ohmidog!

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is advising pet owners to discontinue using peanut butter products in light of last week’s recall by the FDA, which traced sources of Salmonella contamination to a plant owned by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), a distributor of peanut butter and peanut paste used in some dog treats.

“The ASPCA recommends that pet parents discontinue the use of all affected products immediately until further information has been received,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, the ASPCA’s Senior Vice President of Animal Health Services. “Pet parents should wash their hands after handling any potentially contaminated food and immediately consult with a veterinarian if any signs or symptoms are noticed in their pets.”  

The ASPCA warning follows PetSmart’s voluntary recall of seven dog biscuit products as a result of a salmonella outbreak. In addition, the Jewel-Osco company announced its own dog biscuit recall earlier today in what it described as a “precautionary move.” The recall affects Happy Tails Brand Multi-Flavored Dog Biscuits in 26-ounce and 4-pound sizes.

For a complete list of affected brands and more information on the recall, please visit FDA’s recall page.

While healthy adult dogs are relatively resistant to illness from Salmonella bacteria, pets with health issues, young puppies and elderly or pregnant dogs that may have compromised immune systems may be at greater risk for becoming ill. In addition, pet parents handling a peanut butter product that could be contaminated may also develop food poisoning.

“Salmonella can be passed between pets and humans,” said Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine of the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. “Adult cats are relatively resistant and most dogs infected with the bacterium appear normal, but may pass Salmonella in their feces which can infect people or other susceptible pets, therefore it’s essential that pet parents take steps to protect both themselves and their animal companions from exposure .”

Dogs who do become ill from Salmonella may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lethargy, and drooling or panting—an indication of nausea. In severe cases, the bacterium may spread throughout the body resulting in death. Cats may develop high fever with vague non-specific clinical signs. If you suspect that your pet may have ingested a contaminated recalled product, please contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. (The center charges a fee for assistance.)