http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm221198.htm 

“Merrick Pet Care Recalls Texas Hold’ems 10 oz Bag (Item # 60016 Lot 10127 Best by May 6 2012) because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Company Contact: 
Customer Inquiries: 
800-664-7387 
Other Inquiries: 
James Witcher, Coo#160;
806-322-2806

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 3, 2010 – Merrick Pet Care, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas is extending its July 2,2010 recall of 10 oz “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs (Texas Hold’Ems)” pet treat (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10084TL7 BEST BY MARCH 24, 2012) to also include 83 cases of “Texas Hold’ems” (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10127 BEST BY MAY 6, 2012) because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling the treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products. Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.

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 immediately.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

The Beef Filet Squares (Texas Hold ‘Ems) were shipped to distributors and retailers throughout the US. These individuals have been notified and have activated their recall procedures.

The treats are sold in 1Ooz plastic bags marked with “Lot # 10127 Best By May 6, 2012″ on the top of the bag and on a sticker applied to the bottom.

No illnesses have been reported to date for either lot of product. A sample tested positive for Salmonella.

Consumers who have purchased 10 ounce packages of”Texas Hold’ems” are urged to return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F 8:00 - 5:00 CDT.”

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm220780.htm  

“Voluntary Recall of some Iams/ Eukanuba Dry Pet Foods.

Contact:
P&G Consumer Relations – 877-340-8823
Media Contact: Jason Taylor 513-622-3205

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — CINCINNATI, July 30, 2010 – The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) (NYSE:PG) is voluntarily expanding its recall to include veterinary and some specialized dry pet food as a precautionary measure because it has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella. No salmonella-related illnesses have been reported.

The following dry pet food products are included:

      The affected products are sold in veterinary clinics and specialty pet retailers throughout the United States and Canada. No canned food, biscuits/treats or supplements are affected by this announcement. A full listing of UPC codes can be found at www.iams.com⁹.

These products are made in a single, specialized facility. In cooperation with FDA, P&G determined that some products made at this facility have the potential for salmonella contamination. As a precautionary measure, P&G is recalling all products made at this facility.

Consumers who have purchased the specific dry pet foods listed should discard them. People handling dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. 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.

Pets with Salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

For further information or a product replacement or refund call P&G toll-free at 877-340-8823 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST).”

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm219200.htm  

“Feline’s Pride Expands Nationwide Recall of its Natural Chicken Formula Cat Food Due to Salmonella Contamination

Contact:
Shelby Gomas, 
Tel: 1-716-580-3096

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 15, 2010 - Buffalo, NY – Feline’s Pride is expanding its July 1, 2010 voluntary recall of Feline’s Pride Raw food with ground bone for cats and kittens, Natural Chicken Formula, Net Wt. 2.5 lbs. (1.13 kg., 40 oz.) produced on 6/10/10 to include the product produced on 6/21/10, because it may be contaminated with Salmonella. People handling raw pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the raw pet food or any surfaces exposed to the product.

When consumed by humans, Salmonella can cause an infection, salmonellosis. The symptoms of salmonellosis include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, minimal diarrhea, fever, and headache. Certain vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, are particularly susceptible to acquiring salmonellosis from such pet food products and may experience more severe symptoms. 

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. 

The product is packaged in uncoded plastic containers and sold frozen to private consumers nationwide. Once thawed, the pet food has a shelf life of about 1 week. The firm manufactures the pet food by an as-ordered basis. This expansion of the recall affects those orders placed and shipped from June 21 through June 26, 2010 (produced on 6/21/10). 

The firm and FDA are investigating this matter to determine the source of this problem, and will take any additional steps necessary to protect the public health. 

To date, both the firm and the FDA have received no reports of Salmonella infection relating to this product. 

People who are experiencing the symptoms of Salmonella infection after having handled the pet food product should seek medical attention, and report their use of the product and illness to the nearest FDA office. 

People should thoroughly wash their hands after handling the pet food – especially those made from raw animal protein such as meat or fish — to help prevent infection. People may risk bacterial infection not only by handling pet foods, but by contact with pets or surfaces exposed to these foods, so it is important that they thoroughly wash their hands with hot water and soap. 

