It is always upsetting to find out that the product you use has been recalled. Pet owners should check the recall list frequently to stay informed. Sometimes the toxic substances can have long term affects on a pet's health as well as making them sick right away. It is not always clear how long a product has been on the market before it is recalled.
To stay current you can go to this site:
http://www.thedogpress.com/DogFood/Pet-Food-Recalls-2013_Liquorman.asp
Also keep in mind that certain dog products that are commonly given as treats and are not recalled can be life threatening to a dog. Here is a partial list of these products:
1) Rawhide - I never recommend giving them to a dog. They can obstruct a dogs intestines requiring surgery to remove the rawhide. If they are not produced in the USA they can be cured in arsenic.
2) Soft toys if your dog chews them instead of just playing with them. They can cause intestinal damage, especially if the dog swallows the squeaker or stuffing.
3) Pig ears, cow hooves and any of the natural bone products. These often have bacteria that is bad for both dogs and humans who handle the products. Again, they can block the intestines and have to be removed surgically.
4) Any of the teeth cleaning treats. Again, a dog can chew and swallow a piece and obstruct their intestinal tract. Some of these products have plastic in them to make them hard.
The safest toys for dogs are the blue Kong products that you can buy through a veterinarian. Blue is the only color that will always show up on X-rays if the dog should swallow a piece. The Bite-A-Bone products and Nylabone products are also safe if you give adult dogs the hardest ones available. Never give an adult dog the puppy version. The last safety tip is make sure that whatever you give your dog is big enough that the dog cannot swallow it.
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