Dog treats sold nationwide by Target recalled after testing positive for Salmonella

Dog owners commonly appease their pets’ urge to chew by giving them various rubber / synthetic toys, and other popular products like peg ears, tendons, antlers.

Another common products that is available for dogs, is Bully sticks, and while they are usually safe, a recall has been issued on one manufacturer’s product.

 The Food and Drug Administration reports that Kasel Associated Industries of Denver, CO. is recalling their Boots & Barkley American Beef Bully Sticks, after the product was tested because of contamination with salmonella. The affected product was distributed nationwide through Target stores from April through September 2012, in  clear plastic bags, containing 6 bully sticks each marked with bar code number 647263899189.

The following lots numbers tested positive for the pathogen when State of Colorado Department of Agriculture officials analyzed them:

• BESTBY20APR2014DEN
• BESTBY01JUN2014DEN
• BESTBY23JUN2014DEN
• BESTBY23SEP2014DEN

Salmonella, 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 hand washing is a must — even when handling dry pet food that may be contaminated with the bacteria.

Because there are more than 2,000 strains of salmonella, it’s the most common cause behind pet product recalls. Very young and very old pets are most susceptible to the bacteria and suffer the effects the worst. The most common symptoms associated with salmonella are vomiting, diarrhea and fever. Companion animals presenting with symptoms are treated with IV fluids and antibiotics. If your pet is showing any of the above symptoms, please contact us immediately.

That being said, salmonella can affect other animals —  not just the dogs who chew on these products. 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 chew sticks or any surfaces exposed to any contaminated product.

The product can be returned to the store where it was purchased for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-218-4417 Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (MDT).

Stay tuned to tampabayvets.net for up-to-date information on the latest pet product recalls.