Please go to the FDA link for recalled peanut butter containing pet products .

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm#PetFood

Mars Petcare US Issues Voluntary Recall of a Limited Number of Bags of SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Sold at Wal-Mart locations in Fifteen States due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Contact:
Debra Fair
MARS PETCARE US
(973) 691-3536

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — FRANKLIN, Tenn. – October 27, 2008 – Mars Petcare US today announced a voluntary recall of a limited number of bags of SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend dry cat food sold at Wal-Mart locations in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia. The pet food is being voluntarily recalled following a positive test result indicating a potential contamination with Salmonella.

This product should not be sold or fed to pets. Pet owners should dispose of product in a safe manner (example, a securely covered trash receptacle) and return the empty bag to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there is cross contamination caused by handling of the pet food, 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 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.  Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

There have been no complaints or reports of illness resulting from consumption or handling of the recalled product.

Pet owners who have questions about the recall should call 1-877-568-4463 or visit www.petcare.mars.com.

Recalled Pet Food
Product: SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend Dry Cat Food
Best If Used By Date: AUG 11 09
Best If Used By Date Location: Back of bag
Production Lot Code: 50 XXXX X  (Found on back of bag just after “Best If Used By” date. Consumers should look for “50″ as the first two digits of the second line.)
UPC Code: UPC code numbers can be found directly underneath the bar code on the package. Please find recalled pet food UPC information below.

Affected Stores: Wal-Mart locations in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia.

In an effort to prevent the transmission of Salmonella from pets to family members and care givers, the FDA recommends that everyone follow appropriate pet food handling guidelines when feeding their pets. A list of safe pet food handling tips can be found at: www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/petfoodtips080307.html

Pet owners who have questions about the recall should call 1-877-568-4463 or visit www.petcare.mars.com.

FDA Alert

The Hartz Mountain Corporation Voluntarily Recalls One Specific Lot of Nationwide Chicken-Basted Rawhide Chips Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
John Mullane
(914) 712 9150

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — October 20, 2008 — The Hartz Mountain Corporation, Secaucus, NJ is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of Hartz Chicken-Basted Rawhide Chips due to concerns that one or more bags within the lot are potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Hartz is fully cooperating with the US Food and Drug Administration in this voluntary recall.

Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs, and, if there is cross-contamination caused by handling of the rawhide chips, 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 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. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and can potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

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.

Although Hartz has not received any reports of animals or humans becoming ill as a result of coming into contact with this product, 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 Hartz at 1-800-275-1414 with any questions they may have and to obtain reimbursement for purchased product.

Mars Petcare US Issues Voluntary Recall of Everson, PA Plant Dry Pet Food Product due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Please visit FDA link for details

http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/marspetcare09_08.html

Please find recalled pet food UPC information below.

The products listed below are made at our Everson facility on behalf of a variety of retailers.  All code dates, with the exception of PEDIGREE®, are listed in a similar format as noted below:
Consumers should look for “17” as the first two digits of the second line. Sample:
Best By Feb 18 09
17 1445 1

For PEDIGREE® the Everson code date format is as follows:

Consumers should look for “PAE” on the bottom line – the sixth, seventh and eighth digits.  Sample:
PEDIGREE ® Small Crunchy Bites
Best Before 02/2009
808G1PAE01  12:00

In an effort to prevent the transmission of Salmonella from pets to family members and care givers, the FDA recommends that everyone follow appropriate pet food handling guidelines when feeding their pets. A list of safe pet food handling tips can be found at: www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/petfoodtips080307.html

Pet owners who have questions about the recall should call 1-877-568-4463 or visit www.petcare.mars.com.

Recalled Pet Food
           
Note:  If you see a product you purchased listed below, please review the code date information samples from above to confirm that your product is included in the recall.

Mars Petcare US Issues Voluntary Recall of Limited Bags of PEDIGREE® Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites at Albertsons in Southern California and Las Vegas due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Contact:
Debra Fair
(973) 691-3536

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — FRANKLIN, Tenn. – August 08, 2008 – Mars Petcare US today announced a voluntary recall of limited bags of PEDIGREE® Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites sold in Albertsons stores in Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. The pet food is being voluntarily recalled because of potential contamination with Salmonella. There have been no complaints or reports of injury resulting from consumption or handling of the recalled product.

The product should not be sold or fed to pets. Pet owners should dispose of product in a safe manner (example, a securely covered trash receptacle) and return the empty bag to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there is cross contamination caused by handling of the pet food, 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 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. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Recalled Pet Food

Product: PEDIGREE® Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites
Size: 20-pound bags
UPC Code: 23100 14719
Lot Code: 830BFCAT02
Best Buy Date: 07/2009
Best Buy Date Location: Back of bag
Affected Stores: Albertsons locations in Southern California and Las Vegas.

