On March 15, 2007 the FDA learned that certain pet foods were sickening and killing cats and dogs. The FDA found contaminants in vegetable proteins imported into the United States from China and used as ingredients in pet food.

     A portion of the tainted pet food was used to produce farm animal feed and fish feed. FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture discovered that some animals that ate the tainted feed had been processed into human food. Government scientists have determined that there is very low risk to human health from consuming food from animals that ate tainted feed. All tainted pet food, animal and fish feed, and vegetable proteins continue to be recalled and destroyed. Read more
Source: www.fda.gov.

• November 27, 2009 Diamond Pet Foods Announces Recall of Premium Edge Adult Cat and Premium Edge Hairball Cat Food 
• October 20, 2009 FDA Alerts Pet Owners to Voluntary Recall of Premium Edge Cat Food 
• April 28, 2009 FDA Statement on Nutro Products, Inc. 
• December 19, 2008 Preliminary Animal Health Notification - Chicken Jerky Products for Dogs 
• June 19, 2008 FDA Requests Seizure of Animal Food Products at PETCO Distribution Center 
• February 06, 2008 FDA Investigation Leads to Several Indictments for Importing Contaminated Ingredients Used in Pet Food 
• September 26, 2007 FDA Cautions Consumers about Chicken Jerky Products for Dogs 
• July 27, 2007 FDA Tips for Preventing Foodborne Illness Associated with Pet Food and Pet Treats 

 
Hot Weather Safety                                Common sense tells most people that leaving their pet inside a parked vehicle on a hot, summer day could be dangerous. But most people don't realize that the temperature can skyrocket within just a few minutes. Parking in the shade or leaving the windows cracked does little to alleviate this pressure cooker.  

     On a warm, sunny day windows collect light, trapping heat inside the vehicle, and pushing the inside temperature to dangerous levels. On an 85-degree Fahrenheit day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within ten minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. At 110 degrees, pets are in danger of heatstroke. On hot and humid days, the temperature in a car parked in direct sunlight can rise more than 30 degrees per minute, and quickly become lethal.   

 
Sugar Substitute Can Make Dogs Ill

   
    The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has a report which provides clinical evidence that the sugar substitute Xylitol may cause liver failure in dogs. While veterinarians have suspected that the sugar substitute Xylitol can make dogs sick, there is now evidence of an association between the product and severe illness. Apparently a person can absorb about 50 percent of Xylitol, but dogs seem to absorb almost 100 percent. Not all dogs become ill after ingesting Xylitol, but it has been suggested that if an owner suspects that a dog has eaten Xylitol, they should immediately contact their veterinarian.

    As Xylitol is being used in more baked goods, candies, chewing gum, and toothpaste, veterinarians are seeing more cases of illness in dogs. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, (ASPCA) Poison Control Center reports that in 2003 they had 3 cases of Xylitol poisoning. However, the number of Xylitol poisonings has been growing each year. In 2004 there were 82 cases, in 2005, 193 cases and 140 cases during the first half of this year. This article is brought to you by the APPMA Government Affairs group.

Thanks to Fastags.com who granted us permission to post this article.  We're proud to sell Fastags at our shop in Phoenix.

Secondhand Smoke & Cancer in Pets

   Research shows pets are adversely affected by secondhand smoke.  In fact, the risk of lymphoma more than doubles for pets living in households where their owners smoke. 

  A number of recent scientific papers have reported about the significant health threat secondhand smoke poses to pets.  Research has linked secondhand smoke to oral cancer and lymphoma in cats, lung and nasal cancer in dogs, as well as lung cancer in birds.

  Cats living in homes with smokers are twice as likely to get malignant lymphoma.  This form of cancer is fatal to 75% of cats within 12 months of developing it.

   Cats are so sensitive to secondhand smoke is because of their grooming habits.  Cats constantly lick themselves while grooming and pick up cancer-causing carcinogens from their fur.  This exposes the mucous membrane of their mouths to the cancer causing carcinogens.  Inhaling smoke is not the only danger cigarettes pose to pets, curious cats can eat tobacco products that cause nicotine poisoning when ingested. 

   Another study at Colorado State University found higher incidences of nasal tumors in long-nosed dogs and higher rates of lung cancer in shorter-nosed dogs living in homes where they were exposed to secondhand smoke.  Short and medium nosed dogs like pugs and bull dogs tend to build up carcinogens in their lungs.

   To read more about research on the impact of secondhand smoke on pets click here.   So please stop and think before you light up.  

Alcohol
Alcohol can be dangerous or even deadly to pets.  The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises pet owners to keep alcoholic beverages well out of the reach of pets.

