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Chicken Jerky Treats Associated with Illness in Dogs

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 08:49:21 GMT

Chicken Jerky Treats Associated with Illness in Dogs

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a cautionary warning to pet owners regarding concerns that imported chicken jerky products may be associated with illness in dogs. The chicken jerky products in question include those sold as chicken tenders, chicken strips or treats.

The clinical signs observed in affected dogs can occur within hours to days after feeding these products and may include anorexia, dehydration, vomiting/diarrhea (sometimes with blood), weakness, polydipsia, and/or polyuria. Serum biochemistries and venous blood gas analyses may reveal elevated BUN or creatinine, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and/or metabolic acidosis.

Urinalysis may indicate an acquired form of Fanconi syndrome as supported by glucosuria (with normoglycemia or hypoglycemia), ketonuria, and proteinuria/aminoaciduria in the affected dog.

The FDA is advising pet owners who feed their dog chicken jerky products to stop feeding the product if any of the aforementioned clinical signs are observed in their pet. In suspect cases, veterinarians should report illnesses associated with chicken jerky products to the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator in Indiana by telephone at (313) 393-8189 or access the online FDA pet food complaint portal at:

http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ReportaProblem/ucm182403.htm

The practitioner can also notify the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory or contact the Indiana Board of Animal Health.

To date, the definitive cause of the reported illnesses has not been determined; therefore, in suspect cases, the veterinarian should retain as much of the suspect pet food product as possible, as well as saving all ante-mortem or post-mortem samples from affected dogs. Any questions regarding sample collection and retention should be directed to the FDA, the Office of the Indiana State Chemist, or the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.

By Dr. Christina Wilson and Kimberly Meyerholtz

Can the Bulldog be Saved?

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:53:38 GMT

Can the Bulldog be Saved?

If you currently own an English Bulldog or plan on purchasing/adopting any type of Bulldog breed we'd like you to check out this story that was featured on The New York Times website.

The question really is can the English Bulldog be saved - in this article you will have a better understanding to the breeds history and also why you should think twice before getting one.

We're are not saying it's a bad breed but you should be aware of what you're getting yourself into.

Please see the link below to read the full story.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/27/magazine/can-the-bulldog-be-saved.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1

Canine Influenza – An Emerging Threat to All Dogs

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:55:18 GMT

Canine Influenza – An Emerging Threat to All Dogs

Canine influenza virus (CIV) causes a respiratory infection in dogs that is often referred to as canine influenza. CIV is a relatively new virus, so almost all dogs are susceptible to infection when they are newly exposed because they have not built up natural immunity. Most dogs that develop CIV infection have a mild illness, but some dogs get very sick and require treatment.

There is an effective and safe vaccine for canine influenza fully licensed by the USDA. Nobivac® Canine Flu H3N8 has been shown to control the spread and minimize the impact of CIV infection and has been proven safe in half a million dogs.

For more information on canine influenza please see the 2 sites below:

http://www.doginfluenza.com/

http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/canine_bgnd.asp

European Union Requirements for Pet Traveling

Fri, 06 May 2011 09:02:48 GMT

European Union Requirements for Pet Traveling

For export of per dogs, cats and ferrets to the European Union, microchip implantation must occur prior to rabies vaccination. Any rabies vaccination that occurs prior to microchip implantation is not considered valid (cannot be used to export a dog, cat or ferret to the EU).

21 days must have elapsed after rabies vaccination if a microchip is being implanted for the first time, regardless whether the animal was up-to-date on its previous rabies vaccinations.

Some examples:

A dog was microchipped and rabies vaccinated on the same day, April 25, 2011. The dog is not eligible to travel to the EU until 21 days after the vaccine was given (day one is April 26 - that is, 24 hours after the vaccine is day 1).
A dog was microchipped April 2, 2010. It's rabies vaccine, a 3 year vaccine, had been given April 2, 2009. In order to travel to the EU, the dog will need a rabies vaccination given after the microchip was implanted, and then must wait 21 days before traveling to the EU.
A dog was microchipped April 2, 2010. It had a 3 year rabies booster on the same day. The dog can go to the EU. (to countries that don't require a rabies titer.)

