Dogs With Diarrhea

Previous recall on pig ear treats for dogs extends to two more companies

Salmonella is probably one of the most common reasons behind recalls of pet food and treats, and there is another alert that you need to know about that involves the bacteria.

A recall issued by a company due to salmonella contamination — one who supplies others as well — Keys Manufacturing Co., was reported on AnnArbor.com on May 4.

That incident is the source of an extended recall announced by two more companies, Boss Pets Products and Blackman Industries, who distributed pig ear treats that were supplied to them by Keys Manufacturing .

Salmonella infection, also referred to as salmonellosis , causes digestive problems, and dogs will typically present with fever, diarrhea, vomiting and weakness. Other symptoms can occur.

Salmonella is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be passed to humans as well, so care needs to be taken. Hand washing is a must — even when handling dry pet food that may be contaminated with the bacteria.

Salmonella can affect other animals —  not just the dogs who chew on the pig ears. There is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling dry pet food and/or treats can become infected with salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to any contaminated product.

To be clear, there are two more separate recalls .

The Boss Pets Products recall includes Diggers Natural Treat Pig Ear pet treats, which were distributed from November, 2010 through April, 2011 in Montana, California, Washington, Oklahoma, Tennessee, New York, Kansas, Ohio, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Oregon, Utah, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, and Minnesota.

The treats were sold in bulk in boxes of 100 (UPC 0-72929-00038-6); shrink wrapped in boxes of 50 (UPC 0-72929-99120-2); in two-pack bags shipped in cases of 12 bags (UPC 0-72929-99504-0); four-pack bags shipped in cases of 12 bags (UPC 0-72929-00227-4) and eight-pack bags shipped in cases of 12 bags (UPC 0-72929-99584-2).

Blackman Industries of Kansas City, KS is recalling its PrimeTime brand 2-count and 5-count Premium Pig Ears and all KC Beefhide brand 20-count Premium Pig Ears. Read the FDA release here.

The pig ears were distributed in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota and sold through many of the following retailers: Price Chopper Stores, Hy-Vee Stores, Hen House Markets, Bag N Save Stores, Dahl's Food Stores, Baldwin City Market, SunFresh Food Stores, Apple Markets, Brookside Market, Franklin Food Stores, No Frills Food Stores, Alps Food Stores, Big V Food Stores, Country Mart Food Stores, Thriftway Food Stores, County Fair Food Stores, Super Saver Food Stores and Russ's Food Stores and Feldman's Farm and Home Stores.

Diarrhea In Dogs – A Real Danger

Diarrhea in dogs is not a disease itself but rather a symptom that something is not right with your dog’s health or gastrointestinal system. Diarrhea is the passing of unformed, frequent, and increased volume of stool. An occasional bout of diarrhea isn’t serious, but consistent diarrhea demands the attention of a veterinarian and puts the dog in danger of dehydration– something that can be fatal to your dog.

A lot of water is lost from the dog’s system when passing frequent watery motions so watch your dog for symptoms of dehydration. Sticky or dry gums can often indicate dehydration. Encourage him to drink plenty of water or Lectade may be given. Lectade, an oral re-hydration therapy for cats and dogs can be used to reverse the effects of dehydration and loss of electrolytes following diarrhea. In the first 24 hours this should be given at the rate of 8-30mls every half hour by mouth. For example a small toy dog would require 8mls and a large dog such as a German Shepherd would require 30mls.

Although parasites and disease can cause diarrhea, the most common cause is dietary. A sudden change in diet could cause a bout of diarrhea. Often cheaper brand dog foods can cause diarrhea as can a sudden change in diet. Feed your dog a good high quality diet with the best food you can afford. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations. Trying to save money on dog food now could end up costing you more in the form of higher vet bills. Diarrhea can also be caused by dairy intake in dogs due to lactose intolerance. Dogs and puppies do not need to be given milk to drink.

Withhold food (but not water) for 24 hours (12 hours for young puppies) to give your dog’s digestive system a rest. Then feed him a bland diet of 50% boiled rice and 50% chicken or 50/50 boiled rice and cooked hamburger for the next two to three days. If the diarrhea doesn’t resolve seek advice from your vet.

Believe it or not, fresh pumpkin cooked and mashed or canned pureed pumpkin (ONLY the 100% natural canned pumpkin, not pie filling) can work wonders for both the occasional bout of diarrhea or for the opposite, constipation in dogs. It has been reported that it firms up dog’s loose stools or diarrhea within a few hours.

The amount of pumpkin you give depends on the size of the dog but as a general rule, a couple of teaspoons a day for a small dog or a couple of tablespoons a day for a large dog should do the trick. Keep in mind, you may have to disguise it in a little of your dog’s favorite food.

The Complete Healthy Dog Handbook, The Definitive Guide to Keeping Your Pet Happy, Healthy & Active

Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook

Home-prepared dog and cat diets

Dogs: The Ultimate Care Guide, Good Health, Loving Care, Maximum Longevity

Clinical Medicine of the Dog and Cat