Rawhide Jerky Treats for Dogs- Good or Bad?

If your dogs are anything like mine, they go crazy for raw hides! My dogs can smell them when I walk in the door. They love chewing on them and I enjoy giving them to my dogs. But with so many questions regarding the safety of raw hides, many of my clients and myself question whether we should continue giving these treats.

The FDA recently released a question and answer article regarding the products. You can read it in detail by clicking here. This website will also provide you with information regarding how to submit products that you believe made your pet sick. 

The thought that jerky treats are making dogs sick isn't a new idea. Previous warnings were issued in 2007 and 2008 but the number of complaints dropped between 2009 and 2010. In 2011, the FDA began conducting an investigation after an drastic increase was appreciated in the number of complaints concerning dog related illnesses after consuming chicken jerky products produced in China.

The products of concern initially were chicken jerky treats that were produced in China. During 2012, the FDA began to receive complaints about duck and sweet potato jerky treats and today the investigation has been broadened to include these products. Despite the significant number of complaints, studies have failed to identify any contaminant or specific cause of disease related to the products or a particular brand. As a result, no products have been removed from the market. Numerous laboratories have been conducting tests since 2007. The tests are screening for microbiological and chemical contaminants. According to the FDA website, "Product samples were tested for Salmonella, metals, furans, pesticides, antibiotics, mycotoxins, rodenticides, nephrotoxins (such as aristolochic acid, maleic acid, paraquat, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, toxic hydrocarbons, melamine and related triazines) and were screened for other chemicals and poisonous compounds." 

Until the FDA is able to determine the causative agent that may link the pet illnesses to jerky treats, they are recommending that you feed these treats with caution. Here are some things to remember:

1. Jerky and other treats should never be substituted for a maintenance diet. 
2. If you feed your dog jerky treats, monitor for changes in energy level, appetite, bowel movements, urination habits, attitude and water consumption. Any changes should be reported to your veterinarian. 
3. Read the labels of jerky treats before you purchase them. Try to find products that are made AND distributed by the US. Several products are distributed in the US but are processed in China.

If you feed your dog jerky treats and you think they are beginning to become sick, call your veterinarian immediately. They may recommend blood tests to evaluate your dog's kidney function as well as glucose and electrolytes levels. Always inform your veterinarian about any treats or changes in dog food that you feed. 

I've shopped around in pet stores and in the pet area of stores like Target and have been able to find several jerky treats that are made in the United States. For the time being, these are the only jerky treats that I will be feeding my dogs! 

Dogs Get The Flu Too?

Everyone has heard about the swine flu and the bird flu but now there is a new flu to worry about, the dog flu. Canine Influenza is a virus that was first seen in greyhounds that mutated from the equine flu virus. It is believed that the flu virus actually jumped from the horse population in Florida to dogs. The dog  flu has been confirmed in 38 states. 

People cannot contract the flu from their dogs but they can spread the virus from one dog to another by fomites. Fomites are vehicles that allow a virus to be transmitted including clothing, water bowls, and toys. The most common way a dog becomes infected with the virus is from being around other dogs that have it. Most of our cases are seen after close contact at doggie daycares, boarding facilities and the dog parks. Because of this, more facilities are requiring the flu vaccine be given prior to admission. Pfizer Inc. has a vaccine available that will help lessen the severity of the flu but it is not 100% at preventing infection. The first time the vaccine is given, a booster must be administered 2-3 weeks later. After that, the vaccine is given every 12 months.

It's hard to ask our dog patients what they are feeling when we believe they have the flu but common signs include an ongoing cough and nasal discharge. In some severe cases we will see fever and difficulty breathing. While we usually base our diagnosis on clinical signs, confirmatory tests include a nasal swab or blood test that is submitted to a lab.

The dog flu only affects about 5-8% of the dog population. As with the human flu virus, our biggest concern when a dog contracts the flu is that secondary bacterial infections will form in the lungs and cause a serious pneumonia. The flu doesn't discriminate; all breeds and ages of dogs are susceptible.

My dogs are not vaccinated for the canine flu because they are at very low risk to contract it. I do not take them to work with me very often, we use a house sitter when I am out of town and we do not go to the dog parks. But every case is different and you should talk to your veterinarian about your dog's activities and decide if they should receive the vaccine.