pets health
We are not vets nor do we offer veterinary advice. We are involved in pet care. If owners tell us of a good product we try it out and let others know. But when we hear of a product that could be harmful to our furry friends we try to research the truth behind it, so if our clients ask we can give them correct answers. Again we are not a vet, if your animal ingested these things and shows signs of problem contact your veterinary!
ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
Here are some common questions and concerns:
Are Chicken Strips dangerous?
We got onto FDA's web site to investigate and here is what we found. This is a consumer update posted September 28, 2007.
"FDA is cautioning people about feeding their dogs chicken jerky products, also discribed as chicken tenders, strips, or treats. There is a potential association between illness in dogs and these products. FDA has received over 70 complaints involving more than 95 dogs experiencing illness that their owners associated with eating ckicken jerky products.
To date, FDA has not been able to determine a definitve cause for the reported illneses. The agency has conducted extensive chemical and microbial testing but has not identified any contaminant. Many of the illnesses reported may be the result of causes other than eating chicken jerky.
FDA has also received preliminary information from Banfield, The Pet Hospital (a network of pet hospitals across the country) that suggests an association between eating chicken jerky products and signs of gastrointestinal illness..."
The FDA is asking owners that if you do choose to feed your dog chicken jerky to keep an eye on them. Things to look for are decreased appitite, decreased activity or lethargy, vomiting/diarrhea (sometimes with blood) and increased water drinking and urination. If your dog shows any or all of these signs for more that 24hrs, Take it to your vet! Blood tests will tell you more about what is going on inside your animal. For more info go to
www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/jerky092807.html
Is my dog food safe?
Our Iams kibble that we feed has not been affected. From what we have reseached: Wheat gluten imported from China has been the cause of the problem in the foods, a chemical had been added in. Many brands have been effected. The above web site gives list of brands and codes of recalled product. FDA has taken action and found Melamine in the infected product samples. Melamine is used as fertilizer with other industrial and commercial uses.
Chocolate, is it really harmful?
Yes. It has 2 potent substances- Theobromine and Caffeine. Theobromine is both a cardiac stimulant and diuretic. Dogs who eat large amounts of these substances may show increased heart rate and excitability leading to possible seizures, as well as increasing the frequancy of urination. If the amount is too much it can cause death. The amount of theobromine and caffeine very in the kinds of chocolate, white, milk, dark and bakers. Be careful this includes cats and other small animals.
Fertilizer, including "plant food"
This can be attractive and enticing to dogs. Basic formulas of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus are generally not highly toxic. Additives such as fungicides can be. Most dogs that ingest fertilizer show gastrointestanal signs such as vomiting and/or diarrhea. If this happens contact your vet.
Xylitol, what is it?
It is a sweetener found in many sugar free products such as gum, candy, food, and even toothpaste. It is not toxic to humans. When dogs and other small animals eat xylitol, it causes blood sugars to drop, depression, loss of coordination, seizures, and is linked to liver damage or failure and can be fatal. Even a just few pieces of gum can be dangerous!