Animal Health Warnings

| Modified on Jun 15, 2023

Not all foods, toys, treats, or home remedies are safe for our pets. Individual breeds, not to mention different types of pets, can have very different nutritional needs and can digest very differently or entirely fail to metabolize common foods and remedies. For that reason, we provide this page in which to discuss Animal Health Warnings you may want to share with other Earth Clinic community pet owners.

Certain products marketed toward dogs and other pets may actually be harmful to those pets. Human analgesic and antihistamine medicines may be tempting remedies when our pets are suffering, but often they cannot process these drugs or require much smaller doses than a human would require. For these reasons and more we need to be careful what we give our cats, dogs, and other pets.

Please take a look at the user posts below to review health alerts people have shared that may concern you and your pet.




Animal Care

Posted by Jbarstique (Los Angeles, California) on 06/14/2012

I have seen so many "advice" ideas on here- some of them deadly for pets. A few things- please understand that seeking out medical advice on the internet for your pet is very dangerous- If you are concerned for your pet you can can call animal poison control or an emergency vet clinic and speak to a vet nurse who can advise you further with the resources you have. I have worked vet emergency for many years and have always seen many cases where the pet was given internet advice and became worse off. Don't assume that all animals react the same to all drugs, toxins or "home therapies". Many things can be affected by the animals breed, age and even species specific differences.

Please seek out medical care from people who have 8 years of training in physiology, anatomy, toxicology and pathology. I understand money is tight, but veterinary care is part of owning a pet and it's important that you take that responsibility when you first acquire a pet. I believe many illness have many treatment options, some homeopathic and some clinical- but it's important that you make the decision based on the best interest of your pet and with your family and your family veterinarian.

I have never seen anyone turned away from care unless they were beligerent or refused to pay exam fees or make minimal payments (interest free options available at almost all ER centers- just ask). So please seek out advice from a trained professional- we really do care and we have dedicated many tireless years of our lives learning things to help you and your pets!

Replied by Dolly
(Toronto, Ontario)
08/03/2012

What about those vets who do not take responsibility when things go wrong with your pet after being administered a vaccination, drop or capsules? All they care about is the money. Our pets don't have a voice. we, pet owners, are their voice. All the BSs about these chemicals administered to our pets.

Replied by Aislinn
(Reno Nv)
11/22/2013

Temptations. Kitty krack or what? Mine loves it. I can't get him to eat other foods and I so want to get him off of all store foods.I am beginning to think none of them are good.i would like to see some home recipes of kitty food. Tried and true

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
11/23/2013

Hey Aislinn!

I agree that many kitty kibbles are kitty krack - and krap! I have found some brands I am OK with feeding, but I always read the label before making a purchase - so many things are hidden in the mix!

Check out these sites for diets you can make at home:

http://tcfeline.com/cat-food-recipes/

http://www.catnutrition.org/recipes.html

http://herbangardener.com/2010/02/04/how-to-make-your-own-cat-food-2/

Replied by George S.
(Aliso Viejo, Ca.)
06/11/2015

Are you saying that we should not listen to the experiences of others who have gone through what we are going through?

Of the millions of dogs that are killed each year, very few of them were killed by others sharing healing experiences about their dogs with us.

People who have been where we are and who offer advice free of charge are the safest place to put your trust.

Replied by Diamond
(Ma.)
07/20/2015

Years ago I promised my self "No" more vets period" If tiny new born babies are dying left and right from these experiments what do you think the government & CDC are doing to our pets first hand.? I took my beautiful little kitty to a vet. and he gave my cat a antihistamine with-out my knowledge; I took her home and she died in my arms. That arrogant vet. had the audacity to call me and say! I assume your cat is dead by now(?) I cried and said yes; but you too will have your day. I stated scum like you never has a real life because there is such a thing called a conscience and that my friend is what will over load your mind and pull you down under.I felt as though I had lost my only child, and she depended on me to save her & even I could not do that.Vets. are a joke and a huge waste of my time and money. It is not my duty to take my pet to the vets. to be in-humanely experimented on to no end and until they can no longer stand the pain of it all and give in and die. All for our hard earned money. How sad is this. R.I.P.

Replied by Trishlambert
(Macau)
09/10/2015

I understand your appeal to people to seek vet help for any health conditions that affects our pets Jbarstique. But then, you can't speak for all vets in the world, some are good and some are bad in their practice. I want only the best for my pets that's why if I can find something that will cure them naturally, I try it. The vet is the last on my list when it comes to treating my pets' ailments.

