We all want to provide our pets with what they need for a long and healthy life. Pet owners today face a market with sometimes overwhelming choices for pet supplements and vitamins. Some vitamins can assist with certain conditions, like arthritis or hip dysplasia, while others are for general wellness.
A common supplement for many pets is Omega-3. Omega-3 supplements can have many benefits, ranging from allergy support to kidney function, but most of these supplements are intended to increase the health of pets’ skin and coats. Now, this extremely common supplement is facing major recalls. With 62 brands currently recalled, use caution when providing Omega-3 to your pet.
Accidental Vitamin Overdose in Supplements
As it turns out, it’s possible for there to be too much of a good thing. Vitamin A is healthy in certain doses, and overall a good thing to find in your pet’s diet. However, too much vitamin A can negatively impact pets. Stratford Care USA, which manufactures all 62 brands of supplement, listed the recall as being due to “potentially elevated levels of vitamin A”. The company noted that symptoms of a vitamin A overdose in pets could include symptoms such as “general malaise, anorexia, nausea, peeling skin, weakness, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, and death”.
Stratford Care USA urged pet owners to voluntarily recall the products after a single adverse reaction from a pet, who displayed symptoms of vitamin A toxicity. The company asks that customers dispose of all recalled supplements. Veterinary clinics and retail stores, as well as online retailers such as Amazon, distributed the supplements.
Affected consumers who wish to contact Stratford Care USA, Inc directly can call 877-498-2002.
Protecting Your Pets From Recalled Products
Usually, big-name recalls are fairly easy to find information on. But when you’re offering your pet a variety of treats, supplements, and toys, it can be hard to keep track of each brand’s status. You can browse current recalls directly from the FDA. Consider avoiding brands with frequent recalls.
One recall isn’t a sign of a flawed product, but consistent product safety concerns usually mean you should avoid it.