Since certain vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, are particularly at risk from exposure they should avoid handling this product. 

Consumers with questions should contact the company at (716) 580-3096, Monday -Friday from 10 am - 4 pm EDT. ”

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm217999.htm 

United Pet Group Voluntarily Expands Recall of Nutritional Supplements For Dogs to Include Additional Tablet and Powdered-Form Products for Dogs and Cats Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Consumers Contact:
(877) 399-5226

Media Contact:
Carey Phelps (770) 360-5292

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 2, 2010 – United Pet Group, Cincinnati, Ohio is voluntarily expanding its recent recall of its Pro-Pet Adult Daily Vitamin Supplement tablets for Dogs to include additional pet nutritional supplement products for dogs and cats due to possible Salmonella contamination. The list of recalled products is provided below. The Food and Drug Administration is aware of this recall.

The recalled products are sold nationally at various retailers. The products include various United Pet Group Pro-Pet and Excel branded products for dogs and cats, and certain other private label brands of the same products. All of the affected products are in tablet and powdered form. These products are being removed from retail stores and consumers should immediately stop feeding these supplements to their pets. The affected products are those with expiration dates that include and are between “01/2013″ and “06/2013.” Products with expiration dates earlier than 01/2013 or later than 06/2013 are not included in this recall. The expiration date can be found imprinted vertically on the right side of the product label.

Laboratory testing has revealed that some lots of some of these products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The company is recalling the additional products out of an abundance of caution.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

People who handle these products can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with them 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 the product should contact their healthcare providers.

Consumers who have purchased the affected products are urged to contact United Pet Group or the place of purchase for further direction. Consumers may contact United Pet Group at 1-877-399-5226, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm EST.