This requirement is now being enforced by EU countries. We have multiple instances of dogs and cats being refused admission to EU countries, and in some instances the pets had to be returned to the US at the owner's expense. We have had to refuse to endorse many export certificates because the requirement was not met.

Requirements for exporting pets to any country can be found at:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/animals/

Requirements for Pets Traveling Abroad

Fri, 06 May 2011 08:59:44 GMT

Requirements for Pets Traveling Abroad

Always check with the country your pet is going to. Each country has their own set of rules, some simple, some complex. Please Go to this page: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/animals/

Various U. S. Government Agencies have rules for pet imports, especially the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) and units of USDA .

Neither USDA nor CDC requires a health certificate for routine pet imports, but CDC requires proof of Rabies Vaccination.

CDC also has rules concerning other imported animals. Please review CDC's Frequently Asked Questions concerning which animals can be imported. Animals mentioned on this page include, but is not limited to, horses, cats, turtles, bats, birds, snakes fish, monkeys, civets, rodents, rabbits and others.

USDA will not permit foreign substances such as native grass, soil, fresh meat, or vegetables to enter the country (plant and animal disease is the concern). Please review the USDA National Center for Import and Export (NCIE) website for more details.

Each State has their own requirements for health and/or rabies vaccination certification. ( Click here to see State Requirements ).

Some countries require an Heath Certificate and or proof of rabies vaccination signed by a U. S. government official. To find the nearest office that can do this, please go to this website: ( USDA State Offices )

If you are taking a pet to another country, you may wish to contact that country's consulate or embassy for information. A listing of consulates can be found at: http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/fco/ ( US Department of State website).

The United Kingdom's (UK) requirements for import of pets can be found at this website .

Information on European Union (EU) pet import rules (and pet passports) are at this website

The International Airline Transportation Association (IATA), has some useful information concerning transport of pets, including container size, pet passports for the European Union, etc: http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/standards_procedures/
live_animals/pets.htm

There are companies that specalize in transporting pets. These businesses are licensed and inspected by USDA/APHIS's Animal Care Unit. Many of the licensed animal transporters are listed on the member pages of the International Pet Animal Transportation Association ( IPATA ) web pages. Those not listed on that member site can be found in the yellow pages or via a web search.

USDA standards for shipping dogs and cats can be found in Part 3, Standards of the Animal Welfare Regulations. See sections 3.13 through 3.19.

Airline have various animal transport rules. If traveling by air, please check with the airline well in advance of travel. A few airline Transport website's are listed below (more later):

American: http://www.aacargo.com/shipping/animals.jhtml
Continental: http://www.continental.com/travel/policies/animals /default.asp
Delta: http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/special_ travel_needs/pet_travel_information/pet_travel_options/index.jsp
Delta Skywest: http://www.skywest.com/pets.php
Northwest: http://www.nwa.com/services/shipping/cargo/products /ppet.shtml
United: http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,1048,00.html
Alaska: http://www.alaskaair.com/as/www2/cargo/Transporting-Live-Animals.asp

FDA Issues New Warning About Xylitol Poisoning

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 09:08:54 GMT

FDA Issues New Warning About Xylitol Poisoning

The Food and Drug Administration issued a new consumer alert about the risks associated with the accidental consumption of xylitol by dogs and ferrets.

Xylitol is described as a sugar alcohol used in many products, including sugar-free baked goods, candy, oral hygiene products and chewing gum.

"FDA is aware of complaints involving dogs that experienced illness associated with the accidental consumption of xylitol," the agency says.

While the ingredient is safe for people, it can be harmful to dogs and ferrets.

Clinical signs associated with xylitol poisoning include hypoglycemia, seizures and liver failure. Other signs include depression, loss of coordination and vomiting. The signs of illness may occur within minutes to days of ingesting xylitol, FDA reports. Pet owners were advised to consult their veterinarian or pet poison control center immediately if they suspect xylitol poisoning.

