Help Tucker fight for his life after dangerous pet treat

I'm Sasha and I'm giving Tucker a voice and helping support his costly fight in ICU at Murdoch Veterinary Animal Hospital.

Tucker is my sister and brother-in-laws previously healthy, happy, energetic, crazy and loveable, young 4 year old Labrador.

Before you read any further, Tuckers parents have pet insurance. They are loving and responsible dog parents. This is an unimaginable and distressing situation with vet bills increasing every single day Tucker is in ICU. They will have a huge bill (likely edging towards $15,000 so far) and this has to be paid BEFORE a pet insurance claim. When you continue to read you will see I'm fighting for Tucker. I'm fighting to save other dogs and families from this. I want this product removed from shelves immediately. If we ever manage to recover compensation from responsible parties, I can refund you if you require or look into donations to animal charities.

Tuckers Story

I am on an urgent mission to warn other dog owners, the millions of loving fur baby parents nationwide about this dangerous product. I don’t want a single other dog to be injured! Product: https://www.bowwowtreats.com.au/products/natural-treats/prosciutto-bone/

This widely available dog treat is available at Woolworths, Coles, IGA, Costco and other large retailers.

On Saturday, my brother-in-law purchased a dog bone from the pet section at Woolworths, marketed for pets and stating: suitable for large dogs. Most pet owners are aware of the dangers of giving pets cooked bones due to splintering. However, this was a specific bone produced, marketed and sold for pets!

Tucker ate the bone supervised with no issue.

Overnight on Saturday 4th Jan, Tucker became ill.

Tucker was taken to the vet Sunday 5th Jan.

Overnight Tucker got a lot sicker.

On Monday morning (6th Jan), Tucker was admitted back to the vet. Scans showed splinters of bone throughout Tucker.

On Monday evening, we transported Tucker to Murdoch Veterinary Animal hospital where he remains in ICU to this day.

We do not know when Tucker will be home. Tucker is still fighting for his life in ICU. He is on strong pain killers and continues to spend each day and night away from his family.

Vets have said this is one of the worst cases they have ever seen. They have also stressed to my sister and brother-in-law that this is not their fault.

Each day Tucker is in ICU the bill increases and every scan, blood test or procedure is additional cost. The vets and the vet nurses are incredible, and we do not in any way believe they should do their job for free.

What is so scary is TODAY, someone could walk into Coles, Woolworths, IGA or another stockist and buy this product as Tucker lays in ICU still suffering.

Woolworths have opened and investigation BUT it’s not quick enough! This needs to get off the shelves and be recalled TODAY!!

I submitted our complaint and distressing scenario Tuesday morning to the manufacturers facebook private message, Instagram message and email on the website with zero response. They only called me yesterday (very briefly) because Woolworths contacted them about the investigation. I’m glad that a national retail giant worth billions of dollars got the attention of Bow Wow because I couldn’t. Going by historical reviews on the companies social media, they ignore consumers regularly.

Negligence from the retail stockist, Woolworths with reviews up to 10 months ago of other dogs who have suffered the same distress.

Negligence from Manufacturer, Bow Wow Gourmet Pet Treats, with reviews from 2023 up until months ago, multiple dogs suffering the same distress, critical care, nearly dying and HUGE vet bills. Knowingly still selling a product when these reviews since 2023 from customers sit on their social media!! The manufacturer clearly has zero care for animal welfare and also zero care for their brand reputation. Knowingly still selling a product that has injured other dogs in the same way as poor Tucker. Completely preventable if Bow Wow and Woolworths bothered to listen to customers.

I'm having trouble attaching all my images so I implore you to go visit Bow Wow Gourmet Dog Treats on Facebook and read their reviews. Injuring dogs for years.

I will not stop sharing this story until this damaging and extremely dangerous product is removed from manufacture, removed from sale and all Australian fur loving parents know how dangerous this product is. I would NEVER want another dog or family to suffer from this product again.

Sadly, the pet food industry is still widely unregulated (but the PFIAA have been very helpful).

I hope you share this story and I hope you can spare even $5. I know cost of living pressures are still real. I (and Tuckers family) appreciate everyone's thoughts, kind words and support.

thank you,

Sasha