Pets: Peanut butter marketed for dogs included in Salmonella recall

Santa Monica, California-based Dog for Dog says that although no illnesses have been reported, they are recalling of all jars of its Dogsbutter as a precaution.

“While no Dogsbutter products have tested positive for salmonella, our number one focus is ensuring the health, safety and well-being of dogs,” company CEO Rocky Keever said.

“We’d much rather be overly cautious. We’re not knowledgeable enough in the peanut market, so we just pulled it.”

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 care needs to be taken. 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 most profoundly. The most common symptoms associated with salmonella are vomiting, diarrhea and fever. Companion animals presenting with symptoms are treated with IV fluids and antibiotics.

Products with manufacturing dates of May 1, 2012 through Sept. 24, 2012 are affected.

The product can be returned to the store where it was purchased for a full refund. Click here to read more on the company website.

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