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.

Xylitol Poisoning

                 Xylitol Poisoning

There's lots of good things about sugar substitutes; weight loss, improved health, diabetic control, and even reduced tooth decay. Lots of good things for humans, that is ... however, the staff here at Smith Veterinary Hospital would like to warn you that they can be deadly for your dogs.  

Xylitol is one of the leading sugar substitutes. It is commonly found in gum, mints, candies, and even toothpaste and mouthwash.

There are two ways Xylitol can affect your dog:

Hypoglycemia:  

In the canine body, the pancreas confuses xylitol with sugar and releases insulin. This results in the blood sugar levels plummeting, causing weakness, disorientation, tremors, and potentially seizures; Vomiting and diarrhea can also occur. It doesn't take much Xylitol for these symptoms to occur. Symptoms can begin within 30 minutes of ingestion and can last for more than 12 hours.

Hepatic Necrosis:                                  

The other reaction associated with Xylitol in the canine body is actual destruction of liver tissue. Although some lucky dogs will only experience temporary illness, others can have complete and acute liver failure which can result in death. Internal hemorrhage and inability of blood to clot is commonly involved.

Treatment
Ideally, the patient should be seen immediately (within 30 minutes) and can be made to vomit the gum or candy. Often, a sugar IV drip is needed for 24 hours. Liver enzyme and blood clotting tests are monitored for 2 to 3 days. Blood levels of potassium are monitored as well.

For more information on animal poisonings visit  http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/ .