The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned dog owners of a possible association between certain brands of dog food and a severe form of canine heart disease.
The agency has investigated over 500 cases of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs who ate certain types of food.
DCM is a type of heart disease in dogs characterized by the symptoms of fatigue, cough, and difficulty breathing.
The FDA first warned the public in 2018 about DCM; however, it did not mention specific food brands. As part of that investigation, the agency has now described 16 brands of dog food, which were associated with DCM.
According to the FDA, the top three brands include Acana, Zignature, and Taste of the Wild.
Director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Steven M. Solomon, said, “We know it can be devastating to suddenly learn that your previously healthy pet has a potentially life-threatening disease like DCM. That’s why the FDA is committed to continuing our collaborative scientific investigation into the possible link between DCM and certain pet foods.”
Dr. Solomon said the agency has not yet determined the exact nature of the potential association, but it will help dog owners to work closely with their veterinarians.
Although the FDA has mentioned the brands of dog food, it has not asked the manufacturers to recall their products.
The FDA wrote, “We have shared case report information with these firms so they can make informed decisions about the marketing and formulation of their products.”
“If DCM is caught early, heart function may improve in cases that are not linked to genetics with appropriate veterinary treatment and dietary modification,” said the FDA.
If your dog is showing potential signs of DCM as mentioned earlier, the FDA has recommended contacting your veterinarian as soon as possible. Dogs with serious DCM need immediate medical attention and veterinary care. The FDA said that it will be continuing its investigation and will update people as soon as the information becomes available.