In an effort to prevent the transmission of Salmonella from pets to family members and care givers, the FDA recommends that everyone follow appropriate pet food handling guidelines when feeding their pets. A list of safe pet food handling tips can be found at: www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/petfoodtips080307.html

Pet owners who have questions about the recall should call 1-877-568-4463 or visit www.petcare.mars.com.

FDA News

FDA Requests Seizure of Animal Food Products at PETCO Distribution Center

Today, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Marshals seized various animal food products stored under unsanitary conditions at the PETCO Animal Supplies Distribution Center located in Joliet, Ill., pursuant to a warrant issued by the United States District Court in Chicago.

U.S. Marshals seized all FDA-regulated animal food susceptible to rodent and pest contamination. The seized products violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because it was alleged in a case filed by the United States Attorney that they were being held under unsanitary conditions. (The Act uses the term “insanitary” to describe such conditions).

During an FDA inspection of a PETCO distribution center in April, widespread and active rodent and bird infestation was found. The FDA inspected the facility again in May and found continuing and widespread infestation.

“We simply will not allow a company to store foods under filthy and unsanitary conditions that occur as a direct result of the company’s failure to adequately control and prevent pests in its facility,” said Margaret O’K. Glavin, associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. “Consumers expect that such safeguards will be in place not only for human food, but for pet food as well.”

The distribution center in Joliet, Ill., provides pet food products and supplies to PETCO retail stores in 16 states including Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.

FDA has no reports of pet illness or death associated with consumption of animal food distributed by PETCO, and does not have evidence that the food is unsafe for animals. However, the seized products were in permeable packages and held under conditions that could affect the food’s integrity and quality.

As a precaution, consumers who have handled products originating from the PETCO distribution center should thoroughly wash their hands with hot water and soap. Any surfaces that came in contact with the packages should be washed as well. Consumers are further advised as a precaution to thoroughly wash products sold in cans and glass containers from PETCO in the 16 affected states.

If a pet has become ill after eating these food products, pet owners should contact their veterinarian and report illnesses to FDA state consumer complaint coordinators.

YOUR PET’S SAFETY (PART ONE) - FOOD ITEMS THAT POSE A DANGER TO YOUR PET

>By Eric R. Hurwit, D.V.M. It’s hard to resist. They’re sitting there salivating, looking up at you while you have your dinner. Or maybe they’re watching you throw away the leftovers or table scraps. There’s no harm in sharing, right? WRONG! Don’t give in. Many of the foods we are able to digest and metabolize can be dangerous to your pet; and although we often associate food with affection, there’s no love in making your pet sick.
While many foods like cooked lean boneless chicken or turkey, rice and potatoes in the correct proportion, are fine for your pet - the following items should be avoided entirely.

THE SKINNY ON FATTY FOODS

Fatty foods pose a particular problem to pets since guardians often share their food with their pets, or their pet sneaks it out of the garbage or away from children. Fatty foods such as pan drippings, poultry skin with fat, roast beef or animal greases can make your pet quite ill. Your pet may like the taste of such foods, but their digestive systems are not equipped to deal with large quantities of fats. These fats are not the same as the Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon oil and flax seed oils that are used in supplements.
Signs of gastrointestinal upset due to fatty foods include:

• Not wanting to eat (anorexia)
• Depression, lethargy, agitation
• A painful abdomen Distressed vocalizations or excessive panting
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

In more serious cases, the pancreas can become inflamed (pancreatitis) and cause its digestive enzymes to not only begin to digest the pancreas, but to leach out into the abdomen and cause widespread damage. Pancreatitis can be a life-threatening condition and requires immediate medical attention by your veterinarian.

IF IT’S FURRY AND LOOKING AT YOU, IT’S NOT YOUR GARBAGE CAN!

Spoiled food can lead to food poisoning in pets just as it can in humans. Bacteria and molds can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, pancreatitis as well as neurologic signs (unsteady stance or walking, tremors, seizures). Vomiting and diarrhea are common signs of food poisoning. Your pet should be seen immediately by your veterinarian if it shows signs of food poisoning.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              NO “TAR TAR” FOR TOTO

Raw meats can contain parasites and high bacterial levels which can lead to infections. If meats are part of your pet’s diet, they should be lean and fully cooked.

