lot code SZ 22771, UPC number 32700-97701. While normal testing conducted by Hartz and UFAC has not revealed the presence of Salmonella in any Hartz products, recent sampling conducted by the FDA did detect the presence of Salmonella.

Although the company has not received any reports of animals or humans becoming ill as a result of coming into contact with this product, Hartz is taking immediate steps to recover this product from consumers. Cat owners should check the lot code on their bottles, and, if the code is not visible, or if the bottle has lot code SZ 22771 or lot code SZ-16371 imprinted thereon, they should immediately discontinue use of the product and discard it in a proper manner.

Consumers can contact Hartz at 1-800-275-1414 with any questions they may have and to obtain reimbursement for purchased product.

From PRNewsWire.com:

The Honest Kitchen is a premium pet food company that gives a different meaning to natural, holistic pet food products. Even though every wholesome pet food product that comes off the production line is intended to be consumed by a cat or dog, human beings actually taste each batch of pet food and cookies during the company's pet food QC process.

Read more...

PetSmart.com is offering a coupon for a free office visit at Banfield, the Pet Hospital, as well as $25 off an Optimum Wellness Plan.

The coupon expires May 15. Print out the coupon

To find a Banfield location near you, visit www.banfield.net.

From USA Today:

The outbreak of contamination in pet foods that killed hundreds and perhaps thousands of cats and dogs last year in the USA wasn't the first such incident, veterinary pathologists have determined.

An outbreak in 2004 that also involved pet foods contaminated with industrial chemicals sickened more than 6,000 dogs and a smaller number of cats across Asia.

Kidney failure in the animals was linked to Pedigree dog foods and Whiskas cat foods manufactured in Thailand by Mars Inc. Thousands of pets died, according to Asian media reports at the time.

The Asian outbreak was little-known in the USA until it was reported last week by the blog Pet Connection. In the American public's view, the U.S. outbreak several years later appeared to be the first of its kind.

Read more

AnimalScan, the first Lehigh Valley-based MRI scanning facility for pets, has opened at 2026 Lehigh St., Easton, PA. The facility enables veterinarians to quickly and easily diagnose pets using advanced MRI imaging technology.

Diagnostic MRI centers for pets are a recent and growing trend in the United States. Rather than invasive surgery that requires a significant recovery time, pet owners can utilize MRI to help veterinarians quickly and painlessly diagnose specific conditions and treat them accordingly.

MRI, which uses high-power magnets to produce internal images of soft tissue, can be used to diagnose cancer, brain and spine problems, joint issues, and other conditions. AnimalScan uses the same state-of-the-art MRI equipment found in hospitals and healthcare facilities nationwide. Pets require a general anesthetic to complete the procedure. Depending on the condition, a single scan can last from 30 to 90 minutes.

A staff of trained veterinarians and certified radiologists oversee each scan and work directly with outside veterinarians to interpret the MRI image and arrive at a diagnosis.

For more information, visit AnimalScan.org or call 877-VET-MRIS (877-838-6747).

Worried about what ingredients are in the dog food you buy? Now there is an alternative.

Crider's Canine Cafe makes homemade dog food with balanced protein, fat, and carbohydrates for your dog, using human grade ingredients. Made wtih ground beef, turkey or chicken, the chow is available by phone or e-mail order only, and is delivered frozen in 32, 48, or 64 ounce sizes.

Animal rescue organizations and foster-care givers get a 20 percent discount. Call (717) 214-7230 or e-mail clcrider@comcast.net for a price list.

From ASPCA:

With winter arriving full force in many parts of the country, your four-legged companions may be feeling the chill. The ASPCA offers some tips to help keep them safe and sound until warmer weather returns.

Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.

During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm—dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.

Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.

Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.

Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him — and his fur — in tip-top shape.

Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center more information.

Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

From Feedstuffs.com

(Jan. 7) -- The Food & Drug Administration announced in today's Federal Register its intention to schedule and hold a public meeting early in 2008 to obtain input from stakeholder groups, including but not limited to the Association of American Feed Control Officials, veterinary medical associations, animal health organizations and pet food manufacturers for the development of ingredient, processing and labeling standards to ensure the safety of pet food.

These standards were mandated by the FDA Amendments Act of 2007 (FDAAA). The date, time and location for the 2008 public meeting will be announced in a subsequent Federal Register notice at a later date.

A docket has been opened at FDA to receive any comments in advance of the public meeting. Submit written comments to the Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), FDA, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, Md. 20852. Submit electronic comments to either www.fda.gov/dockets/ecomments or www.regulations.gov.

For further information, contact Walter Osborne, Center for Veterinary Medicine (HFV-6), FDA, 7519 Standish Pl., Rockville, MD 20855, phone (240) 276-9024, fax (240)276-9101 or e-mail walter.osborne@fda.hhs.gov.