Depending on the amount of alcohol ingested, your pet could experience vomiting, diarrhea, in-coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, acidosis, coma and even death. 

Avocado
Avocados aka: (Persea americana) are not an advisable food for pets.  The Avocado leaves, fruit, seeds as well as bark contain a toxic agent known as Persin. Guatemalan avocados, the most common variety found in stores, are be the most problematic.  The primary effect in dogs is gastrointestinal (GI) irritation, including vomiting & diarrhea.  In addition, birds and rodents appear to also be sensitive to avocados.  They could experience respiratory distress, generalized congestion, develop fluid accumulation around the tissues of the heart, and possibly death. 

Batteries
Batteries can cause more than just stomach upset if eaten by your pet.

Pet owners should be aware of the risks that batteries can pose, and take precautions against accidental exposures.  The most common alkaline batteries contain corrosives, which if chewed or punctured, could  cause oral and gastrointestinal (GI) ulcers, or even perforate the GI tract. Because of their corrosive nature, DO NOT attempt to induce vomiting if your pet is suspected of chewing or ingesting an alkaline battery.   Batteries also contain zinc which could cause zinc poisoning.  Although zinc poisoning is not common from battery ingestions, the possibility still exists if enough zinc leaks out of the battery. 

Other types of batteries include nickel cadmium (often labeled as “NiCd”), lithium, nickel metal hydride (usually referred to as “NiMH) and button cell. NiCd batteries contain cadmium, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation, and in cases where a large ingestion has occurred, neurologic effects may also be possible. While lithium can be poisonous, toxicity does not typically occur from lithium containing batteries. Button cell batteries can contain mercury, which may also present a hazard to pets if swallowed. 

Another sign to be aware of should your pet swallows a battery whole without puncturing it, is an intestinal obstruction. An obstruction from a foreign object like a battery could result in an emergency situation, possibly requiring surgery to remove the object. Considering these risks to pets, batteries should always be securely stored in areas completely inaccessible to pets.

Chocolate & Sweet Treats 
Chocolate can be harmful or even deadly to pets!

Depending on the form involved, chocolate can contain high amounts of fat and caffeine-like substances known as methylxanthines. If ingested in significant amounts, chocolate can potentially produce clinical effects ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death in severe cases.

Typically, the darker the chocolate, the higher the potential for clinical problems from methylxanthine poisoning. White chocolate has the lowest methylxanthine content, while baking chocolate contains the highest. As little as 20 ounces of milk chocolate, or only two ounces of baking chocolate can cause serious problems in a 10-pound dog. While white chocolate may not have the same potential as darker forms to cause a methylxanthine poisoning, the high fat content of lighter chocolates could still lead to vomiting and diarrhea, as well as the possible development of life-threatening pancreatitis, an inflammatory condition of the pancreas.

Did You Know…Certain types of candy and other goodies that are so popular during this romantic time of year can be harmful to pets?

For example, dogs ingesting significant amounts of gum or candies solely or largely sweetened with xylitol may develop a fairly sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination and seizures. These signs can develop quite rapidly, so it is important that pet owners seek veterinary treatment immediately. According to experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, some data also appears to point to a possible link between xylitol ingestions and the development of liver failure in dogs.

Chocolate is another treat well loved by humans that could make pets ill. Depending on the form involved, it can contain high amounts of fat and caffeine-like substances known as methylxanthines. If ingested in significant amounts, chocolate can potentially produce clinical effects ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death in severe cases.

Typically, the darker the chocolate, the higher the potential for clinical problems from methylxanthine poisoning. White chocolate has the lowest methylxanthine content, while baking chocolate contains the highest. As little as 20 ounces of milk chocolate, or only two ounces of baking chocolate can cause serious problems in a 10-pound dog. While white chocolate may not have the same potential as darker forms to cause a methylxanthine poisoning, the high fat content of lighter chocolates could still lead to vomiting and diarrhea, as well as the possible development of life-threatening pancreatitis, an inflammatory condition of the pancreas.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises pet owners avoid offering their animals food meant for human consumption, and to be especially diligent in keeping candy, gum or other foods containing chocolate or xylitol out of the reach of pets.  

Cicadas
Cicadas are NOT a toxic risk to pets. News reports of the upcoming emergence of cicadas (Magicicada) have many pet owners wondering if the insects are harmful to their pets.  Cicadas don’t bite or sting, nor are they poisonous if ingested (they are even consumed by a variety of animals including pigs, foxes and humans).  If ingested, the hard exoskeleton of the cicada may cause mechanical irritation of the stomach, leading to mild vomiting; if ingested in very large amounts, there may be the potential for gastrointestinal foreign body obstruction.

