Everyday Items That Are Hazardous to Our Pets’ Health

It can happen to even the best pet owners. You turn around for one second and the dog is into the chocolate that was sitting on the counter, or the cat has discovered the Easter lily you thought was safely out of the way.

“We just don’t realize how determined our pets are to eat the things they shouldn’t,” Dr. Tina Wismer, DVM, medical director for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, says.

Of the more than 180,000 cases that the organization handled in 2013, most of them involved pets who’d ingested human prescriptions. “Many children with ADHD don’t want to take their medications, so they leave pills on their plates, where pets can get at them,” Dr. Wismer says. “Even nonprescription medications, such as ibuprofen, can be a problem, because many brands have a sweet coating, so it’s like candy for dogs.”

As part of National Poison Prevention Week (March 15-21), Vetstreet has compiled an A-to-Z photo gallery of common pet poisons that should be on your radar. This list is not all inclusive, so for more information on these and many other toxins, check out the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website and talk with your vet.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen, which is found in Tylenol and other medications, can cause liver damage in dogs. Cats are even more sensitive: Ingestion of a single 325 mg tablet by a 10-pound cat can cause red blood cell damage and even be fatal.
Toxicity Ranking: moderate to severe.

Batteries
Batteries can be toxic to both dogs and cats, leading to ulcers in the mouth, esophagus and stomach.
Toxicity Ranking: moderate to severe.

Chocolate
Chocolate can cause seizures and death in dogs and cats. Darker chocolate, such as unsweetened baker’s chocolate, is more toxic than milk or white chocolate. Even cocoa bean mulch, when eaten in large quantities, can be a problem.
Toxicity Ranking: mild to severe

Detergents
Detergents and fabric softener sheets can cause ulcers in the mouth, esophagus and stomach in dogs and cats. The newer laundry pods, which contain concentrated detergent packaged under pressure, may pose a greater risk. When pets bite into the pod, the contents can be forcibly expelled, then inhaled or swallowed in large amounts.
Toxicity Ranking: mild to moderate.

Ethylene Glycol
Ethylene glycol is found in antifreeze, windshield de-icing agents and motor oils. Dogs and cats are attracted to its sweet taste, but as little as a teaspoon in cats or a tablespoon in dogs can cause kidney failure. Recently, antifreeze and engine coolant manufacturers have agreed to voluntarily add bittering agents to reduce the products’ appeal to pets and children.
Toxicity Ranking: severe to fatal.

Fertilizers
Fertilizers can contain poisonous amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc, herbicides and pesticides. Keep dogs and cats away from treated lawns until they are dry. Check the product packaging, though, since some products must be rinsed into the lawn before it is safe to walk on.
Toxicity Ranking: mild to moderate.

Grapes
Grapes, raisins and currants — even grape juice — in small amounts can cause kidney failure in dogs.
Toxicity Ranking: moderate to severe.

Household Cleaners
Household cleaners, such as bleach, drain cleaners and toilet bowl cleaners, can cause gastrointestinal ulcers and other problems in dogs and cats.
Toxicity Ranking: varies.

Insecticides
Insecticides in flea and tick products can cause problems if not used according to labels. Insecticides that are meant for dogs can cause severe toxicity in cats, leading to signs such as vomiting, seizures and difficulty breathing. Products intended for treating the yard or house should not be used on pets.
Toxicity Ranking: mild to severe.

Jimson Weed
Jimson weed, also known as devil’s trumpet, can cause restlessness, drunken walking and respiratory failure in dogs and cats.
Toxicity Ranking: moderate.

Kerosene
Kerosene, gasoline and tiki torch fluids can cause drooling, drunken walking and difficulty breathing in dogs and cats. If these products contain antifreeze, they are even more problematic.
Toxicity Ranking: mild to severe (potentially life threatening).

Lilies
Lilies — Easter, day, tiger, Japanese and Asiatic varieties — can cause kidney failure in cats. Lilies of the valley can cause heart rhythm problems and death in dogs and cats.
Toxicity Ranking: moderate to severe.

Mothballs
Mothballs, especially if they contain naphthalene, can be toxic to dogs and cats, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, increased drinking and urination, and seizures.
Toxicity Ranking: moderate to severe (potentially life threatening).

Medications
Nonprescription medications, such as ibuprofen, can lead to severe ulcers and anemia, as well as liver and kidney failure in pets.
Toxicity Ranking: moderate to severe (potentially life threatening).