Replied by Johnny
(Ca)
06/28/2016

I Totally agree With You.......We Are Their Voice......

Replied by Diamond
(Ma.)
07/06/2016

My cat eats people-grade steamed chicken..

Replied by Diamond
(Ma.)
07/06/2016

why not do natural herbs...You know the truth so why not act upon it? I did....http://www.three-little-pitties.com/dog-mucus.html There are many home remedies.

Replied by Renee
(Washington)
07/23/2016

You are soooo wrong! It's because people like you, so many dogs are being euthanized! You would rather have a dog die, than let the animal go to a family that maybe can't afford a six foot fence, or can't afford to take it to the vet to get their teeth cleaned! It's rediculous.really rediculous! I've grown up with alot of pets, and we had a shepard that lived to the ripe old age of 19. There were 6 kids and not alot of money. She ate what we ate. She was well loved. I've adopted alot of pets, thru the shelters. But recently was told not to bother going there to adopt because I didn't have a fenced yard. And also didn't want people coming to my house to decide if I had a decent enough place for the dog to live. I'm also disabled so I'm sure that would've been a problem also. But I digress, The shelters would be better off if they put something in place where people that don't have alot of money could still adopt these dogs. WHY take their life? If something happens to the dog then put it to sleep.in the meantime, the dog would die knowing somebody loves me. Not going from jail and happily walk to a room to die when he thinks your gonna take him for a walk. I'm just saying, it's alot easier to die when you know somebody loves you. Take it from someone who knows. I'm alone.

Replied by Suseeq
(Sydney Australia)
07/23/2016

Renee, things are same in this country. There are a lot of people who treat animals like babies and others, well, I won't go there. As a child 60 years ago, our dogs ate stuff that come out of a can if there was no leftovers including onion' sump oil slapped on their back to cure mange, never had any vaccinations and lived to a ripe old age same, never heard of cancer in dogs, so what's happened, have we gone backwards ........maybe so

Replied by Supriya
(Los Angeles)
11/11/2017

had jbarstique taken the time to detail what deadly advice is posted here on this website, that would have been appreciated and useful to a community of people here who are learning to take responsibility for their health through natural cures

His/her statement strikes me as common doctor mindset, be completely dependent on doctors and stay out of it, even though its our life and the lives of those we love at stake. after decades of experiences, I do not trust doctors or vets nor their methods, after the harm they have caused by ignorance and greed. not to say there aren't occasions they are useful and necessary, such as after an accident, but I've managed to heal most of my health issues with the information on this website, even when I or my pet was very ill.

granted, I too have seen harmful info on this website, and it is right to kindly address whatever misinformation has been posted to save someone else from making the same mistake

though prevention is the best cure overall

Replied by Kathy
(Cincinnati, Ohio)
09/14/2018

You say you've never seen anybody turned away for treatment I have spent $3,000 on my dogs with mites and mange and I still am fighting it and I'm fighting it on myself I have chronic lymphatic leukemia they eat me alive in the only thing that's ever helped is Ted's remedies and you say that people don't get turned away yes they do my that won't even see me won't even give them an antibiotic for the stores so don't say that they don't get turned away because we do they do not treat our animals in the United States unless you can pay

Replied by Ron
(Ny)
12/10/2018

I agree that many cat kibbles cause issues! There are a few brands I am OK with but I always read the label before making a purchase - so many filler are hidden in the mix!

Check out these sites for diets you can make at home:

https://www.wwwallaboutcats.com/making-cat-food-homemade


Chicken Jerky Products

3 User Reviews
1 star (3) 
  100%

Posted by Barbara (Lakehead, Ca) on 04/18/2012
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

Regarding your comment that waggin train chicken strips have chicken, vegetable glycerin and natural flavor? I think you should look up just exactly what "natural flavor" is. these flavorings are chemicals made up by scientists who are hired by companies to create a tasty have to have it again treat or food. Sure shocked me! one other note, what are these companies putting in our food??? Beware!!!! Barbara


Chicken Jerky Products
Posted by Jeanie (Fort Bragg, Ca) on 09/15/2009

I just read the warning on chicken jerky products. We feed these occasionally and I'm assuming they're from China so this makes me nervous. However, I haven't seen ill effects from them. I use them in small amounts occasionally as a training treat.

