FDA Stumped After Jerky Treats Made In China Linked To Nearly 600 Pet

by Amy Tokic

Published: October 23rd, 2013

fda stumped after jerky treats made in china linked to nearly 600 pet

How’s this for scary – federal animal health officials are saying that nearly 600 pets have died and more than 3,600 have taken ill after eating jerky treats that were made in China.

This is just one more reason why you should always check were your dog treats and food ingredients are being made and coming from. Dogs (and a few cats) have taken ill or died after eating chicken, duck and sweet potato jerky treats. In January, 500 deaths and 3,200 illnesses were reported after dogs ate jerky pet treats made in China. It looks like numbers are slowing down, but federal Food and Drug Administration officials are stumped and are turning to veterinarians and pet owners for help stopping the outbreak.

Just one family that’s been affected by the outbreak are the Mawakas. Their 6-year-old Boston terrier (pictured above) died in 2012 after he ate chicken jerky pet treats made in China.

To date, testing for contaminants in jerky treats has not revealed a cause for the illnesses,” Martine Hartogensis, a deputy director for the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, said in the new report. “Despite these warnings, we have continued to receive reports of illnesses in both cats and dogs.”

The number of illnesses and deaths has dropped because two of the largest sellers of pet jerky treats announced recalls due to unapproved antibiotic residue found in these products. That means there are less treats to be ingested, which results in fewer reported illnesses. The recent recalls of Nestle Purina PetCare Co.’s Waggin Train and Canyon Creek Ranch treats, and Del Monte Corp.’s Milo’s Kitchen Chicken Jerky and Chicken Grillers home-style dog treats cut back on the sheer number of treats being available on the market.

But still, FDA officials still don’t know where the problem lies and what to do to stop this epidemic. Officials are running tests and tracking down leads, but there’s still no end in sight. For the time being, FDA officials are tracking information from vets about any animals sickened by jerky treats, and they are putting out a fact sheet for owners that can be posted at veterinary hospitals, pet supply stores and various online sites.

So what can we do as pet parents to protect our dogs? We have 5 vet-approved tips for buying safe dog treats.

[Source: NBCnews]

Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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You might enjoy the magic of wintertime, but that doesn’t mean that your pooch shares your enthusiasm for cold weather – or the situation might be the exact opposite, with your four-legged bestie enjoying snowfall and you dreading the icy temperatures. Either way, you might be wondering if your pet needs some extra protection or different routines during winter – after all, some dogs are less suited for cold than others. So, it begs the question how cold is too cold for your dog, and should you even try going outside in these cases? There are several precautions you can take, but sometimes, you should be wary of extreme temperatures. Let’s delve deeper and learn more. How Cold is Too Cold for My Dog to Be Outside?The tolerance to cold weather can vary among individual dogs based on factors such as breed, size, coat type, age, and overall health. Generally, most dogs can tolerate cold weather to some extent, but there are certain conditions and temperatures where it becomes unsafe for them to be outside for extended periods. Of course, there will be some telltale signs that it’s just too cold to be outside. Signs that your dog may be too cold include shivering, whining, seeking shelter, lifting paws off the ground, or exhibiting signs of discomfort. If you notice any of these signs, it's time to bring your dog inside for some much-needed warmth.Of course, it’s essential to use your judgment and consider your dog's individual needs – you should always prioritize your dog's well-being in extreme weather conditions, but that will differ from dog to dog and climate to climate. Even so, there are some general guidelines for determining if it’s too cold outside for your pet – here’s what you need to know before taking them outside in really cold weather.Consider their coat length and breed: In winter, your pet’s coat can be a determining factor for outside time. Dogs with thick or double coats, such as  Siberian Huskies or  Alaskan Malamutes, may be more tolerant of cold temperatures than those with short coats, like Chihuahuas or Greyhounds. Some dogs were specially bred for living and working in cold environments, while some breeds were developed for completely opposite conditions. If your pet belongs to the latter group, it might be useful to invest in  a warm coat  designed to keep your dog toasty and warm during cold weather.

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Are Hamsters Good Pets for Kids?

Final Thoughts: Hamsters and ChildrenAre hamsters good pets for kids? The short answer is, “maybe.” There are several key factors to consider when deciding if a hamster will be an excellent addition to your family, including the space needed for their habitat, their independent personalities, your child’s interest in a bet, the work (and finances) required to care for your new hamster, and the availability of a veterinarian that will accept small animals.If your child is ready for a pet, but a hamster doesn’t quite check all the boxes on your new pet wishlist, there are many other options, including guinea pigs, cats, dogs, and some species of birds. Don’t rush this decision. Take time to research and find the best fit for your family before committing to your future furry (or feathered) family member.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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