BEWARE of these DENTAL chews!

[mimimomo]

Saw this on FB & thought I'd shout out a warning here.

Who knew that a simple Milk-Bone Brushing Chew could put our dog’s life in jeopardy? We were surprised to receive the call from the animal hospital stating that the obstruction in our dog’s intestine was, in fact, a treat that we had given him.

After an emergency surgery costing over $1,000 and an overnight stay at the hospital, our dog is finally home, but is nowhere close to being the energetic and playful dog that he was just two days ago.

After doing some research, we have read many reviews about multiple dogs becoming very ill after consuming these treats as they are indigestible. It is clear that most people, including my family, are/were unaware of the potential dangers of these treats. Please help us spread the word so other dog owners can become informed of the risks associated with these brushing chews and are able to avoid the high medical costs, as well as spare the pain and suffering of their pet.

We expect Milk-Bone, at the least, to offer to cover the vet bill, but also hope that they will take these brushing chews off the market to prevent this from happening to other dogs.

This is the culprit milk-bone-dog-brushing-chews.jpg: Milk-Bone® Dog Snacks | Brushing Chews? Dental Treats

I couldn't post the pic of the dog bc didn't get permission from owner yet, but he got surgery to remove the blockage & about 20 staples on his tummy.

[ShowGirlLola]

I'm sorry this happened to their dog, but not really surprised.

Lola was given a sample of the natural balance version and she gulped it down in less than 10 minutes, she never gulps stuff down. I was worried about her for a week. I will never buy chews like that.

[Lovetodream88]

Any chew can cause a blockage the piece that was swallowed was just to big it has nothing to do with it not being digestible because it is. Dogs often swallow large pieces of chews and end up with blockages. Mine will only swallow tiny pieces of anything but I also will never give her a chew unless I can watch her.

[Britster]

I agree that this could and does happen with nearly any chew. But I have to say, I think these Milkbone dental chews upset Jackson's tummy (which is not really all that sensitive). He threw up shortly after eating one so I have just been avoiding them just in case. We stick with Dentastix.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by Britster

I agree that this could and does happen with nearly any chew. But I have to say, I think these Milkbone dental chews upset Jackson's tummy (which is not really all that sensitive). He threw up shortly after eating one so I have just been avoiding them just in case. We stick with Dentastix.

Could have been a fluke. Callie has a pretty sensitive tummy and was getting one almost everyday when she was on crate rest and didn't have any issues.

[rubymoon2072]

I have learned to avoid any type of dental chews all together. I cannot handle the what ifs and the might's.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by rubymoon2072

I have learned to avoid any type of dental chews all together. I cannot handle the what ifs and the might's.

It's not even just dental chews there is a risk in everything. Heck I never thought Callie would break and crack a tooth on bully sticks.

[intilis]

I always worried about choking with any kind of chews, but never really of thought obstruction as long as they were digestible. Now I have something else to worry about lol!

[Yorkiedaze]

Glad to see this posted. I home cook and make their bones, however I broke down and bought these bones thinking the girls could use more crunch for their teeth. All three got super sick on them. I will never again buy treats. I always said they were not safe, and I was right. Back to tried and true "real" food.

[Britster]

I've fed regular Milkbone treats before and never had a problem. So I don't know *shrugs*

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

Any chew can cause a blockage the piece that was swallowed was just to big it has nothing to do with it not being digestible because it is. Dogs often swallow large pieces of chews and end up with blockages. Mine will only swallow tiny pieces of anything but I also will never give her a chew unless I can watch her.

This is only partially true, the reason we look for 100% digestible chews is so that there can be no blockage in the digestive tract or stomach. The digestive juices soften and digest the chews even if the dog has swallowed it whole. However, it can still cause an obstruction in the throat before it gets to the stomach.

Because Yorkies have smaller than average intestines, they need food that is 100% digestible.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

Any chew can cause a blockage the piece that was swallowed was just to big it has nothing to do with it not being digestible because it is. Dogs often swallow large pieces of chews and end up with blockages. Mine will only swallow tiny pieces of anything but I also will never give her a chew unless I can watch her.

I think the key is to know your dog and to exercise caution with everything. As someone wrote here or on FB (maybe it was you), just because something is sold for dogs doesn't mean it is safe for all dogs. My guys are dangerous with everything. The only chews I give them, I hold while the boys work on them. Otherwise, they would try to swallow the chew whole. I allow them to have a couple of bites of milkbone like things from the bank once a month, but I break off the pieces for them. So far, no tummy problems, but I am considering bringing along a healthier substitute.

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

This is only partially true, the reason we look for 100% digestible chews is so that there can be no blockage in the digestive tract or stomach. The digestive juices soften and digest the chews even if the dog has swallowed it whole. However, it can still cause an obstruction in the throat before it gets to the stomach.

Because Yorkies have smaller than average intestines, they need food that is 100% digestible.

100% digestible is preferable, but can still cause an intestinal blockage. Even regular food can do this, if the dog is not sufficiently hydrated, as can happen with humans. In short, anything is possible.

[gracielove]

It is true that a dog can swallow a large piece of any chew if they are not closely observed while chewing but the stomach acids in the stomach are very strong and should be able to break down a digestible object within a few hours time.

Vets have removed from the stomachs of many dogs the rawhide chews that are considered digestible and will tell you that rawhide in large chunks is not digestible and has sickened and killed many wonderful pets.

I don't know what these particular chews are made of but if pets are suffering because of them then obviously they also are not truly digestible.

Be aware that the pet food, treat and product industry is considered "self regulating" meaning that no one is looking over their shoulder when they put these products out and label them. You have to be your own pet product police and make sure what you are buying is truly safe.