TABLE OF RECALLED PRODUCTS

Label Sku	UPC	Label Description	Expiry
353	825141273447	Doctors Foster and Smith Brewers Yeast Mega-Tabs with Garlic and Essential Fatty Acids 180 Tablets	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
5619	18065056191	5619 Nature’s Miracle Pet Mess Easy Clean-up Net WT 12oz	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
1152092	800443076576	Petco Breath Tabs for Dogs Liver Flavor 50 TabletsPetco Breath Tabs for Dogs Liver Flavor 50 Tablets	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
33805	825141059485	Doctors foster and Smith Dis-Taste Small Dog Tablets 250 Tablets	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
33806	825141008629	Doctors Foster and Smith Ext Strength Dis-Taste Tablets 180 Tablets	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
33807	825141063680	Doctors Foster and Smith Ext Strength Dis-Taste Tablets 500 Tablets	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
35908	825141095629	Doctors Foster and Smith Fresh Breath Tablets for Dogs 100 Tablets	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
36763	825141291250	Doctors Foster and Smith Cran Health Support Normal Urinary Tract Health 60 Tablets	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
673110 bottle 1094181 box	800443037065	Petco Ear Powder For Dogs 1oz (28g) Box Label	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
72157	825141055043	Doctors Foster and Smith Brewers Yeast Tablets for Dogs and Cats 750 Tablets	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
9305	825141003921	Doctors Foster and Smith Ear Powder Net WT 1oz (28g)	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
9306	825141005154	Doctors Foster and Smith Ear Powder Net WT 4oz (113g)	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
J707	26851007074	Excel 3 in 1 Ear Powder Ear Care Net WT 1oz(28g)	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
J7110	26851071105	Excel Glucosamine Joint Care 120 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
J7113	26851071136	Excel Glucosamine with MSM Joint Care 120 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
J720	26851007203	Excel Deter Coprophagia Treatment Behavioral Aid 60 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
J724	26851007241	Excel Deter Coprophagia Treatment Behavioral Aid 500 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
J7311	26851073116	Excel Gas Preventative Digestive Aid Digestive Care 60 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
J7315	26851073154	Excel Calm-Quil Calming Tablets Behavior Aid 60 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
J74016	26851074014	DDS Dental Breath Mints Breath Control 40 Tablets	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
K1723	26851017233	DDS Dental Breath Tabs Breath Control 200 Tablets	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
K1775	26851017752	Pro-Pet Brewers Yeast Daily Supplement 250 Chew Tablets	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
K701	26851007012	Excel Calcium Daily Supplement 125 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
K746	26851007463	Excel Calcium Daily Supplement 500 Tasty Chew tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
K776/PR	26851007760	PR Excel Brewers Yeast with Garlic Skin and Coat 150 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
K777/1	26851007777	Excel Brewers Yeast with Garlic Skin and Coat Care 600 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
K778	26851007784	Excel Brewers Yeast with Garlic Skin and Coat Care 1000 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
K785	26851007852	Excel Brewers Yeast with Garlic Skin and Coat Care Mega Tabs 216 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
N1701	26851017011	Pro-Pet Senior Daily Vitamin Supplement 100 Tasty Tablets	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
N700TR	26851007005	Excel Pupply Multi Vitamin 100 Tasty Chew Tabs Time Release	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
N7301	26851073017	Excel Small Breed Multi Vitamin 45 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
N7309	26851073093	Excel Lutein Vision Maintenance Eye Care 60 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
N845TR	26851008453	Excel Adult Multi Vitamin 60 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
P-78030	26851780304	Excel Advantage Adult Multi Vitamin 60 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
P-78031	26851780311	Excel Advantage Puppy Multi Vitamin 60 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
P-78032	26851780328	Excel Advantage Senior Multi Vitamin 60 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
P-78033	26851780335	Excel Advantage Skin and Coat Essentials 60 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
P-78034	26851780342	Excel Advantage Glucosamine Plus 60 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
P-78035	26851780359	Excel Advantage Glucosamine Advanced Strength 60 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
P-78065	26851780656	Excel Adult Multivitamin 120 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
P-78066	26851780663	Excel Senior Multi Vitamin 120 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
P-82530	26851825302	Pro-Pet Glucosamine Joint Care 60 Chew Tablets	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
P-82531	26851825319	Pro-Pet Stool-Eating Preventative(Corprophagia Treatment) 60 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
P-82534	26851825340	Pro-Pet Anti-Stress Calming Tabs 60 Chew Tablets	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
P-82562	26851825623	Pro-Pet Glucosamine Plus Joint Care 100 Chew Tablets	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
P-82618	26851826187	Pro-Pet Breath Tabs 40 Tablets	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
P-82619	26851826194	Pro-Pet Breath Mints 200 Tablets	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
P-82654	26851826545	Pro-Pet Gas Relief Digestive Aid 40 Chew Tablets	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
P-82656	26851826569	Pro-Pet Glucosamine Advanced Joint Powder Net WT 10oz(283g)	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
P-82658	26851826583	Pro-Pet Daily Vitamin Supplement Powder Net WT 10oz (283g)	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
P-83062	26851830627	Pro-Pet Puppy and Small Breed Daily Vitamin Supplement 100 Chew Tablets	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
P-83065	26851830658	Pro-Pet Glucosamine Advanced Joint Care 60 Chew Tablets	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
P-N78012	26851780120	Excel Joint Ensure Moderate Care 60 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
P-N78013	26851780137	Excel Joint Ensure Advanced Care 60 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13
P-N78014	26851780144	Excel Flare-Away Joint Tabs 60 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/13 thru 06/13

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm217999.htm

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm217826.htm  

Feline’s Pride Issues Nationwide Recall of its Natural Chicken Formula Cat Food Due to Salmonella Contamination

Contact:
Shelby Gomas, 
Tel: 1-716-580-3096

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 1, 2010 - Buffalo, NY – Feline’s Pride is announcing a voluntary recall of Feline’s Pride Raw food with ground bone for cats and kittens, Natural Chicken Formula, Net Wt. 2.5 lbs. (1.13 kg., 40 oz.) produced on 6/10/10, because it may be contaminated with Salmonella. People handling raw pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the raw pet food or any surfaces exposed to the product.

When consumed by humans, Salmonella can cause an infection, salmonellosis. The symptoms of salmonellosis include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, minimal diarrhea, fever, and headache. Certain vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, are particularly susceptible to acquiring salmonellosis from such pet food products and may experience more severe symptoms. 

