FDA Warns Dog Owners About Chicken Jerky Treats

By WebVet.com

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning pet owners that chicken jerky dog snacks might cause their pets to be ill. The FDA issued the alert after a surge in complaints by dog owners and vets, who claim the made-in-China treats may have led to sickness and death.

Despite the alert, the FDA has not pinpointed the problem or issued a recall, meaning there is no specific product to look for.

Veterinarian Dr. Carla Cloud, who examined a dog experiencing symptoms believed to be from the jerky, said of the warning signs, "Her appetite has been a little bit decreased, she vomited once this weekend which is pretty abnormal for her. So just feeling a little under the weather."

In 2007, the FDA issued its first caution alert related to chicken jerky snacks after taking 156 complaints associating them to illness and death. The FDA issued another bulletin when cases multiplied again between 2008 and early 2009. The most recent caution alert comes after at least 70 complaints already this year.