Community Corner

Owner Sounds Alarm on Risky Dog Treats

A Gulfport pet owner took action when he learned that chicken jerky treats made in China may harm dogs. The FDA is warning pet owners about health risks, even death.

It's no secret that David, Vice Mayor, and Jo, owner of Habana Cafe, Hastings love animals. They have six cats, one rabbit and two rescue dogs, Buddy and Lamont.

Even with a full house, David Hastings says he gives his dogs plenty of love and attention. That includes car rides, trips to the Gulfport dog park and even days in the office with him at work. The dogs also wolf down their share of treats.

“I constantly gave them treats all throughout the day,” Hastings said.

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Because Hastings spoils his dogs with treats, he was especially alarmed when he heard that chicken jerky made in China could cause dogs to get sick or die. Hastings watched the local news on Nov. 21 when he saw the report.

“I ran downstairs to see what types of treats I had been giving my two dogs. I flipped and checked the back, (it read) made in China.”

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Hastings gathered up all the bags, 14 in all including one opened bag, and returned them to Sam's Club the next day. He says employees hadn't heard about the "caution" from the FDA but they did give him a full refund.

Hastings says the treats could be the cause of his dogs' diarrhea and gas problems. He says both Buddy and Lamont have had diarrhea their entire lives.

“I’ve been using the same treats, ever since I got them 3 years ago.”

He says he's tried changing their diets, but the diarrhea continued. "No vet has ever told me, 'hey if you’re giving your dog treats, be careful about giving them chicken jerky.”

Since getting rid of the treats, Hastings "hasn't notice the diarrhea" and the dogs haven't had the gastrointestinal upset that had seem typical for them. He plans on bringing up the recently discovered issue with his dogs' vet.

Caution from FDA

According to the FDA, chicken jerky pet products that are imported from China are causing dogs to get sick and even die. According to the report, most dogs appear to recover; however, some have died. The report says,

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is again cautioning consumers that chicken jerky products for dogs (also sold as chicken tenders, strips or treats) may be associated with illness in dogs. In the last 12 months, FDA has seen an increase in the number of complaints it received of dog illnesses associated with consumption of chicken jerky products imported from China. These complaints have been reported to FDA by dog owners and veterinarians.

People should watch for the following signs:

  • decreased appetite
  • decreased activity
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea, sometimes with blood
  • increased water consumption
  • increased urination

If the dog shows any of these symptoms, stop feeding the chicken jerky and immediatley consult a veterinarian.

The report also states,

"Blood tests may indicate kidney failure (increased urea nitrogen and creatinine). Urine tests may indicate Fanconi syndrome (increased glucose)."

Not the First Warning

The FDA issued a caution to dog owners in September 2007 and December 2008. The number of complaints from dog owners and vets prompted the FDA to release this recent warning.

Ask A Vet

This website "AskAVetQuestion.com" published an article titled "Chicken Jerky from China may be causing Fanconi syndrome in dogs" on June 29, 2011. It has 173 comments.


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