"Chicken Jerky Scare"

The FDA is cautioning consumers of a potential association between development of illness in dogs and the consumption of chicken jerky products also described as chicken tenders, strips or treats. FDA has received more than 70 complaints involving more than 95 dogs that experienced illness that their owners associated with consumption of chicken jerky products. Up to this point, the FDA has not been able to determine a definitive cause or toxic agent in the the treats.

Dogs that have become ill, typically show the following signs: decreased food consumption, decreased activity or lethargy; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; and increased water consumption and/or increased urination. Some or all of these signs may be present in any individual. Blood tests may indicate kidney failure and urine tests may indicate Fanconi syndrome. Although most dogs appear to recover, some reports to the FDA have involved dogs that have died.

FDA is advising consumers who choose to feed their dogs chicken jerky products to watch the dogs closely for any signs of decreased appetite, decreased activity, increased water consumption, increased urination, vomiting and/or diarrhea; and, if the dog shows any of these signs, to discontinue feeding the chicken jerky product. The signs of illness may occur within hours to days of feeding the product.

At this time, we are recommending that owners discontinue the use of jerky type products in their pets until more information can be obtained. Up to now, the treats of concern are limited to chicken based jerky treats, but this may change in the future.