Dog Treats Illness Linked to Chicken Jerky Treats
Approximately 600 dog owners have reported their otherwise healthy pets suddenly becoming seriously ill recently. It seems these sudden and mysterious illnesses are due to the treats owners are feeding their pets. Three brands of chicken jerky style dog treats have been linked to recent disease in dogs.
FDA officials have linked Waggin' Train Chicken Jerky, Canyon Creek Ranch Chicken Jerky and Milo's Kitchen Home-Style Dog Treats to many of the recently reported cases of dog illness, reports MSNBC. All three brands of dog treats are made in China, and it is not the first time that Chinese-made chicken jerky dog treats have raised problems. In November MSNBC reported that the FDA determined approximately 70 dogs suffered illnesses due to chicken jerky treats that were made it China.
Both Waggin' Train and Canyon Creek Ranch treats are made by the Nestle Purina Pet Care Company. Milo's Kitchen Home-Style treats are made by the Del Monte Corporation.
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Despite illness being linked to these products and brands, "No specific products have been recalled because a definitive cause has not been determined," an FDA statement said.
Pet owners who suspect their dogs may have eaten these allegedly tainted treats should watch out for symptoms of illness. The FDA says warning signs include, vomiting, diarrhea that could include blood, decreased activity, decreased appetite, increased water intake, and increased urination. If pet owners suspect their dog is suffering from one or more of these symptoms, they should take their pet to the vet as soon as possible.
The diseases allegedly caused by these treats include kidney failure, liver disease and Fanconi syndrome. While most dogs have recovered, two dogs have died, one was a two-year-old pug, the other a 14-year-old mixed breed dog.
Susan Rhodes, the owner of the late 14-year-old dog, is outraged that the FDA won't issue a recall, and that the responsible companies won't instate a voluntary recall. She has started a petition to help get these treats off the shelves.
"Because tests by the FDA are inconclusive, pet treat manufacturers are not required by law to recall their products, and none of them have volunteered to do so. But given that the tests have not pinpointed the contaminant does not mean it is not contaminated," Rhodes writes in her petition.
At this point Rhodes has collected over 3,000 signatures.
SEE VIDEO OF NEWS REPORT ON DOG JERKY TREATS CAUSING PET ILLNESS
