Happy Veteran’s Day!

JOJOVET

ABCs of Death 2: M is for Monstrosity

http://26th.abcsofdeathpart2.com/entry/m-is-for-monstrosity/

Click on link and vote!

Avoid Jerky treats! They have NOT been pulled off the shelves!

Just a reminder that, contrary to images and posts circulating on social media, there have NOT been any recalls of jerky treats associated with the problem being investigated by FDA. Most of these treats are still available on shelves. The treats in question are made in China – although at this point, I would consider avoiding all jerky treats (until there is less confusion).

http://supermarketnews.com/center-store/retailers-not-addressing-issue-jerky-treats?page=1

M is for Monstrosity!

http://26th.abcsofdeathpart2.com/entry/m-is-for-monstrosity/

Bailey’s Choice Dog Treats – recall alert!

Georgia company recalling pet treats

A Georgia-based company is recalling some packages of dog treats due to possible salmonella contamination, according to the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

Bailey’s Choice Dog Treats, LLC, of Waleska, Ga., said it is recalling packages of chicken treats in various sizes marked with lot number #132881 and expiration date Feb. 2014, along with five-ounce bags of chicken jerky with a lot number of “Jun 5 2013.”

Inspectors from the Georgia Department of Agriculture are in the process of checking retail stores and warehouses to ensure the recalled products have been removed from sale.

The Department of Agriculture said in a press release that dogs that have become infected by consuming treats contaminated with Salmonella may experience fever, lethargy, diarrhea or mucus in stool, vomiting, dehydration, weight loss or rapid heart rate. Pets experiencing these symptoms should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. This bacterial disease is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted to humans.

No illnesses have been reported, according to the statement.

Anyone who bought the treats should immediately discard them. Bailey’s Choice Dog Treats LLC will provide a full refund and can be reached at 770-881-0526, thomdo4570@gmail.com or online at www.baileyschoicetreats.com.

Halloween Dangers to Dogs and Cats from Pet Poison Helpline.

The four most common food-related Halloween hazards for pets are chocolate, candy overindulgence, raisins and candy wrappers. Read about other Halloween dangers at Pet Poison Helpline such as wagging tails by candles. This information is from PET POISON HELPLINE – BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THEIR PAGE! http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owners/seasons/halloween/

 

 

 

Halloween Dangers to Dogs & Cats

 

 During the week of Halloween, calls to the veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline increase by 12 percent, making it the call center’s busiest time of year.   “Each year we experience a sharp increase in calls around Halloween, especially during the weekends surrounding the holiday,” said Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS, assistant director at Pet Poison Helpline.

 

“Most often, these calls involve pets accidentally ingesting Halloween candy or décor. Chocolate is one of the most problematic candies as dogs and cats cannot metabolize it as well as people. Thus, it places them at risk for poisoning.”

 

The four most common food-related Halloween hazards for pets are chocolate, candy overindulgence, raisins and candy wrappers.

 

Is chocolate poisonous to dogs?

 

 

Of all candy, chocolate is one of the most toxic to pets. Over the past year, more than 1,100 calls to Pet Poison Helpline involved exposure to chocolate and 98 percent of them involved dogs. Many dogs are inherently attracted to the smell and taste of chocolate, making it a significant threat. In general, the darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more poisonous it is. The chemicals in chocolate that are dangerous to pets, methylxanthines, are similar to caffeine and more heavily concentrated in the darker varieties. In fact, a 50-pound dog can be sickened by ingesting only one ounce of Baker’s chocolate! On the other hand, it may take up to eight ounces, (half a pound) of milk chocolate to cause poisoning in that same sized dog. White chocolate contains very low amounts of methylxanthine and rarely causes poisoning. To avoid issues, keep Halloween candy well out of the reach of pets at all times. If you think your pet may have ingested chocolate, symptoms to watch for include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, agitation, increased thirst, an elevated heart rate, and in severe cases, seizures.

 

Candy overindulgence:

 

Pets are indiscriminate when it comes to eating tasty treats and can gorge themselves on snacks and food meant for humans. Large ingestions of sugary, high-fat candy can lead to pancreatitis in pets. Potentially fatal, pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and very painful. It may not show up for two to four days after the pet ingests the candy. Symptoms include decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, and potentially, kidney failure or organ damage.

 

Are grapes & raisins poisonous to dogs?

 

GrapesSome people prefer to distribute healthy snacks instead of candy on Halloween, such as mini-boxes of raisins. These are extremely are poisonous to dogs! Very small amounts of raisins (and grapes) can cause kidney failure in dogs and, potentially, cats. When it comes to your pets, raisins deserve the same pet-proofing treatment as chocolate – stored in secure containers far from their reach. Unfortunately, some dogs develop idiosyncratic reactions at any dose – in other words, they can ingest any amount and potentially be poisoned. Therefore, any ingestion of raisins or grapes should be treated as a “poisoning” case. Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, decreased appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, and severe kidney failure.

 

Candy wrappers:

 

Generally when pets eat candy, they don’t bother to remove the wrappers. Ingestion of foil and cellophane wrappers can cause a life-threatening bowel obstruction, which if severe, can require surgical intervention to correct. Watch for vomiting, decreased appetite, not defecating, straining to defecate, or lethargy. X-rays may be necessary to diagnose this problem.

 

Glow sticks and glow jewelry:

 

 

Pets, especially cats, love to chew on these items. Over the past year, Pet Poison Helpline received nearly 80 calls concerning pets that punctured glow sticks or glow jewelry, and 70 percent of the calls involved cats. While not usually life-threatening, their contents can cause pain and irritation in the mouth, as well as profuse drooling and foaming at the mouth.

 

Costumes:

 

Pets look cute dressed in costumes, but they might not enjoy it as much as their owners. If you dress your pet in a costume, be sure it doesn’t impair his vision, movement or air intake. If the costume contains metallic beads, snaps or other small pieces, be aware that if ingested, some metals (especially zinc and lead) can result in serious poisoning. Also, don’t be tempted to dye or apply coloring to your pet’s fur. Even if the dye is labeled non-toxic to humans, it could still be harmful to pets.

 

Candles

 

Keep candles out of the reach of curious noses and wagging tails. Sometimes pets don’t realize something is hot until they get burned.

 

 

 

During this Halloween season, help keep your pet safe. If you think your pet has ingested something poisonous, the veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline suggest that you get help sooner than later. It’s always easier, less expensive, and safer for your pet to be treated earlier, versus when he’s showing severe symptoms. Contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately at 1-800-213-6680.

JoJo Ramone getting ready for Halloween!

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How to file a complaint about jerky treats from the FDA and Pet Poison Helpline!

From the FDA – how to report a complaint about jerky pet treats. They advise all pet owners to submit information through the Safety Reporting Portal with the help of your vet. Read more about the information they’re looking for:

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/2013/10/report-complaint-jerky-pet-treats/

The Butcher Shop House of Gore!

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http://butchershophouseofgore.tripod.com/

FDA Releases Progress Report on Jerky Pet Treat Investigation

Breaking news! FDA releases progress report on jerky treats that have been harming cats and dogs. See this link for specific info for pet owners and specific info for vets (Dear Dr. Letter). While the cause of harm has not yet been identified, there has been a significant decrease in the number of cases since much of the product was removed from the market. What to watch for: “Within hours of eating treats sold as jerky tenders or strips made of chicken, duck, sweet potatoes and/or dried fruit, some pets have exhibited decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus), increased water consumption, and/or increased urination.” – from Pet Poison Helpline.

http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm371450.htm