A lot of people share everything with their dogs — a long walk, a bed, even people food. But one thing you might not want to share is a nasty bug called Salmonella.

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 22 people in 13 states and Canada have become sick from Salmonella-tainted dry dog food tied to multiple brands made by Diamond Pet Foods, including “Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul” and “Country Value.” Six people have been hospitalized since this pet food recall was first announced in early May.

So what’s going on here?

Most likely, the agency says, people are getting sick from touching infected dog food, touching an infected dog, or handling the dog’s waste.

“Salmonella germs are transmitted from animals to humans and humans to humans by the fecal oral route,” says CDC’s webpage on the outbreak. Yep, that means the infection spreads from the stool and the mouth and in between species. And things take a while to clear up. Those germs can still be found in a pet’s stools four to six weeks after infection.

Apparently, toddlers are pretty susceptible to Salmonella from pet food. Researchers published a study in the journal Pediatricsin 2010 that found about half the 79 people sickened by an uncommon salmonella strain a few years back were kids age 2 or younger.

In this latest dog food outbreak, CDC says sick people range in age from those younger than 1 year to octogenarians, and the median age is 46.5 years. Sixty-eight percent of patients are female.

Symptoms of Salmonella poisoning in dogs are not that much different than in people — diarrhea, vomiting, etc. If you suspect a problem, call the vet and check the food bag to see if the product’s been recalled.

It’s not just dogs, though. Pet turtles have been blamed for making owners sick in past outbreaks.

To prevent spreading foodborne infection to the two-legged types in your house, wash your hands after feeding pets or giving them treats and after cleaning up after pets or handling them, the CDC says. Also, keep kids under 5 away from pet food and use a mild bleach solution to clean areas that may be contaminated.

If keeping track of recent pet food scares is just too complicated, you could always make your own food for Fido.

After getting complaints about their pet’s illnesses and deaths of their small birds, PMI Nutrition International LLC, a division of St. Paul, Minnesota-based Land O’Lakes Inc., has recalled four varieties of their LabDiet and Mazuri feed products for small birds, guinea pigs, maned wolves and primates.

The products that have been recalled are reported to have elevated vitamin D levels —something that can be harmful to animals if fed for extended periods, the company reported.

The exotic animal foods were produced at PMI’s Richmond, Indiana plant and distributed throughout the U.S. and to some international markets.

3 big brands may be tied to chicken jerky illness in dogs

Waggin’ Train Wholesome Chicken Jerky Tenders were among 13 Nestle Purina brand treats listed among 22 complaints being investigated by the Food and Drug Administration. The treats, made in China, have been tied to reports of illnesses and deaths in dogs.
By JoNel Aleccia
Stumped by mysterious illnesses in at least 600 dogs in the U.S., federal health officials have turned to consumers for help investigating problems possibly tied to chicken jerky pet treats made in China.

A log of complaints collected from pet owners and veterinarians contains references to at least three popular brands of jerky treats that may be associated with kidney failure and other serious ailments, according to internal Food and Drug Administration documents obtained by msnbc.com.

Of 22 “Priority 1” cases listed by the FDA late last year, 13 cited Waggin’ Train or Canyon Creek Ranch jerky treats or tenders, both produced by Nestle Purina PetCare Co., the records show.

Another three listed Milo’s Kitchen Home-style Dog Treats, produced by the Del Monte Corp. The rest listed single brands or no brand.

Priority 1 cases are those in which the animal is aged 11 or younger and medical records that document illness are available, an FDA spokeswoman said. In many cases, samples of the suspect treats also are collected.

The report, obtained through a public records request, is the first agency indication of any brands linked to illnesses that have climbed since the FDA warned pet owners about jerky treats in November. That was the FDA’s third caution about the pet products since 2007.

Nestle Purina and Del Monte officials said their treats are safe and FDA regulators said repeated tests have shown no absolute tie to any brand or manufacturer.

“No specific products have been recalled because a definitive cause has not been determined,” FDA officials said in a statement.

The internal report, overseen by the FDA’s Coordinated Outbreak and Response Evaluation, or CORE, group, is one of several ongoing assignments in which FDA regulators are seeking jerky treat samples and medical records of dogs that may have developed kidney failure, liver disease or Fanconi syndrome, which can lead to serious illness and death.

The recent complaints were filed from October through December by people in cities from California to New York, but the agency will continue to accept them.

“We still invite owners and veterinarians to submit complaints and samples,” said Siobhan DeLancey, an FDA spokeswoman. “The more information we have, the more likely we can find a link.”

