brands known to source ingredients from chinaAnimal Parents Against Pet Treats and Food Made in China.
Beware: Brands known to Source Ingredients from China. Reminder: Facebook does NOT notify us of comments on our NOTES. We will gladly respond to questions, but please post directly to our page!!! ~Thx. This is just a partial list of brands to beware of; ANY treat/food that is made in China should not be given to our pets. If you know of a brand made in China that isn't listed, please add to the thread and we will get it on the list - please be as specific as possible. (Please note: while all these brands DO import from China, it is possible that not all of their items are imported, but to date, all of the chicken jerky treats ARE imported and most of the duck and sweet potato jerky as well.) *Waggin Train (Nestle/Purina) *Canyon Creek Ranch (Nestle/Purina) *Nestle Purina *Effective 4/2014, Milo's Kitchen, a product of Big Heart Pet products (formerly Del Monte) states that they no longer import and products from, including even trace ingredients like vitamins.* *Milo's Kitchen* (prior to 4/14) *Dogswell *American Kennel Club *Hartz *Dingos *Beefeaters *Golden Rewards *Westminster Pets (Wag-n-Tails) *Nature's Variety Instinct *Pack N Pride *Kirkland *Royal Canin *Redwood Pet *PCI Chicken Tenders and Chicken Nibbles *Dog Nip *Cadet *Meijer *Pet Botanics *DreamBones *Ranch Rewards *Good-n-tasty / Healthy-hide *Sargents *Ever Pet ($$ General) *Home Pet 360 *Walgreen's brand - Simple *Walgreen's brand - Nice *Pet Shoppe *Freebirds *TheKingdomPets.com *Sheps (Aldis) *Pork Chomps *VitaLife, Pet Authority & President's Choice *Target's Boots & Barkley *C.E.T. Chews (Vietnam) *Canine Carry Outs *Smart bones *Loving Pet Gourmet Duck *Ruffin' It Healthfuls Sweet Potato Slices-Westminster *PetWestern Family brand chicken jerky ( Price Smart Foods) *Booda Bones - Aspen Pet www.aspenpet.com, www.petmate.com pet 'n shape: http://www.petnshape.com/products.html Informative articles: http://goodnessgracioustreats.wordpress.com/2010/06/12/where%E2%80%99s-the-beef/ http://www.littlebigcat.com/blog/sweet-potato-treats-from-china-causing-kidney-failure/ http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2012/04/recall-alert-chicken-soup-for-the-pet-lovers-soul/ Yam Good: http://www.examiner.com/article/beware-sweet-potato-treats-from-china-too Chew Masters: http://reviews.costco.ca/2070-en_ca/10339433/celebrity-chewmasters-chicken-jerky-2-pack-reviews/reviews.htm Sold in the UK: http://www.armitages.co.uk/goodboy/deli_treats.php Sold in Australia: VitaPet PUR LUV : http://www.gloucestercitynews.net/clearysnotebook/2013/02/dog-lover-says-treats-may-kill-pets-by-jack-bouboushian-sharethis-chicago-cn-sergeants-pur-luv-dog-treats-ca.html https://www.facebook.com/notes/animal-parents-against-pet-treats-and-food-made-in-china/beware-brands-known-to-source-ingredients-from-china/237619832994309 
DETERGENTSCaution: Chewing on This Popular Product Could Be Deadly
(Dr Becker - Healthy Pets) An item that doesn’t often show up on lists of household products toxic to pets is laundry detergent. But it should, because most detergents and soaps contain ionic and anionic surfactants. When ingested in small amounts, these chemicals can cause GI upset in a pet, such as excessive drooling, vomiting or diarrhea. Fortunately, it’s unlikely most pets would have the opportunity or desire to ingest a large amount of bottled detergent. But a new concern these days are those little brightly colored laundry detergent pods that smell good and look like candy or some other type of yummy treat to a small child or a pet. It’s conceivable that a pet might eat enough pods to cause an obstruction in the GI tract, but the greater danger of laundry and also dish detergent pods is actually the potential for an animal, typically a dog, to bite into them and inhale the detergent. According to ASPCA Animal Poison Control, dogs make up over 90 percent of detergent pod poisonings. Cats account for just 6.5 percent.1 Why Detergent Pods Are So DangerousThe reason pods are more dangerous for pets than simply licking a bit of spilled detergent off the floor or their fur is the product formulation. The detergent in the pods is both highly concentrated and under pressure. If a pet bites down on the pod, it can cause the liquid to be forcefully expelled and easily aspirated (breathed in) or swallowed, often in large amounts. So even if you are using more natural or chemical free detergents in pods, there are still substantial risks. Detergent is foamy, and when an animal ingests the stuff and then vomits, the foam can be pulled into the lungs. In a worst-case scenario, the detergent coats the airways and hampers oxygen exchange in the lungs, which causes suffocation. Of the cases reported to the Pet Poison Helpline during 2013 and 2014, 72 percent of pets exposed to detergent pods developed symptoms of toxicity. Eighty-four percent had vomiting, 21 percent experienced coughing, 17 percent became lethargic, and 13 percent developed shortness of breath, wheezing, or other irritation of the respiratory tract. Another problem with pods is they’re often more accessible to a curious pet than bottled detergent due to their convenient packaging. A pod can easily wind up on the floor where a pet can find it and gnaw on it. The pods are designed to dissolve in water, so saliva from a dog’s mouth can weaken the plastic and cause the contents to leak out even if the pet hasn’t actually punctured the package. Treating Detergent