Issue 115 - June 2011 - Page 4

Exer-Hide Dog Chew Warning Message

Outline
Circulating message warns that a dog chew called Exer-Hide sold at Walmart and other outlets has caused seizures and deaths in dogs that have been given the product.

Brief Analysis
Research in progress. At this point, the warning remains unsubstantiated. Many people have posted comments online claiming that their pets have become ill or died after chewing Exer-Hide. However, I am yet to find an official report that confirms an Exer-Hide chew as being the cause of a dog's illness or death. Many other pet owners claim that the have given their dogs the chews without any ill effect. More information will be added to this article as soon as possible

Detailed analysis and references below example.

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Last updated: 20th May 2011
First published: 20th May 2011
Article written by Brett M. Christensen
About Brett Christensen and Hoax-Slayer

Example

WARNING! Walmart sells a rawhide like chew called Exer-Hide - this has been causing MAJOR seizures and death. This product is manufactured in Brazil. This has been happening since December and yet the crap is still being sold. We have a client that gave one to 3 of her dogs - one died, one almost died and the third was very lucky..Please - pass this info on! Also available in Asda :(

Exer-Hide Warning on Facebook

Detailed Analysis

Research in Progress: At this point I am still researching the veracity of the claims in this warning

According to a warning that is circulating rapidly via blogs, forums, social media and email, pet owners should not give their dogs Exer-Hide chews which are sold at Walmart stores and other outlets in the US and around the world. The warning claims that dogs have experienced major seizures and even death after chewing on Exer-Hide products.

It is certainly true that a lot of pet owners have posted comments online claiming that their dogs have become ill or died after chewing one of the products. However, I so far I have not located any official veterinary, news or government report that links a dog's death or illness with an Exer-Hide product. In March 2011, the FDA reported a safety recall of Jones Natural Chews Pig Ear Dog Chews because of a possible salmonella health risk, but noted that no illnesses had been reported. On May 17 2011, The FDA reported a recall of pig ear products made by Boss Pet products, again due to a risk of Salmonella and noted that one dog had become ill.

However, there are no recalls or withdrawals on the FDA's Animal & Veterinary section pertaining to Exer-Hide products. Nor are any recalls or alerts for Exer-Hide listed on the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) website.

Many other commentators note that Exer-Hide products have been around for years and report regularly giving them to their dogs without ill effect.

As noted above, there are no official warnings or recalls about the products at this time. However, given the large number of reports detailing adverse effects that have been posted online by pet owners, it would certainly be premature to dismiss the warning as false, at least until further information becomes available.

I will update this article with further details as soon as possible.

References
Jones Natural Chews Co Recalls Pig Ear Dog Chews Because Of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
Boss Pet Recalls Pig Ear Products Because of Possible Health Risk
FDA Animal & Veterinary - Recalls & Withdrawals
AVMA - Recalls and alerts
Exer-Hide Chews and Bones Are Killing Dogs

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