Here's How I Almost Killed My Dog

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I meant well. I was looking for a chew object that would last a while and help keep JD's teeth free of tartar. Of course, it had to be made in the U.S. and something that would appeal to Mr. Picky Fussy Doodle.
But the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
The bone splintered, and JD has been walking around with bone shards inside him for at least ten days. An angel must have been watching over him, and he is going to be okay. If there is anything left in there, it didn't show on the Xrays, and the vet feels confident it will pass on its own.
Now on to Jack's stupid mother.
I hereby nominate myself for the Food Group Hall of Shame. I stood there in the store and looked at that thing, and debated with myself. I wasn't sure if it was safe. But then again, it was made in the USA, and it was very large, and it was meant for dogs. They wouldn't sell it if it was unsafe for dogs, would they? (Would a doodle go poop in the woods?)
Yes, this is me who thought that and bought it anyway. And if you have the urge to slap me right now, go ahead. I deserve it.
Have I ever used the word research? I must not have, because look what I just found, too late to help JD, but maybe not too late to help your dogs:

Watch out for Real Ham Bone for dogs

The Food and Drug Administration is looking into a treat called Real Ham Bone for Dogs after reports that it killed dogs and sickened others.
According to this Associated Press report, the FDA is investigating the product — a smoked pig femur sold as a dog treat or chew bone — that is distributed under the Dynamic Pet Products label of Frick's Quality Meats in Washington, Mo.
The Better Business Bureau of St. Louis said it has fielded consumer complaints about the Real Ham Bone from throughout the U.S. The BBB said Thursday that concerns arose after the bones splintered, then ulcerated or obstructed the dogs' intestines. Consumers reported their dogs had become lethargic or were vomiting. One man came home to find his dog dead, bleeding from the mouth.

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/features/mutts/blog/2010/03/watch_o...

 

This is what I gave my dog. I can't get over it. I'd be having a drink right now if I didn't feel so sick to my stomach. I'm not sure it was the same brand, but so what? This warning is all over the internet if you look for it. Why didn't I check out how safe ham bones are for dogs before I gave one to the dog who is the center of my universe?
If they'd recalled the damn thing, we'd probably have known about this. But they didn't. The article is from March, and they are evidently not done with the investigation, because it's still on the shelves. I bought it last week.

Please be smarter than I was about what you give your dog.

I am so ashamed.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

So JD's digestive system is finally back to normal after his ordeal, and today I checked the pet supply store to see what it was I actually gave him. It was not the bone that the FDA is investigating. It was a different brand, Butcher's Bones, all natural, made in USA, smoked hambone for dogs. But the FDA should be investigating this one, too, because I found this review on-line:

http://www.buzzillions.com/reviews/butchers-bones-smoked-ham-bone-r...

 

Some highlights from the reviews:

 "She still became deathly ill. She had to receive iv's, a gel under the skin to aid with rehydration. She is still critically ill, all because she ate a bone I bought her 2 days ago. I would not only NOT recommend the bone, but believe it should be removed from shelves & the manufacturer (here in the USA) should be held liable.[...]"

 

 "My dog will have to eat a special diet for the rest of his life now. He almost died....over a grand later he still needs ongoing care. Don't give these to your dog"

 

"I, being ignorant, gave my 4 year old dog one of these bones and he ended up in the hospital for 4 days and was diagnosed with kidney failure. The vet didn't think he would live but has bounced back but will forever need a special diet and eventually the kidney failure will take his life"

 

Me again; I am so grateful that it wasn't worse than it was for JD.

NO HAM BONES!!!!!!!!

 

 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm just so happy that JD is back to normal.  You and Jack certainly have been through a tough time.  It just infuriates me that these bones are even on the market.  Thanks for the update, Karen.  Give the "big guy" a big hug!!!!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

After reading this and knowing what happened to these other peoples dog's make me SO grateful that JD is okay!!  What do we need to do to get these off the market??? Let's try to get them GONE before any other dogs have to suffer!!

[Leslie and Halas]

I'm glad JD is back to normal.  He's one strong, resilient dood.

[GBK]

I am so glad JD is OK Karen!  

I have looked at all those cooked bones with meat on them in the bottom troughs at Petsmart week after week.  Kona get's her head in them and starts tearing the plastic off to get at them everytime we walk down the isle.  I thought to myself, maybe I should actually buy her one since she is so obsessed with licking them and trying to chew on them.  But this little nagging voice in the back of my mind always says, no, don't do it, no cooked bones.  I am very glad I listened to that little voice.  Thank you for all of your education, and really, it could happen to any of us, dog chews are Supposed to be safe for dogs, at least you would think!

[Lauria Orr]

Oh, Karen, I just saw this.  I am so sorry this happened for both you and Jack Doodle.  I agree with what everyone else is saying about letting yourself off the hook.  We all know and have benefited from your passion of giving our Doodles the absolute best food, treats, care that we possibly can. Thank God JD is going to be okay.  This is a lesson, that we all need to continue our vigilance in doing the best for our dogs.  If there is anyone alive who cares deeply for dogs and their care, it is you.  I can say that your influence has impacted me so much, that I rarely make a decision about anything that goes into my dogs' mouths without checking in on DK's food group. There is a silver lining here...I doubt anyone here will knowingly give their dogs ham bones in the future...AND you and JD are safe and okay. Bless you for that all that you do.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Lauria! What would I do without all of you Food Groupies? Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and joy to all of you!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Dear Karen,

I just am reading this discussion today. I was out of town when it was posted. I am so grateful for you and the food group that you lead. I cannot tell you what a gift it has been to me and my doodles. I have been looking at bones for my boys recently and just have not found what I thought was okay. Now I am going to stop that pursuit all together! The antlers from Antler Pantry have been great. Bones are not going to be part of my dogs' chews. Thank you for letting us all know about Jack's experience. I'm so grateful he has recovered and hoping you are, too. You can have no guilt, just gratitude.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Bonnie. It means a lot!

[Jennifer and Jack]

We have all been there and have done things that we in hinds sight see that our choice at the time was not the best. I could tell you many, many, stories of things that I could hit myself over the head with a bat over.