Beware of Dog Treats

If you are a dog parent, by now you have probably heard about the mysterious illness that has plagued thousands of dogs who have eaten jerky treats manufactured in China. While this epidemic is just now starting to gain widespread attention on national TV news, the problem has been occurring for at least the last six years. No one really knows for sure why or how these types of treats were even allowed on shelves, but, like what we see with contaminated people food, it's quite upsetting to find out that these things have made their way into our every day lives.

While the number of dog deaths (around 600 total) and illness (more than 3,600) went on the decline around January 2013 after two of the biggest offenders (Waggin' Train and Canyon Creek Ranch, both of which I used to give my dog) were permanently recalled, there are still many brands that may still be in your pantry shelves. I have been searching high and low for a complete list of the brands that have been deemed hazardous, and the closest I've come is this image below. The image cites the wrong FDA website URL and may not be 100-percent accurate, seeing as the FDA still hasn't released an official list of brands, but it's all I have right now and it's better than nothing.

Obviously I'm not a veterinarian, but in addition to avoiding specific brands, I've been suggesting my pet owner friends refrain from purchasing any dog treats that were not manufactured in the U.S., regardless of the contents. When it comes to training, I purchase Pet Botanics. They are relatively priced and because they are soft, I usually break them in half to get more use out of them. These treats can be purchased at most major pet store retailers, such as PetSmart. For other types of chews, treats and food, I shop at PetPeople, which offers more natural options that tend to be a bit pricier, but much higher in quality. PetPeople is a relatively small chain located in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis, and soon-to-be in suburban Detroit. If you don't have a PetPeople, just look for a local pet store that sells more natural food and treat options, specifically those made in the U.S.

Other things you can do for your dog?

• Feed him or her treats in moderation. Too many treats can make your dog sick in the same way you could get sick from eating too much Halloween candy.
• Read labels on everything and understand what really goes into dog treats and food.
• If your dog has recently eaten a made-in-China brand, make sure you monitor him or her for any changes in behavior or activity level. Also, make sure you contact your vet to make sure they are aware of the situation. They may want to run tests or provide any preventative treatment as an added precaution.

If you have any questions, comments or insight about this issue, please comment below. I'd love to hear other perspectives!