PoisoningThere is no antidote for poisoning caused by exposure to laundry or dishwasher detergent. The focus of treatment is to dilute the exposed area, typically the mouth, skin or eyes, as much as possible by rinsing until the slick feel of the soap is gone. If there is persistent vomiting or respiratory symptoms, aspiration should be suspected. If you think your pet has bitten into a detergent pod, first rinse out his mouth until the soapy feeling is gone. Do the same with any other exposed areas. Call your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic right away. If your pet isn’t vomiting, your vet may give him small amounts of water or milk to dilute the detergent. If there is detergent on his coat, it should be thoroughly rinsed away. Needless to say, if your pet has persistent vomiting or difficulty breathing, it’s doubly important that you see a veterinarian immediately. Remember to keep all laundry products out of the reach of your pet and young children. dOG FOOD RECALLS/WARNINGS
Aflatoxins, Melamine, and Cyanuric Acid found in US Made Pet Food
(truthaboutpetfood.com) A Hong Kong based consumer association tested numerous brands of kibble (dry) pet foods and found 3 U.S. made pet foods to contain aflatoxins, two U.S. made pet foods contained melamine, and another U.S. made pet food contained cyanuric acid. The Consumer Council of Hong Kong just published findings of testing performed on 39 different dry/kibble pet foods; 20 dog foods and 19 cat foods. Their testing found “the presence of the carcinogen aflatoxin B1, and the contaminants melamine and cyanuric acid in some of the samples.” All levels of aflatoxins found in the Consumer Council testing were below established limits of the European Union Commission, and below established limits of FDA. However as the Hong Kong consumer group pointed out low levels of aflatoxins over time remain a serious risk to pets. Veterinarians they consulted stated “since aflatoxin B1 is a known carcinogen, it should best be avoided; long-term exposure to aflatoxin B1 could increase the risk of liver impairment, tumors in liver, and suppressed immune system.” The U.S. manufactured pet foods the Consumer Council found to contain aflatoxin B1 are:
And then the bad news continues. The Consumer Council reported their testing found melamine in:
A single comment posted on the South China Morning Post article stated… “What else would you expect? especially from USA, a nation where the average resident consumes tons of adulterated meat and other unhealthy foods. Their meat is full of growth enhancing chemicals and drugs. In Las Vegas for instance, the food slops left over at casino breakfast buffets is cooked into a thick soup and fed to the pigs being raised on nearby farms. The same recycled food is then supplied as bacon or pork fillet to the casinos from whence it was collected as waste a few months earlier. American pet food producers will probably blame being caught out on China. Everything wrong in the world these days is China’s or Russia’s fault.” And I have to say – this comment has some valid points. The food/feed that is allowed to be fed to our animals (pets and livestock) in the U.S. is unforgivable. Poultry litter (yes, poultry poop) is an allowed ingredient in cattle feed. Almost any type of food waste – contaminated with anything from pesticides to rodent filth – is welcome to be included into all pet foods and animal feeds in the U.S. While China certainly must own their responsibility of melamine laced vegetable proteins pet food ingredients and illegal drug residues in jerky treats – here in the U.S. our animal food/feed system is a horrendous mess. I’ve been told by regulatory authorities at both a state and federal level that their budget is often the challenge – specifically lacking a budget to do any type of proper testing for pet food contaminants. State governments provide very little funding to their pet food regulatory divisions, and the FDA is financially strapped by Congress. But here we (consumers) are…trying our best to safely feed our pets (and ourselves). We just paid our taxes – which becomes the salaries of those regulatory authorities. Aren’t we due some regulatory protection with our pet foods and treats? I’m not sure what the fix is. But low levels of aflatoxins and melamine/cyanuric acid found in pet foods is not it. Instead, it is history repeating itself…again and again and again. How sick do our pets and us have to become until someone of authority realizes that the food system needs a major overhaul? To learn more about the dangers of aflatoxins/mycotoxins – even at low levels – in pet food, Click Here to read a very interesting paper published on this topic. To learn more about the dangers of melamine and cyanuric acid, talk to one of the thousands of pet food consumers who watched their pets die in 2007. Wishing you and your pet(s) the best, Susan Thixton Pet Food Safety Advocate Author Buyer Beware, Co-Author Dinner PAWsible TruthaboutPetFood.com Association for Truth in Pet Food What’s in Your Pet’s Food? Is your dog or cat eating risk ingredients? Chinese imports? Petsumer Report tells the ‘rest of the story’ on over 2500 cat foods, dog foods, and pet treats. 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. www.PetsumerReport.com 2014 List Susan’s List of trusted pet foods. Click Here BOULDER DOG FOOD COMPANY, L.L.C
Doctor Karen Becker PET FOOD RECALL ALERT! See http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm451991.htmfor more information. 
