THE PET FOOD RECALL

There are many pet owners and veterinarians worried, just like you and I, about the food recall.  First, check if your pet's food and UPC code are on the recall list. If so, bring your pet to us immediately. The foods recalled are causing acute kidney failure.  In advanced cases, the clinical signs are anorexia, vomiting, increased drinking, increased urination, depression and lethargy.  Your pet may also have bad breath and ulcers in the mouth.  We can do a simple blood and urine test to check the kidneys.  These tests help identify the pets affected even if there are no clinical signs.  Based on your pet's clinical signs and test results, we can make the best recommendations for you and your pet.

Despite the food recall, pet foods are still the best way to feed a safe, balanced diet.  Home made diets can lack the proper proportions of nutrients, essential vitamins, and minerals.  They also have not gone through rigorous testing to ensure they will kep your pet healthy and active.  Some people foods are not even healthy for pets such as uncooked foods, avocados, chocolate, coffee, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, tomatoes, macadamia nuts, moldy/spoiled foods, salt, fatty foods, xylitol (a sweetener), tea leaves, and raw yeast dough.  These should not be part of your pet's diet.  Some of these ingredients can cause severe life threatening blood, bacterial, pancreatic, and gastrointestinal illnesses.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.  Central Veterinary Associates is ready to help you 24/7 in your time of need.  Should your pet have eaten the recalled food or any of the ingredients listed above that are harmful to pets, it will be important to give us a call.