NEW RESEARCH REVEALS BACTERIA ASSOCIATED WITH FELINE GUM DISEASE FOR THE FIRST TIME

 Studies reveal the differences in species of bacteria found in cat and human plaque and pave the way for more effective treatment for one of the most commonly diagnosed health problems in cats 


 Gum disease is one of the most commonly diagnosed health problems in cats, yet relatively little was understood about the bacteria associated with it – until now. Two collaborative studies have been conducted by researchers from the WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition together with expert veterinary dentists and the Harvard affiliated Forsyth Institute. The work, published in Veterinary Microbiology in February 2015 and PLOS ONE today, sheds new light on feline gum disease, identifying the most common bacterial species associated with health and disease in cats for the first time.

Using the latest DNA sequencing technologies, researchers identified 267 bacterial species present in feline dental plaque and built a database detailing the differences between bacterial populations in healthy cats and those in cats with gum disease.

“This knowledge is a first step in understanding the potential for improving oral health of cats through dietary interventions that target disease-associated bacteria.” said Dr. Ian Davis, Oral Health Researcher at WALTHAM, part of Mars Petcare.

The studies also revealed that the bacterial species in feline plaque were more similar to those observed in canine plaque than to those found in humans.  This suggests that interventions targeted at bacteria which cause oral disease in humans are unlikely to be effective in cats, and there is more potential to learn from interventions that work well in dogs.

Dr. Davis added “It’s important for pet owners to know that cats are just as susceptible to gum disease as dogs and understand the importance of maintaining a good oral hygiene routine; ideally including tooth brushing and dental treats or a specific dental diet”.  

The latest study, published today in PLOS ONE, can be downloaded by clicking on this link http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0136986.

Blue Buffalo Voluntarily Recalls Wilderness Wild Chews Bones

Blue Buffalo Voluntarily Recalls One Lot of Cub Size Wilderness Wild Chews Bones Due to Potential Salmonella Health Risk
 
 Product Distributed Since November 19 Through PetSmart Stores in 9 States; No Illnesses Reported

Blue Buffalo Company is voluntarily recalling one production lot of Cub Size Wilderness Wild Chews Bones. This is being done in an abundance of caution, as the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare provider.

Pets with Salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Other clinical signs may include lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The product was distributed starting November 19, 2015 in PetSmart stores located in the following 9 states: California, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The recalled product comes individually shrink-wrapped in plastic with the UPC number 840243110087 printed on a sticker affixed to the product, and an expiration date of November 4, 2017, printed as “exp 110417” on the shrink-wrap. Consumers should look at the UPC Code and expiration date on the product package to determine if it is subject to the voluntary recall.

The voluntary recall is limited to the following product and production lot:

Product Name    Cub Size Wilderness Wild Chews Bone

UPC Code          840243110087 

Expiration Date November 4, 2017 

 

 Routine testing at the manufacturing site revealed the presence of Salmonella in the product. No illnesses have been reported to date and no other Blue Buffalo products are affected.

Consumers who have purchased the product subject to this recall are urged to dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact Blue Buffalo at: 888-641-9736 from 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday and the weekend of November 28, 2015, or by email at Bluebuffalo4260@stericycle.com for more information.

Blue Buffalo Recalling A Limited Production Of Blue Kitty Yums Chicken Recipe Cat Treats

Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd. Voluntarily Recalls Limited Production of Kitty Yums Chicken Recipe Cat Treats Due to the Presence of Propylene Glycol

 Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd. is voluntarily recalling a limited production of Blue Kitty Yums Chicken Recipe Cat Treats that may contain low levels of propylene glycol, which is not permitted by the FDA for use in cat food.

Cats reacting to high doses of propylene glycol may exhibit signs of depression and may have a loss of coordination, muscle twitching, and excessive urination and thirst. If your cat has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The affected product was distributed nationwide in the US and Canada through pet specialty stores and e-commerce.

The product is packaged in a 2 oz., plastic stand up pouch. Only these specific code dates of this product are involved:

• Blue Kitty Yums Tasty Chicken Recipe, UPC: 859610007820 - Best If Used By: April 24, 2016.
• Blue Kitty Yums Tasty Chicken Recipe, UPC: 859610007820 - Best If Used By: July 24, 2016.
  
   
  
  
  
   No other BLUE pet foods or treats are involved in this recall.
  The FDA tested product in response to a single consumer complaint and found propylene glycol in one bag of our cat treats in the impacted lot. To date we have had no other reports of incidents related to our cat treats. Out of an abundance of caution, we are voluntarily recalling all product manufactured in the same lot as the subject bag.
  Consumers who have purchased the product being recalled may return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Blue Buffalo at: 888-667-1508 from 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday and the weekend of November 7, 2015 or by email at BlueBuffalo5883@stericycle.com for more information.
  About Blue Buffalo
  Blue Buffalo, based in Wilton, CT, is a pet products company that makes natural foods and treats for pets.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Best Day Ever With Merrick Pet Care Campaign

Merrick Pet Care Gives Dogs Nationwide Chance for Their Best Day Ever

Leader in All-Natural Pet Food Kicks Off National Campaign with Best Game of Fetch Ever Contest Featuring Star Quarterback Drew Brees

 Every dog deserves the Best Day Ever. From the ultimate game of fetch to an unending belly rub, dogs should be rewarded for their undeniable loyalty and unconditional love. That's why Merrick Pet Care, a leader in all-natural pet food, wants to reward the Best Dog Ever with the Best Day Ever.

The company launched their Best Day Ever campaign in August with an end-of-summer splash day where they treated shelter dogs to the Best Pool Party Ever at Colorado's Water World – plus the chance to be adopted – for their Best Day Ever.
 

"We believe not only that the best dog ever deserves the best food ever, but also that dogs should be able to enjoy the best day ever – everyday," said Mark Sapir, vice president of marketing for Merrick Pet Care. "We're continuously inspired by the stories we hear from our pet parents about the love they have for their dogs, and one of the most exciting things about our Best Day Ever campaign is that it celebrates the true stories of our best friends – our dogs. They make every day great for us and deserve nothing less than the ultimate reward for being the Best Dog Ever."

With the Best Day Ever, Merrick Pet Care will continue to surprise pet parents nationwide with the campaign into 2016. In fact, now through December 3, 2015, Merrick is inviting pet parents across the country to share why their dog is the Best Dog Ever for a chance to win the Best Game of Fetch Ever with star football quarterback Drew Brees. Entrants can submit their photo and a brief narrative about why their dog deserves to win on Merrick's Facebook page.  

 

For more information about the Best Day Ever, visit www.merrickpetcare.com and follow the brand on Facebook or@MerrickPetCare on Twitter using the hashtag #MerrickBestDayEver. Find complete contest rules here.

About Merrick Pet CareFounded in 1988, Amarillo-based Merrick Pet Care, Inc. is a leader in natural and organic pet food. With a mission to create the most nutritious and wholesome food, Merrick families take better care of their pets by cooking up nutritious real whole foods for pets. All foods are made in the USA using only the freshest ingredients grown by local farmers and no ingredients from China. The company offers a wide variety of dry and wet foods, as well as treats, that are available nationally at independent pet specialty stores, Petco, and online via select retailers. In April 2012, Merrick Pet Care Inc. acquired Castor & Pollux and its ORGANIX, Natural Ultramix and Good Buddy food and treats for pets. These brands are available at PetSmart, natural grocery, and online via select retailers. For more information, visit www.merrickpetcare.com