Dog Food Recalls
(Dog Food Advisor)
Dog Food Recalls July 2014
(Dog Planet) Proctor & Gamble has issued a press release regarding a voluntary recall they are performing on select Iams and Eukanuba dry dog & cat foods, due to a possibility of Salmonella contamination. Fortunately, according to P&G, there have not yet been any reports of illness due this contamination. A dog who has ingested salmonella may be lethargic and have diarrhea (possibly with blood), fever, and vomiting. Some dogs will have only decreased appetite, fever and stomach pain. Infected dogs 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 ASAP. http://www.dogsplanet.net/Very-URGENT-2-major-dogs-food-brands-issue-recall BENEFUL
2015 Beneful
Warning:
Blue Buffalo Company Letter to Food Advisor 3 out of 4 of my dogs started vomiting and pooping blood a week after they had been on Blue Lifesource small breed adult weight control my 2nd dog made my bathroom look like a murder scene, it was no longer diarrhea, it was straight blood all over the floor, wall, and cabinet. When I went to my vet he informed me he had 5 other cases not including mine...what we all had in common was that we were feeding them blue. He sent me to consumer reports, which had 422 comments 73% of which gave the lowest score possible, full of complaints of their pets suffering from the same symptoms. A co worker thought she would have to put her dog down, but as soon as she switched him from blue he was back to normal. The same issue with my friend's cat...her cat was having issues, when she was my problems she switched from blue and now her cat is fine. I reported them to the better business bureau, for which I got the following response Blue Buffalo gets slammed by a shit storm of new lawsuits
(poisonedpets.com) Nestlé Purina PetCare Company (Purina) aren’t the only people suing Blue Buffalo, now consumers have jumped on the litigation bandwagon and Blue Buffalo is getting slammed by a multitude of lawsuits alleging deceptive advertising practices. The growing number of lawsuits filed against Blue Buffalo keep growing and they are claiming, among other things, that the company falsely represented that their pet food does not contain ingredients – such as chicken/poultry by-product meals and corn – when it appears as if Blue Buffalo’s pet food might actually contain those ingredients. http://www.poisonedpets.com/blue-buffalo-gets-slammed-by-a-shit-storm-of-consumer-lawsuits-based-on-deceptive-advertising-claims/ Purina: A Year to the Day after Being Sued, Blue Buffalo Finally Admits By-Product Meal in a “Substantial” and “Material” Portion of their Pet Food
(Canine Chronicle - May 7, 2015) http://caninechronicle.com/featured/purina-a-year-to-the-day-after-being-sued-blue-buffalo-finally-admits-by-product-meal-in-a-substantial-and-material-portion-of-their-pet-food/
Bill Bishop in Response to the Nestle Purina Lawsuit
Letter #4--From Blue Buffalo Founder and Chairman Bill Bishop Responds to Purina's Expanded Claim http://bluebuffalo.com/about-us/whats-new-at-blue/nestle-purina-lawsuit-response-4/ EUKANUBA
Recall Alert: P&G Recalls Eukanuba Dry Dog Food (Pet MD) EVERPET
Please share!!! My friend ran out of her normal dog food and ran down to the Dollar General for a quick bag of food. She feed it to her sweet little Dachshund for 2 days. And has now passed away. Vet confirmed he passed away from this dog food. Please share so no one else has to lose their pet. Thank you! — with Brandy Steele-Hughes.
HILL'S SCIENCE DIET
Hill’s Recalls 62 Bags of Science Diet® Adult Small & Toy Breed
(Truth About Pet Food) (http://truthaboutpetfood.com/hills-recalls-62-bags-of-science-diet-adult-small-toy-breed) June 3, 2014 Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls 62 Bags of “Science Diet® Adult Small & Toy Breed™” Dry Dog Food in California, Hawaii and Nevada Because of Potential Health Risk FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 2, 2014 – Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. of Topeka, KS is voluntarily recalling 62 bags of Science Diet® Adult Small & Toy Breed™ dry dog food as they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The suspect product, part of a single production run, was distributed to 17 veterinary clinic and pet store customers in California, Hawaii and Nevada between April 24 and May 13, 2014. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is 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 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. 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. This voluntary recall is limited to 62 15.5 lb. bags of Science Diet® Adult Small & Toy Breed™ dry dog food with the Stock-Keeping Unit (SKU) code, “Best before” date and production code shown below. This product was accidentally released, as revealed during a routine inventory reconciliation. All 17 affected customers have been contacted by Hill’s and there have been no reported illnesses related to this product to date. Product NameBag SizeSKU“Best Before” Date/ Production CodeScience Diet® Adult Small & Toy Breed15.5 lbs.909708 2015 M094 The SKU number is located on the bottom of the bag, both side panels and on the back lower right hand corner below the UPC code. As illustrated below, the “Best before” date and production code is stamped on the top, middle of each bag. Click Here for FDA recall notice. NUTRISCA
Nutrisca’s Chicken and Chickpea Recipe dry dog food is being recalled because it may be contaminated with salmonella. http://wwlp.com/2015/02/12/dog-food-recall/ PEDIGREE
Pedigree Dog Food Recall Expanded http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-recall/pedigree-dog-food-recall-expanded/ PRO - PET LLC
Pro-Pet LLC recalls dry pet food due to possible salmonella contamination (VPI) February 6, 2014 Another pet food recall has been announced. According to a press release issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on February 5, 2014, Pro-Pet LLC has recalled a limited number of dry dog and cat foods due to possible salmonella contamination. Even though there have been no reports of illness related to these pet foods to date, the voluntary recall was issued because a single field test indicated products manufactured during a two-day period on one production line may have the potential for the contamination. Those living in the following states should pay particular attention to this recall alert: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and West Virginia. Please refer to the FDA press release for specific products, lot codes, best by dates and UPC numbers. If you have purchased an affected product, you may contact the customer service line for Pro-Pet LLC at 1-888-765-4190 for further information. Customer service representatives will be available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT. How salmonella poisoning affects pets and humans: Salmonella can affect dogs, cats and other animals eating contaminated products. There is 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 arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with a contaminated 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 presents these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately for further advice. PURINA ONE
