A lot of pet owners are worried about the health and safety of their beloved
pets because of the recent pet food recall. There have already been sixteen
documented deaths because of bad pet food, so it is unsurprising that pet
owners are feeling anxious. Vets are receiving many phone calls from
stressed pet owners, asking about their pets’ symptoms. Some have genuine
cause for concern and others do not.
From time to time, there is a nationwide panic, as certain pet food or baby
food is contaminated, accidentally or deliberately. People these days tend
to become very attached to their pets, treating them as if they were one of
the family. The pet food recall has reminded them that their pet will die
one day and not be around any more. They do not want to think about their
pet leaving them one day (especially soon) and are rightly concerned about
the pet food recall situation.
Over sixty million cans of pet food were recalled because at least sixteen
pets have died from kidney failure, the food being to blame. Nobody really
knows why these pets died, so other pet owners are worried about their own
animals. The recall involves various pet food companies, not just one, and
is the largest pet food recall ever. Many people are taking their pets to
the vet for testing, unsure whether they have eaten contaminated pet food,
but just worried, concerned and seeking reassurance. If your pet is
displaying lethargy, severe thirst or is vomiting, you ought to make your
way to the vet immediately because there is no time to waste if your pet is
already sick. If your dog or cat is already showing such symptoms, you need
to be aware that they can deteriorate extremely quickly. Be at the vet’s at
soon as possible.
One animal clinic in Manhattan has tested over a hundred animals suffering
from kidney failure. Only one actually died but ten or more of the others
showed symptoms which were diet-related. There have been many pet owners
visiting various clinics, fretful about getting tests for their animals.
There have been at least three lawsuits against Menu Foods who make the
recalled pet food, possibly more by now. The people suing claim that their
pets ate contaminated pet food and died. The company is still investigating
the situation but in the case of pet poisoning, medical testing can usually
clarify what the animal in question died from.
Since the recall, FDA inspectors have been sent to Menu Foods plants in New
Jersey and Kansas. They think the problem might be that wheat gluten used by
these plants caused the troubles.
If you have a pet, try not to panic but do keep an eye on your pet and watch
for any unusual symptoms. Let’s all hope this contaminated food issue is
resolved soon so we can relax and get back to enjoying our pets once more.
For more information about the pet food recall, you can visit the FDA site
at
http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html