Tomorrow (Jan. 5) is National Bird Day. To help raise awareness about responsible bird caretaking, the ASPCA is offering the following poison prevention tips to keep your companion avian in the “sing” of things:

Birds are highly sensitive to inhalant fumes, so please avoid exposing your pet to fumes from self-cleaning ovens and overheated cookware, automobile exhaust, tobacco smoke, glues and paints, insecticidal fumigants, perfume and hair spray.

Keep all prescription and over-the-counter drugs out of beak's reach, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain killers, cold medicines, anticancer drugs, vitamins and diet pills are all examples of human medications that can be lethal to birds, even in small amounts.

Never allow your bird access to areas in which cleaning agents are being used or stored. Should your pet ingest them, he could suffer from a range of symptoms, depending on the substance, from mild stomach upset to severe burns of the tongue, mouth and crop.

Foods and beverages that could be dangerous to birds include:

-- avocados
-- chocolate in any form
-- coffee and tea
-- moldy or spoiled foods
-- onions and garlic
-- tomato leaves and stems
-- yeast dough

Visit the ASPCA'a bird care page to find out more.

For more information about National Bird Day, visit www.nationalbirdday.org.>[?

From CatChannel.com:

A partnership will make available a new treatment for cats infected with leukemia and immunodeficiency viruses.

Through a recent partnership, T-Cyte Therapeutics Inc. will manufacture Lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulator (LTCI) while Imulan BioTherapeutics LLC will focus on technical services, clinical trials and product distribution.

LTCI is conditionally approved as a treatment aid for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) infections.

“We are delighted to partner with T-Cyte and make available the only approved treatment in the United States for cats infected with leukemia and immunodeficiency viruses,” said Craig Woods, DVM, chief executive officer of Imulan. “This technology represents an important advancement in immune based treatment strategies for animal health diseases.”

Imulan is based in Scottsdale, Ariz. T-Cyte, a subsidiary of S-Cell Biosciences, is based in San Diego.

The Animal Emergency Clinic, previously at 3256 Susquehanna Trail North, York (Manchester Township), PA, has moved to 1640 South Queen Street, York (York Township), PA.

The clinic opened at its new location Dec. 5, and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency cases.

The clinic's phone number remains the same, (717) 767-5355.

From the ASPCA:

For many people, overindulging in holiday goodies may result in a few extra pounds—but the consequences for our animal companions are much greater if they accidentally ingest cookies, candy or baked goods containing chocolate.

In any form, ranging from one-ounce baking squares to hand-dipped truffles, chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both methylxanthines that can cause stimulation of the central nervous system, an increase in heart rate and tremors.

Clinical signs—vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hyperactivity, and increased thirst, urination and heart rate—can be seen with the ingestion of as little as two ounces of baking chocolate by a 10-pound dog.

And, while sugar-free sweets may be a healthier choice for you, gum or candies made with xylitol can make your pets ill.

Dogs who’ve ingested significant amounts may develop a sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination and seizures. Data from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) also appears to point to a link between xylitol ingestion and liver failure in dogs.

Please take care this holiday season to keep all candy out of your pets' reach — and don't let them in the kitchen unsupervised if you’re baking with chocolate.

If you suspect your pet may have eaten chocolate or candies containing xylitol, or any other potentially poisonous substance, 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.

Don't give turkey bones to your pet. The hollow bones can splinter and become lodged in your pet's digestive system, blocking and/or puncturing the intestinal tract.

Hartz Mountain Corp. is recalling one specific lot of Hartz Vitamin Care for pets because of concerns that one or more bottles within the lot might have been contaminated with salmonella.

Hartz is fully cooperating with the US Food and Drug Administration in this voluntary recall. For details on this recall, visit www.nationalpetfoundation.com/foods/hartz.html.

As October 31 approaches, the ASPCA would like to offer some common-sense cautions that’ll keep your pets safe and stress-free this time of year: No tricks, no treats: That bowlful of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms can be very dangerous for dogs and cats, and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed.

Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don’t put your dog or cat in costume unless you know he or she loves it (yup, some pets are real hams!). For companion animals who prefer wearing their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume can cause undue stress.

If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn’t annoying or unsafe. It should not restrict the animal’s movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe or bark. Keep a lookout for small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces on the costume that your pet could choke on.

Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, yet they can produce gastrointestinal upset should pets ingest them. Intestinal blockage could occur if large pieces are consumed.

For the ASPCA's complete list of Halloween safety tips, visit ASPCA.org.

And please remember, if you suspect that your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance — around Halloween or any time of year — call your veterinarian or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. (A $55 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.)