Recall Alert: Purina One http://dogingtonpost.com/recall-alert-purina-one-beyond-chicken-and-barley-dry-dog-food/#.UiaB2jZtiSq 
RAW DOG FOOD RECALL
Dog Food Recalled for Possible Salmonella Contamination (Food Safety News - May 16, 2015) OC Raw Dog of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, is voluntarily recalling 2,055 lbs. of Turkey & Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulation because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The recall is limited to Turkey & Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulations that were packaged into 6.5 lb. Doggie Dozen Patties and 5 lb. Bulk Bags with the lot number 1511 and use-by date of 10/8/15. The products were distributed in Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Colorado and sold to consumers through independent pet specialty retailers. This recall is a result of a routine sampling program by the Nebraska Department of Food and Agriculture which revealed a presumptive positive result of Salmonella. OC Raw Dog has ceased the production and distribution of the product while FDA and the company continue to investigate what caused the problem. Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. It can affect animals eating the products, and there is 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 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 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 have these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. |
ELECTRONIC CIGARETTESDog Dies After Eating Electronic Cigarette Capsule
(Sara Gates - Huffington Post) A warning to pet owners: Keep cigarettes -- even electronic ones -- out of reach. A dog owner in the United Kingdom is mourning the loss of his 14-week-old puppy, Ivy, this week after the dog devoured an electronic cigarette cartridge. On Sunday, a nicotine capsule fell out of Keith Sutton's pocket, and his playful pup got ahold of e-cigarette filler before Sutton could intervene, the Western Daily Press reports. "She had chewed it and pierced the plastic container. She had only ingested the tiniest amount but by the time I picked her up she was frothing at the mouth," Sutton said, according to the outlet. Though Sutton drove Ivy to a veterinarian hospital in Hayle, Cornwall, within 10 minutes, it was already too late, the BBC reports. The Staffordshire bull terrier had punctured the capsule of concentrated liquid nicotine with her teeth, delivering a lethal dose of the drug. The local veterinarian injected Ivy with steroids, but the dog was unable to recover and died of acute nicotine poisoning on Monday. It seems the Ivy's age may have been a factor. Since the puppy was only a few months old, she was particularly vulnerable to the effects of the toxin, the BBC reports. If ingested, nicotine may cause vomiting, tremors and an abnormal heart rate in cats and dogs. Now, Sutton is seeking to warn other pet owners of the potential dangers of e-cigarettes. "A warning really needs to go out that they are lethal," Sutton said, according to the West Briton newspaper. "If this is what a small amount on does to a dog, then what would it do to a child?" If a pet is poisoned by a substance, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends owners call the organization's poison control centerand their local veterinarian. MEDICATIONSANGEL'S EYES
The Hidden Message Behind Your Pet's Tear Stains (By Dr. Becker) In August of this year, the FDA sent a letter of warning to three manufacturers of tearstain removal products.1 The reason? They contain the antibiotic tylosin tartrate, which is not approved for use in dogs or cats, or for the treatment of tearstain-related conditions. The companies receiving the letters included the makers of Angels’ Eyes, Angels’ Glow, Pets’ Spark, and two exported products, Glow Groom and Health Glow. One or more of these products may be familiar to you if you’ve ever had a pet with tear staining – though you may not have been aware they contain an antibiotic. The FDA has warned that if the products remain on the market, the agency may seize them or file an injunction against the manufacturers. Tylosin tartrate is approved by the FDA for use in livestock, but not in dogs and cats except when prescribed by a veterinarian. I think this is a good move (which is not a blanket endorsement of the FDA, by the way). I can’t imagine how these over-the-counter products containing tylosin tartrate have been sold under the radar for so long, especially since it is widely acknowledged that antibiotics are overused in the U.S., and antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a serious public health concern. The company that makes Glow Groom and Health Glow actually admitted to FDA inspectors that they do not list tylosin tartrate on the labels of their exported products to avoid detection by customs in the countries receiving them.2 Tear Staining: What Is It? What Causes It? Tear staining is usually caused by epiphora, which is the technical word for excessive tear production. The tearstains themselves are reddish-brown streaks under a dog’s (or cat’s) eyes. The condition is much more prevalent in certain breeds (for example, the Maltese, the Lhasa Apso, and the Shih Tzu), and is much more obvious in animals with light-colored coats. While tear staining is typically no more than a minor annoyance, it can also be a symptom of a serious eye health problem. Medical causes of tear staining can include: Ingrown eyelashes Infection of the eye Unusually large tear glands Unusually small tear duct openings Glaucoma or another eye disease Entropion (inverted eyelid) Brachycephalic syndrome Ear infection Medications Exposure to secondhand smoke Poor-quality diet Plastic food bowls Stress Teething in puppies If you have a dog or cat with tear staining, I recommend talking about it with your veterinarian at your next appointment. It’s important to rule out medical causes before you assume it’s a simple matter of too much tear production. Why Some Pets Have or Show More Tear Staining Tear stains are typically the result of porphyrins. Porphyrins are naturally occurring molecules containing iron – waste products from the breakdown of red blood cells -- and are mostly removed from the body in the usual way (in poop). However, in dogs and cats, porphyrin can also be excreted through tears, saliva, and urine. When tears and saliva containing porphyrins sit on light-colored fur for any period of time, staining will occur. And if it seems your pet’s tearstains are worse after he’s been outside, you’re not imagining things. The iron-containing stains do indeed darken when exposed to sunlight. Now, if the stains are more of a brown color than rust colored, it’s likely your pet has developed a yeast infection on her face because the fur under her eyes is constantly wet with tears. Brown stains from a yeast infection are different from red staining caused by porphyrins. This can be important to know if you’re trying to resolve brown stains with a product intended for red stains, or vice versa. Yeast infections are also odiferous, so if your pet’s face smells, think yeast. Pets can also have both a porphyrin stained face and a secondary yeast infection from the constantly moist skin. To confuse matters further, currently, we can only guess at why some dogs make more porphyrin than others (and therefore have more tear staining). We can assume genetics and innate bacterial levels are involved, because certain breeds and lineages can be more prone to staining. But I have seen excessive porphyrin production in incredibly healthy animals eating a clean diet of organic, fresh food with no environmental toxin exposure (including vaccines). And I have seen the same amount of porphyrins in very unhealthy animals that I know are eating toxic food and living in toxic environments. How to Treat Tearstains Safely You can do a lot to control your pet’s tear staining by keeping his face meticulously clean and free of porphyrin-containing moisture. This means gently wiping his face at least twice a day with a soft, warm, damp cloth, keeping his face hair trimmed, and if necessary, making regular appointments with a groomer. Other suggestions:
