Our Healthy Pets

“Bravo! Issues Nationwide Recall of Bravo! Pig Ears Dog Chews
Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk”

Please visit the Food and Drug Administration web page for the announcement and view product label

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm257833.htm

Contact:
Consumer:
866.922.9222
www.bravorawdiet.com

Media
David Bogner
Phone: 866.922.9222

“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 3, 2011 – Bravo! is voluntarily recalling select boxes of Bravo! Pig Ears Chews because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The products affected by this recall includes only Bravo! 50 ct bulk Oven roasted Pig Ears Product Code: 75-121 Lot # 12-06-10.”

“Salmonella can affect animals and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any other surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms including, 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 provider.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets will have only have 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 company has received no reports of illness in either people or animals associated with the product. Bravo! is issuing this action out of an abundance of caution and sincerely regrets any inconvenience to pet owners as a result of this announcement.

Bravo! Pig Ears were distributed to retailers on the East and West Coasts. They were shipped to distributors and retailers between January 1 and February 28, 2011, where they were available for purchase.

The recall is the result of routine sampling program by the Washington State Department of Agriculture which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has no product left in inventory from this batch of pig ears.

“Consumers who have purchased any of these pig ears are urged to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions about the recall, should visit www.bravorawdiet.com or call toll free 1.866.922.9222 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday.”

“Primal Pet Foods Issues Nationwide Voluntary Recall On Feline Chicken & Salmon Formula With A “Best By” Date Code Of 043112-17″

You can visit the Food and Drug Administration page for this information
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm257160.htm

Contact:
Consumer:
Matt Koss
866-566-4652

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 28, 2011 - “Primal Pet Foods has initiated a voluntary recall of their Feline Chicken & Salmon Formula with a “Best By” date code of 043112-17 because this product may be contaminated with Salmonella. The only product affected is limited to Feline Chicken & Salmon Formula with a “Best By” date code of 043112-17. No other Primal Pet Foods products are affected.

The affected product is limited to the Primal Pet Foods Feline Chicken & Salmon Formula packaged in the following forms:

• 4 lb chicken & salmon nuggets (UPC# 8 95135 00025 0) with a “Best By” date code of 043112-17

The “Best By” date code is located on the front of the package on the right side of the product label. The affected product was distributed through retail stores sales in the United States.

If you are a consumer and have purchased the affected product, please contact Primal Pet Foods directly at 866-566-4652 Monday-Friday 8AM-4PM PST and we can assist in getting you a full refund or replacement from your local retailer that it was originally purchased from. You’ll be instructed to bring the unopened package to your local retailer for a full refund or replacement.

If your package has been opened, please dispose of the raw food in a safe manner by securing it in a covered trash receptacle. Then, contact Primal Pet Foods directly at 866-566-4652 Monday-Friday 8AM-4PM PST and we can assist in getting you a full refund or replacement from your local retailer that it was originally purchased from. You’ll be instructed to bring your receipt (or the empty package in a sealed bag) to your local retailer for a full refund or replacement.

No pet or human illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this lot code.

Primal Pet Foods is committed to the health, safety and well-being of pets. Primal Pet Foods is voluntarily issuing this action out of an abundance of caution and sincerely regrets any inconvenience to pet owners that may result because of this announcement.

Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. Even though no illnesses have been reported, consumers should follow the Safe Handling Guidelines published on the Primal Pet Foods package when disposing of the affected product. People handling raw frozen pet foods may become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not followed safe handling guidelines.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, or fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, or urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with the affected product should contact their health care provider.

Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, or vomiting. Some pets may experience only a decreased appetite, fever, or abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed any of the affected products and is experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.”

Consumers with additional questions can call our dedicated Customer Service line Monday-Friday 8AM-4PM at 866-566-4652 PST.

There were TWO recalls of pig ears and we have listed them below.

“Boss Pet Recalls Pig Ear Products Because of Possible Health Risk”

The page link for this recall from the Food and Drug Administration is below. Please visit this page for more information and to view pictures of the product.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm255726.htm

Contact:
Consumer:
800-445-6347

Media:
William E. Donze, President
Boss Pet Products, Inc.
16485 Rockside Rd., Suite 200
Maple Heights, Ohio 44137
216-332-0832

“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Mary 17, 2011 - Boss Pet Products, Inc. announced that it is recalling its Diggers Natural Treat Pig Ear pet treats because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Boss Pet has been notified by one of its suppliers, Keys Manufacturing Company, Inc., that a batch of Keys’ pig ear treats tested positive for Salmonella. Keys Manufacturing has initiated a voluntary product recall in cooperation with the FDA and has identified several shipments of potentially affected products which Boss Pet shipped out under its Diggers brand in November, 2010 through April, 2011. So far, there has been a report of one dog in Missouri having Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the product 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.

