Check out those chicken jerky treats you feed your dog. Look at the label to see if they are manufactured in China.  Be aware that some jerky treats may be linked to  a condition that resembles Fanconi syndrome. Fanconi syndrome affects the kidney tubes and can be heritable in some dogs, or acquired. The acquired form can be caused by heavy metal poisoning or certain chemicals.

Signs of the acquired form include vomiting, diarrhea, listlessness and lack of appetite. The FDA investigated in 2008 and did not turn up any contaminant or a definitive cause for the illness. Nevertheless, it doesn’t hurt to be cautious.

Limit the amount of jerky treats, especially for young puppies. Watch for signs of illness noted above. Stop giving your dog the jerky treats if these signs are evident.  Take your dog to the vet for blood tests to check for kidney failure or increase in liver enzymes and get a urine test to determine if there is an increase in glucose levels.

According to Scott Weldy, a veterinarian from Lake Forest, there is no definitive proof that the chicken jerky can cause illness.  However he also says that he would not feed them to his dog.  It is best to err on the side of caution until more studies are done. Look for all natural products made in the USA. Treat your dog well!