The move comes as the FDA is under growing pressure from consumers and lawmakers to address rising numbers of illnesses blamed on the China-made treats. Before the warning was issued in November, the agency had logged 70 reports of illnesses tied to the treats last year. Since then, more than 530 additional complaints of illnesses and some deaths have been filed, officials said.

Consumers who say their dogs were sickened or killed have launched at least three petitions demanding recalls of jerky pet treats made in China, including one begun in December that has more than 3,400 signatures from the U.S. and around the world.

“At the slightest doubt, these products should have been recalled, especially knowing there was a link or at the very least a caution/warning label put on the packaging warning the consumers,” said Robin Pierre, a co-founder of “Animal Parents Against Pet Treats Made in China.”

Pierre, 49, of Pine Bush, N.Y., believes Waggin’ Train chicken jerky treats were responsible for the sudden death last fall of her previously health 2-year-old pug, Bella, who developed kidney failure.

“The last week of her life was nothing but misery and pain, separated from her family, she died all alone, in a cage, despite the fact that she had a family who loved her,” Pierre wrote in an email to msnbc.com. “She meant the world to me and my family.”
More than 375 people have signed a petition launched last week by Susan Rhodes, 51, of Port St. Lucie, Fla. She believes her 14-year-old dog, Ginger, may have developed life-threatening kidney failure after eating chicken jerky treats. She was stunned to hear that consumer complaints alone can’t force the FDA — or a company — to recall potentially tainted products.

“That is just unreal. I am not happy with that,” Rhodes said.

For their part, FDA officials said the companies are free to enact a voluntary recall at any time.

Lawmakers, however, are demanding stronger FDA action. Ohio Democrats Sen. Sherrod Brown and Rep. Dennis Kucinich in February called on the FDA to step up investigation of tainted pet treats.

In a response sent late last week, an FDA official told Brown the agency “continues to actively investigate” the reports and to pursue testing for chemical and microbiological contaminants.

On Monday, Brown called the agency’s response “inadequate” and urged prompt release of results of 153 pending tests on the Chinese-made treats.

“I will continue to press the FDA on this issue because Ohio consumers shouldn’t have to worry about the safety of their pet’s food,” he said in a statement.

Since 2007, FDA scientists have analyzed jerky treats for evidence of dangerous toxins, including heavy metals, melamine, melamine analogs and diethylene glycol, chemicals used in plastics and resins.

So far, they’ve found nothing convincing, a point emphasized by Keith Schopp, director of communications for Nestle Purina. He noted that FDA officials also suggest that illnesses may be a result of causes other than eating jerky treats.

“Our chicken jerky treats are safe to feed as directed,” said Schopp. “The safety of our products — and the pets who consume them — are our top priorities.”

The company has a comprehensive food safety program in place, he said, including at manufacturing plants in China.

Pierre, who lost her dog, has little faith in pet food manufacturers — or in the FDA.

“Actions speak louder than words and there has been no action from them up until now,” Pierre said. “Waggin’ Train has hid behind the technicality that the FDA cannot find the link and the FDA has let them.”

Consumers can report illnesses to the FDA’s pet food complaint site.

Click here for more information on the recent FDA warning regarding recently recalled dog food.

Check out this great MSN video – After 8 years, lost dog reunited with family.

Contact us to discuss HomeAgain microchipping and to set up your appointment today!

During the holiday season, we are here to offer a list of the most common holiday pet hazards. They include, but are not limited to, feeding problems, foreign body ingestion and poisoning that occurs by accident.

Food Related Items:
Common gifts such as chocolate, tea, and gum can cause serious toxicities (liver damage, seizures, even death) in cats and dogs. Rich, fatty foods, like gravy and grease can cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration or even pancreatitis. Some of these conditions could require hospitalization. To be safe, keep food related presents in a safe storage area, put food away immediately, and pet-proof your garbage.

Poisonous Plants:
We enjoy making our homes look festive with plants, unfortunately many plants can be poisonous or irritating to pets. Some of these plants include Holly berries and leaves, Mistletoe, Poinsettas, and most Lillies. When decorating, place these plants well out of reach of your pets or limit their use.

Decorations and Wrapping:
Ribbons, yarn, and string can cause intestinal obstructions and bunching of the intestines along the length of the string. This can require surgery and can be fatal.

Christmas Tree:
Tree needles both real and fake can cause mouth irritation and may be toxic. Electrical cords from lights can cause shock, burns or even death. Unplug decorative lights when not home, use pet proof extension cords, and spray cords with bitter apple or chew stop. Glass ornaments can cause serious lacerations to the mouth, and hooks can become lodged in the mouth or further into the body if swallowed. Be sure to place these things well out of reach of all pets.