The ASPCA recommends that pet parents immediately discontinue the use of the following products that were recalled earlier this week:

Krasdale Gravy Dry Dog Food (recalled by Mars Petcare US Inc.)

Import-Pingyang Pet Product Co. Chicken Jerky Strips (pulled from shelves by Wal-Mart)

Shanghai Bestro Trading Chicken Jerky (pulled from shelves by Wal-Mart)

For more information on these products, please visit the ASPCA Pet Food Recall Resource Center.

From the ASPCA:

For many people, nothing beats lounging in the backyard on the Fourth of July with good friends and family—including the four-legged members of the household. While it may seem like a great idea to reward Rover with scraps from the grill and bring him along to watch fireworks, in reality some festive foods and products can be potentially hazardous to your pets. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offers the following tips:

Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases.

Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.

Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pets’ reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing—or even kidney disease in severe cases. Lighter fluid can be irritating to skin, and if ingested can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. If lighter fluid is inhaled, aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems could develop.

Keep your pets on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pets severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals who have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. And keep in mind that foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes & raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals.

Do not put glow jewelry on your pets, or allow them to play with it. While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestions, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.

Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingestions can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in pets.

Never use fireworks around pets! While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals.

Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets, so please resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities. Instead, keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home.

For more pet-related news and tips, visit www.aspca.org.

Wal-Mart has directed three of its southcentral Pennsylvania stores to remove possibly contaminated dog food from their shelves.

Stores in Shrewsbury, on Eisenhower Drive in Hanover, and in Chambersburg are among 69 locations across the nation to have sold dog food potentially contaminated with salmonella. Brentwood, Tenn.-based Doane Pet Care issued the recall Wednesday.

Jessica Blake, assistant manager of Wal-Mart in Hanover, said that, much like the recent recall related to tainted pet food from China, Wal-Mart corporate headquarters notifies managers what to remove from the shelves. A list of recalled items is then displayed in the store.

Doane Pet Care recalled the dog food after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration detected the presence of salmonella.

People who handle the food could potentially be exposed to the bacteria. The company said no illnesses have been reported.

THE FOOD

·Product name: Ol' Roy Complete Nutrition dry dog food
·Size: 55-pound bonus bag
·UPC: 6 05388 72076 4
·Lot number: 04 0735 1
·Best by date: April 13, 2008

For details, call 800-624-7387 or go to http://www.doanepetcare.com.

Worried about what ingredients are in the dog food you buy? Now there is an alternative.

Crider's Canine Cafe makes homemade dog food with balanced protein, fat and carbohydrates for your dog, using human-grade ingredients. Made wtih ground beef, turkey or chicken, the chow is available by phone or e-mail order only and is delivered frozen in 32-, 48-, or 64-ounce sizes.

Animal rescue organizations and foster caregivers get a 20 percent discount. Call (717) 214-7230 or e-mail clcrider@comcast.net for a price list.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating a Texas laboratory's finding of acetaminophen in dog and cat food.

Read more of the story:

Pittsburgh Live.com

Pet Project

ABC-13.com

Officials in Canada have intercepted a shipment of corn gluten contaminated with melamine and cyanuric acid. Melamine, a chemical used in the manufacture of plastics and fertilizers, was found in more than 100 brands of pet food recalled in both Canada and the United States in the spring.

Read more...

From Nutro Products Inc.:

In light of recent announcements that other pet food companies have recalled some of their products, Nutro wishes to reassure its customers that Nutro's dry dog and cat foods are safe to --feed their pets and that:

-- None of Nutro's dry pet foods are involved in the latest dry pet food recall announcements involving contaminated rice protein from China.

-- None of Nutro's dry dog or cat foods have been involved in any of the melamine related recalls.

-- Nutro has never purchased rice protein from Cereal Byproducts, the supplier named in connection with the most recent recall.

-- An independent testing laboratory has tested the rice protein used in Nutro's dry pet foods and no melamine was detected.

Nutro purchases its rice protein from a different supplier. Our products are not part of this recall. Nonetheless, in the current environment, we want to communicate frequently with our customers about Nutro's products and reassure you that our dry dog and cat foods are safe.

Nutro's dry dog and cat food kibble goes through a rigorous, multi-layer quality assurance process. To ensure that only quality, safe food reaches the shelf -- and eventually your pets -- we conduct extensive tests of the raw ingredients and test product throughout the production process. We send finished product samples from each production run to an independent lab for further quality and safety reviews, including tests for melamine. Additionally, after confirming the quality and safety of the products, representative samples of our dry pet foods go through a feeding process supervised by veterinarians and nutritionists. In this process, the food is fed to dogs or cats as a final check to ensure the correct palatability, digestibility and stool quality.

