Some of you may remember with horror the melamine-tainted wheat gluten and rice protein from China that found it's way into more than 100 pet food products in 2007.
Cherished family pets died eating these products and it was to be hoped that after the U.S. prosecuted those responsible for importing adulterated and mislabeled food, another such scenario could be avoided.
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So far, so good, but recently the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned its citizens to be cautious of chicken jerky treats from China.
There have been reports of dogs becoming sick and even some deaths associated with products that include chicken tenders, strips or treats. The FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine said that, since issuing the warning last November, they have received more than 200 reports of illness, but they point out that an actual link between the chicken jerky products and illness and death has not yet been established.
Several veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the U.S. are working to determine why these products are associated with illness but to date, scientists have not been able to find a definitive cause. Extensive chemical and microbial testing by the FDA has not identified any impurities.
Watch your dog closely
In the latest statement issued December 19, 2011, the FDA advises consumers who choose to feed their dogs chicken jerky products, to watch their dogs closely for decreased activity, vomiting, diarrhea, sometimes with blood, increased water consumption and/or increased urination. Dogs may show a decrease in appetite, although some may continue to eat the treats to the exclusion of other foods. Symptoms may include any or all of the above and can appear within hours or days of eating the product.
If symptoms are severe or persist for more than 24 hours, owners should contact their veterinarian. Although most dogs recover, some reports have involved dogs that have died.
So, it's rather a mystery. Dogs are getting sick and it seems to be related to the chicken products mentioned but there's no concrete proof.
I know what I'm going to do. If it's a chicken product from China and there's even the slightest chance of my dog getting sick from eating it, I'm going to avoid it altogether. Why take the chance?
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RELATED LINKS
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Pet Products at Dollarama - The Good, the Bad and the Unnecessary
Savings Experiment: Cats Vs. Dogs
Marlene Alexander is a freelance writer and Dollar Store Diva. Visit her website to find tips and ideas for decorating, entertaining and gift-giving using items from the dollar store.
Source: http://we94ww.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/01/04/be-cautious-of-chicken-jerky-treats-from-china/
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