Report: Petsmart

Reported By: (West Bloomfield Michigan)

Petsmart dangerous rawhide dog chews West Bloomfield Michigan

... So sorry to hear

1Author 2Consumer 1Employee

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Petsmart

7260 Orchard Lake Road
West Bloomfield Michigan 48322
U.S.A.
Phone:
Web Address:

Category: Pet Shops & Supplies

Submitted: Thursday, August 28, 2008

Last posting: Wednesday, March 25, 2009

My dog died in my arms while choking on a rawhide dog chew purchased at Petsmart. While I realize these are sold all over the country, they are dangerous in that small pieces break off while the dog is chewing and become lodged in the dogs throat. It turns out that it is all over the web that this choking hazard from these dog chews is recognized as a substantial risk and many owners will not give these to their dogs. Petsmart must have had lots of similar complaints but does not post any warnings concerning this known choking hazard. I learned the hard way. Demand that stores, such as Petsmart where I bought these mini-Dingo dog chews, remove them from their shelves or at a minimum, post large warnings so that dog owners know that they are risking their pets lives giving them these items.

Bill
West Bloomfield, Michigan
U.S.A.

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REBUTTALS & REPLIES:

1Author 2Consumer 1Employee

Consumer Comment

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Most people don't know.

Blahsblah2001 - Copley (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, February 10, 2009 POSTED: Tuesday, February 10, 2009

I'm sorry to hear about your dog. I'm glad that there's now another person spreading around news of the dangers.

I'm not sure why, but some people, even when informed of the dangers, flat-out deny them.
When I used to work in a kennel, people would check their dogs in with a rawhide chew. We'd tell them to take it home and throw it away, and they'd insist that the toy was fine because "Fido loves his rawhide, he's never had any trouble."
Invariably, the rawhide toys left in our possession would become 'lost.'

People just don't listen. Apparently Some of those people work in pet stores.

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So sorry to hear

Nari - Memphis (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 POSTED: Thursday, October 22, 2009

I am very sorry to hear for your loss, I would be absolutely heartbroken if this happened to me, but I thank you for posting this. I have a small dog that loves these mini Dingo bones. I noticed that they end up in a lot of pieces that I would usually have to throw out. I never even realized that it poses a choking hazard, and I agree with you that there should be some type of warning about this. The company should print a warning on the package. I won't be giving these to my dog again unless I'm supervising him and definitely won't leave them out for him whenever he wants anymore.. I just keep picturing this terrible tragedy happening with him. He is like a baby to me and I would be just devastated as I'm sure you were. Have you written to the company telling them your story? I am thinking about writing them myself to suggest a choking hazard warning on the package. It makes sense they should have one the same way they have labels for children, a lot of us think of our animals as our children too.

Ex-Employee

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I feel for you

Heather O - (USA)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 22, 2009 POSTED: Thursday, October 22, 2009

I feel for you but how is this PetSmart's fault? It is not the merchandiser who is responsible for posting these risks, but the manufacturer of the product. When I used to work there, I ALWAYS told customers about the risks and issues with rawhide, and suggested other similar products they can buy. I was blown off at least half the time, as others have mentioned. A written warning on the package isn't going to change anything for anyone else.
And they choking hazard is only part of it, since most dogs generally don't try to swallow things they can't. It's intestinal blockage that is the real issue. Rawhide does NOT break down during digestion since it is essentially dried leather.even if they get it down their throats, it may not pass through. If you catch it early enough, it is a VERY invasive surgery that can range into the thousands.
Having a dog and a baby are very similar. Just like you wouldn't give your child a new toy, no matter how popular, without research (or at least I wouldn't,) do the same for your dogs.