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. 

The product is packaged in uncoded plastic containers and sold frozen to private consumers nationwide. Once thawed, the pet food has a shelf life of about 1 week. The firm manufactures the pet food by an as-ordered basis. This recall affects only those orders placed and shipped from June 10 through June 17, 2010. 

The firm and FDA are investigating this matter to determine the source of this problem, and will take any additional steps necessary to protect the public health. 

To date, both the firm and the FDA have received no reports of Salmonella infection relating to this product. 

This product should not be fed to pets but should instead be disposed of in a safe manner (e.g., in a securely covered trash receptacle). People who are experiencing the symptoms of Salmonella infection after having handled the pet food product should seek medical attention, and report their use of the product and illness to the nearest FDA office. 

People should thoroughly wash their hands after handling the pet food – especially those made from raw animal protein such as meat or fish — to help prevent infection. People may risk bacterial infection not only by handling pet foods, but by contact with pets or surfaces exposed to these foods, so it is important that they thoroughly wash their hands with hot water and soap. 

Since certain vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, are particularly at risk from exposure they should avoid handling this product. 

Consumers with questions should contact the company at (716) 580-3096, Monday –Friday from 10 am - 4 pm EDT. 

It’s amazing we still need to keep telling people to not leave their pets and children in a hot car. Yet, after yesterdays visit to the drug store, it’s obvious we still do. I pulled in to the parking space and got out and in the next car is a Jack (Parson’s)Russell Terrier sitting in the front seat of a car with the windows cracked about ½ inch.  The dog was panting away and agitated. The car was facing into the sun and you could see the heat radiating off the car. So I asked the cashier in the drug store to make an announcement. No Go. His boss would not let him, “the disruption of customers is against store policy.”  With that information I found the shoppers on my own and had to request that one of them return to the vehicle and attend to the pup and remain with air conditioning running. They did so with great consternation and disbelief in my concern.  Every year we hear about children and pets suffering from and dying of heat stroke from being left in cars. Every year it’s in the news, and yet every year it keeps happening. 

Canines and felines do not expel heat efficiently in hot environments. Their main mode of heat transfer is panting and they can transfer some heat from their foot pads, nose, and ears, but they do not sweat or have the large surface area like our exposed sweating skin, to transfer heat. If the interior temperature of the vehicle is close to that of their body temperature (99 Fahrenheit -102.5 Fahrenheit) then they will not be able to cool off and can suffer from heat stroke very quickly. 

The second issue is the physics of heat collection in the car. The infrared radiation (IR) that passes through the glass into the car is trapped and far greater than the IR energy escaping the car. The car continues to heat up. Even if it’s relatively comfortable outside let’s say 75 Fahrenheit, and the windows are cracked open, on a clear day, the car can heat up to 100 degrees (F) in less than 15 minutes and can cause heat stroke and death in pets! Short faced breads like Bull Dogs, Boston Terriers, Pugs, etc, are at a greater risk of heat stroke. 

SO, what to do:

1.DO NOT LEAVE THEM IN THE CAR!

2. Leave them at home in cool environment and with plenty of water.

3. Go through the drive-thru if available.

4. If you have to take a pet with you, have someone go with you and stay in     the car with the air conditioning running.

5. Go before or shortly after sun rise or after sunset. 

If you come across a pet or child left alone in a vehicle on a warm, sunny day, tell the store manager to make announcement, quickly find the owner and non-confrontationally explain that their pet is in danger of heat stroke. If you are not able to find the owner or the owner does not respond to the situation then, you may have to call the police in order to save a life! 

If your companion animal is suffering from heat stroke:

1. Get them out of the vehicle or location and into the shade.

2. Water them down with a hose or bottled water.  Get their ears, chest, arm     pits, belly, and groin wet. It should not be ice cold as this can lead to     shock and can over cool them. Water soaked towels work as well.

3. Keep their mouth wet (with a little water if conscious), and their nose     and mouth clear.

4. Get them to the veterinary hospital as soon as possible for further     treatment and assessment. It is important to have them seen     immediately even if they seem back to normal.  

Please, Please, Please, tell everyone you know with companion animals to never leave them in a warm car unattended! 