KEEP IT CLEAN

Always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly for your small pets, such as rodents and rabbits. This will reduce potentially harmful bacteria populations and residual insecticide and pesticide contamination.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           THEY HAVE ALL THE BONES THEY NEED

Animal bones may also be a danger to your pet as they can splinter, forming shards that can lacerate and / or puncture through sections of the digestive tract. They can also form obstructions if larger pieces of bone are swallowed. This often requires surgical removal of the foreign material. In addition, raw, undercooked or store-bought bones can often contain high bacterial counts which can cause diarrhea and vomiting.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            A MUDSLIDE MEDICAL EMERGENCY

Chocolate contains a chemical known as theobromine which can cause excessive stimulation of the brain and heart, leading to tremors, seizures, elevated heart rate (tachycardia), diarrhea, urinary accidents and vomiting. These effects can be life threatening and require specific medical management by a veterinarian. The amount of chocolate that will cause toxic effects depends on the theobromine content of the chocolate and the amount consumed by your pet. The highest concentrations of theobromine are found in baking chocolate and pure cacao powders, and decreases from dark chocolate to milk chocolate. Cacao bean mulch used in landscaping can also be a potential source of toxicity. While a single M&M would not likely cause notable toxic effects in most dogs, even a small amount of dark chocolate could cause toxic effects to a small dog. The most common causes of chocolate exposure for dogs are from family members, especially children, feeding candies or desserts to the dog, or from the dog taking it from a table or from the garbage. If you suspect or know your pet has gotten into chocolate, call your veterinarian immediately for advice.

Peterson, Michael E. , Talcott, Patricia A. SMALL ANIMAL TOXICOLOGY, Saunders 2001 p 563-569

NO ESPRESSO FOR FIDO

Coffee and coffee grounds contain the stimulant caffeine which, like chocolate, causes excessive stimulation of the nervous system and heart. Pets begin acting restless about an hour after exposure. They may show signs similar to chocolate toxicity including tremors, seizures, elevated heart rate (tachycardia), diarrhea, urinary accidents and vomiting. Caffeine toxicity can be life threatening. Again, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately if your pet has ingested coffee or grounds.

Peterson, Michael E. , Talcott, Patricia A. SMALL ANIMAL TOXICOLOGY, Saunders 2001 p 563-569

SUGAR: THERE’S NO SUBSTITUTE

Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in sugar-free products such as gum, toothpaste, children’s vitamins and baked goods. In dogs, xylitol can cause blood sugar to drop to dangerously low levels (hypoglycemia). It may lead to acute liver failure with or without the signs of hypoglycemia. Signs of exposure in dogs include weakness, shaking, and / or seizures due to hypoglycemia. These may occur within an hour of the time of ingestion. Signs including lethargy and vomiting may be seen within a day due to acute liver failure. If you suspect or know your dog has ingested products containing xylitol, see your veterinarian right away, as prompt medical treatment is critical. This is a potentially fatal toxicity, so take precautions including reading ingredient labels for products containing xylitol and keeping these products out of reach of your dog.

1.Dunayer EK, Gwaltney-Brant SM. Acute hepatic failure and coagulopathy associated with xylitol ingestion in eight dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2006; 229; 1113-1117
2. Dunayer EK. New findings on the effects of xylitol ingestion in dogs.Vet Med 2006, Dec; 791-796

A NUTTY TOXICITY

Macadamia nuts found in candies, cookies and as roasted nuts can cause weakness, particularly in the hind limbs of dogs. Tremors, unstable stance or difficulty walking (ataxia), vomiting and depression have also been seen in macadamia nut toxicity. The exact principle or mechanism is not yet fully understood, but in most cases pets return to normal within a few days.

1. Steven R. Hansen, DVM, MS, DABVT, Macadamia nut toxicosis in dogs “Toxicology Brief”, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Copyright 2002, Veterinary Medicine Publishing Group 1717 S. Philo Road, Suite 36, Urbana, IL 61802
2. Hansen, S.R. et al.: Weakness, tremors, and depression associated with macadamia nuts in dogs. Vet. Hum. Toxicol. 42 (1):18-21; 2000.

THEY MAY BE SWEET, BUT THEY’RE NOT DOG TREATS

Grapes and raisins can lead to life-threatening kidney failure in some dogs and possibly in cats. Not all dogs develop acute kidney failure after exposure, but it is not a test you want to perform. So, the best solution at this time is not to allow your pet to ingest grapes or raisins. The exact mechanism of toxicity is not understood, but acute renal failure (kidney) is common with even relatively small quantities of ingested grapes or raisins. Vomiting may be one of the first signs noted within a few hours of exposure. Other signs including depression or lethargy, diarrhea, increased drinking (Polydipsia), and abdominal pain may develop within several hours to days. As with all toxicities, the sooner a veterinarian can begin decontamination and supportive treatment, the better the prognosis for your pet. A wait-and-see approach may lead to life-threatening kidney failure and a grave prognosis for your pet.