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 recalled Diggers Natural Chews Pig Ears were sold in the following package sizes:
Bulk Pig Ears in boxes of 100 (UPC #0-72929-00038-6)
Bulk Pig Ears Shrink Wrapped in boxes of 50 (UPC #0-72929-99120-2)
2-Pack Bags shipped in cases of 12 bags (UPC #0-72929-99504-0)
4-Pack Bags shipped in cases of 12 bags (UPC #0-72929-00227-4)
8-Pack Bags shipped in cases of 12 bags (UPC #0-72929-99584-2)

These products have been distributed via truck to distributors in the following states:
MT, CA, WA, OK, TN, NY, KS, OH, TX, MS, AL, OR, UT, IA, MO, IL, IN, LA, and MN.

The recall is a result of a reported illness to one dog in Missouri. Subsequently, Boss Pet has been working with the FDA to identify any products that might contain the bacteria while the manufacturer of the product and the FDA are continuing the investigation to determine what caused the problem.

Consumers who have purchased Diggers Natural Chews Pig Ear products are urged to return them to their place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Boss Pet at 1-800-445-6347 during normal business hours (9:00 AM – 5:00PM ET) or on our website at www.bosspet.com. ”

The second recall is:

“Blackman Industries, Inc. Recalls Primetime Brand 2 CT., and 5 CT. Premium Pig Ears and KC Beefhide Brand 20 CT. Premium Pig Ears Because Of Possible Salmonella Health Risk”

Contact:
Consumer:
Stewart Farbman
913-342-5010

“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 17, 2011 - Blackman Industries, Inc. of Kansas City, KS is recalling all PrimeTime brand 2 ct. and 5 ct. Premium Pig Ears and all KC Beefhide brand 20 ct. Premium Pig Ears 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 recalled pig ears can potentially become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after giving them to their pet.

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.

These products were distributed in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota and sold through many of the following retail outlets: Price Chopper Stores, Hy-Vee Stores, Hen House Markets, Bag N Save Stores, Dahl’s Food Stores, Baldwin City Market, SunFresh Food Stores, Apple Markets, Brookside Market, Franklin Food Stores, No Frills Food Stores, Alps Food Stores, Big V Food Stores, Country Mart Food Stores, Thriftway Food Stores, County Fair Food Stores, Super Saver Food Stores and Russ’s Food Stores and Feldman’s Farm and Home Stores.

The product was distributed between Jan. 4, 2011 and April 29, 2011. PrimeTime products are in translucent plastic packages with yellow printed headers and are marked with the following UPC codes 7-48976-18316-6 on a 2 ct. package with a $3.49 retail price, 7-48976-09040-2, on a 5 ct. package with a $5.99 retail price and 7-48976-19040-9 on a 5 ct. package with a $6.99 retail price. The KC Beefhide product is packaged in a red mesh nylon bag with a green and white header that says KC Beefhide and has the following UPC code 7-48976-09065-5.

Consumers can tell the difference between the recalled product and the new product by the placement of a production code on the new product located on the back of the product (i.e.2011FBC). A similar code beginning with 2011 and the production run is also printed on the bags under the Made In USA label.

One illness of a dog in Missouri has been reported to date.

The recall is a result of a reported illness of a dog in Missouri who consumed pig ears from the same production lot but from product sold by a different distributor. The distributor has been working with the FDA to identify any products that might contain the bacteria. The company and the FDA is continuing the investigation to determine what caused the problem.

Consumers that have purchased any of the PrimeTime or KC Beefhide pig ear products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-913-342-5010 Monday through Thursday between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM.”

