New reports indicate that the commercial dog food recall which commenced with products manufactured by Menu Foods is exploding in its tragic consequences.

The dog food problem has apparently been caused by contaminated wheat gluten, a protein source, that was imported from China. Laboratory tests have produced a variety of suspect contaminants including aminopterin, a rat poison, and melamine, a chemical used in the manufacture of plastics and fertilizer.

Petconnection.com states that 1,511 reported dog deaths have been logged as a result of dogs eating tainted commercial dog food.

The report continues that 3240 pets have been listed as dead since the inception of the dog food recall and 9,378 total sick and deceased after eating contaminated commercial pet or dog food. These numbers include sick and deceased cats which points to the permeation of contamination across brands, food types and species that have eaten the pet food

In Oregon, where a steady stream of kidney and fatalities have been reported, the number of kidney related sickness and death are increasing.

State health officials state that the number of suspected deaths connected to the recall has risen to thirty eight. An additional sixty six cases of sickness may also be directly connected to the recall.

So what course of action can a dog owner take to protect his dog?

1) If you have been feeding any of the commercial dog food brands listed at Menu Foods at http://menufoods.com/recall/product_dog.html immediately stop using the dog food. We would suggest calling your veterinarian and consulting with the vet if any of this food has been used, prior to any symptoms arising.

2) Review the commercial dog food recall information from the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html for additional information and to determine if your dog food has been recalled and is not on the Menu Foods dog food recall list

3) Report any adverse consequences as result of the dog food recall to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html

4) Contact your local elected officials by phone and postal mail to voice your concern for the safety of dogs and better regulation of dog food industry labeling practices. You can locate your elected officials at http://votesmart.org/index.htm

5) If your dog shows any sign of sickness contact your veterinarian without delay.