One possible reason people are having trouble with them occurred to me. I know from my study of human nutrition and traditional diet (like those studied by Weston A. Price) that protein should never be consumed without ample dietary fat as that will deplete the body of fat-soluble vitamins. Also, minerals can't be absorbed properly without fat and vitamins A and D (real, pre-formed Vit. A, not beta-carotene, and natural Vit. D2--cholecalciferol-- not synthetic Vit. D2 or ergocalciferol). So I wonder whether sometimes people are feeding too much of these lean chicken strips and it is throwing off the fat/protein balance in their diets. For more information on this as researched in humans, see the Weston A. Price Foundation website (nonprofit educational site so I hope you'll publish the URL: http://www.westonaprice.org) and read about good fats and traditional diets. So adding extra fat when using the chicken strips could possibly help. It's not the fat that makes them fat, unless you're overfeeding food quantity in general, it's the carbs from grains, fruits, vegetables, which are biologically inappropriate for dogs. A little vegetable matter is ok, especially greens, but please don't feed your dogs grains or fruits.

Replied by Karmala
(Templeton, Ca)
11/04/2009

To Jeanie from Fort _____. You write that you still feed the chicken jerky in small amounts as you think the problem might be in the feeding method. I would ask you to PLEASE reconsider. You state that you have not seen any negative reaction in your pet... that's what everyone says...until the reactions occur...sometimes it's then too late to correct it. With so many natural and organic options available for treats... why risk your pet's health/life? Shouldn't we... as responsible pet companions... do everything within our power to protect them? Would you continue to feed something to your children if you knew it would potentially harm them. I am not judging you, Jeanie... only asking you to please weigh it all out. There have been too many recalls of products from China (pet food, baby food, fish, etc.) over the past 5 years to NOT give this due diligence.

Replied by Diamond
(Salisbury, Usa)
08/30/2011

To Jeanie from Fort _____;I agree with Karmala from Templeton, Ca.

But what difference does it make where the product was made? you don't think that Corrupt America does not make mistakes? It's so sad how we teach our children about predjudice via our un-intended comments that are heard nation wide by little ears.

As Karmala stated it some times takes a long time to show results in an animals diet the severe negative's of food products, as does with humans.

Good luck....

Replied by Sandy
(Henderson, Nv)
01/13/2012

You have to read the label. If there are ingredients in any product you can't pronounce... Don't use it. Waggin Train chicken strips (from China) have Chicken, vegetable glycerin and natural flavor.. That's it. My small dogs do very well on these and they get one each a day.

Replied by P-chic
(Portland, Oregon)
06/09/2012
10 posts

As usual, pets began suffering and alert pet owners became suspicious long before the truth was allowed to become public news:

Waggin Train has caused huge health issues for many many dogs. There are over 100 complaints currently posted at ConsumerAffairs. com, and the list is growing

www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/waggin_train.html

Replied by Donna
(Woonsocket, Ri, United States)
07/07/2013

I find the best treats to give my 5 Pugs is Cheese Doodles or any cheese that comes in block form. I believe that if I eat it so can they. Also, if I give bones they are always from the market, the ones they sell sliced into 1 inch pieces. Dogs enjoy working hard to get all the marrow out and it also keeps them busy rather than chewing dangerous things that are around the house like a shoe {I have had one of my dogs get dangerously sick doing this}. I hope someone finds this post helpful. I recently joined looking for a way to treat an accidental too short nail trimming, I did start with making a paste out of corn starch and used a miss matched kids sock (clean) and a oversized elastic on his foot to keep him from licking it. Problem solved. THANK YOU ALL!

Replied by Diamond
(Ma., US)
04/17/2015

Donna/ Doesn't cheese bind up your dog's bowels? It does my dogs as well as me. Just saying. :-)

Replied by Antongoh
(Indonesia, Jakarta)
09/25/2015

How about dog choco treats? Did your dogs have bad experience with them?

Replied by tina
(Baytown, TX)
06/15/2023

I get chicken jerky from HEB (Texas only) supermarket. The ingredients are chicken, vegetable glycerin, pea protein, salt and rosemary. My dog loves them more than anything. The ingredients don't seem bad in these.....