We believe in the quality and safety of our products. Many of our employees feed Nutro's dog and cat foods to their own pets and take the recent recalls and the health of all pets very seriously. Making pet foods has been our only business for over 80 years. That is why we have taken extensive measures to ensure the quality of Nutro's pet foods. We are committed to continually enhance all of our quality and safety assurance procedures.

Pet owners can feel confident in our products, and contact us directly with questions. Nutro customers may check Nutro's website (www.nutroproducts.com) or contact our consumer hotline -- (800) 833-5330 -- for further information about our products. We will continue to keep you informed with the most up-to-date information available on our website, and our customer service representatives are working diligently to respond personally to each and every call and e-mail.

From the ASPCA:

As Menu Foods has greatly expanded its list of recalled foods due to evidence of cross-contamination that may have affected protein supplements, the ASPCA recommends that pets be fed products containing only U.S.-sourced protein supplements until the crisis is resolved.

“Given the fact that there is new evidence of cross-contamination in ingredients that may have been considered safe prior to this news, we need to be much more aware of where the ingredients in our pets’ food are coming from,” says the ASPCA’s Dr. Steven Hansen, a board-certified veterinary toxicologist. “We are strongly recommending that pet parents immediately investigate, via their pet food manufacturers' websites or by calling them directly, where the ingredients — specifically protein supplements — are sourced from.”

For more on this issue, read the most recent press release at the ASPCA Pet Food Recall Resource Center.

It's also important that pet parents regularly visit the center for updates on the situation, which continues to evolve. Please check out the new additions to the FAQ section.

And if you have a blog, website or MySpace profile, please help us to spread the message with the ASPCA's Pet Food Recall Resource Center banner.

Manna Pro Corp. has recalled some of its Unimilk milk replacer. Although the recall has been in place since March 30, 2007, but the product is still showing up on some store shelves.

From Manna Pro Corp.'s website:

Manna Pro has a heritage of quality and takes pride in maintaining the highest quality standards for the products it produces and sells under the Manna Pro brand name.

Very recently, a few customers have reported that, when mixed with water, the Unimilk they purchased turns light grey in color rather than the characteristic creamy white. As we have investigated these consumer calls, we have identified that a single batch of Unimilk is affected by this issue.

Because of the canned pet food recall initiated April 26 by American Nutrition Inc., Diamond Pet Foods has is withdrawing a limited number of canned products manufactured by American Nutrition. This action is limited to three specific canned products: Diamond Lamb & Rice Formula for Dogs 13 oz. cans, Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul Kitten Formula 5.5 oz. cans, and Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul Puppy Formula 13 oz. cans.

Diamond Pet Foods is taking this voluntary action after learning the Food and Drug Administration confirmed rice protein concentrate used by American Nutrition contained melamine, a substance not approved for use in food.

Diamond Pet Foods has not received any indication of quality or safety issues, including pet illness, with the three withdrawn products. However, because American Nutrition informed the company that these three specific products may include rice protein concentrate, Diamond Pet Foods felt this action was necessary for the protection of its customers and their pets.

The products being withdrawn were not formulated or labeled to contain rice protein concentrate. While the FDA is investigating this, current information indicates this error is a result of a manufacturing deviation by American Nutrition.

Our canned food manufacturer, American Nutrition from Ogden, Utah, has informed us that they are recalling all canned products made in their plant that contain rice protein concentrate. American Nutrition continued by telling us that they added this ingredient to four of our canned products without our knowledge or consent.

The four products involved are:
-- Chicken Formula Canned Dog Food 13 oz
-- Lamb Formula Canned Dog Food 13 oz
-- Beef Formula Canned Dog Food 13 oz
-- Ocean Fish Formula Canned Cat Food 3 oz & 6 oz

There have been no illnesses reported related to feeding these formulas; however, to comply with the American Nutrition recall of the four products, we are pulling all dates and batches of these four formulas. We also ask that our customers return unused product for a full credit to their store.

To make sure that this does not happen in the future, we are demanding from each of our co-manufacturers daily production record of all of our formulas before they are shipped to us and written certification of NO rice protein or any deviation of our formulas.

For more information, visit www.naturalbalanceinc.com.

Rice protein concentrate has been indicated as a possible source of melamine recently found in pet food products. As a precautionary measure Wilbur-Ellis company, the supplier of rice protein concentrate, is voluntarily recalling all lots of rice protein concentrate.

