Jerky Pet Treats Recall Continues

Amid too many complaints to ignore, the FDA is investigating illnesses in dogs and some cats that may have been caused by them eating jerky pet treats.

Over 3,600 dogs and ten cats have reportedly become ill from eating jerky pet treats sold as jerky tenders or strips and made with chicken, duck, sweet ptoato, dried fruit, or combinations of these ingredients.

Samples have been tested for contaminants including Salmonella, metals, pesticides, and antibiotics and other chemicals and poisonous compounds.

Since pet treats aren't a necessary part of your pet's diet, it may be better to eliminate these treats for now.

Signs that may occur within hours of feeding a tainted product to your pet include decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus), increased water consumption and/or increased urination.

Severe cases are diagnosed with pancreatitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, and kidney failure or the resemblance of a rare kidney related illness. Although the FDA has reports of more than 580 deaths, many pets have recovered.

The FDA recommends that if your pet becomes sick after eating jerky pet treats, you should hold on to any usused portion of the product in its original container for at least 60 days, in case the FDA calls to request samples for testing. You should place the container inside a sealable plastic bag.

You can help the investigation by reporting your complaints to www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or call your local FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator.

You can also contact the pet food/treats company and alert them about your pet's illness.

For more information from the FDA, click here.