COMFORTIS
Comfortis flea treatment causes vomiting and death in dogs Comfortis is a chewable tablet that kills fleas and prevents flea infestation on dogs for a month. It sounds good, but it has a very dangerous side effect-death http://www.examiner.com/article/comfortis-flea-treatment-causes-vomiting-and-death-dogs 
FIRST SHIELD TRIO
Isle of Palms Bark Park May 9 · Ronin just suffered the most terrifying seizure and I thought i was going to lose him today. I didn't know it was a seizure while it was happening so I assumed the worst. Yesterday, around 1PM I gave him his new flea/tick medicine (a topical) and everything seemed fine. Today I let him outside and he vomited twice and then began walking sideways, erratically, with a paralyzed look of fear in his eyes. He rolled over the hillside and tumbled awkwardly down and started seizing uncontrollably. It was the longest 2 minutes of my life. I could do nothing for him in those moments but offer comfort. When the seizing stopped he didn't recognize me at all. He ran away from me, growled at me several times and looked terribly confused. After about 5 minutes he started to snap back and I got him inside and calm. We took him to the vet immediately and this medication is the culprit. Please avoid using this on your dog at all costs. I can't ever unsee that seizure or unfeel the helplessness and heartbreak of watching it all unfold, but I can certainly spread the word and let every pet owner know not to administer this poison to your dogs. FLURBIPROFEN
ALERT: FDA Warns Popular Topical Pain Medication Toxic to Pets (Dr. Ernie Ward, DVM - Pet Health Network) The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an official warning that topical pain medications containing flurbiprofen are dangerous to animals, even in tiny amounts. The warning was the result of several reports of household pets becoming ill or dying after the guardians used flurbiprofen topical pain relief formulations. Flurbiprofen is a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat arthritis, joint pain, muscular discomfort and other aches. It was originally marketed as Ansaid® (Pfizer), then Froben® (Abbott), and is now widely available in generic form. It is similar to ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®), naproxen (Naprosyn®), and other NSAIDs. Flurbiprofen is commonly added to pain relieving creams and lotions, and that may be how pets, especially cats, are being accidentally poisoned. Pets and medications Cats seem particularly sensitive to NSAIDs such as flurbiprofen. For years veterinarians have warned cat owners to avoid Tylenol (acetaminophen) and never give your dog or cat aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs without consulting with your veterinarian first. Add flurbiprofen to that No-Try List. What prompted this warning? The FDA revealed that the guardian of two cats sickened by flurbiprofen had recently used a pain-relieving cream on the neck and feet. The guardian did not recall the two cats eating, licking or otherwise directly contacting the cream. These two cats developed kidney failure and fortunately recovered with veterinary care. Another household had three cats that became sick and died, despite aggressive veterinary care. The guardian had also used a flurbiprofen-containing product prior to the cats developing clinical signs. All three cats eventually died and had necropsies performed, confirming NSAID toxicity. Clinical signs of flurbiprofen and NSAID toxicity are severe and abrupt. Many cats will progress to critical condition within 24 to 72 hours of NSAID exposure. Dogs may also be affected by flurbiprofen and NSAIDs, although they appear to be less sensitive to developing life-threatening toxicity. What are the signs of NSAID poisoning? Clinical Signs of Flurbiprofen and NSAID Toxicity in Cats and Dogs include: Decreased appetite and reluctance to eat
If you use a topical pain relief product, it’s critical to keep these medications away from your dog or cat. If you apply a topical cream or lotion, avoid touching your pet for several hours and only after thoroughly washing. Be careful contacting couches, chairs and bedding with these preparations. Curious cats and dogs may lick residues and become poisoned. Cats may be affected by tiny amounts of flurbiprofen and there may be risk of continued exposure to tiny amounts over several days or weeks. Veterinarians have been seeing an increase in inadvertent poisonings from topical medications over the past several years. Hormone and testosterone gels, cancer medications, nicotine patches, topical steroids and pain treatments have all been reported to cause accidental toxicity in pets. This latest FDA warning reminds us that as we seek convenience and relief for ourselves, there may be unintended consequences for our pets. Treat your pain, but remember even our most seemingly safe medications may be deadly to our furry family members. HARTZ FLEA AND TICK
Hartz Products Are Killing Our Pets This is my dog at the Vet. Over a month ago I bought Hartz Ultraguard Flea and Tick drops. This is what it has done to him. When I told my Vet what I used they told me that he had a reaction to the pesticides in Hartz products. When I called Hartz with my issue...I was told "death is the number one side effect and just don't use Hartz" After this has happened I have found many websites such as HartzVictims.org, WordPress and many Facebook pages. How and why would a company sell products that can do this to pets? Hartz has no Heart.....all for the money. Terrible and shame on anyone that works for Hartz and you know the truth about your flea pet treatment products. ~ Member & Sad Dog Owner of Hartz Products Are Killing Our Pets IVERHART HEARTWORM PREVENTION
RECALL ALERT: Iverhart Chewable Heartworm Prevention (Dogington Post) Top 10 canine toxicants:
(Dr. Justine Lee - Pet Health Network)
TRIFEXIS