Recalled products are:
-- Drs. Foster & Smith Adult Dry Lite Dog Food
-- Drs. Foster & Smith Adult Dry Lite Cat Food

Read more

Read this eye-opening article on what goes into pet food

Read this eye-opening article on what goes into pet food

Natural Balance is voluntarily recalling the following dry food, canned food and treats:

-- Venison and Brown Rice Treats for Dogs
-- Venison and Brown Rice Canned Formula for Dogs
-- Venison and Brown Rice Dry Food for Dogs
-- Venison and Green Pea Dry Food for Cats

The problem stems from melamine found in the rice protein concentrate (described by the company as rice gluten) used by Natural Balance. They confirmed that FDA testing has found melamine in the rice protein concentrate. The ingredient was produced by a US vendor, according to Natural Balance. Natural Balance recommends avoiding all rice protein in their products.

They have also confirmed that customers are reporting “a few cases” of kidney failures, which their original announcement described as “kidney problems.”

The items recalled are packaged (but not manufactured) by Diamond Pet Foods. The problem was discovered Friday and the FDA is testing all other ingredients and formulas. In the packaging process, the final food is run through Diamond Pet Foods machinery, but are overseen by Natural Balance quality assurance staff.

Natural Balance says it will reimburse the pet parents for medical expenses related to the melamine toxin.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-829-4493, e-mail info@naturalblanceinc.com or visit http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com.

Another place to check for a list of recalled pet food is the American Veterinary Medical Association's website at www.avma.org.

Scientists at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine may have found a second contaminant in the wheat gluten used to make the tainted pet food blamed for the deaths and illnesses of scores of cats and dogs across North America, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported.

Scientists also say they may have found this second -- unknown -- contaminant in the urine of infected animals.

Read more on ConsumerAffairs.com

Several varieties of Nutro Products brand pet food -- including 3-ounce food pouches for cats, 5.3-ounce pouches for dogs and 12.5-ounce cans for dogs -- are either on the FDA's list or on Nutro's own list at its Web site, www.nutroproducts.com. But the lists do not include the 3-ounce cans for cats.

The canned cat food that tested positive for melamine at UC Davis were the Lamb & Turkey Cutlets UPC 79105300148, California Chicken Supreme UPC 79105300117 and Chicken Cacciatore UPC 79105352055.

For the latest information on the pet food recall situation, visit the ASPCA's Pet Food Recall Resource Center.

From PETA:

The recent pet food recall has sent many people scrambling to find food that is safe for their animals. Many are resorting to making their own dog and cat food, which is understandable, since the tragedy has highlighted the fact that there are few laws governing what can go into pet food.

Guardians who prepare pet food from scratch must be careful to ensure that the meals are properly balanced. They must also be careful not to feed animals undercooked meat or eggs, or dairy products, which can cause digestive problems. Certain foods that are safe for humans, including chocolate, coffee, avocadoes, onions, garlic, raisins, and grapes, can be toxic to dogs and cats.

I personally feed my dog the recipes on www.Vegepet.com. These recipes are scientifically formulated, easy to prepare, and use inexpensive and wholesome ingredients like oats, rice, chickpeas, and lentils. My dog loves his food and thrives on it.

For more information on healthy, homemade meals for dogs and cats, as well as the latest recall information, visit www.PETA.org.

Sincerely,

Alisa Mullins, Senior Writer
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510
Email: alisam@peta.org

From Reuters:

Menu foods expanded its recall on Thursday to include products with earlier production dates and 27 more varieties sold in the United States, Canada and Europe.

Canada-based Menu Foods said its previously announced recall now extended to certain "cuts-and-gravy" style wet pet food manufactured from to Nov. 8 to March 6. The earliest production date previously announced was Dec. 3.

Menu Foods also recalled an additional 20 varieties sold in the United States and Canada, and seven sold in Europe.

Sunshine Mills of Red Bay, Alabama, said Thursday it was recalling certain dog biscuits made during March and sold under Nurture, Pet Life, Lassie and other brands.

Sunshine Mills said it learned from the FDA that the company had received tainted wheat gluten. No deaths or illnesses have been reported, the company said.

ChemNutra announced on Tuesday it was recalling all wheat gluten it had received from the Chinese company that the FDA identified as Xuzhou Anying Biologic Technology Development Co. Ltd.

Salmonella can potentially be transferred to people handling these pet treats, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products. Healthy people infected with salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Christie Keith makes some pretty interesting points in her article on the pet food recall, "Bigger than you think: The story behind the pet food recall," on SFGate.com.
Read the story

On March 30, the Food and Drug Administration notified Hill's Pet Nutrition of Topeka, Kansas, that FDA testing has detected melamine and melamine byproducts in wheat gluten received by the company to make dry cat food. The FDA is conducting an investigation into pet- food products made with wheat gluten that contains melamine and their association with reports of injury and deaths in cats and dogs.

Because the cat food is sold exclusively through veterinarians, Hill's has notified veterinarians, and is voluntarily recalling the pet food containing the wheat gluten and will conduct its own testing.