Onions
Onions, garlic, leeks and chives can be toxic in dogs and cats. When chewed or swallowed, these ingredients can cause anemia and gastrointestinal upset.
Toxicity Ranking: mild to moderate.

Prescription Medications
Prescription medications, such as antidepressants and ADHD and cardiac drugs, are commonly ingested by pets when pills are dropped on the floor or left on counters. Even a small dose can cause problems.                                            Toxicity Ranking: varies.

Queensland Nuts
Queensland nuts, also known as macadamia nuts, can cause lethargy, vomiting and difficulty walking in dogs.
Toxicity Ranking: mild to moderate.

Rodenticides
Rodenticides, such as mouse and rat poisons, can contain a number of different toxins, which have different effects on dogs and cats. Several common ingredients, like warfarin and coumarin, can cause blood-clotting problems and hemorrhaging.
Toxicity Ranking: mild to severe.

Sago Palms
Sago palms are one of a number of toxic plants for dogs and cats. Ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and seizures, as well as liver failure in dogs.
Toxicity Ranking: severe

Tobacco
Tobacco can be toxic to both dogs and cats. Ingestion of nicotine in the tobacco plant or in cigarettes or patches can lead to vomiting, tremors, collapse and death.
Toxicity Ranking: moderate to severe.

Unbaked Bread Dough
Unbaked bread dough can expand in the stomach. If the stomach twists, cutting off the blood supply, emergency surgery is needed. The yeast in the dough can also produce alcohol, leading to seizures and respiratory failure.
Toxicity Ranking: mild to severe.
Veterinary Prescriptions
Veterinary prescriptions, such as arthritis medications, are often meat flavored, which can be enticing to dogs. Ingestion of large quantities can result in stomach ulcers, liver failure or kidney failure.
Toxicity Ranking: moderate to severe.

Windshield Wiper Fluid
Windshield wiper fluid can contain methanol or ethylene glycol. Ingestion of methanol can cause low blood sugar and drunken walking in dogs and cats.
Toxicity Ranking: mild to moderate.

Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar-free sweetener commonly found in chewing gum, breath mints and toothpaste. In dogs, it can lead to dangerous drops in blood sugar and liver failure.
Toxicity Ranking: mild to severe.

Yard Products
Yard products, including snail and slug bait, herbicides and fertilizers, are never good for pets. Signs will vary by the ingredient.
Toxicity Ranking: varies.

Zinc
Zinc toxicity can happen when dogs and cats eat metal or coins. Ingestion of pennies minted after 1982 can be more problematic. Zinc can cause anemia, as well as liver, kidney or heart failure.
Toxicity Ranking: moderate to severe.

Flint River Ranch Statement on Continued Pet Food Recalls

Hello FRR Family!

This coming October marks Flint River Ranch’s 19th anniversary! In those years, Flint River Ranch has helped set the industry’s standard for Super Premium pet foods; all-natural formulas made with human-quality ingredients without the addition of potentially harmful preservatives. Our use of superior ingredients, along with important quality controls and a dedicated oven-baking manufacturing process, produce simple, healthy, all-natural holistic canine and feline foods you trust.

While competition in our industry has increased, Flint River Ranch’s commitment to quality has never wavered. While some heavily-marketed brands lack solid nutrition, many manufacturers have followed the natural trend and tried to improve their offerings. Since it’s expensive to manufacture an all-natural, quality pet food, some regrettably took short-cuts. These short-cuts; like using cheaper imported ingredients, or short cutting safe production methods, proved harmful to pets and resulted in major pet food recalls that unfortunately continue to happen again & again. The stress, anger and even heartache by the past industry recalls is understandable and now with a third recall by the Natura™ company within 12 months, has caused damage to the entire industry and forced some customers to question what they are feeding their beloved pets.

Flint River Ranch continues to use high-quality, tested & safe ingredients. We have never been subject to or involved in a pet food recall nor had a negative regulatory review. We have never used ingredients from China, even before Chinese-sourced ingredients came under scrutiny. We will always think of the end result of our products; your pets, first!

Flint River Ranch follows the general concept of “Occam ‘s Razor“; of the simplest is often the correct solution and a product must not be multiplied beyond necessity. Flint River Ranch will always support the general philosophy of keeping our products simple.