Warning - Trifexis ATLANTA -- Grieving animal lovers across the country are coming forward blaming a popular pet drug for killing their dogs. Channel 2 Action News has uncovered several cases in Metro Atlanta. "It's like a piece of your heart is being torn out," said dog owner Beth Timms from Gainesville. Her dog, Gizmo, died after taking Trifexis. The once-a-month pill made by Elanco is a combination pill for heartworm, parasites and flea prevention. Elanco is the animal health division of pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly. Gizmo was a healthy 12-year-old mixed-breed. Shortly after taking Trifexis for the first time, she suffered lethargy, vertigo, seizures and a 106-degree temperature. "We had to let her go. We had to have her put to sleep," Timms said. "I killed my dog." Timms emailed consumer investigator Jim Strickland after finding a Facebook page titled "Trifexis Kills Dogs." Owners from all over the country have posted on the page, blaming the drug for their dogs’ deaths. The Facebook page led Strickland to a home in Sandy Springs, where a dog bowl still sits empty in the corner. The dog who once used it was a puppy named Bishop. "He died. For no reason, no warning," said Bishop's owner Jenny Schmitt. Bishop was a 16-week-old Vizsla, which is a Hungarian hunting dog. He was one of seven in a litter born in June from an American Kennel Club Grand Champion. Three of Bishop's litter mates are thriving in Florida. A fourth is a healthy puppy living Buckhead. None of them has ever had Trifexis. Bishop and the other two litter mates, named Tucker and Jade, each received their one and only dose of Trifexis in September. Bishop and Jade died within three weeks. Tucker died in six days. Veterinarians ruled they all died of heart inflammation. "I think Eli Lillly and Elanco need to ask the broader question, 'Does this drug even need to be on the market?'" Schmitt said. Elanco is headquartered outside of Indianapolis. Strickland went there to speak with one of Elanco's top veterinarians. Dr. Stephen Connell insisted Trfiexis is safe. He said he gives it to his own dogs. Connell said Elanco has dispensed 50 million doses since Trifexis hit the market less than three years ago. "We don't like the fact that it has killed any dogs. But with any pharmaceutical product, we understand that the very rare sensitivities, allergic events -- those types of things are going to happen," Connell said. Elanco's spokesman later said Connell didn't mean to say the company doesn't like that Trifexis killed any dogs, but rather the company doesn't like hearing reports of any deaths. Strickland got the numbers on reports about Trifexis made to the Food and Drug Administration. The latest figures are as of April 2013. Pet owners have filed 2200 reports of the drug causing their dogs to vomit. There are 600 cases of lethargy, and 31 reports of dog deaths. That's about one per month since the drug hit the market. The warning on the Trifexis box states mild side effects. Connell admitted to Strickland that the company has gotten reports of dogs suffering seizures, but Elanco has found no link to any dog deaths. A University of Georgia Veterinary School pathology report on Bishop's death stated a bacterial infection likely caused the dog's heart failure. It ruled his symptoms were not typical of drug toxicity. Trifexis contains two drugs, spinosad and milbemycin. "The spinosad is from the United States. The milbemycin is sourced from China" said Connell. He added their Chinese supplier has had multiple inspections and is a non-issue. He also addressed the deaths of the puppies. "It is our opinion that there are other factors involved in this case," Connel said. Bishop's owner doesn't believe that. "The three puppies that all died within the same week, all had Trifexis, all around the same time," Schmitt said. "It's a heck of a coincidence." ( Ingredient's From CHINA ) 
Dogs Naturally Magazine
There have been many reports of the heartworm drug Trifexis® being responsible for the deaths of 700 pets. That’s 120 more than have died from eating Chinese chicken jerky. And just like the jerky, veterinarians and the FDA are slow to do anything about it. Read more:http://bit.ly/1eJhQhs WORN SHIELD HEARTWORM DRUGS
Recall Alert: Worn Shield Heartworm drugs for dogs http://www.mynews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/news/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2013/10/3/recall_alert_worm_sh.html#.Uk4uSh3HI_Y.facebook 
PLANTSWARNING!!!
Very dangerous to Pets! Brugmansia, commonly known as Angel's Trumpet. Brugmansia are native to tropical regions of South America, along the Andes from Venezuela to northern Chile, and also in south-eastern Brazil 
HELIOTROPE
Woman warns dog owners about popular plant after her dog dies
Read more at http://www.dogheirs.com/elleng/posts/6664-woman-warns-dog-owners-about-popular-plant-after-her-dog-dies#wb9mM2vSYH60WMJa.99 
RECALL ALERT: Nylabone Puppy Starter Kit Dog Chews
(Brandy Arnold - Dogington Post) TFH Publications, Inc./Nylabone Products, of Neptune, NJ is recalling one lot of its 1.69 oz. package of the Puppy Starter Kit dog chews, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals ingesting the product and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated 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 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. 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. The recalled Puppy Starter Kit consists of one lot of dog chews that were distributed nationwide, to Canada, and through one domestic online mail order facility. The product comes in a 1.69 oz. package marked with Lot #21935, UPC 0-18214-81291-3, located on the back of the package, and with an expiration date of 3/22/18 also stamped on the back of the package. The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the company revealed the presence of Salmonella in one lot of 1.69 oz. packages of the Puppy Starter Kit. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. Consumers who have purchased 1.69 oz. packages of the Puppy Starter Kit from affected Lot 21935, UPC 0-18214-81291-3, Expiration date of 3/22/18, should discontinue use of the product and may return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-877-273-7527, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Central time (after hours/weekends covered by third-party poison control center). Original FDA recall notice 
TOADSWarning:
Dog poisoned by Bufo toad a warning for pet owners The toads are omnivores and consume insects and other toads and frogs. 
Imperial Point Animal Hospital of Delray
Some very important information for pet owners!! Advice for dealing with Cane Toads (aka Bufo or Marine or Giant Toad) First be sure you are dealing with a Cane Toad, and not a native Southern Toad. Turn off outside lights at night that attract insects, which attract Cane Toads. Do not leave bowls of pet food out at night—Cane Toads may learn there is a free meal at your back door. Do not leave dogs unattended outdoors at dawn, dusk, or at night when Cane Toads are most active. Remove debris piles in your yard where Cane Toads may seek shelter during the day. Remove any Cane Toad eggs (laid in long strings) and tadpoles (small and black colored) from ornamental ponds. If your pet comes in contact with a Cane toad be sure to rinse their mouth by tilting their nose downward and rinsing their mouth with water generously, then make sure to head directly to your veterinarian. 