Consumers who have any bags of Prescription Diet m/d Feline should discontinue use. They should speak with their veterinarian if their pet shows any signs of kidney/renal illness. Such signs include loss of appetite, lethargy and vomiting.

The Hill’s cat food now being recalled is labeled Prescription Diet m/d Feline dry food. The products are:

4 lb. bag, U.S. & Canada UPC code 52742 42770

10 lb. bag, U.S. & Canada UPC code 52742 42790

The agency is continuing to work with Menu Foods and Hill's Pet Nutrition to ensure the effectiveness of their recalls.

For more information, consumers may contact Hills Pet Nutrition at (800) 445-5777 or visit www.HillsPet.com.

During two months in early 2007, Hill's Pet Nutrition manufactured Prescription Diet m/d Feline using wheat gluten from the same company that has supplied wheat gluten to Menu Foods. Menu Foods (menufoods.com/recall) has also voluntarily recalled products potentially contaminated with melamine.

For a list of recalled foods, visit www.menufoods.com/recall.

For more information on the pet food recall, see www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html.

From Purina

On March 30, 2007, Nestlé Purina PetCare Company announced it is voluntarily recalling all sizes and varieties of its ALPO Prime Cuts in Gravy wet dog food with specific date codes. The Company is taking this voluntary action after learning that wheat gluten containing melamine, a substance not approved for use in food, was provided to Purina by the same company that also supplied Menu Foods. The contamination occurred in a limited production quantity at only one of Purina's 17 pet food manufacturing facilities.

Consumers should immediately stop feeding their dogs ALPO Prime Cuts products with the date codes listed below and consult with a veterinarian if they have any health concerns with their pet.

The recalled 13.2-ounce and 22-ounce ALPO Prime Cuts cans and 6-, 8-, 12- and 24-can ALPO Prime Cuts Variety Packs have four-digit code dates of 7037 through 7053, followed by the plant code 1159. Those codes follow a "Best Before Feb. 2009" date. This information should be checked on the bottom of the can or the top or side of the multi-pack cartons.

Importantly, no Purina brand dry pet foods are affected by the recall –- including ALPO Prime Cuts dry. In addition, no other Purina dog food products, no Purina cat food products, Purina treat products or Purina Veterinary Diet products are included in this recall, nor have been impacted by the contaminated wheat gluten supply.

At Purina, nothing is more important to us than the health and well-being of the pets whose nutrition has been entrusted to us by their owners, and we deeply regret this unfortunate situation. We will continue to take any and all actions necessary to ensure the quality and safety of our products.

If you have more questions or concerns, please contact our Office of Consumer Affairs at (800) 218-5898.

Click here for an updated list of frequently asked questions.

From Del Monte:

As a precautionary measure, Del Monte Pet Products is voluntarily recalling select product codes of its pet treat products sold under the Jerky Treats, Gravy Train Beef Sticks and Pounce Meaty Morsels brands, as well as select dog snack and wet dog food products sold under private label brands.

The company took this voluntary recall action immediately after learning from the FDA that wheat gluten supplied to Del Monte Pet Products from a specific manufacturing facility in China contained melamine. Melamine is a substance not approved for use in food. The FDA made this finding as part of its ongoing investigation into the recent pet food recall.

The adulteration occurred in a limited production quantity on select product codes. For a complete list of brands and product codes, visit www.delmonte.com/petfoodrecall.html.

Del Monte Pet Products are 100% guaranteed and all returned product will be refunded.

For further information about the recall and for instructions on obtaining a product refund, visit www.delmonte.com or call (800) 949-3799.

From ASPCA:

Since Menu Foods announced its massive pet food recall March 16, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has been flooded with calls from pet parents and animal welfare professionals alike. Based on data from these calls, the ASPCA reports that clinical signs in cats affected by the contaminated foods are not fully consistent with the ingestion of rat poison containing aminopterin which, says Menu Foods, is at the “root” of the contamination issue.

Explains the ASPCA’s Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist, “There are so many inconsistencies in the purported link between aminopterin and the animals affected that we urge veterinary toxicologists and veterinary pathologists at diagnostic laboratories to continue looking for additional contaminants.”

Pets who are being treated for kidney failure suspected to be related to contaminated food should stay on their treatment. If your pet has eaten contaminated food and shows any signs of illness, including loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in water consumption and changes in urination, please consult with a veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. In order to help with your pet’s diagnosis, you are advised to:

-- retain food samples for analysis

-- save all packaging and receipts, and document the product name, type of product, date codes and/or production lot numbers

-- document the dates that the product was fed to your pet, how much was eaten, and the time when you first noticed symptoms

Adverse effects or deaths of pets conclusively linked to eating the contaminated foods should be reported to the FDA. A list of contact information for the FDA can be found online at http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html.

