One year our veterinary staff treated two small dachshunds that gorged themselves on an untended leftover turkey so even if you don’t feed your pets from the table they just might help themselves when no one is looking. While turkey may just make people sleepy- it creates major problems in pets:
- Turkey bones are hollow and break easily, splintering into sharp pieces, which, when chewed, can cause blockage and perforate the intestinal tract.
- A pet with a turkey bone lodged in his system may not show symptoms for 1 or 2 days. -When symptoms do occur they may include loss of appetite, depression, diarrhea or vomiting. While the bone may pass by itself, sometimes it must be surgically removed.
- Besides the dangers associated with overeating, turkey sitting out too long at room temperature can cause salmonella organisms to multiply, poisoning the pet.
And while we’re on the subject of what not to feed your pet-in addition to the dog jerky treats from China that have caused concern but have yet to be recalled, several pet food companies are now voluntarily recalling certain products that may have been contaminated with salmonella. These particular recalls are precautionary measures since no cases of illnesses in pets have been reported to date:
- TBD Brands is voluntarily recalling certain lots of its Yoghund Organic Banana & Peanut Butter frozen yogurt treats for dogs because the treats contain Sunland Inc. peanut butter that may be contaminated with salmonella which has causing illness in people in 29 states.
- In a related move, pet food company Dog for Dog is joining the recall out of caution and asking owners to return the company's Dogsbutter, a canine peanut butter.
- Due to possible salmonella contamination, pet food company Nature's Recipe has voluntarily recalled its Nature's Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken and they advise pet owners who bought the treats to dispose of them
- Kasel Associated Industries voluntarily issued a recall of its Nature's Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats due to possible salmonella contamination. These are American-made chicken jerky treats and have no connection to the jerky treats from China
- Breeder's Choice issued a voluntary recall of one batch of AvoDerm Natural Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Adult Dog Formula because a sample from that batch was tested and found to be contaminated with salmonella.
- Arthur Dogswell is voluntarily recalling 1,050 cartons of Catswell brand VitaKitty Chicken Breast with Flaxseed and Vitamins due to possible propylene glycol contamination. Propylene glycol may lead to anemia and oxidative cell damage. The contaminant was identified during routine FDA testing.
To find out if your pet’s food has been recalled go to the Food and Drug Administration website at www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/newpetfoodrecalls/