We have truly appreciated your support during the past 19 years and look forward to the next 19 and beyond. Our sincere thanks from the entire Flint River Ranch Team to our loyal customers and hardworking distributors! It is enriching to be involved in your lives, and we take our responsibility of your pets health very seriously.

Thank you for your continued support of Flint River Ranch!

Jay P. Margedant, President
Flint River Ranch
www.frrco.com /123513

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Bravo! Raw Frozen Dog Food Recall

April 3, 2013 — Bravo! of Manchester, Connecticut has announced it is voluntarily recalling three of its raw diet frozen foods for dogs and cats because they could potentially be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.
According to the company…
“…while these products tested negative for pathogens by an independent third party prior to distribution, they were run on the same day or an adjacent day to a product that tested positive for pathogens.
“The product that tested positive has been 100 percent contained and is not subject to this recall.”

What’s Being Recalled?

Item #21-405 – 5 lb chub (tube) of Bravo! Chicken Balance frozen raw diet with a “best used by” date of 3-6-15 or 3-12-15 printed on the plastic casing of the package

Item #21-102 – 2 lb. chub (tube) of Bravo! Chicken Blend frozen raw diet with a “best used by” date of 3-21-15 printed on the plastic casing of the package

Item #51-508 – 5 lb. bag of Bravo! Beef Blend Burgers with a “best used by” date of 3-21-15 or 3-22-15 printed on the back panel of the plastic bag

No other products are affected.

About Salmonella

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products. There’s also risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products — especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products 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 arte rial 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.

What to Do

For more information, consumers should visit the Bravo website or call 866-922-9222 Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET.

You can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.
Or go to Pet Food Complaints.

Related articles

• 3 More Bravo! Raw Frozen Food Diets For Dogs And Cats Recalled (health4uandpets.typepad.com)
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• The Most Common Causes of Food Poisoning (everydayhealth.com)
• Consumer Warning from Minnesota Department of Agriculture regarding Bravo! Pet Food And Steve’s Real Food (health4uandpets.typepad.com)

EVO, Innova, California Natural and HealthWise Dog Food Recall

March 18, 2013 – Natura Pet Products has announced it is recalling four of its most popular brands of dry dog, cat and ferret foods due to possible contamination with Salmonella bacteria.
Brands being recalled include:

EVO
Innova
California Natural
HealthWise
No Karma, Mother Nature, wet or treat products are included in this recall.
No illnesses have been reported from the recalled products and no other P&G Pet Care brands are involved.
What’s Being Recalled?
Please visit this table of recalled products for complete details.
What to Do?
You can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.
Or go to http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.

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Honest Kitchen Recalls Five Lots of Dog Food

The Honest Kitchen has today announced it is voluntarily recalling five lots of its Verve, Zeal and Thrive dog foods because they may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.

The items were produced between August and November 2012 and sold nationwide in the US and Canada via retail stores, mail order and online after August 2012.
No other Honest Kitchen production dates, batches, or products are affected.
About Salmonella
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea
Abdominal cramping
Fever
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.
Animals with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some animals will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain.
Infected but otherwise healthy animals can be carriers and infect other animals or humans.
If your animals have consumed the recalled product and display these symptoms, you are advised to contact your veterinarian.
About the Recall
The Company is taking this action after learning that one of its raw ingredients suppliers has recalled a batch of human‐grade parsley that may contain Salmonella .
The batch of parsley was shipped to the Company in 2012 and used in the production of five lots of Honest Kitchen products.
The Honest Kitchen claims to regularly test for Salmonella and other pathogens as part of its quality control process — and has not received to date received any reports of illness associated with these product lots.
The Company is proceeding with this action to ensure the safety and quality of its products.
According to Lucy Postins, company founder and CEO…
“While our quality control tests did not find evidence of Salmonella in any of our finished products, we are accountable for everything we make, and are taking precautionary action to ensure the safety and integrity of our products.”
What’s Being Recalled?
The lots being recalled are:

What to Do?
Consumers who purchased the above lots of Honest Kitchen Verve, Zeal or Thrive products should stop feeding the products to their pets, remove the UPC (bar code) and lot code from the packaging, and discard the contents in a covered trash receptacle.
Lot codes are located on the top of product boxes either adjacent to or opposite the UPC.
For questions, consumers are invited to call the company at (866) 437-9729. Or send an email to info@thehonestkitchen.com.
Customer service representatives will be available Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm PST.
You can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.
Or go to http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.

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