Dog and Cat Foods Might Pose Danger to Your Health

How to Protect Your Family From Food-borne Illness in Your Pet's Foods

Recently, I've noticed that more and more recalls have been issued for pet foods due to contamination with dangerous bacteria such as salmonella and e. coli.  Not only do these foods pose a danger to your beloved pets, but they also are a hazard to you and your family!  While salmonella in pet foods and treats can cause serious infections in your dog or cat, they can cause very real problems in people too--especially children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems. 

Salmonella in pet foods and treats potentially can be transferred to people ingesting or handling the contaminated products.Toddlers are notorious for messing around with pets' dishes and (as unsavory as it sounds) they sometimes will even eat the dog or cat's food.  But even if you keep pet food well away from your little ones, you might still be at risk of contracting a serious infection due hidden bacteria in your animals' foods.  Luckily, there are steps you can take  to help prevent these food-borne illnesses that arise from pet food contamination..  Following the guidelines listed below will go a long way toward protecting your family and your fur-babies as well.

When Buying Pet Food

• Purchase products that appear to be in good condition, without signs of damage to the packaging such as dents or tears.

When Preparing Pet Food

• Thoroughly wash your hands for 30 seconds with hot soapy water after handling pet foods and treats.
• Wash pet food bowls, dishes, and scooping utensils with soap and hot water after each use.
• Do not use your hands or the pet's feeding bowl as a scooping utensil—use a clean, dedicated scoop or spoon.
• Dispose of old or spoiled pet food products in a safe manner, such as in a securely tied plastic bag in a covered trash receptacle.

Safely Storing Pet Food

• Securely cover and refrigerate promptly or discard any unused, leftover wet pet food.
• Refrigerators should be set at or below 40º F.
• Dry products should be stored in a cool, dry place—under 80º F.
• If possible, store dry pet food in its original bag inside a clean, dedicated plastic container with a lid, keeping the top of the bag folded closed.
• Keep pets away from food storage and preparation areas.
• Keep pets away from garbage and household trash.

Stay Alert

• Finally, stay alert to breaking news on product recalls by subscribing to Totally Recalled!  where you will always find  timely updates to help you avoid exposure to any known problems as they occur--such as this pet treat recall issued today!