Fireflies
Fireflies, aka lightning bugs, have been determined to be poisonous to a variety of reptiles.  Fireflies maybe fun to watch however, they actually contain toxic substances that can produce fatal effects in some animals.

Fireflies belonging to the genus Photinus, which are quite common in many parts of the United States, contain chemical components called lucibufagins—which are similar to the toxic secretions of some poisonous toads. Many animals can be affected by this toxic chemical, but most will avoid eating these insects. Exposures resulting in death have occurred in certain kinds of lizards after being fed fireflies, particularly the Bearded Dragon, a popular pet native to Australia. Possibly because they evolved in a firefly-free environment, bearded dragons don’t appear to have the innate aversion to fireflies that is present in most native animals. Therefore, it is important for reptile caretakers to avoid offering these insects to their pets.

Fruits
Oranges, grapefruits, peaches, cherries, apples and many other delectable fruits can be potentially irritating—or even occasionally toxic in some situations—to our companion animals.   The peels, fruit and seeds of citrus plants like lemons, oranges, limes and grapefruits contain varying amounts of citric acid, limonin and volatile oils that can cause gastrointestinal irritation including vomiting or diarrhea.  Exposure to high concentrations of these substances (such as those found in certain citrus-based cleaners) could possibly result in central nervous system depression as well. The stems, leaves and seeds of apples, cherries, peaches, apricots and certain other fruit trees contain cyanogenic glycosides that have the potential to cause vomiting and loss of appetite, and in severe cases weakness, incoordination, difficulty in breathing, hyperventilation, shock, coma and even death could occur.

Typically, these severe effects develop from ingesting a very large amount of plant material and are more likely to occur with grazing animals such as horses or other livestock. The consumption of a few segments of citrus fruit, an apple or a few cherries would usually not cause more than minor stomach upset. However, it is important for animal owners to be aware of the potential for problems that these fruit trees can cause.

Glow Jewelry
Glow-in-the-dark jewelry; necklaces, bracelets as well as the hand-held glow sticks might look like it could be poisonous, the relatively small quantity of fluid generally has a low potential for toxicity.  The oily, glowing fluid, dibutyl phthalate, can be found in a wide variety of products including plastic and bug repellents. Based on ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center experience, most animals that chew into glow jewelry can exhibit signs such as profuse drooling, hyperactivity, agitation or aggressive behavior. However, while these effects may seem serious and quite alarming to pet owners, they are typically transient (lasting only a few minutes) and are only a response to the unpleasant taste of the liquid. Typically, the only treatment needed is diluting the taste residue with a small amount of milk, tuna juice or soft pet food; if the residue is on the skin or hair coat, mild soap and water can be used to wash it off and avoid the possibility of further ingestion via grooming.

Hydrogen Peroxide
3% Hydrogen Peroxide, the same solution used for the cleansing of cuts and scrapes that can be found at your local drugstore, is the safest way to induce vomiting in your pet at home?  Of course, pet owners should only induce vomiting when directed to do so by a veterinarian   If your vet indicates that vomiting is necessary, 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can be given at home as a first aid step to help remove potentially harmful substances from your pet’s stomach. Other home “remedies” such as salt, mustard, or ipecac are not reliable means of getting pets to vomit, and could actually result in potentially serious complications such as sodium poisoning or cardiac arrhythmias.

 Generally, H2O2 is very effective, producing vomiting in about 10-15 minutes after dosing; once it has “fizzed”, it breaks down into water and oxygen and is quite harmless. The typical dose for inducing vomiting is about 1 ml per pound of body weight, not to exceed 45 ml or 3 tablespoons. It is advisable to offer your pet a small amount of moist pet food or a slice of bread with milk before giving H2O2, as having food in the stomach can make vomiting a little easier. It is important to never force H2O2 or any other liquid into your pet’s mouth, because he or she may accidentally inhale it, which could lead to pneumonia. Vomiting should also not be induced in animals exhibiting tremors or other neurologic signs, or with ingestions of certain substances such as caustic chemicals, oils or other items that could damage the gastrointestinal tract or become inhaled.

Iron
Despite what you may have heard, iron is not only potentially toxic to pets, but can be found in a variety of forms and in many different products.  Although iron poisoning is the number one toxic fatality in children, pets can be susceptible to it as well. Some vitamin formulations are chewable and may be eaten in large amounts. Depending on the brand and formulation, as little as 2 prenatal vitamin tablets with iron can cause stomach upset in a 20 lb dog, whereas as few as 6 tablets can potentially cause more serious problems.

