An Edmonds dog owner was one of the first to complain to the FDA about a brand of dog treats that is now recalled because it may contain elevated levels of beef thyroid hormone.
The J.M. Smucker Company is recalling some of it's Milo's Kitchen dog treats. The recall involves Milo’s Kitchen Steak Grillers Recipe with Angus Steak and Milo’s Kitchen Grilled Burger Bites with Sweet Potato and Bacon which were distributed nationwide.
If dogs consume high levels of beef thyroid hormone, they may show symptoms of increased thirst and urination, weight loss, increased heart rate and restlessness, according to the FDA. The symptoms should subside once consumption of the treats is discontinued, but prolonged consumption can cause vomiting, diarrhea and labored breathing.
One of the first dog owners to notice a problem was Fernette Eide. Her dog, a Pomeranian-Chihuahua named Teka, is an especially important part of the family.
"It was our daughter’s ‘Make A Wish’ dog," Fernette said. Her daughter, Karina, asked for Teka. Karina passed away in 2014.
"She said, ‘I know some kids want to go to Disneyland for Make a Wish. We’ll have Teka forever’. It was our responsibility to take good care of her," Fernette said.
Teka got sick at the end of last year.
"She was barely getting up. She wasn’t running around. Her activity level was low and it clearly looked like she could die that weekend," Fernette said. "It looked like she was poisoned with something, is the thing."
Teka had an unquenching thirst.
"She would just sit there and drink and drink and drink," Fernette said.
Lab reports showed abnormally high levels of thyroid hormones.
Fernette made a report to the FDA. The FDA interviewed her and he gave them open and unopened bags of the dog treats. When the recall came out, the lot number matched.
"We got them from just our neighborhood Albertsons store, so it was a shock," Fernette said,
Veterinarian Rafaella Corsi from the Veterinary Specialty Center of Seattle said spotting signs like unusual thirst, urination, and panting are important.
Because things that are obvious, like an increased heart rate which is potentially life-threatening, needs to be checked out," Corsi said.
Fernette says she didn't expect dog treats would be the cause. She said she is thankful the FDA responded so quickly.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says there have been three illness reports.
The recall is only for certain lot numbers.
Milo’s Kitchen Steak Grillers / Steak Grillers Recipe with Angus Steak 10 oz / 18 oz / 22 oz bags with UPC codes:
- 0 7910051822 7 (best by 11/15/2018)
- 0 7910051822 7 (best by 4/26/2019)
- 0 7910051823 4 (best by 4/26/2019)
- 0 7910052776 2 (best by 4/26/2019)
Milo’s Kitchen Grilled Burger Bites with Sweet Potato and Bacon 15 oz bag with UPC code:
- 0 7910052126 5 (best by 11/19/2018)
