Who works harder, you or your pet?

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Recall -- Firm Press Release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Pet Carousel Conducts Nationwide Recall of Beef Hoof Products and Pig Ears Because of Salmonella Risk

Company Contact: Pet Carousel, Inc 800-231-3572 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 9, 2009 – Sanger, CA-- Pet Carousel has initiated a recall of all Pig Ears and all varieties of Beef Hoof pet treats because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The problem was discovered after FDA testing found positive results for Salmonella in pig ears and beef hoof products. These products were recalled because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. People handling dry pet food and/or pet treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the treats or any surfaces exposed to these products. Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their health care provider immediately. Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may only experience a 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 any of the affected products or is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. The following products have been recalled: The affected pig ear products were packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight, Pork Tasteez and Pet Carousel Item No.:

18100-P Bulk
18016-P 10-pk red mesh bag
18120-P 20-pk red mesh bag.

The affected beef hooves were packaged under the brand names Choo Hooves, Dentley’s, Doggie Delight, and Pet Carousel Item No.:

1506-K 5 lb. bulk
1507-K 10 lb. bulk
1520-K 20 lb. bulk
12125-T 10-pk vinyl bag
12110-T 10-pk, vinyl bag
12111-T 10-pk, vinyl bag
12122-T 10 lb., bulk
1503-K 3-pk, vinyl bag
1510-K 10-pk ,vinyl bag
1405-S 5 lb., bulk
1408-S 10-pk, vinyl bag
1410-S 10 lb., bulk
1420-S 20 lb., bulk
90058-H Cheese/& Bacon Stuffed Hoof, bulk
90056-H Peanut Butter Stuffed Hoof, bulk
17005-R Rope toy with Hooves.

The products were distributed nationwide in both bulk and retail packaging for sale in pet food and retail chain stores throughout the country. All sizes and all lots of these pork ears purchased on or after 08/16/2009 and all beef hoof products in all varieties purchased on or after 09/16/2009 made by Pet Carousel are included in this alert. Pet Carousel has completed notifying its consignees and requested the consignees return affected products and remove them from retail sales. Out of an abundance of caution and concern for public safety, Pet Carousel is issuing this press release to inform consumers of potential risks and to ensure that all affected product has either been returned or otherwise removed from use. Consumers who have purchased the products described above should cease use and return the product to their place of purchase. Additionally, consumers with questions may contact Pet Carousel at 800-231-3572 from 8:00am to 4:00pm PST.

Who works harder, you or your pet?

Labor Day is just around the corner and today, while I was out on a hiking I was thinking about how to enjoy the long weekend and celebrate a day off from laboring.

As I continued up a steep trail, my dog tugged at the leash, anxious to get to the top. She lives for these hikes and I know she feels it’s part of her job to make sure I get out and exercise. If I beg off for any reason, late hours at the office, funky weather or, more often, I just don’t feel like it, I get pestered for the rest of the night.

Like most dogs, our dogs have jobs and look forward to working. It’s a treat for them to be able to work and do their jobs and they do them with pride. And if I ever suggested they take a day off, I know both of them would be confused and unhappy.

Think about what jobs your pets naturally have taken on when they joined you. If you are like many pet owners, those chores often include:

Protecting you and the family
Being a companion for hiking and trips
Waking you up
Keeping ‘kids’ in line
Cheering you up when you feel down
Showering you with love and affection (not a job or a chore, I know)

For them, working and being allowed to work IS their holiday.

So, as you make your plans for the long holiday weekend coming up, I hope you will do as I plan to do and let your pets go to work with you for that day. Trust me, they’ll be very happy to not have the day off.