The FDA is looking for clues from veterinarians and pet families as to why many dogs get sick after eating jerky treats. Since 2007, as many as 3,600 dogs have been made ill and 580 have died after eating jerky treats. No specific brand is mentioned in the press release.
The FDA has conducted more than 1,200 tests and has visited the Chinese factories where most jerky is manufactured. Vets have been sent a letter asking for their help and a copy of a fact sheet explaining how pet families can also help in tracking down this mysterious problem.
According to the update issued yesterday by the FDA: Within hours of eating treats sold as jerky tenders or strips made of chicken, duck, sweet potatoes and/or dried fruit, some pets have exhibited decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus), increased water consumption, and/or increased urination.
Severe cases have involved kidney failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, and a rare kidney disorder. About 60 percent of cases involved gastrointestinal illness, and about 30 percent involved kidney and urinary systems.
The remaining cases reported various symptoms, such as collapse, convulsions or skin issues.
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, please contact the FDA Safety Reporting Portal or your local FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator and let them know.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!
Rich – I’m so sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing your story.
The Dog Lady
just lost my 2 year old sheltie/ vomited once/ loss of appitte for 2 days /headed for vet next day/ still active/began to loose blood out both ends/in less than 24 hours my dog passed/ one bag of salmon treats from china and she had less than 4 treats/ vet thinks the new virus possible but I did not autopsy /blood and urine samples sent to Michigan st for analysis/ I believe there is more going on than we know about in the public / heartbroken / now I would like a few answers about pet treats and food / my vet has saw several cases