December 11, 2009 | Filed Under Health Care, bones, chewing, dogs | No Comments
The FDA has issued a release stating that Pet Carousel has issued a recall of a number of its pig ears and beef hooves. These products were recalled after several samples tested by the FDA tested positive for Salmonella. Pets and humans can contract Salmonella if they have come in contact with contaminated product.
Humans who contract salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and 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, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their health care provider immediately.
Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may only experience a 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 any of the affected products or is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
The affected pig ear products were packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight, Pork Tasteez and Pet Carousel. The affected beef hooves were packaged under the brand names Choo Hooves, Dentley’s, Doggie Delight, and Pet Carousel. You can see a complete list of the recalled products at the FDA. Consumers with questions may contact Pet Carousel at 800-231-3572. Recalled products should not be fed to pets and handled as little as possible; they should be returned to the store where they were purchased immediately. If you have handled contaminated product, wash your hands thoroughly to help prevent becoming infected or spreading the bacteria.
May 22, 2009 | Filed Under animals, bones, chewing, dogs | 1 Comment
Dr. Marty Becker has been a practicing veterinarian for over 30 years. He is a well-known and widely published author and columnist who also makes frequent appearances on “Good Morning America.” He is an animal lover who, like everyone at Petlane, “is always looking for new, breakthrough products to help pets and the people who love them.”
We at Petlane were pretty excited to see that the Bristle Bone, one of our favorite new products (it was introduced to our line in August of 2008), made Dr. Becker’s list of ”Dr. Becker’s BEST: 2008 breakthrough products for pets and those who love them“ “It’s important to reduce or eliminate the mind-numbing boredom from just eating food out of a bowl. Boredom equals behavioral problems, and behavioral problem may mean a homeless pet,” writes Dr. Becker. Bristle Bone helps reduce boredom by offering a chewing challenge! It also features nylon bristles and rubber nubs that help keep teeth clean and gums healthy. The Bristle Bone is available in two sizes and is recommended for dogs 20lbs. and up.
May 27, 2008 | Filed Under chewing, dogs | 1 Comment
Along with chocolate, dogs this holiday season will also be asked to forgo a specific rawhide treat. On October 20th, the Hartz Mountain Corporation (a large pet product supplier based in New Jersey) issued a voluntary recall for Chicken-Basted Rawhide Chips owing to concerns that the product was contaminated with Salmonella.
According to a press release issued by Hartz, the product involved is 4,850 - 2 pound plastic bags of Hartz Chicken-Basted Rawhide Chips, lot code JC23282, UPC number 3270096463 which were distributed to a national retail customer. While the normal testing that Hartz conducts through an independent outside laboratory did not detect the presence of Salmonella in any Hartz rawhide products, sample testing conducted by another laboratory did indicate the presence of the bacteria in a sample bag of the Chicken-Basted Rawhide Chips. Hartz is aggressively investigating the difference in test results and the potential source of the problem.
Salmonella refers to a type of bacteria that is most commonly found in animal feces. According to the Center for Disease Control, Salmonella are usually transmitted to humans by eating foods contaminated with animal feces. Contaminated foods usually look and smell normal. Contaminated foods are often of animal origin, such as beef, poultry, milk, or eggs, but any food, including vegetables, may become contaminated. Thorough cooking kills Salmonella . Food may also become contaminated by the hands of an infected food handler who did not wash hands with soap after using the bathroom.
Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there is cross contamination caused by handling of the contaminated product, in people as well, especially children, the aged, and people with compromised immune systems. Healthy people potentially infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. On rare occasions, 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 contaminated pet treats 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. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled treats and/or has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
Hartz is taking immediate steps to remove the product from all retail stores and distribution centers. Dog owners who purchased this product should check the lot code on their bag, and, if the code is not visible, or if the bag has lot code JC23282 imprinted thereon, they should immediately discontinue use of the product and discard it in a proper manner.
Consumers can contact Hartzat 1-800-275-1414 with any questions they may have and to obtain reimbursement for purchased product.
May 9, 2008 | Filed Under bones, chewing, dogs, pets | No Comments
Whether you have a brand new puppy or a faithful old friend, one of the best things you can do for your dog is provide him with a chew bone or chew toy/treat of his very own. Aside from being just plain fun, bones provide important benefits:
•Bones improve dental health by helping to scrape away plaque, control tartar buildup, and maintain gum health. This diminishes bad breath, keeps teeth whiter, and reduces the risk of potentially serious dental problems.
•Bones provide stimulating activity by entertaining your dog for hours and keeping his mind stimulated. This is especially important for older dogs who may not be as active.
•Bones satisfy your dog’s innate urge to chew, helping you to avoid destructive (and frequently expensive) chewing behavior from both puppies and adult dogs.
•If you have a puppy, bones relieve your puppy’s teething pain, and stimulate the growth of adult teeth.
•When choosing what bones to carry, Petlane makes safety and quality their top priorities. We purchase from a company that does not allow any chemicals or preservatives to be used on the bones, uses only FDA food grade natural flavorings, and supplies only USDA inspected products. Our bones will not permanently stain your carpet – any spots can be easily removed with standard carpet cleaner. Go ahead, give your dog a bone and satisfy your dog’s innate need to chew – safely. Note that for safety reasons dogs should never be left unattended with a bone.
