Chinese Dog Treats Linked To Hundreds of Deaths and Thousands of Sick Animals

China’s lack of food controls have previously taken its toll on its own citizens and the global markets. Last week, however, our veterinarian advised us not to give our dog Luna any dog treats made in China. It turns out that over 600 dogs are dead and thousands are sickened by Chinese dog treats. This story also allows me to post a recent picture of Luna at four months.

It turns out that it is so serious that the Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning of jerky treats from China. The cause of the deaths and illnesses remains undetermined. Bernadette Dunham, director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine says “This is one of the most elusive and mysterious outbreaks we’ve encountered.”

Symptoms observed within hours of eating the treats include decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased activity, increased water consumption and increased urination, the agency said. Severe cases have involved kidney failure and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Given what the Chinese food system has put on tables for humans in recent scandals (while arresting food safety advocates), it is frightening to think what the Chinese market might give to animals.

In Germany, officials are dealing with a different threat to dogs. Berlin officials say that dogs are overdosing after eating the feces of drug addicts on the streets. Now that is something the average dog owner might not see included on the list of pet dangers.