It’s the biggest pet-food recall Yukon vets have ever seen.
And both vet clinics are worried about the territory’s dogs and cats.
Over the weekend, Menu Foods recalled a slew of brand name pet foods after 10 dogs and cats died in Canada and the US.
Only moist pet foods have been recalled, including products marketed by Iams, Eukanuba, Science Diet, President’s Choice and Big Red.
“So far, they haven’t found any proof of what caused the deaths,” said Copper Road veterinarian Marina Alpeza.
“A lot of questions remain unanswered,” added Alpine veterinarian Rick Brown.
Brown has already had 12 calls from concerned pet owners and has seen a number of dogs and cats come in for blood work in the last few days.
But, so far, neither clinic has had a case of poisoning from the recalled foods.
Pets that died from the food showed signs of kidney failure.
“It sounds similar to anti-freeze poisoning,” said Alpeza.
Pets that have eaten recalled food, showing signs of lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst or urination should be brought to a vet clinic immediately for blood work, said both vets.
Neither clinic sells food involved in the recall.
“With pet food, you get what you pay for,” said Alpeza.
“Many cheaper foods aren’t tested.”
“We like to see a lot of research behind the brands we carry,” said Brown.
“These foods are monitored closely, and we even visit the plants.”
With all pet foods, consumers should be able to contact the suppliers and be given ready advice, he said.
“There are many good diets,” said Alpeza.
“And all foods that have the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association seal of approval have been checked and analyzed,” she added.
To see a full list of the recalled pet foods visit Menu Foods website at www.menufoods.com/recall, or phone its consumer hotline at 1 (866) 895-2708.