Texas Toothpicks!
 

Oh my, a Yorkie talker just pointed this review out on the Texas Toothpicks.

I have never posted a review before, but because I am such an animal lover, I couldn't help but warn any pet owners thinking of giving these treats to your babies. I was told these treats, Texas Toothpicks, are "safer and healthier alternative to rawhide" for dogs of all ages and sizes. My beloved dachshund, Tele, began vomitting blood this past Friday. I rushed her to the vet, and they immediately took her for x-rays, as they assumed she must have ingested something dangerous. There was a huge, pointed and jagged bone fragment lodged in her upper abdomen. They feared that the bloody vomit might be due to the stomach being punctured, so they needed to do emergency surgery to remove it before it did puncture the stomach or worse. It was also clear by the size and shape, that she would not be able to pass it naturally and safely, even if it wasn't lodged. Luckily, Tele is recovering so far, but it has been hell for me (and her, of course), especially considering I, as a loving parent, had given her this treat. So, after $2,000 in medical costs, the fear of almost losing my beloved Tele and 10-14 days of recovery for her, I urge you to reconsider Texas Toothpicks for your pets!
I have seen at least one other posting about this concern with bone fragments and their small breed dog. I wish I'd seen it beforehand, so hopefully my posting will help.


Has anyone ever had any problems with Texas toothpicks, that review made me so nervous to give them to Pnut! I have never had any problem, nor any "choking" hazards but now I am nervous.

I am so sorry to hear about Tele but glad to hear she is now recovering. What a scare for you :eek:! I've never heard of Texas Toothpicks but will never, ever buy them for my Sophie.

Oh my! That is so scary. I give mine texas toothpicks almost daily. Did you know beforehand that it was a TT? How big was the piece that got lodged? Sorry for the questions.

The dog belongs to a reviewer on Amazon.

I give my guys Toothpicks too and they can be dangerous if the dog gets a large piece of the cartilage out of the center and swallows it. Like any other chew, there are risks.

Thanks Maximo! I had a bit of a panic for a moment there. I thought Texas Toothpics were 100% digestible if a piece was swallowed, but you're right there are risks with all treats.

They are 100% digestible, but if a very large (long) piece of the core is swallowed, it could get caught in the throat or cause problems in the stomach, as was the case with the doxie in the Amazon review.

Most of the problems with chews happen because owners disregard the warnings to supervise their pets. Supervision is not being three rooms away focusing on something else. Supervision is actively watching to make sure they aren't going to swallow something they shouldn't.

We haven't done chews here in years. The ones that are safe for the intestines are usually terrible for the teeth. Also, some of them hold bacteria way too easily, have ingredients that are just yucky, etc.

Although I use Toothpicks (Merrick ;)) and Himalayan chews, I agree on all points.

With Toothpicks, I hold them for the boys, or I give the chew while I am brushing the dog on the counter. Occasionally, I put Max on a 4' leash so that he stays by my side. Teddy stays close without the leash.

I agree that your pup should have proper supervision while they chew on these types of treats. When Ozzy goes in his crate for the day he's not given anything that he could fully swallow or possibly choke on.

Deanna,
Yikes! Peanut's last batch may have been a gift from Zoe! We say better safe than sorry and don't let Zoe's "crush" have anymore!
Although, I do like the idea of letting the babies have one on the counter JUST while being groomed.
Jen and Zoe

So scarey! Thanks for the warning. Glad your baby is going to be okay!

Very Scarey!!

- I give Riley Texas Toothpicks.... bully sticks and himilayan chews... but I am always there to supervise.

Thank You for the information.

I agree with the above posts. Gizmo is always supervised with whatever he chews. I'm going to go out and get a pack of them simply to be proactive with his teeth care.

But I'll always be holding the other end while he's chewing.

:D It wasn’t Pnut that was sick, I have never had a problem with the TT, I just read that from an Amazon review! Pnut is still in love with Zowey Baby! I always watch him when he is chewing TT or bully sticks anyways, but it is still scary!