Additionally, the American Veterinary Medical Association website, www.avma.org/aa/menufoodsrecall/default.asp, contains helpful information for pet parents and veterinarians.

For a list of recalled pet food brands, visit www.menufoods.com/recall.

Watch the video

In an interview with The Associated Press, Paul Henderson, the chief executive and president of Menu Foods, said Wednesday the company was looking at a single ingredient. He wouldn’t identify it, but the Food and Drug Administration has said the investigation was focusing on wheat gluten.

The hypothesis is that ingredient has the highest probability as to the cause, but it hasn't been proven scientifically.

Read more on MSNBC's website.

For a list of recalled brands visit www.menufoods.com/recall.

You can discuss this topic on the YDR Exchange at http://exchange.ydr.com.

From the ASPCA:

As Valentine’s Day approaches, you may be thinking about giving — or getting — the perfect gift. But did you know that the traditional tokens of affection—roses, chocolates, and other candies—can be harmful for the four-legged loves of your life? ASPCA experts offer some tips to ensure a loving and safe day for all species this Feb. 14:

-- Please take caution with roses and other blooms containing thorns, which could prove harmful to pets if played with, bitten, stepped on or swallowed. Explains the ASPCA’s Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine for the Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, “It’s all too easy for pets to step on thorny stems that fall to the ground as a flower arrangement is being created. Be sure to keep your pets clear of your workspace, since they can develop serious infections from thorn punctures. Also, many varieties of lilies are highly toxic to cats, so if these are your Valentine’s flower of choice, make sure your cats can’t get near them.�?

-- In any form ranging from one-ounce baking squares to hand-dipped truffles, chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both methylxanthines that can cause stimulation of the central nervous system, an increase in heart rate and tremors. Clinical signs—vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hyperactivity, and increased thirst, urination and heart rate—can be seen with the ingestion of as little as two ounces of baking chocolate by a 10-pound dog.

-- It’s very tempting to give your sweetheart a new puppy or kitten for Valentine’s Day — they are the ultimate in cute and cuddly! But please keep in mind that bringing a new companion into the home is a big decision. The ASPCA suggests presenting your loved one with a gift certificate to adopt from your local shelter.

Read the complete ASPCA Guide to a Pet-Friendly Valentine’s Day.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has recorded five dog mutilations involving shredders, and it's not known how many cases go unreported.

Apparently, the dogs' tongues became caught when they licked the shredders. Then the shredder starts grinding, and the dogs struggle to get free, which makes the damage even worse. At least two of the dogs had to be euthanized because the injuries were too severe.

Some simple precautions might prevent accidents:
-- Unplug shredders when not in use.
-- Store shredders out of reach of animals and children. Make sure the shredder is in a place that is “pounce proof,�? because acrobatic kitties that jump atop shredders can be injured.
-- To avoid attracting animals, never put food wrappers through shredders.
-- Do not leave shredders on the “automatic�? setting.
-- When buying a shredder, look for one with a protective bar over the opening.

From the ASPCA:

• Birds are highly sensitive to inhalant fumes. Avoid exposing birds to fumes from self-cleaning ovens, overheated cookware, automobile exhaust, tobacco smoke, glues and paints, insecticidal fumigants, perfume and hair spray.
• Keep all prescription and over-the-counter drugs out of beak's reach, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain-killers, cold medicines, anticancer drugs, vitamins and diet pills are examples of human medications that can be lethal to birds, even in small amounts.
• Never allow your bird access to areas in which cleaning agents are being used or stored. Should your pet ingest them, he could suffer from a range of symptoms, depending on the substance, from mild stomach upset to severe burns of the tongue, mouth and crop.
• Some foods and beverages that can be dangerous to birds include avocados, chocolate in any form, coffee, tea, moldy or spoiled foods, onions, garlic, tomato leaves and stems and yeast dough

For additional bird safety tips, visit ASPCA online.

From the ASPCA:

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.

Since 1998 hundreds of companion animals have been spared from euthanasia or lives filled with pain, with financial aid from IMOM (http://imom.org). The website explains the step-by-step process to apply for financial aid. Visit the web site for details. IMOM has established professional working relationships with approximately 500 veterinarians, nationwide.

IMOM volunteers also transport rescued companion animals to loving homes nationwide on IMOM-Xpress, and other volunteers assist in the care of diabetic pets.

Qualifying rescue organizations can receive one-time grants from the LuvBug Fund. In addition to The LuvBug Fund, IMOM has established special guidelines for rescue organizations to get financial aid.

