Chicken Jerky Pet Treats: Dog Owners Warned

A mysterious illness, linked to chicken jerky treats made in China, has affected over 600 dogs in the U.S.

With increasing public awareness of pet food safety, pet owners are highly concerned that all food fed to their companion animals is of high quality and most importantly; safe.

According to HULIQ, a popular online news journal, a mystery illness, sometimes proving fatal, is spreading. Complaints from pet owners and veterinarians contain references to at least three popular brands of chicken jerky treats that may be associated with kidney failure and other serious conditions.

Over the past few months warnings concerning these popular chicken jerky treats have been issued by The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, The American Veterinary Medical Association. 

The Federal Food and Drug Administration began issuing warnings about illnesses in dogs thought to be associated with chicken jerky treats produced in China in September 2007, and again in December 2008. Thus far, they have received a total of 537 reports of illnesses in canines with 184 cases submitted since January 2012.

However, while the FDA continues to investigate this issue, according to a recent statement published on their website, "some of the illnesses reported may be the result of causes other than eating chicken jerky.”

Notifications concerning tainted pet foods can be alarming and confusing to pet owners. Many of us still remember the extensive pet food recall of 2007. This announcement concerned many pet owners and animal professionals since our pets may have been exposed to toxic substances. Unfortunately, many beloved pets became seriously ill or died.

Since then, many pet food recalls have been announced by pet food companies and manufacturers concerning dogs, cats and large and small animals. Fortunately, when those safety issues were discovered, pet food companies and manufacturers reached out to consumers, refunding purchase price, giving coupons to consumers and replacing tainted products with safe ones.

MSNBC recently reported that federal officials are asking consumers to help in the investigation of the problems possibly connected with chicken jerky treats.

People feeding chicken jerky treats made in China to their dogs should be on the lookout for symptoms of illness that may occur starting hours or days following its ingestion. They include decreased activity, decreased appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, (which may contain blood), increased water consumption and/or increased urination.

Since current regulations exist precluding the removal of products from the market based solely on complaints, until a definitive causal connection is found, the FDA cannot take action. In order to assure your pet's safety the FDA recommends using caution in regard to chicken jerky products.

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