Don’t Panic! (Yes, there is another pet food recall)
Recalls happen all the time. For any number of reasons. If you think I’m kidding about that, you should check out the Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) recall website! Some recalls get more media attention than others. This recall is hitting the news, and while it doesn’t impact our side of the country yet, it is still something to be aware of.
To prove to the manufacturer that you (or your pet) have been affected by the object in question, you really have to have the packaging. The lot or production number and best by dates are possibly more important than the entire packaging. Where to find the numbers will vary with different types of food.
The current recall is due to possible Salmonella contamination. Salmonella can make pets and people sick (think bad stomach flu) and requires medical attention. Not all pet foods are included in this recall, in fact, it has been traced to one dry dog food production plant. Yet the list of affected products continues to grow. Hopefully this recall won’t continue to snowball. Diamond Pet Food claims that most of the recall is precautionary, only four bags of food have actually tested positive for Salmonella, and they have suspended production at the plant in question.
So far, the recalled food is only known to have shipped from the manufacturer, Diamond Pet Food, to the Eastern United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
Sample of production codes recalled
The following brands of dry dog food have been affected by the recall:
- Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul
- Country Value
- Diamond
- Diamond Naturals
- Premium Edge
- Professional
- 4Health
- Taste of the Wild
- Apex
- Canidae
- Kirkland Signature
Growing Concern Over Jerky Treats
The FDA has its hackles raised again over possible illness in dogs related to the treats they are fed. The current suspect: chicken treats for dogs, that can be sold as jerky, strips, tenders, or chews. The treats in questions originate from China. At this point in time there are no conclusive leads, but this “caution” from the federal government is not the first of its kind in recent years. In 2005, there was the giant pet-food melamine recall. In 2007, the FDA gave “warning” about jerky treats for dogs, seemingly unrelated to the early melamine contamination. That warning was elevated to a “caution” in 2008, and then things went quiet.
Perhaps people were paying more attention to where their dog treats were coming from. Or maybe they were making treats at home. 2008 found us in the middle of the housing bust, maybe there were cases of dogs getting sick from treats, but not reportably because the affected families weren’t able to seek veterinary attention, or there were just bigger news items than a “caution” from the FDA.
Part of the issue seems to be that the FDA doesn’t know where to point the finger. They report that research is being done to pin-point the root of the problem. Thus far, they have ruled out melamine. Regardless, we need to know how to keep our pets safe. And how can we do that proactively?
First, buy local. Treat their food as you do your own. Our pets’ metabolism is remarkably faster than ours, so illness pops up a lot sooner.
If your dog is a jerky addict, then purchase a dehydrator (often seen at thrift stores) and make your own.
Save your packaging. If you cannot recall what type of food or treats you are offering, keep the label. You never know when it could be important.
One of the things that I do when I open a new bag of cat food, is dump it into a plastic storage container. I know lots of people do that. It keeps the pets from helping themselves, or pests from getting into it. Something that I could be better about, is clipping the information from the bag and taping it to the container. What information is important? Well to begin with, the brand name, type, and flavor. The expiration dates and lot numbers are crucial if there is a recall — finding those 2 pieces of information can be tough (check along the seams of the bag and by the proof-of-purchase barcode). That barcode could be useful also. Actually, the FDA has a whole list of things that would be helpful if you ever suspect a problem.
In the case of the “off” chicken jerky/tenders/strips/treats, here are the symptoms that have been reported so far:
- decreased appetite;
- decreased activity;
- vomiting;
- diarrhea, sometimes with blood;
- increased water consumption
- and/or increased urination.
As always, monitor your pets’ behavior. If you notice anything odd, give us a call. Likely, the recommendation will be to schedule an appointment or come right in, depending on a number of factors.
Alert: Hot Dog Warning
The following Public Service Announcement is brought to you in part by RedRover, MyDogIsCool, and the sweltering staff at North Portland Veterinary Hospital.
Heat stroke is a very serious problem that can occur when weather gets nicer (or temperatures climb). In Portland we are lucky to not have to deal with heat issues all that often. However, that does mean that we need to study up on what to do in these oddly hot days. And what makes for a “hot day” you wonder?
| How Long Does It Take For A Car to Get Hot? | ||
| Outside Temperature* | Time It Takes To Heat Up… | Temperature* Inside Vehicle |
| 75 | 10 minutes | 100 |
| 75 | 30 minutes | 120 |
| 85 | 5 minutes | 90 |
| 85 | 7-10 minutes | 100 |
| 85 | 30 minutes | 120 |
| 90 | 20 minutes | 120 |
| 100 | 15 minutes | 140 |
*Temperature measured in degrees Fahrenheit.
The greenhouse effect will raise the temperature inside a vehicle quickly. Hot doggie breath (remember: panting is how dogs cool themselves — they cannot sweat) will add to the humidity making high temperatures feel even hotter. Poor pup, trying to cool off only compounds the problem. Having the windows cracked, or parking in the shade even, will have very little impact on the inside temperature.
Heat Stroke Study Guide
If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, call the local animal control agency, police or 911 right away. In Multnomah County, call 503-988-7387 and select option 1 if you see an animal is in imminent danger. If you have less pressing concerns about an animal’s welfare, you can contact Oregon Humane Society’s Investigations team.
If possible, you can also try to find the dog’s owner. Signs an animal is in distress include:
- Excessive panting
- Excessive drooling
- Increased heart rate
- Trouble breathing
- Disorientation
- Collapse or loss of consciousness
- Seizure
- Respiratory arrest
At least 14 states and many municipalities have laws that specifically address the problem of animals left in cars in extreme temperatures. These laws often authorize law enforcement officials to enter a vehicle and remove the animal. Even states without these provisions may consider leaving an animal in an enclosed car to be animal cruelty.
In Portland, you must call police or animal control to retrieve the animal, attempting to do so independently may be construed as a crime.
Dog Safety Alert
Algae are common in fresh waters. One type, blue-green algae, sometimes grows in a large bloom that may contain dangerous toxins. Dogs have become sick and even died after swimming in and swallowing water affected by toxic algae.
If you find thick, brightly colored foam or scum at a lake, pond, or river, don’t let your pet drink or swim in the water. If your dog accidentally goes into this type of water, don’t let them lick their fur. Wash your dog with clean water as soon as possible.
If your dog has symptoms such as drooling, weakness, vomiting, staggering and convulsions after being in bloom-affected water, call us immediately or if we’re closed, call your nearest emergency veterinary hospital.
For more information, go to healthorgeon.org/hab.
