A frenzied product recall on a popular premium brand of dog food has been issued after reports it made several dogs critically ill, with one passing away after consuming the product.
The Advanced Dermocare dry dog food range is suspected to have caused megaesophagus in nine Victorian police dogs, and three domestic pets.
The condition causes a dog’s oesophagus to become abnormally enlarged – making it impossible for the dog to swallow or absorb nutrients from food.
One dog has died, with two others expected to be euthanised due to their declining condition.
The food has been pulled from over 500 stockists around Australia, while veterinary experts are testing samples of the food to determine the fatal ingredients.
Mars Petcare Australia advise they have recalled their Advance Dermocare dry dog food products in 3kg, 8kg and 12kg bags.
A statement on their website reads:
“We advise dog owners who have purchased this product to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
”These bags will have been purchased from specialty retailers and veterinarians. No other Advance products or varieties are affected. The health and wellbeing of Australian pets is our number one priority, so we were deeply concerned to learn that a number of dogs have been affected by megaoesophagus – a condition that is generally not associated with food.
“[We] are voluntarily recalling these products as a precaution while we work to get to the bottom of the issue as soon as we can.
“We will continue to provide information to University of Melbourne to enable further testing, and consult with the Australian Veterinary Association. We understand Australian pet owners may be worried. Concerned pet owners should contact their veterinarian, or our consumer care team on 1800 640 111.”