The page link for this recall from the Food and Drug Administration is below. Please visit this page for more information and to view pictures of the product.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm255709.htm

“FDA Issues Caution to Pet Owners with the Use of an Unapproved Pet Shampoo Product”

Please visit the page below for the official Food and Drug Administration announcement
http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm255384.htm

May 13, 2011

“The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine is alerting pet owners to use caution with the use of an unapproved animal drug product, Douxo Seborrhea Shampoo (0.1% phytosphingosine), distributed by Sogeval Laboratories, Inc. of Coppell, Texas after recently receiving a report of the death of a woman associated with the use of the product on her dog.

The March adverse event report describes a woman with severe, preexisting asthma who had a sudden, severe asthma attack and died while bathing a dog using the product, Douxo Seborrhea Shampoo. A few days later, another asthmatic family member bathed the dog using the same product and experienced a mild asthma attack but recovered.

FDA is advising consumers with asthma or other respiratory conditions to consider consulting with their physicians prior to use of this product.

FDA is currently investigating this serious issue and will provide additional information as appropriate.”

To report an adverse event involving the use of animal drug product, please go to: http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ReportaProblem/ucm055305.htm

Whether you are currently a Life’s Abundance customer or not, I encourage those of you with pups that have joint issues to watch our staff Veterinarian, Dr. Sarah explain some things and why Agility formulated by Dr. Jane (staff Veterinarian as well) might be different than what you are currently giving your canine.

Food and Drug Adminstration page for this update, click below:

 http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm246319.htm

Jones Natural Chews Co Recalls Pig Ear Dog Chews Because Of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Contact:
Jones Natural Chews Co
877-481-2663 or 815-874-9500

“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 8, 2011 - Jones Natural Chews Co of Rockford, IL is recalling 2705 boxes of Pig Ears because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling 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.

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.

Jones Natural Chews Pig Ears were distributed in CT, IA, IL, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NJ, NM, NY, PA,VA, WA, and WI. They were shipped to distributors and retailers between September 15, 2010 and November 2, 2010 where they were available for purchase.

Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears 2pk bag with header card–item upc 741956001047 lot 2420

Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears bulk 100ct box-box upc 741956001139 lot 2490, 2560, 2630, 2700, 2840, 2910, 2980

Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears bulk 50 ct box-box upc 741956001504 lot 2490, 2840

Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears bulk 25ct box-box upc 741956001467 lot 2700

Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears 1pk shrinkwrapped-item upc 741956001146 lot 2700, 2840, 2420

Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears 10pk printed bag-item upc 741956001405 lot 2420, 2560, 2630, 2840

Blain’s Farm & Fleet Pig Ears 10 pieces bag-item upc 741956001405 lot 2560

Country Butcher Dog Chews Pig Ears 1pk shrinkwrapped-item upc 741956001511 lot 2630

Country Butcher Dog Chews Pig Ears 1pk shrinkwrapped-item upc 741956001146 lot 2420

Country Butcher Dog Chews Pig Ears 12pk bag-item upc 741956001245 lot 2910

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by Washington State Department of Agriculture which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has no product left in inventory from this batch of pig ears.

Consumers who have purchased any of these pig ears are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-877-481-2663.”

“Wellpet LLC Voluntarily Recalls Certain Lots Of Canned Cat Food”

Contact: Media: Claire Burke Hunter PR
212-679-6600

Consumer:
877-227-9587
www.wellnesspetfood.com

“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 28, 2011 - WellPet LLC announced today it has voluntarily recalled certain lots of Wellness® canned cat food.”

“While recent laboratory testing found that most lots of Wellness canned cat food that were tested contain sufficient amounts of thiamine (also known as Vitamin B1), some of the lots listed below might contain less than adequate levels of thiamine. However, out of an abundance of caution, WellPet has decided to recall all of the lots listed below.”

“Cats fed only the affected lots for several weeks may be at risk for developing a thiamine deficiency. Thiamine is essential for cats. Symptoms of deficiency displayed by an affected cat can be gastrointestinal or neurological in nature. Early signs of thiamine deficiency may include decreased appetite, salivation, vomiting, and weight loss. In advanced cases, neurologic signs can develop, which may include ventriflexion (bending towards the floor) of the neck, wobbly walking, circling, falling, and seizures. If your cat has consumed the recalled lots and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. If treated promptly, thiamine deficiency is typically reversible.”

The lots involved in this voluntary recall are:

Wellness Canned Cat Food (all flavors and sizes) with best by dates from 14APR 13 through 30SEP13;

Wellness Canned Cat Food Chicken & Herring (all sizes) with 10NOV13 or 17NOV13 best buy dates.

