PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Pet owners are carefully checking labels after a rise in recent cases of dogs being sickened in the U.S. and Canada by chicken jerky treats made in China.

“They caught Fanconi-like symptoms – they start spilling sugar into the urine you know like a diabetic would but it’s actually a problem inside the kidney tubes if you will and it’s a very serious problem and it’s something has to be treated or they could die,” Dr. Mike Hutchinson, a veterinarian at Animal General, said.

He says the issue which was first reported in 2007 has perplexed scientists after tests on the treats showed no signs of melamine, heavy metals or salmonella.

There hasn’t been a formal recall of the products, but Dr. Hutchinson says stay away.

“Don’t feed anything that’s made in China to your pets,” he said.

Dr. Hutchinson says smaller dogs are more at risk of becoming ill, especially if they’re given a large amount of the treats.

If you have the chicken jerky treats that are made in China and notice your dog either not eating or throwing up, call your vet. Those cases will be reported to the FDA.

RELATED LINKS
More Local News
Animal General