Best wishes; 

Eric R. Hurwit DVM

Less Stress For Your Pet At Home Veterinary Medical Services LLC

www.LessStressForYourPet.com

www.GalacticPet.Com

From: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm216903.htm  

United Pet Group Voluntarily Recalls Pro-Pet Adult Daily Vitamin Supplement for Dogs Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Media Contact:
Carey Phelps (770) 360-5292

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –- June 22, 2010 – United Pet Group, Cincinnati, Ohio is voluntarily recalling all unexpired lots of its PRO-PET ADULT DAILY VITAMIN Supplement tablets for Dogs due to possible Salmonella contamination.  The Food and Drug Administration is aware of this recall.

The product was sold nationally at various retailers.  The product comes in 100-count white plastic bottles with a light blue label, and UPC code 26851-01800.  These products are being removed from retail stores and consumers should immediately stop feeding these supplements to their pets.  The affected products are those with expiration dates on or before “06/13″. The expiration date can be found imprinted vertically on the right side of the product label.

 Laboratory testing has revealed that one Lot of this vitamin product was contaminated with Salmonella.  The company is recalling all unexpired Lots of the product out of an abundance of caution.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

People who handle dry pet food and/or treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews 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.

Consumers who have purchased the product are urged to contact United Pet Group or the place of purchase for further direction. Consumers may contact United Pet Group at 1-800-645-5154 ext. 3, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm EST.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm216298.htm

Contact:
Customer Service (800) 829-4493 
Media Contact: Daniel Bernstein (310) 902-2554

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — June 18, 2010 - Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc., of announces a voluntary recall of Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food with the “Best By” date of June 17, 2011, in 5-lb. and 28-lb. bags because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

No illnesses have been reported to date. The recall notification is being issued out of an abundance of caution based on an isolated instance in which a product sample with a “Best By” date of June 17, 2011, had a positive result for Salmonella in a random sample test conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This product was originally manufactured on December 17, 2009, and is the only Natural Balance product being recalled.

Salmonella can affect animals and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. This product was manufactured on December 17, 2009.

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.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Recalled products were only distributed in pet specialty stores in the states of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

The only product affected by the recall is the Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food with the “Best By” date of June 17, 2011, product information as follows:

Consumers who have purchased Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog formula with the “Best By” date of June 17, 2011, are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. A separate letter and instructions will be forwarded to all relevant Natural Balance customers. For additional information, please contact Natural Balance Pet Foods Customer Service at (800) 829-4493 (8am – 5pm, PDT) or by visiting www.naturalbalanceinc.com¹.

By Eric R. Hurwit, DVM   

Frequently my clients ask me about invisible fence systems. My advice to them is to consider several factors before spending money on this type of fencing (all brands, including Invisible Fence®). The main goal of any fence – physical or invisible – is to keep your four-legged family members safe inside your property. What pet owners often don’t realize is how vulnerable their pets can be in an invisibly fenced space. You should never leave your pets unattended in this type of fencing. Manufacturers and installers of invisible fence systems warn owners that the fence doesn’t prevent other animals from entering your property and into the fenced area. There are several potential threats that could result in serious injury or fatality.   These dangers include:

                                                                                                                                         Roaming dogs are able to make contact with your pet (dog or cat). I have treated several dogs for bite wounds because they were attacked while inside invisibly fenced yards. Remember, too, that people are also at risk of injury if they try to break up a dog fight.

                                                                                                                                                                     Predators,                                                                                                                                                                      Predators, Predators such as coyotes, and scavenging raccoons, skunks, and opossums, can enter an invisibly fenced yard. An encounter with a wild animal poses the potential risk of attack and Rabies exposure.                                                         

People have direct access to your pet. This creates a potential bite hazard, particularly for children who come in contact with your dog or cat. A pet can easily be stolen with such a system, especially if left unsupervised.                                

                                                                                                                                         Beyond the risk of intruders, invisible fencing has other inherent shortcomings that can risk your pet’s safety.  Some drawbacks are due to owner carelessness, while others occur even when the system is used properly. Following are some common scenarios that could put your pet – or others – in harms way.

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm#PetFood