“Consumers who still have cans of cat food from these lots should stop feeding them to their cats and call us at (877) 227-9587 Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Eastern Time. Consumers with further questions should visit our website at www.wellnesspetfood.com or call us at this same number.”

“WellPet discovered the lower thiamine levels during independent testing conducted together with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in response to a single, isolated consumer complaint received by the FDA. Although WellPet has received no other reports concerning thiamine in its products, WellPet has taken additional steps with the manufacturer to ensure that this does not happen again.”

“As a pet parent myself, I’m concerned for the health and welfare of all pets, and as a company we are committed to delivering the most nutritious natural pet food,” said Tim Callahan, chief executive officer of WellPet, the maker of Wellness products. “Even though the chance of a cat developing a thiamine deficiency is extremely remote, we are voluntarily recalling all of these lots of our canned cat food as an extra precaution.”

Please visit the Food and Drug Administration page for this alert by clicking below:
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm245108.htm

We know the good news that pets are living longer. As with humans sometimes the aging process affects the brain.
In this incredible video Dr. Sarah Wooten explains the possibility why CDS (Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome)
may happen, what to do and more!

From the Life’s Abundance January 2011 Newsletter:

“Since the late 1970’s, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of feline hyperthyroidism, making it the most common feline endocrine disorder in the world. What causes hyperthyroidism, and why is it so common? Previous studies of cats in the U.S., Great Britain and New Zealand have identified a number of risk factors for the development of hyperthyroidism, including genetic predispositions, the feeding of some canned cat foods and cross-breeding. Furthermore, some veterinarians believe feline hyperthyroidism is simply an outcome of cats living longer. But, if thyroid dysfunction is symptomatic of old age, why is it not more common in dogs, or people for that matter?”

“Veterinarians first noticed a dramatic surge in feline hyperthyroidism in the 1980’s. This rise coincided with the prevalent use of PBDE’s as a flame retardant in many products. A chemical flame retardant used widely in carpet pads, furniture, and electronics, PBDE (or, polybrominated dephenyl ethers) were researched in a recent EPA study that suggested that these chemicals may partly explain the current epidemic. PBDE’s linger in the environment, and cats ingest the substance in both foods and by licking their fur which retains house dust laced with toxic PBDE particles. Furthermore, studies have also shown a link between hyperthyroidism and BPA in the lining of many canned cat foods. Life’s Abundance is proud to inform our consumers that the lining in our canned foods is BPA-free.”

“An Environmental Science & Technology study reported in 2007 looked at whether hyperthyroid cats had greater body burdens of PBDE’s, and found that all cats have high levels compared to humans, with some cats with incredibly high levels (Dye et. al, 2007). The potential link between feline hyperthyroidism and PBDE exposure may be the veritable “canary in the coal mine” when it comes to evaluating the human health impacts of PBDE’s. People in the United States have the highest PBDE levels reported worldwide, according to a 2004 study also published in Environmental Science & Technology. By gaining a more complete understanding of chronic indoor PBDE exposure and its effects on thyroid hormone levels in cats, medical researchers can better assess whether the same risk exists for people. Researchers believe that further studies need to be performed before concluding a direct link between PBDE’s and feline hyperthyroidism.”

“There is good news, however. It isn’t necessary to rip up your carpet and throw out your furniture as these chemicals have been or are in the process of being banned in many states. And cats still live longer, healthier lives if they live primarily indoors, and the risk of being attacked by other animals or hit by a car while roaming outside is still much greater than the risk of developing hyperthyroidism from PBDE exposure.”

“What can you do if your cat has already been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism? What are the symptoms? In this video, Dr. Sarah reviews the signs of hyperthyroidism and treatments available. If you suspect your kitty has hyperthyroidism, schedule an appointment with your local veterinarian.”

Potera, C. Environews Forum. Chemical Exposure: Cats as Sentinel Species. Environ Health Perspect. 2007. Dec;115(12)A580.

Wakeling J, Everard A, Brodbelt D, Elliott J, Syme H. Risk factors for feline hyperthyroidism in the UK. J Small Anim Pract. 2009 Aug;50(8):406-14.

Joint and bone issues are an issue that is common among dogs and Dr. Sarah goes over symptoms that you may recognize and MAY NOT.

You know your dog so you know when something “isn’t right” with them.