Is My Pet's Food Safe?

 Pet foods are making the news again as more pets, as well as people, are becoming sick from contaminated foods. Most of the contaminated foods are voluntarily recalled and removed from store shelves, however, it is important to check your home supply to make sure it is safe.

Certain brands of dry dog and cat foods have been tainted with Salmonella. Salmonella infections can cause diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramping up to three days after infection. The illness can last up to a week, and if the infection is severe enough, hospitalization may be necessary. If your pet is showing any of these signs, please call Smith Veterinary Hospital immediately to bring in and get started on treatment.

  Consumers should discard any of the recalled product, and be sure to wash well after handling the foods or an ill pet. People can become sick after handling the contaminated food or by contact with a pet who has eaten contaminated food. The affected foods are found throughout the U.S. and Canada, but so far have not been sold in California. More contaminated foods are added to the list as they are discovered.

 Please check the U.S. FDA website regularly for updates.