 Depending on the form of iron and amount ingested, within the first few hours animals may initially exhibit signs of significant gastrointestinal irritation and pain, including vomiting and diarrhea which can be bloody. Subsequently, the pet may appear to recover, but approximately 12 - 24 hours following ingestion, gastrointestinal signs may reappear, along with severe depression, shock, low blood sugar, seizures, hemorrhage from blood clotting problems, fluid accumulation in the lungs, liver damage with jaundice, and possibly even kidney failure.

Mistletoe
Mistletoe, a seasonal decorative plant, can be potentially toxic to pets if eaten.  The American mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum) is 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, in-coordination, a drop in blood pressure and heart rate, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing, seizures, coma and even death. According to ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center data, however, most animal ingestions involve small quantities—not more than the amount found in a sprig or two—and typically result in mild stomach upset that resolves with little to no treatment.

 Mothballs
Mothballs can be potentially toxic to dogs, cats and other animals, particularly those containing an ingredient naphthalene.  Some mothball formulations may also contain an insecticide known as dichlorobenzene, which is somewhat less toxic than naphthalene. However, it can still cause stomach upset and potentially even neurologic effects.

Naphthalene can cause serious illness, including, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, liver, kidney and blood cell damage, swelling of the brain tissues, seizures, coma and death if ingested and respiratory tract damage if inhaled. Just one mothball can potentially produce significant illness.

 Mushrooms
Certain species of mushrooms are considered to be relatively non-toxic, while other species can be very toxic. Of the toxic species, some can potentially cause liver or kidney damage, while others may produce severe gastrointestinal or even neurological effects. Toxic mushrooms can often be found growing right alongside non-toxic ones. Because of this, identifying each type of mushroom existing on your property can be very difficult. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises keeping all wild mushrooms out of the reach of pets, and recommends that all wild mushroom ingestions should be treated very seriously. If accidental exposures to wild mushrooms occur, seek immediate veterinary assistance by contacting your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

Onions, Garlic, Chives
Onions, garlic, chives and other species of the plant genus Allium can be potentially toxic to pets.  They contain sulfur compounds known as disulfildes, which if ingested in large quantities can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could even result in damage to red blood cells. While cats are more sensitive to disulfides, dogs and other species of animals are also susceptible to Allium poisoning if enough plant material is consumed. Therefore, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises companion animal owners to avoid feeding pets onions, garlic and other Allium plants.

Poinsettias
Poinsettias are not the deadly flowers that popular legend has made them out to be?  Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are part of a family of plants known as spurges. It was during the early part of the 20th century that the myth of the plant's toxicity began when the two-year-old child of a U.S. Army officer was alleged to have become ill and died from consuming a poinsettia leaf.  As a result of this rumor, the toxic potential of poinsettia has become highly exaggerated. In reality, poinsettia ingestions typically produce only mild to moderate gastrointestinal tract irritation, including drooling, vomiting and/or diarrhea. While keeping this plant out of the reach of your pet is a good idea, pet owners need not fear the poinsettia and banish it for fear of a fatal exposure.

Rodenticides
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises pet owners to exercise caution when using products to eradicate rodents, known as rodenticides. The most dangerous forms include zinc phosphide, strychnine, and various commercial rat and mouse baits. Some baits also contain inactive ingredients meant to attract rodents, and these ingredients can sometimes be attractive to pets as well.

If a pet ingests a rodenticide, potentially serious or even life-threatening problems can result, which may include bleeding, seizures, or damage to the kidneys and other vital organs. Therefore, when using any rodenticide it is important to place the product in areas that are completely inaccessible to companion animals. Poisonings resulting from the consumption of rats, mice or other rodents that have ingested a rodenticide are not typically a concern in companion animals, unless their staple diet consists mainly of rodents.  

If an accidental exposure occur, immediately contact your local veterinarian or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for assistance, and be sure to have the container or package information readily available so that a proper identification of the rodenticide's ingredients can be made for appropriate treatment.

 Sago Palms
Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) and other cycad palms can be potentially deadly to pets. These popular ornamental plants, native to the Southeastern U.S., contain toxic compounds that can potentially produce vomiting and diarrhea, depression, seizures and even liver failure. All parts of the plant are poisonous, but the seeds or "nuts" appear to contain the largest amount of toxins. Just one or two seeds can produce serious problems, so it is important to keep pets from accessing these plants.

Silica Gel
The statement “DESSICANT—DO NOT EAT” commonly found on the little packets of silica gel is not really as ominous as it sounds.  Silica gel is used to absorb moisture in many different products, and is usually packaged in plastic cylinders or paper packets. Silica gel is also used in certain cat litters for the same purpose. While it is indeed true that it is not meant for consumption, with most ingestions silica gel produces only mild stomach upset which typically resolves with minimal to no treatment. If very large quantities are eaten, however, such as with ingestions of multiple packets or mouthfuls of kitty litter, intestinal obstruction is a possibility- especially in very small animals.