Chicken Jerky Products
Posted by Kris Christine (USA)
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

PERMISSION TO CROSS-POST
U.S. Government Publications are NOT Copyrighted

http://www.fda.gov/cvm/CVM_Updates/ComplaintsChicJerky.htm
Preliminary Animal Health Notification
December 19, 2008

FDA Continues To Receive Complaints about Chicken Jerky Products for Dogs and Cautions Consumers

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to caution consumers of a potential association between the development of illness in dogs and the consumption of chicken jerky products also described as chicken tenders, strips or treats. FDA continues to receive complaints of dogs experiencing illness that their owners or veterinarians associate with consumption of chicken jerky products. The chicken jerky products are imported to the U.S. from China. FDA issued a cautionary warning to consumers in September 2007.

Australian news organizations report the University of Sydney is also investigating an association between illness in dogs and the consumption of chicken jerky in Australia. At least one firm in Australia has recalled their chicken jerky product and the recall notification stated the chicken jerky product was manufactured in China.

FDA believes the continued trend of consumer complaints coupled with the information obtained from Australia warrants an additional reminder and animal health notification.

Chicken jerky products should not be substituted for a balanced diet and are intended to be
used occasionally and in small quantities. Owners of small dogs must be especially careful to limit the amount of these products.

FDA, in addition to several veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the U.S, is working to determine why these products are associated with illness in dogs. To date, scientists have not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses. FDA has conducted extensive chemical and microbial testing but has not identified any contaminant.

FDA is advising consumers who choose to feed their dogs chicken jerky products to watch their dogs closely for any or all of the following signs which may occur within hours to days of feeding the product: decreased appetite, although some may continue to consume the treats to the exclusion of other foods; decreased activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; and increased water consumption and/or increased urination. If the dog shows any of these signs, stop feeding the chicken jerky product. Owners should consult their veterinarian if signs are severe or persist for more than 24 hours. Blood tests may indicate kidney failure (increased urea nitrogen and creatinine). Urine tests may indicate Fanconi syndrome (increased glucose). Although most dogs appear to recover, some reports to the FDA have involved dogs that have died.

The FDA continues to actively investigate the problem. Many of the illnesses reported may be the result of causes other than eating chicken jerky. Veterinarians and consumers alike should report cases of animal illness associated with pet foods to the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html in their state.

Replied by Ken
(Bath, Me)
03/07/2012
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

An FDA document leaked this week from a confidential source within the US Congress details the chronological timeline of tests that the agency has performed on chicken jerky treats since 2007 - tests which many pet owners say have ignored some of the most potentially lethal substances possibly responsible for the rash of pet illnesses and deaths.

Read the report at: www.TriPomChews.net/fda-tests-jerky-treats


Cortizone

1 User Review
(1) 
  100%

Posted by Rose (Florida, US) on 04/06/2014

My cat was a beautiful long hair calico. Recently, she has been overgrooming and pulling her hair out, so we took her to the vet to be looked at. They gave her a cortizone shot to help ease itching as they thought she could have an allergy. It turns out my cat had a heart condition we were not aware of that the shot excerbated. She died within hours... Not even a full day had passed. We will miss her dearly.

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
04/06/2014

Hey Rose!

What an awful situation :(

I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved kitty.


Replied by Brad
(Webster, Florida)
11/04/2012
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

To the person using borax on kitten for mange. Its poisinous to animals, so please keep away. It they lick it, it could be deadly.


Replied by Anita
(Madison, Oh)
01/10/2013

I agree with Brad from Webster FL. This is a case of getting bad advice off the internet. Peroxide and Borax on a kitten? I hope not. Borax is toxic to pets and people. Borax should only be handled with care. You absolutely must follow the directions on the box. No where on the Borax box does it say to mix it with peroxide and put it on an animal. It also does not say on that box that it is okay to sprinkle borax around in your house on your carpets to kill fleas for those who are still doing that.


Replied by Donald
(Mount Sterling, Ohio)
02/19/2013

What is borax? I hear others say they use this. What is it for and what does it cure?


Replied by Esmeralda
(Great Lakes)
07/18/2017

Borax, sodium tetraborate decahydrate, according to one study, is not acutely toxic. Its LD50 (median lethal dose) score is tested at 2.66 g/kg in rats, [33] meaning that a significant dose of the chemical is needed to cause severe symptoms or death. In fact, table salt is more toxic than borax.