Holiday Traffic:
The flow of holiday guests provides an open door for escape. Be sure your pet is microchipped and has current ID tags.  Give us a call to discuss HomeAgain microchipping!

Winter Hazards:
Cold weather and wind chill can threaten your pets life. Be aware of the conditions when taking your pet outside. Short-haired dogs may need a sweater to keep them warm. Salt on sidewalks can be irritating to pet paws, so it’s a good idea to wipe them with a wet wash cloth after being outside. Furthermore, warm vehicle engines can attract cats. Bang on your vehicle’s hood to scare away cats before you start your engine. Antifreeze tastes sweet to animals, but it is a deadly poison. Make sure your pet can’t access antifreeze around or under your car or in the garage.

Wishing you and your furry friends a safe & happy holiday season!

Click here for more information on the recent FDA warning regarding canine chicken jerky treats.

Doctor Elizabeth Bradt tells us that more than eighty-five percent of pets over the age of three suffer from some sort of dental disease. Because of this, it is important for owners to religiously follow annual dental exams and cleanings for their pets. Despite this, it is still an unfortunate fact that most pet owners forget this.

Aside from forgetting annual dental exams for their pets, some remain cautious of anesthetics used for dental procedures. For this reason, the Anesthesia-Free Pet Denstristry (AFPD) protocols were developed. The brochures for these protocols feature dog who sit on the lap of a person who is gently scraping their teeth clean.

However, while a number of dogs can find this acceptable and will tolerate it patiently, many more dogs will have to be physically restrained, which leads to stress and fear. When a pet is given a dental cleaning, scalers and sharp instruments are used. This is why a general anesthetic is recommended and said to be needed. Sedation or a general anesthetic will allow a more in-depth procedure and will also help the veterinarian examine your pet more thoroughly and safely.

A serious factor that needs to be considered is that with AFPD examinations, only the visible portions of the dog’s teeth can be cleaned. Areas found under the gum line or on the insides of the pet’s teeth will be left with much tartar. Harmful bacteria may be a result, and the bone structure of the jaw can somehow deteriorate and cause your pet to lose his teeth. With safe anesthetic, a veterinarian can examine all areas of the mouth and make use of tools that would be to dangerous if a pet is uneasy.

Basically, without the use of general anesthetic, one cannot fully examine a pet’s mouth, which will eventually damage his teeth and cause more plaque accumulation. In essence, this can lead to more problems in the future.  Dental cleaning without the use of anesthesia may sound like a good idea, but one should know that there are serious risks that should be considered.

As a note, in order to help reduce dental problems, certain diets may also be followed. Some dental chew products (e.g. Greenies, dental bones) can aide in the reduction of the amount of plaque. When choosing chew products, remember to search for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal.

One downfall to joyous dog parks is that your pet may bring home diseases from them.

Cynthia Smoot says in her article that the moment their dog, Sparkles, started to cough after a trip to a dog park, she immediately researched about the causes. Her veterinarian was not surprised when she heard the dog coughing, stating that it was an upper respiratory infection that can be either bacterial or viral.

When a dog goes to the park, there’s a huge chance that he may pick up many bugs that carry diseases, or he may catch a contagious disease from another dog. Some of these diseases are worse than others, some are even life-threatening.

The best way to ensure that the chances of your dog catching a disease is slim is to keep your pet up to date on their shots. Doctor Tolksdorf encourages dog owners to protect their pets by making sure that their vaccines are done when they need to be done. This is especially true if your dog is going to socialize with other dogs. Doctor Tolksdorf lists the following vaccines as highly recommended: rabies, distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, bordatella vaccine for the upper respiratory infections they get. Read the full article.

When you can see what Kandu, a jack russell terrier, is capable of, you will never forget him. Why? Because despite only having two legs, Kandu has so much spirit. Most of the credit goes to his adoptive family, who not only saved his life but also gave him a life. Kandu was supposed to be euthanized because his previous owner did not believe he could live a life of good quality. However, after being featured on CBS4 and receiving more than a hundred adoption applications, he finally found a new home with Ken and Melissa Rogers.

Born without his two front legs, Kandu is obviously different from other dogs. However, according to this video, and also from seeing him in action, Kandu has no idea he’s different from other dogs. He has a device that allows him to run as if he’s the same as any other dog. During the winter, this device features a sled-like contraption instead of wheels, and Kandu enjoys sledding down hill with much joy. Inside the house, he needs to wear a sweater so as not to hurt his chest (without the device, he simply drags his upper body around). Watching Kandu run around with so much spirit can bring so much inspiration to anyone who watches him.