EXTENDED HOURS

ATTENTION EVERYONE…OUR WEDNESDAY HOURS HAVE BEEN EXTENDED AND WE WILL NOW BE OPEN FROM 9:00AM – 6:00PM.

Pet Food Safety

For the latest pet food recalls and alerts please visit the following link:

AVMA’s Pet Food Safety

Kroger Co. Pet Food Recall

The Kroger Co. is recalling select pet food packages from stores in 19 states fearing  some of these products may contain aflatoxin, a chemical byproduct that could be harmful to animals.  The recall involves:

• Pet Pride Cat Food, 18 lb
• Pet Pride Tasty Blend Poultry & Seafood Cat Food, 3.5 lb
• Pet Pride Cat Food, 3.5 lb
• Pet Pride Kitten Formula Food, 3.5 lb
• Kroger Value Cat Food, 3 lb
• Kroger Value Chunk Dog Food, 50 lb
• Old Yeller Chunck Dog Food, 50 lb
• Pet Pride Tasty Blend Poultry & Seafood, 18lb
• Kroger Value Chunk Dog Food, 15 lb
• Old Yeller Chunk Dog Food, 22 lb

The company urged customers to immediately consult with a veterinarian if their pet show any signs of sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat.  A yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, severe blood or diarrhea are also warning signs, the company said.  Most of the recalled products have an expiration date of October 23, 2011.    Please contact the Kroger Company for further information.

Winter Pet Care Tips

Now that the cold weather is back…here are some tips for caring for pets during the winter months.

Housing: It is always best to keep your pets indoors during the winter, but if this is not possible please be sure to provide insulated shelter.  Be sure that water does not freeze and that moisture and wind are not a problem.

Antifreeze: Even very small amounts of antifreeze can be lethal for cats and dogs…be sure to clean up any spills or drips immediately.  You may also consider using a product that contains propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol. 

Frostbite and Salt: Snow and salt should be removed from your pets paws .  Frostbitten skin is red or gray to black.  Contact our office if you need further care or information.  If possible use a pet safe ice melting product instead of salt.

Stray Cats: Roaming cats, and some wildlife, sometimes climb into vehicle engines for warmth and shelter during the winter months.  The can become seriously injured or killed when the engine starts.  Knock on the hood or honk the horn before starting the vehicle to startle any animals that may have found shelter in the engine.

Toxic Plants: Many plants associated with the holiday season can be toxic to your pets.  They all have different levels of toxicity ranging from low to high…calling animal poison control is the best way to get the correct information for treatment.  The number for the

National Animal Poison Control Center is 800-548-2423.

Other Holiday Concerns: Many holiday decorations can cause your pet problems.  Some examples are tinsel and styrofoam which can cause blockages if ingested.  Chocolate can be toxic for pets, and dark chocolate is more toxic than milk.  Christmas tree preservatives and alcoholic beverages are also a danger.

Table Food: Remember that even a small amount of table food can lead to gastrointestinal upset for your pet.  Remind guests also that snacks from the table might cause problems.

We all wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season for you and your pets!

Natural Balance Recalls Dog Food Over Possible Salmonella

Natural Balance Pet Foods announced Friday a voluntary recall of the 5 pound and 28 pound bags of its Sweet Potato & Chicken dry dog food, with an expiration date of June 17, 2011.  The recall came after a sample of the product tested positive for salmonella in a routine test by the Food and Drug Administration.  No illnesses linked to the recall have been reported.

ALERT FOR RABBIT OWNERS

As the hot weather is upon us…we want to make sure we alert you to the dangers that high temperatures can pose to your pet.  As dog owners are warned to keep their dogs from overheating outside or in cars…rabbits are even more susceptible to heat related problems.  The things we want you to be aware of are 1) heat stroke 2) maggots and 3)cuterebras.

Heat Stroke:  Make sure your pet is not left outside in hot weather, especially in direct sunlight or cars.  Rabbits can quickly overheat and suffer from heat stroke which can be life threatening. 

Maggots:  Rabbits can be overcome by maggot infestations when kept outside.  If your pet is kept, or allowed playtime outdoors, make sure the are kept very clean and dry.  Flies like to lay eggs in warm, moist areas which can lead to the infestation.  Please be sure to routinely examine any pet rabbits that are kept outside of the house…this includes the garage.

Cuterebras:  This is an adult fly larvae that burrows under the animals skin.  This causes a significant inflammatory response, and in some cases, and extreme allergic reaction. 

All three of these problems can become life threatening.

New after hours emergency number.

Starting today…our new emergency voice mail number is 586-838-1107. This number is reserved for after hour emergencies. Established clients may leave a message for the doctor. If you cannot wait for a return call, please don’t hesitate to contact Animal Emergency Center in Rochester at 248-651-1788.

Hello!

Hi everyone!  Welcome to Ark Veterinary Clinic’s blog!  Here we will update with occasional specials, and important information that relates to your pet’s health.  Thank you for visiting!