(Update: As of Feb 28, 2012, many more cases have been reported. Please help spread the word.)
Do you feed your dog chicken jerky dog treats? The FDA says you should throw those treats out.
Chicken jerky, also referred to as chicken tenders, chicken strips, and chicken treats, have been responsible for complaints of illness for a few years now. The first FDA warning came out in September 2007, and another warning was issued today as a result of increased complaints from owners and veterinarians in the last year.
Illnesses related to the treats include kidney failure and increased blood sugar. Most dogs have recovered, but in some cases the illness has been fatal. The FDA says complaints are linked to treats imported from China. Though studies have been conducted, researchers have not yet determined what exactly is causing the illnesses. As a result, it's safer to err on the side of caution and avoid chicken jerky treats.
The following symptoms have been reported in dogs anywhere from a few hours to a few days after they have eaten the problem treats:
• Increased water consumption
• Decreased appetite
• Increased urination
• Decreased activity
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea (with or without blood)
If your dog has eaten chicken jerky treats and shows any of these symptoms, consult your vet if the signs are severe or last over 24 hours.
Please share this notification with other dog owners you know. Dogs can be saved from illness and death with a little warning, so let's get this out to every dog owner. To get more dog-specific updates like this one, sign up for the PawPosse.com newsletter. It takes less than a minute - enter your name and email in the green box at the top right of this page.
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