Six Things To Do If Your Pet’s Food is Recalled
Recently, a few very popular dog food brands were recalled. Over the years, pet owners have seen their fair share of pet foods pulled from the shelves for dangerous contaminations and substances. Recalls are scary events that can raise a lot of questions. One of these gut-wrenching questions that us pet-parents are faced with is what next? What do we do after our pet’s food has been recalled? What should we do if our pets have consumed a product under the recall?
Here are 6 important steps to take during a recall.
1. Check your food brand for a recall
The FDA has a page devoted to recalls and withdrawals of pet foods. Check the listings and see if the food you have purchased falls under the recall date and brand. Local and national news outlets usually have listings and announcements to the public as well. You can search the web or turn on the television and you will most likely hear of recalls.
2. Watch out for abnormal behavior and symptoms
If you are certain that your pet has consumed a product under a recall, it may be time for a trip to the vet. If your pet exhibits symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, labored breathing, lethargy, unfocused eyes, or any abnormal eating or drinking habits, take your pet to an emergency vet. The vet may be able to administer lifesaving care.
3. Dispose and return recalled products
Take the recalled item back. Where ever you purchased the recalled item will be informed that customers will be bringing back the product. Don’t hesitate. Opening or disposing of the product on your own poses another health risk. Animals, our pets included, sometimes will get into the trash. If the product has been opened or can be torn by an animal, it poses the same threat. The animal may eat the thrown away product and then become sick.
4. Wash or dispose of food bowls
Food bowls should be regularly washed under every day conditions. Built up food or crusts from previous meal times can lead to food borne illness as well. We wash our dishes after meal time! Kitty or doggy will need help doing their dishes.
If contaminated food has come into contact with their food and water bowls; take special care in washing and sanitizing. But if you feel like washing isn’t enough, it may be time for a trip to your favorite pet store! Buying Fido or Fluffy new bowls can be fun and help keep your fur-baby safe.
5. Research for new food brands
After all special measures have been taken to remove the recalled food from your home and you have had your pet checked, research for new food. We all have favorite foods and it’s a bummer when we can’t eat them anymore. If your pet’s favorite food is under recall it may take time to adjust and find a new favorite until the problem is fixed. Talk to your veterinarian for pets with special nutritional needs or if you feel like a new food may not meet the nutritional needs of your pet. They will have great advice and may have a brand in mind.
6. Don’t panic
Recalls are scary, and being a cat momma myself, I know that pet owners want the best for their four-legged companions. Pay attention to recalls. Report abnormal behavior to your vet. Be diligent, determined, and demand the best for your pet. As consumers, we have the right to know what our pets are eating. As pet-parents, we are responsible for our pets’ health. It’s a big responsibility, but by doing our research and keeping our communities informed, we can keep our furry companions safe, happy, and healthy.
Has your pet’s food ever been recalled? How did you handle it?