Slug and Snail Bait (Metaldehyde)
Certain products used for the control of slugs and snails contain metaldehyde, which can potentially be very dangerous or even lethal to pets. 

Slug and snail bait products are most commonly used in moist, temperate regions of the United States, where these molluscs tend to live in abundance, but are sold nationwide.  They are commercially available in a variety of forms, including pellets, liquid and powder.  

Depending on the amount ingested, these metaldehyde-containing baits can rapidly produce clinical effects, from within a few minutes to a couple of hours after ingestion.  Symptoms can range from drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, panting and anxiety to in-coordination, accelerated heart rate, dilated pupils and even seizures, central nervous system depression, coma and death from respiratory failure. 

Pet owners should exercise extreme caution when using metaldehyde-containing baits, taking steps to ensure that the product is applied only to areas completely inaccessible to pets. Any unused bait should be stored in a secure container and cabinet out of the reach of pets. Alternatively, other less toxic formulations of snail and slug bait could be considered, such as those containing ferric phosphate.

Systemic Insecticides (Disulfoton)
Systemic insecticides used to protect delicate roses and other floral plants are quite effective at eliminating pesky aphids and other bugs that can cause plant damage, certain types—such as disulfoton—can be extremely hazardous to pets.   

Insecticides are called “systemic” when they are absorbed throughout the whole plant by the roots.  Disulfoton is a very potent organophosphate insecticide, which works by affecting the nervous system of insects.  Unfortunately, disulfoton’s neurologic effects are not limited to bugs, and therefore dogs, cats and other pets can be susceptible to poisoning as well. 

Depending on the amount ingested, disulfoton can rapidly produce clinical effects, including excessive saliva, urine and tear production, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated heart rate, difficulty breathing, in-coordination, muscle weakness, tremors, seizures, coma and potentially death. 

Pet owners should exercise caution when using insecticides such as disulfoton.  Always read and follow directions for safe use and storage.  Occasionally, potted roses and certain other flowering plants may have already been treated with disulfoton prior to being sold, so it is a good idea to check with your local nursery or lawn and garden store before purchasing such plants.  Additionally, this insecticide may be mixed with organic fertilizers, which can be attractive to dogs.  When treating plants with disulfoton, owners should take steps to ensure that it is applied only to areas completely inaccessible to animals.  Any unused product should be stored in a secure container and cabinet well out of the reach of pets.  

Yeast Dough
Yeast dough used in baking could a serious problem to our pets if eaten. Raw or uncooked yeast-based dough can expand in the stomach as it rises, causing an obstruction or intestinal rupture.  Yeast can also form alcohol when it rises, which could potentially result in alcohol poisoning. Pet owners should take care to keep pets out of the kitchen while preparing meals, and never allow food items—such as rising yeast dough—to be left on countertops or other areas where pets can reach them.

Pets & Car Sickness
 

    The first thing to realize when dealing with car sickness is that most often it is stress related and not motion related. The most powerful memory imprint of any dog's brain is probably the car ride when it was taken away from all it ever new to be safe and secure, its litter mates and its mother. The most traumatic memory a young dog has is in relation to a ride in a car. So it's not surprising that subsequent rides in a car should evoke very strong mental and subsequent physical trauma.

    The solution is very simple. If the dog has been sick in a car then estimate how long it was in the car before it was sick, say 20 minutes?   Find a park about 5-10 minutes from home, preferably one just around the corner, even one within walking distance that the dog has been to before.... but this time drive there. Ideally have someone else in the car too, to soothe the dog and distract him from the ride. Keep him happy all the way to the park. When at the park do all the enjoyable things that the

dog loves, fetch the ball, chase the Frisbee, frolic with dad, etc. The stay at the park doesn't need to be that long.... just as enjoyable as possible. Then drive the dog home soothing him all the way again and when home make just as much fuss of the dog as you did at the park. Finish the

session with his meal or a treat if time and conditions permit.

    This exercise is repeated several times a day or daily if time is limited.  Once the dog is enthusiastic to go in the car then the length of the trip is lengthened slightly to 10-15 minutes etc. Once you can drive with the dog for 30 minutes with no signs of stress or anxiety then you have the problem pretty much licked. Some dogs may take a little longer than others.  The idea is for as many happy repetitions as possible to overwrite the initial mental imprint the dog has from its youth (or whatever other event caused the initial trauma).