How many have to die?

Costco and many other retailers don't seem to be getting the message despite the fact pet owners, veterinarians and pet nutritionists are shouting it from the roof tops. Pet jerky treats from China are bad. Just this morning CBC released yet another story about a dog death in Calgary that the attending veterinarian, Julie Schell from Bow Bottom Veterinary Hospital attributed to Vitalife Duck Tenders purchased at Costco. Both PetCo and PetSmart have made the smart decision (pun intended) to pull some China sourced treats from their shelves in recent weeks after a renewed interest in the topic.

2014 Jerky Stats (Source: Rodney Habib, Pet Nutrition Blogger)

• 1,000 deaths in dogs and more than 4,800 complaints about animal illness;

• Since last October the FDA has received about 1,800 new reports of illnesses and deaths; 

• Total : 5,600 dogs and 24 cats;

• Two toddlers and an adult who ingested became ill;

• One of the children was diagnosed with a salmonella infection. The other child developed G.I. illness and fever that mirrored the symptoms of dogs in the house that also ate the treats. The adult reported nausea and headache.

Effects of Jerky Consumption on Pets:

• About 60 percent of the cases involve symptoms of gastrointestinal trouble and liver disease;

• 30 percent involve kidney disease;

• 10 percent other problems, including neurological and skin conditions.

What should you do as a pet owner? 

Start by reading the labels of anything you buy your pet. If there is still a question, contact the manufacturer for Certificate of Origin to verify where their ingredients come from.