1. Katrina McKnight, BS, CVT Grape and Raisin Toxicity In Dogs Veterinary Technician February 2005 Toxicology Brief 135 ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Urbana, Illinois
2. Means C: Health, The wrath of grapes. ASPCA Animal Watch. Available at http://www.aspca.org/site/DocServer/grapes.pdf?docID=189; updated 2002.
3. Mazzaferro EM: Case report: Acute renal failure associated with raisin or grape ingestion in 4 dogs. J Vet Emerg Crit Care 14(3):203–212, 2004.
4. Gwaltney-Brant S, Holding JK, Donaldson CW, et al: Renal failure associated with ingestion of grapes or raisins in dogs. JAVMA 218:1555–1556, 2001.

BAD FOR YOUR BREATH AND YOUR PET

Onions (Allium) and related plants including garlic, scallions, shallots, and leeks contain compounds that damage red blood cells which leads to their destruction by the body (hemolysis). Red blood cells are the oxygen-carrying cells in blood. This onion-related loss of red blood cells is known as Heinz Body Anemia and can be severe enough to be life threatening. Like many toxicities, onion toxicity is dose dependent, i.e. the more that is ingested, the more severe the toxic effect. It doesn’t matter if they are raw, cooked, or in powdered seasonings.

Typical effects of onion toxicity include:

• Decreased or lack of appetite (anorexia)
• Depression
• Weakness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Pale or yellow (icterus) gums, lips, whites of the eyes, or inside of ear
• Increased breathing rate or respiration.

If promptly and properly treated, many cats and dogs will make a good recovery. But again, prompt medical attention is important.

Peterson, Michael E. , Talcott, Patricia A. SMALL ANIMAL TOXICOLOGY, Saunders 2001 p 248, p280 Denise M. Simmons, TOXICOLOGY BRIEF Onion Breath 424 Veterinary Technician August 2001

HOLD THE GUACAMOLE

Avocados (Persea americana) contain a compound known as Persin which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats, and potentially fatal respiratory and heart toxicity in birds and rodents. All parts of the plant contain the toxic compound Persin in various amounts, and pets should be protected from ingestion of any part of the plant.

Peterson, Michael E. , Talcott, Patricia A. SMALL ANIMAL TOXICOLOGY, Saunders 2001 p 305

If you know or suspect your pet has ingested a harmful or toxic substance of any kind, or if your pet is showing signs of illness, talk to a veterinarian immediately. Don’t waste precious time waiting to see if your pet recovers. Some toxicities may appear to improve but may worsen later, and lead to serious complications. Contact your veterinarian as soon as you know or suspect a problem to give your pet a better chance for recovery. Your veterinarian will be able to determine whether or not your pet needs to be seen immediately, or if home treatment or monitoring is appropriate. You may be asked by your veterinarian to contact animal poison control to secure an initial case number. The contact numbers are listed below. Please make sure your veterinarian specifies which service to call. And remember: prevention is the key!

ASPCA NATIONAL ANIMAL POISON CONTROL CENTER 1-888-426-4435
This is a national 24-hour service provided by the ASPCA. There is a $50.00 fee for the initial call.

PET POISON HELPLINE 1-800-213-6680
This is a national 24-hour service provided by the Pet Poison Control Center. There is a $35.00 fee for the initial call.

© Eric R. Hurwit, www.GalacticPet.Com

By Eric R. Hurwit DVM

Following is the first of an multi-part series on finding the perfect veterinarian. In this article, we’ll focus on the need to have an accessible veterinarian for emergency situations

Why the search?

Maybe you have moved to a new town, or have gotten your first pet — or maybe you were unhappy with your last veterinarian and are trying to find a new one. Whatever the reason for your search, having the right veterinarian is critically important for the health of your new family member. It is an investment in a source of veterinary medical information and guidance for yourself and family.

This search is a task requiring diligence and patience, and depending on your location, you may have quite a selection of veterinary clinicians, clinics, and hospitals to choose from. If you take your time investigating and asking the right questions, you are likely to find the right match for you and your furry family member. Remember, you have options as a consumer and can always take your business elsewhere if you’re displeased with your current veterinary care.