Please consider making a donation to IMOM, so they can continue to help pets in need. The website has information on several pets needing help, or you can donate to the general fund.

From the ASPCA:

While it may be nice to run into your sweetie under this traditional holiday plant, mistletoe can be potentially toxic to our animal companions.

Found throughout the United States, American mistletoe is actually a parasitic plant that lives off a variety of different tree species. If ingested in large enough quantities, mistletoe can potentially produce gastrointestinal irritation in pets, excessive thirst and urination, a drop in blood pressure and heart rate, seizures, coma and even death.

According to experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, however, most animal ingestions involve small quantities — no more than the amount found in a sprig or two — and typically result in mild stomach upset that resolves with little or no treatment.

If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially toxic substance, contact your local veterinarian or call the APCC at (888) 426-4435. For more pet poison prevention tips, visit www.ASPCA.org.

According to veterinarians at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, when bread dough is ingested, an animal's body heat causes the dough to rise in the stomach. As alcohol is produced during the rising process, the dough expands. Pets who've eaten bread dough may experience abdominal pain, bloat, vomiting, disorientation and depression.

An animal needs to eat only a small amount to cause a problem, because bread dough can rise to many times its size.

In addition to offering poison prevention tips online, the APCC also runs an emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 that provides round-the-clock telephone assistance.

While there are a few foods that both humans and pets can enjoy, there are others that, while perfectly safe and healthy for people, can be dangerous to animal companions.

"Avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark contain a toxic principle known as persin,�? saids Dana Farbman, CVT, of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. “The Guatemalan variety, which is the most common variety found in stores, appears to be the most problematic.�?

The primary concern in dogs is with gastrointestinal irritation, including vomiting and diarrhea. Typically, these effects are seen in dogs who have eaten significant quantities of fruit or branches. Birds and rodents appear to be particularly sensitive to avocado, and ingestion can result in respiratory distress, congestion, fluid accumulation around the heart and even death.

If you suspect that your animal companion has eaten avocado — or any other potentially dangerous substance — 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 ASPCA online.

Since 2005, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has managed more than 135 cases involving exposure to adhesives containing diphenylmethane diisocyanate, such as polyurethane glue.

“A dog consuming even small amounts of adhesive containing diphenylmethane diisocyanate can experience serious problems, as the product expands in the warm, moist environment of the stomach, forming a porous mass of glue,�? said the APCC’s Dr. Steven Hansen, Senior Vice President and board-certified veterinary toxicologist.
“This mass can block the gastrointestinal tract and cause a life-threatening surgical emergency.�?

As diphenylmethane diisocyanate may not always be listed on the label, pet owners should consider any expanding adhesive product a potential hazard, and should take care to keep these products out of their animal companions’ reach.

If you suspect your pet has ingested adhesive containing diphenylmethane diisocyanate — or any other potentially dangerous substance — call your veterinarian; or call the APCC's emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for round-the-clock telephone assistance.

For more pet poison prevention tips, visit APCC online.

Source: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Birds with free household access are at potential risk of exposure to toxicants. Experts at the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center offer the following poison prevention tips to keep your companion experts offer tips to keep companion birds safe from poisoning:

• Birds are highly sensitive to inhalant fumes. Avoid exposing birds to fumes from self-cleaning ovens and overheated cookware, automobile exhaust, tobacco smoke, glues and paints, insecticidal fumigants, perfume and hair spray.


• Keep prescription and over-the-counter drugs out of beak's reach, preferably in closed cabinets. Painkillers, cold medicines, anticancer drugs, vitamins and diet pills are all examples of human medications that can be lethal to birds, even in small amounts.


• Never allow your bird access to areas in which cleaning agents are being used or stored. Should your pet ingest them, he could suffer from a range of symptoms, depending on the substance, from mild stomach upset to severe burns of the tongue, mouth and crop.


• Some foods and beverages that could be dangerous to birds include avocados, chocolate in any form, coffee and tea, moldy or spoiled foods, onions and garlic, tomato leaves and stems and yeast dough

If you suspect your bird has gotten into a potentially poisonous substance, call your veterinarian, or call the APCC's emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for round-the-clock telephone assistance. For more bird safety tips, visit the ASPCA's Web site.

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Dr. Christina Chambreau, homeopathic veterinarian and health educator
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Minoxidil, which is used to promote hair growth in humans, can be poisonous to cats. Details at Pet Poison Helpline and Arfnets.org.

A lawsuit was filed against the maker of "Greenies" dog treats with the Supreme Court of the State of New York. The suit contends that the product is unsafe, inadequately labeled, and caused the death of the plaintiff's dog. See details...

Xylitol, an artificial sweetener in sugarless chewing gums and mints and some household baking products, can be poisonous to dogs. See details.