Here's How I Almost Killed My Dog

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.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle on December 4, 2010 at 7:49am

A week ago, I would have said that if you've had it that long and they haven't splintered it by now, it's safe. But at this point, I wouldn't take my own advice, let alone give it to someone else.

Permalink Reply by Allyson, Peri & Taquito on December 4, 2010 at 8:11am

Oh man, Karen - I am sooo sorry. That is scary. This is pretty much what happened with Taquito (same type of process). There was no official recall - item was still on shelves, but blogs were all over the place about it during the recalls. So I understand exactly what you mean by feeling you almost killed JD and being "ashamed". I have said those same words so many times, but we need to cut ourselves a little slack. We do the best we can do given the info we are given.

So happy JD is okay - let's use this near-tragedy as you are and educate others on the product! This is one of the reasons I pretty much don't give them many chews anymore - they can be deadly and it's how I got Taquito started with early kidney problems :( Feel your pain in a different way.

Again, hope you aren't feeling as bad. JD is okay :)

Permalink Reply by Christine & Camus on December 4, 2010 at 9:28pm

Karen, I am so glad JD is okay. As so many have already said - no way are you stupid! You helped me with Nietzsche more than I can put in words. And, it was just sheer luck that I didn't buy a ham bone for Camus, because I actually thought about buying one! The only reason I didn't is because of his touchy digestive system.

Permalink Reply by ej on December 7, 2010 at 6:40pm

How's Jackdoodle today? I hope he has recovered fully.

Thanks for sharing the information. I just checked my fridge and cupboard to make sure that I don't have anything that remotely resembles that ham bone.

Permalink Reply by Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle on December 7, 2010 at 7:36pm

No more vomiting since Friday. But he's been on hamburger & rice, with plain cooked chicken for treats, and he's been constipated. He finally pooped, and had to be taken directly to the groomer for an emergency butt wash, lol! Very humiliating for him, but a big relief for me!
And a big lesson learned!

Permalink Reply by Suzann, Rosey & Bandit on December 7, 2010 at 8:02pm