While there is no way to be one hundred percent certain of your choice of veterinarian, and no one veterinarian, clinic, or hospital is going to be perfect in every way, it’s possible to find a truly competent veterinarian and facility that meets your standards and matches your personality.

The “Golden Hour”

Imagine this scenario: You have come home after work, or you’re outside working on the yard on a Saturday afternoon and you come inside to find your companion (the furry one) collapsed, or unresponsive, or suffering from a major physical trauma. You’re in a panic, confused and scrambling for the phone book to call a veterinarian. In a true emergency you may have what is called the “Golden Hour,” though usually far less, to get your pet immediate medical attention.

This scenario is one of the most unfortunate and critical situations. Unless your current veterinarian is the closest one to you and is open twenty four hours a day, you should do some research before you face an emergency:

• First, locate the veterinary clinic or hospital that is the closest and or has the shortest driving time. They do not have to become your regular veterinarian. You’re just looking for who can provide the necessary care in the shortest time.
• Once you have found one or more locations, call them to ask if they provide emergency care and/or if they are equipped to stabilize a patient in the event of an emergency.
• Know their hours of service.
• Become familiar with the driving route by either driving to the hospital and or mapping out the route.
• Consider setting up an account ahead of time to save time in the event of an emergency. This is a particularly good idea if your pet is being treated for a current medical condition.

If your closest veterinarian does not provide twenty-four hour service, you should also know the phone number, location, and driving route to the closest twenty-four hour or overnight veterinary emergency hospital. Once your pet has been stabilized, you can always transport them to your regular veterinarian. Note that some overnight emergency hospitals are only open overnight and do not provide services during the day. They will require that your pet is picked up for transfer to a full-service hospital or taken home in the morning.

On the road

Being prepared is equally important when you are away from home. If you plan to travel with your pet, take a copy of your pet’s current medical record with you as well as a photo of your pet in case of an emergency. Take the time before the trip to make sure you know the locations and contact information for veterinary hospitals at your destination and at locations along the way if you are driving and plan to stay overnight along the way.

Financing an emergency

Being prepared for an emergency also involves being prepared financially in order to afford the cost of emergency medical care and possibly the cost of extended hospital care. Ways to finance medical care include:

• Care Credit, a credit service that allows you to cover the cost of medical care by splitting up the cost into monthly payments. There are no finance charges as long as payments are made on time. You can apply for Care Credit online at http://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/endorsements.html or call (800) 677-0718. You can access Care Credit from our website GalacticPet.Com . Select Pet Insurance, Care Credit, then click “visit this business.”
• Pet insurance can provide for needed financial assistance in the event of an emergency. Please visit our site and select the Pet Insurance category for the listings for Pet Insurance providers.
• A savings account may also help in the event of an emergency. Setting aside a little money each week can help to cover your pet’s medical expenses.

In the event of a true emergency, being well prepared can save precious time and help the chances of your companion’s survival. Please take the time and effort to be well prepared. Both you and your companion will be grateful you did!

© 8/4/07 Dr. Eric R. Hurwit, www.GalacticPet.Com

Bravo pet food company Voluntary Pet Food Recall  9-18-07 

Recalled Diets: 

• BRAVO ORIGINAL FORMULA CHICKEN BLEND
  • Product Numbers: 21-102, 21-105, 21-110
  • Sizes: 2 pound, 5 pound and 10 pound tubes
  • Batch ID code (on hang tag): 236
  • Reason for Recall: Salmonella, Listeria
• BRAVO BASIC FORMULA FINELY GROUND CHICKEN
  • Product Number: 21-212
  • Size: 2 pound tube
  • Batch ID Code (on hang tag): 226
  • Reason for Recall: Salmonella, Listeria
• BRAVO ORIGINAL FORMULA TURKEY BLEND
  • Product Numbers: 31-102, 31-105, 31-110
  • Sizes: 2 pound, 5 pound and 10 pound tubes
  • Batch ID code (on hang tag): 236
  • Reason for Recall: Listeria

For Details:http://www.bravorawdiet.com/recallinfo.htmlContact: David Bogner
(866) 922-9222 

Please Read:

FDA Tips for Preventing Foodborne Illness Associated with Pet Food and Pet Treats http://www.fda.gov/cvm/CVM_Updates/foodbornetips.htm 

Recall — Firm Press Release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Select Krasdale Gravy Dry Dog Food 5lb Bags Voluntarily Recalled in Five States

Contact:  Renee Kopkowski (908) 850-7935

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — FRANKLIN, Tenn. — August 21, 2007 — Mars Petcare US, Inc. today announces a voluntary recall of select five pound bags of Krasdale Gravy dry dog food sold in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and