TREATSBig Bark Dog Treats Recall
(Dogfoodadvisor.com) http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-recall/big-bark-dog-treats-recall/ FDA Recall Alert
Bailey’s Choice Expands Product Recall of Dog Treats in Georgia http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm374043.htm 
Target Boots & Barkley
(Stephanie Martin) Wow...A husky facebook friend posted that these were bought from Target. After telling customer service, the only thing they offered was a $10 gift card & that there not removing them from the shelf cry emoticon These bones have metal fragments in the middle, wanted to share this to help get the word out, in case any of my fbk friends buys thes 
FDA Issues Warning on Jerky Dog Treats, Ask Veterinarians for Help
http://dogingtonpost.com/fda-issues-warning-on-jerky-dog-treats-ask-veterinarians-for-help/#.UmhL9_msim5 Recall Alert
Oct 23: Food & Drug Administration is now appealing to dog & cat owners for information. They are struggling to solve a mysterious OUTBREAK of illness & deaths among pets. Warning against jerky tenders & strips made of chicken, duck, sweet potatoes & dried fruit. More info on these links: 1. http://www.wnem.com/story/23764316/jerky-pet-treats 2. http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/10/23/jerky-treats-made-in-china-kill-600-dogs-in-mysterious-outbreak-fda-says/?intcmp=trending 
MILK BONE
Warning: Milk Bone Brushing Chews UPDATE #2: Hey everyone I wanted to give you the latest and greatest update on what is happening. Yesterday the shipping packaged arrived from Milk Bone to send the original container and the remnants of the dental bones Charlie threw up and that I subsequently washed back to them. It has been overnighted to them so they can take a look at it and analyze. The Milk Bone people have been awesome to work with so far and I think are very concerned. I will let you all know what happens next. Updates and Original post below... I wanted to give everyone an update. Today I spoke with a person from Milk Bone corporate. The first thing they did was ask me about Charlie...and to let everyone else know he is doing fine. They asked me a ton of questions about Charlie, what happened, the sequence of events etc....very, very professional. I am mailing the remnants back to them for testing. They assured me that they had done tons of testing but want to investigate anything like this thoroughly. I will keep you all updated on how this progress's but I will say this...They are concerned, and seem very thorough....ORIGINAL POST: I am putting this out to all friends who are Dog owners...our Dog Charlie has been sick two nights in a row and we realized that he was throwing up the new Milk Bone Brushing Chews. The pieces in front of the box are what he threw up. They are totally undigestible...In fact these pieces were inadvertently run through the washing machine with the towel we used to clean up the mess! They didn't degrade one bit. This can't be good. Share and be warned. SPOTS Chicken jerky treats made in US tied to dog illness for first time (April 3, 2015 by SDogSpot Author - Seattle Dog Spot) http://www.seattledogspot.com/dog-health-wellness/chicken-jerky-made-in-us-tied-to-dog-illness-for-first-time/ 
Toxic Jerky Treats Responsible For More Than 1,000 Dog Deaths, FDA Says
(The Huffington Post | by Sara Gates) Be careful what you feed your dog. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued another warning about toxic jerky treats, and it seems the poisonous pet snacks are still a problem. As of May 1, more than 1,000 dogs have died as a result of the toxic treats. The FDA has received 4,800 reports of pet illnesses since 2007, 1,800 of which were submitted in the months following the agency's last warning in October 2013. Even though 25 percent of these complaints were "historic" claims -- meaning the illness occurred some time in months or years past -- the jerky products appear to be an ongoing source of sickness for both cats and dogs. So far, the FDA has been unable to pinpoint why so many pets are getting sick anddeveloping kidney-related diseases. However, the majority of cases appear to derive from consumption of a jerky treat that was imported from China. Though pet owners could avoid Chinese-made nibbles, that's not a surefire way to avoid the toxic treats since ingredients in the product could still be produced abroad, Fox 5 News reports. Since there is not one particular brand that has been singled out as the main culprit, the agency is asking owners who feed their dogs jerky treats to keep a close eye on their pets. (The Humane Society keeps a running list of recalled pet food and treats on its website.) If symptoms such as decreased appetite, increased water intake, vomiting or diarrhea show up and persist for more than 24 hours after a dog or cat has consumed a jerky treat, pet owners are urged to contact a veterinarian immediately. Pet owners who have a cat or dog may have consumed a toxic jerky treat may report their findings to the FDA by calling 1-888-INFO-FDA. Why Are You Still Buying Jerky Treats?
(Dr. Jessica Vogelsang - Pet MD) Another day, another warning about pet jerky treats. This has to go down as one of the most frustrating mysteries facing the pet owning community in memory. Every time we think we’re getting ahead of the problem, it just gets worse. The first alarm bells sounded in 2007, when reports started coming in to the FDA about a variety of illnesses affecting dogs who had one thing in common: they recently ate chicken jerky treats manufactured in China. Among the most alarming signs were the pets showing signs of Fanconi-like syndrome (FLS), which is normally associated with a rare genetic condition. When affected with FLS, the part of the kidney responsible for re-absorbing important nutrients fails to work, causing the nutrients to be lost in the urine. In 2008, Australia banned certain treats thought to be associated with the onset of these diseases and cases dropped off dramatically. In the rest of the world, though, the problem continued on. The FDA joined forces with the American Veterinary Medical Association to get the word out about previously healthy pets with sudden onset signs of GI distress or renal disease, and the reports poured in. By the end of 2014, the FDA had received over 5,000 reports of illness; 1,000 of them involved the death of a pet. Our inability to find the source of the illness hasn’t been due to a lack of effort from regulatory agencies, scientists, and the veterinary community. Despite all this, we’ve still been unable to pinpoint a cause. Testing of suspect jerky has shown traces of antibiotics, DEET, and the antiviral amantadine. Sadly, even after the terrible events of the 2007 melamine recall, which made us more vigilant, it seems we are just unable to trust the safety of food supplies arriving from China. Without proof of injury, companies were unwilling to change their protocols or invoke a voluntary recall. This left suspect products on the shelf and the burden on vets and pet lovers who were in-the-know to get the word out. The solution, at least until we know the real problem, seemed for a long time to be this: Don’t buy chicken jerky treats from China. That worked, at least until similar diseases starting popping up in pets who hadn’t eaten chicken jerky at all. The jerky they had ingested contained other ingredients, like duck or sweet potatoes. This was the last straw in the eyes of many in the pet loving community, and after strong pressure from consumers, Petco was the first major pet retailer to announce in 2014 that they