Food That Aer Hazardous to Your Pets Health

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 09:10:33 GMT

Food That Aer Hazardous to Your Pets Health

Some pet owners may not even realize that certain "human" foods can be highly toxic to their pets health - here is a complete list so you know exactly what to avoid.

Alcoholic Beverages

The problem with alcoholic beverages is they are often sweet which can attract both cats and dogs. These should never be offered to your pet - they can cause serious illnesses or can even be fatal.

Here are some of the signs/side effects your pet may have digested alcohol:

Uncoordinated
Excitement
Depression
Excessive urination
Breathing rate is slowed
Cardiac arrest and death

Avocados

Avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark contain a toxic principle known as Persin. The Guatemalan variety is the most toxic – but all have toxic potential. They cause vomiting/diarrhea - primarily gastrointestinal distress.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine - a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic.

Here are some of the signs/side effects your pet may have digested chocolate:

Initial excitation
Increased drinking and urinating
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Theobromine causes an increased heart rate and arrhythmia - Seizures can follow
Death is also possible

If you believe your pet has consumed chocolate you should immediately induce vomiting, give activated charcoal and go to the vet if depression and seizures begin. Bakers chocolate and high cocoa content chocolate is the most toxic. The toxic dose is 2 baking squares for a 10lb dog - Regular chocolate bars have little real chocolate and are seldom toxic.

Coffee

Coffee contains dangerous components called xanthines which cause nervous system or urinary system damage and heart muscle stimulation.

Fatty Foods

The primary concern here is severe gastrointestinal upset - and in some cases Pancreatitis. This can be fatal in some pets - and it is almost always triggered by a High Fat Meal such as gravy or bacon.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscles of dogs - this can lead to paralysis.

Moldy or Spoiled Foods

Many molds contain a type of toxin called an Aflatoxin. This is thought to be a common cause of compost toxicity. Signs include GI (Vomiting/Diarrhea), muscle tremors, in-coordination, elevated temperature, excessive salivation and liver damage. Avoid feeding anything moldy to your cat or dog.

Onions & Onion Powder

Onions contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate. Pets affected by onion toxicity will develop anemia - 1 onion can cause this - fortunately all dogs recover once they are stopped from ingesting onions.

Raisins and Grapes

As few as 6 grapes and raisins have caused acute kidney failure in some dogs. The toxic ingredient is not yet known. There is no treatement. Avoid feeding any grapes or raisins to your dogs.

Yeast Dough

The yeast dough/uncooked bread dough will rise in your pet’s stomach causing severe gastrointestinal distress (vomiting/diarrhea), bloating and signs of alcohol toxicity.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a artificial sweeter found in “SUGAR FREE” products, such as gum, candy etc.

Signs relate to a sudden drop in glucose (blood sugar), in-coordination, collapse and seizures.

Avoid feeding any gum/candy to your pets.

Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Peaches and Plums

Ingestion of large amounts of stems, seeds and leaves of these fruits can be toxic.

They contain a cyanide type compound and signs of toxicity include apprehension, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, hyperventilation and shock.

Note – it’s the seeds and stems that contain the toxic component, not the fruit itself.

Potato Peelings and Green Looking Potatoes

Potatoes and other solanum species, including the tomato, are members of the nightshade family of plants.

These plants contain solanine and other toxic alkaloids which, if eaten in large enough amounts, can produce drooling, severe gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite, drowsiness, central nervous system depression, confusion, behavioral changes, weakness, dilated pupils and slowed heart rate.

Nutmeg

High levels of nutmeg can be toxic, even fatal. The toxic component is currently unknown. Signs of toxicity include tremors, seizures, nervous system abnormalities or death.

Tomato Leaves & Stems (Green Parts)

The green parts of the tomato plant are considered toxic because they contain solanine, which has the potential to produce significant gastrointestinal and central nervous system effects.