Category: pets

Feature Stories, Local News, pets

Toxic Algae Blooms and Your Dog
There have been more than a few articles lately about people taking their dogs for a swim in a pond or lake, and the dog later dying!!  Apparently, it is happening from exposure to certain toxic algae that thrive in Summer.
As per usual I wrote to Dr. Corrie from Akron Animal Hospital to get some more info on how to keep your pets safe.
Blue-green algae is very common in this area as the summer progresses and the water temperature increases. Dog can be exposed by drinking, swimming or wading in contaminated water. They ingest it by licking what is on their coat as well. The blue green algae contains microcystin, a liver toxin produced by a cyanobacteria. According to the EPA 1 in 3 lakes harbors hazardous levels of cyanobacteria. Widespread use of fertilizers spark the harmful algal blooms. Treatment by washing the algae off and Cholestyramine may help an affected dog. 
Condensed from The Scientist “Dogs Worst Friend” by Nsikan Akpan 5/1/14
Dr. Corrie
Akron Animal Hospital
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pets

A Note From the Vet Regarding Extreme Heat and Your Pets

Keep Your Pet’s Safe in Extreme Heat

Different pets have different tolerances to hot and cold.  A Chihuahua can tolerate much more heat than a Newfoundland or Bulldog. A husky should not be run when it is over 55 degrees. When the temperature climbs and the sun is out, most pets can overheat quicker than you can. If a pet is continuously panting or it’s tongue is hanging out, it is too hot!

You need to have a plan for when it gets hot of where and when to house your pet.  If indoor air conditioning is available, that is the best. If not, shade and a good box fan are usually good enough. There are items such as cool coats, chilly beds, baby pools and cold hoses that can also be used to help cool dogs.
Activities should be planned for cooler times of day.  Be sure they have access to plenty of cool water. Beware some ponds heat up in the sun and a swim in them is not cooling to the pet. Pavement is too hot for pets when the back of your hand can not tolerate it for more than 5 seconds.
We should all know that a car can overheat a pet in just a few minutes. So do not leave any living thing in a closed car on a warm, sunny day. Windows left cracked open are not good enough. A fully open car or van with fans on may be. Some cars and other vehicles actually can run the AC when parked and the temp can be monitored remotely. So check that the pet is actually overheating before you try to break in to rescue it.

Dr. Corrie Dr. Sandra Corrie, Akron Animal Hospital

pets, Recalls

Pet Supplies Plus Issues Consumer Advisory for Bulk Pig Ear Product FDA Investigating Contaminated Pig Ear Treats Connecting to Salmonella

Company Announcement

With the recent announcements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigating contaminated Pig Ear Treats connecting to Salmonella, Pet Supplies Plus is advising consumers it is recalling bulk pig ear product supplied to all locations by several different vendors due to the potential of Salmonella contamination. 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.

Individuals infected with Salmonella should monitor 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.

Bulk pig ears were distributed to Pet Supplies Plus stores in AL, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI and WV. Bulk pig ears were stocked in open bins. Prepackaged branded pig ears are not included in this voluntary recall.

To date, 45 individuals in 13 states have been diagnosed with Salmonella related illness. However, none of these cases are confirmed to be a result of purchasing pig ears from Pet Supplies Plus.

Testing by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development revealed that aging bulk pig ear product in one of our stores tested positive for Salmonella. We have pulled bulk pig ear product from the shelves at all of our stores and have stopped shipping bulk pig ears from our Distribution Center. We are working with the FDA as they continue their investigation as to what caused the reported Salmonella related illnesses.

Consumers who have purchased bulk pig ears should discontinue use of the product and discard it. Consumers who have further questions are welcome to contact our Neighbor Service team at 734-793- 6564 between Monday and Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. EST (excluding holidays).