Vets from Tampa-based Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners say pet owners should be cautious and consult their pet’s vet if they have questions about the lawsuit.

TAMPA – Veterinarians from BluePearl Veterinary Partners are urging pet owners to be cautious and consult their family veterinarians if they have questions stemming from a class-action lawsuit claiming a popular dog food is harming pets.

The lawsuit, filed earlier this month in California federal court, claims thousands of dogs have become ill or died as a result of eating Beneful dry kibble.  The suit alleges the food contains toxins, and lists propylene glycol and mycotoxins as potentially harmful substances found in the food. Nestle Purina PetCare Co., the maker of Beneful, calls the lawsuit “baseless” and maintains the food is safe. But the news is generating concern among pet owners.

“Certainly, this action has raised many questions among families with pets,” said Dr. Jennifer Welser, chief medical officer of BluePearl Veterinary Partners. “If pet owners are worried, the first and best thing to do is to talk to their family veterinarian.”

Additionally, people should be aware of common signs of distress, including lethargy, decreased activity, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus), increased water consumption and/or increased urination.

“Any time you notice a medical problem or a significant change in your pet’s behavior , you should take them to your family veterinarian or nearest emergency veterinary hospital as soon as possible,” Welser said.

BluePearl Veterinary Partners employs 2,400 team members including more than 500 veterinarians. BluePearl hospitals offer referral-only, specialty care services and most offer 24-hour emergency care. BluePearl does not provide primary care. The company is one of the world’s principal providers of approved veterinary residency and internship programs. BluePearl also participates in clinical trials that investigate the effectiveness of new veterinary drugs and treatments, providing pet families access to cutting-edge medicine that is not yet commercially available. BluePearl is headquartered in Tampa. For information, see bluepearlvet.com.

BluePearl Veterinary | Beneful | Pets | Dogs | Pet Care

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