The Natural Dog Company recalls treats due to possible Salmonella

Dog owners, it’s time to check your treat jars — again.

For the fourth time this month, the FDA has announced a recall of pet food or treats. The newest recall involves The Natural Dog Company and their 12-ounce bags of 12-inch Tremenda Sticks due a possible Salmonella contamination.

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Image: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

According to the press release, the recalled product was sold in retail stores in 10 states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio, Utah and Washington.

The treat comes in a 12-ounce bag without a lot number or expiration date, and the UPC on the package is 851265004957. The product uses an older packaging style, and anything with the new packaging, including a lot number and expiration date but the same UPC number, is not included in the recall.

The possible Salmonella contamination was discovered when the Colorado Department of Agriculture found the presence of the bacteria in a sample of the product.

No illnesses have been reported.

Image: The Natural Dog Company/Facebook

What to watch for

Salmonella can affect dogs eating the infected treats, and may lead to gastroenteritis, spontaneous abortions and septicemia, a condition of the blood in which micro-organisms or harmful toxins are present.

Symptoms to watch for include, but are not limited to:

• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Dehydration
• Mucus in stool
• Fast heart rate
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Miscarriage

If your dog has consumed these recalled treats and presents with any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Threat to humans

Pet owners are also at risk for Salmonella, both from handling the treat, especially if you have not washed your hands after handling the treat or coming into contact with surfaces exposed to the product, or from transmission through a contaminated pet.

Healthy people who may have been exposed to Salmonella should watch for the following symptoms:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bloody diarrhea
• Abdominal cramping
• Fever

Anyone who has been exposed to Salmonella and experiences these symptoms should contact their doctor. In rare cases, Salmonella can lead to more serious side effects or complications.

If you have the product

Production of the 12-inch Tremenda Sticks has been halted while the FDA and The Natural Dog Company continue to investigate the source of the possible contamination.

If you are in possession of the recalled product, discontinue use immediately. You may return any unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund.

For more information, consumers may call the company at 1-888-424-4602, from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST.

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