Dog Owners Are Warned About Chicken Jerky

The Food and Drug Administration continues to caution consumers about a potential connection between dogs becoming ill and the consumption of chicken jerky products (also described as chicken tenders, strips or treats) imported from China.

The FDA issued a warning in September 2007 but does not have the authority to demand a recall. At least one firm in Australia has recalled its chicken jerky product, and the recall notification said the chicken jerky product was made in China.

Symptoms include decreased activity, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood) and increased water consumption and urination. Although most dogs seem to recover, some reports indicate that dogs have died from renal failure. The poison has not been identified.

Veterinarians and consumers should report cases of animal illness associated with pet foods to the FDA consumer complaint coordinator, at http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html, in their states.

Dear Dr. Fox:

I recently read your response to a reader about how animals are being over-immunized. I wish I had found this out a few years ago, because then maybe our wonderful 8-year-old German shepherd might not have gotten lung cancer.

The last time I took Max to his regular vet, his bloodshot eyes were dismissed, and I forgot to mention that he had a runny nose. Nevertheless, Max was given all of his shots, including a rabies vaccine.

A few weeks later, we took Max on a two-mile hiking trip, and he was somewhat exhausted when we got home. Suddenly, he was breathing as if he had run a fast mile. This never changed and, in a matter of weeks, Max was gone.

Is it possible that Max could have come down with cancer because too many shots compromised his immune system? Max had also been treated for Lyme disease two years ago. Perhaps this weakened his immune system?

All in all, learning about over-immunization has come at a terrible cost for my family and me. I just wish I had taken a more proactive approach as a dog owner. Hopefully, other pet owners will give this matter serious consideration.

B.T.