Keep Your Pet Healthy This Season

April 19, 2007 — -- From the pet food recall to a new antidepressant for dogs, pets and their care are making national headlines.

On "Good Morning America," veterinarian Marty Becker ran down the latest news pet owners should know to ensure the health of their pets.

Becker urged people to stay on top of the pet food recall news to prevent more cats and dogs from dying or getting sick. "Go through your shelves and make sure you don't have any of the recalled foods tucked away," he said.

Becker advised pet owners to get advice from a veterinarian before concocting their own pet food. "I still recommend commercial foods, but veterinarians are also willing to direct people to trusted resources to help them get started the right way with home cooking."

He added, "Check with your vet any time you change your pet's diet. There could be complications depending on what you serve your pet, so it's best to be safe and get advice."

A new report that Xylitol, a natural sweetener found in gum, candy and cookies, is poisonous to dogs and is also causing pet owners anxiety. "It not only causes hypoglycemia in dogs, but a recent study shows that it also causes acute hepatic necrosis," Becker confirmed. "This is just another reason not to feed your dog from your plate and to discuss any changes in your pet's diet with your vet."

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The Food and Drug Administration recently approved a dog antidepressant. Becker explained that the drug is designed to keep dogs from barking relentlessly or tearing up the house when no one's at home.

"The new drug is called Reconcile, and it's to help dogs with separation anxiety, caused when their owners leave them alone at home," said Becker. "The drug is to be used in combination with behavior modification training."

You can find more information about Reconcile at www.reconcile.com.

While pet owners may be divided on the antidepressant, Becker said everyone should embrace products that help protect pets from parasites, especially with summer around the corner.