would stop carrying made-in-China treats by the end of the year. Finally, we said. Whether or not we figure out what the problem is, 2015 will be a better year. With made in the USA products on the shelves, things are bound to get better, right? I thought so, until the news came out this week that chicken jerky made in the USA may be associated with Fanconi-like syndrome in pets. According to the VIN News Service and their interview with an FDA spokesperson, even the “Made in the USA” label may not be enough to prevent jerky associated illnesses. So now what? The good news is that most cases resolved once the jerky treats were withdrawn, so owners who are concerned about jerky treats should discontinue feeding them immediately and talk to their vet if there’s any concern about their pet’s health. As for me? I haven’t bought a jerky treat, from China or otherwise, since I first heard the reports. I have a dehydrator and make my own jerky from freezer burned chicken that I’d probably otherwise toss out, which has the double bonus of making my husband happy at my thriftiness while ensuring the ingredients in the treat are exactly what I want them to be. Or, and this is even more often the case, I give Brody a different treat: apple slices, popcorn, he doesn’t care. You know, I like treats as much as the next guy, but if you told me my chocolate chip cookie stood a chance of blowing out my kidneys, you bet I’d be looking up cupcake recipes stat. It isn’t worth the risk. Dr. Jessica Vogelsang 
VIRUS/FLU
Canine Influenza Outbreak Causes Concern for Chicago Pet Owners
( Deidre Grieves - Pet MD) Veterinarians in the Chicago area are warning dog owners of a severe outbreak of canine influenza that has sickened numerous animals and killed five. According to the Chicago Sun Times, over 1,000 dogs in the Chicago area have been diagnosed with the respiratory disease, which is spread from dog to dog through contact at dog parks, boarding kennels, shelters and other public areas where dogs play and interact. Symptoms of the flu include a loud cough, lack of appetite, and fever. If the disease progresses, the dog can come down with pneumonia. Veterinarians in the Midwest city saw an uptick in canine influenza cases in January, and there has been a steady increase in new cases since then. “I have been practicing for 20 years and I have never seen anything this bad, this contagious, this widespread,” Jane Lohmar of Family Pet Animal Hospital told the Sun Times. Several dog daycare facilities are taking precautions and several local doggy events have been canceled. PetSmart announced that they are closing three local PetsHotels until the outbreak is under control. Veterinarians are urging pet parents to keep their dogs isolated from other dogs to prevent the potential spread of the disease. And although the outbreak is worrisome, West Loop Veterinary Care medical director David Gonsky is asking dog owners to remain calm and practice precautions. “There have been hundreds of these infected dogs seen at area veterinary hospitals and the number who have gotten pneumonia is small,” he told reporters. “The number who have died is very small.” Five dogs have died from the disease in the Chicago area. Related Articles: Dog Flu Symptoms and Treatment Should You Vaccinate Against Canine Flu? How Flu Vaccines Work for Dogs Dog flu outbreak in the Midwest could spread
(Steve dale - Chicago Tribune) http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/pets/sns-201504071800--tms--petwrldctnya-a20150408-20150408-column.html Chicago's Mystery Dog Virus Outbreak Identified as Asian Strain
(Dr. Ernie Ward, DVM - Pet Health) The recent canine influenza outbreak in Chicago and the Midwest has been identified as a new viral strain from Asia. Veterinary researchers from Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory have concluded that a respiratory virus found in China and South Korea, H3N2, is to blame for over 1,000 reported cases in the U.S. This is the first time the Asian virus has been documented in the U.S. H3N2 is not known to be contagious to humans, although cats may be at risk for contracting the respiratory infection1. The current Midwest influenza outbreak was originally thought to be the result of H3N8 or canine influenza virus (CIV), a highly transmissible canine respiratory virus first identified in racing greyhounds in 2004. The new Asian strain, H3N2, was first identified in 2006. Since then, H3N2 has been widely circulating in certain areas of China and South Korea. There is currently no vaccine for H3N2, although a vaccine for H3N8 is available. There is no evidence that the H3N8 vaccine will provide protection for the new H3N2 strain. What are the symptoms of H3N2? Clinical signs associated with Asian H3N2 are similar to H3N8: Infected cats experience similar symptoms. How did the new strain of canine influenza (H3N2) get to America? At this time we don’t know how the new strain of canine influenza arrived in the U.S. It is suspected that a dog harboring the virus was imported, although a patient zero has yet to be identified. Because this is a relatively new infection, we don’t fully understand its transmission and pathogenicity. Based on other similar viruses, the incubation period is probably 2 to 3 days. Clinical signs last 5 to 7 days and an infected animal may be contagious for 10 to 14 days after clinical signs develop. How can you protect your dog from this strain of canine influenza (H3N2)? If your dog exhibits any signs of respiratory illness, notify your veterinarian at once. Because this infection appears to be highly contagious, avoid contact with other dogs. When canine influenza virus was first recognized, veterinarians took great efforts to isolate any dogs with fevers, coughing and nasal discharge from other pets. It is critical not to take a sick dog or cat to the veterinarian without informing the practice beforehand. Chances are your pet will be immediately escorted to a separate area and handled with proper infectious disease protocols. If you live in an area known to have a canine influenza outbreak, minimize contact with other dogs. Dog parks, lakes or beaches, kennels and doggie daycare services need to be carefully supervised if you choose to take your dog. In these areas it’s advised to vaccinate against H3N8 because both viruses are still circulating and we don’t know what, if any, cross-protection the vaccine may provide. There is no vaccine for cats. This new strain appears to be more easily transmitted and may be shed for a longer period than H3N8. That may account for how widespread and quickly the Asian H3N2 outbreak has been so far. The fact that cats can also contract and potentially spread the virus makes it even more troubling. In general, be exceptionally cautious if your dog or cat develops a fever, coughing or nasal discharge. Here are five key steps to help prevent the spread of H3N2 influenza:
This is an important animal influenza outbreak that needs to be closely monitored by all pet guardians. There are many questions we don’t have answers to at this time. Viruses can mutate quickly and recommendations change dramatically in little time. Take precautions with other dogs, wash your hands/bathe your dog frequently and contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops any signs of illness. If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets. Warning:
Deadly Ohio Dog Virus Hits Michigan http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2013/10/deadly-ohio-dog-virus-hits-michigan/ 
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