Recall of Chicken Jerky Products for Dogs?

  The FDA released another warning to pet owners regarding chicken jerky products made in Japan. While they have waited to gather more information on this situation from Australia and other sources, there have been reports that as many as 95 dogs have become sickened and several died after eating these tainted product.

According to an FDA Preliminary Animal Health Notification issued on December 19th, 2008, dog owners are cautioned against feeding their pets excessive amounts chicken jerky products, particularly those produced in China. The notification does not explicitly say to avoid these products, instead reminding consumers that these types of treats should not be used to replace a well-balanced diet and owners of small dogs must "be especially careful to limit the amount of these products".

This advisory is not the first released with regard to these products. Back in September of 2007, consumers were warned that there may be a problem with these treats being harmful to pets and at least one product was recalled.

FDA scientists have not been able to find a particular ingredient or contaminant that is causing the problems. "Blood tests may indicate kidney failure (increased urea nitrogen and creatinine). Urine tests may indicate Fanconi syndrome (increased glucose). Although most dogs appear to recover, some reports to the FDA have involved dogs that have died."

Pet owners are cautioned to look for the following symptoms:

"decreased appetite, although some may continue to consume the treats to the exclusion of other foods; decreased activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; and increased water consumption and/or increased urination"

If your pet displays any of these symptoms, stop giving them the chicken jerky product. Pets displaying these symptoms for more than 24 hours should be taken to the veterinarian.

I've got a better idea - perhaps discontinue feeding your dog(s) chicken jerky products until they either get the all clear or are pulled from the marketplace completely. The risk just doesn't seem worth it here.