Gnaw play block danger

[Shelbylou]

Not sure if this is the correct place to post the thread, but I wanted to make people aware of the danger of the Gnaw play block from Pets at Home! (UK)

I have four beautiful piggies but tonight it almost became three. Saturday (Yesterday) I bought two large gnaw blocks, I filled the blocks with their favourite treats and hay. This was what was suggested on the Label as well as the label stating it is suitable for rabbits and guinea pigs and promotes natural behaviour!

So I bought two! But I bought them from the shop, so naturally I didn’t check the online reviews... which has so many awful reviews on the danger of this block. My baby Gaz, got his head stuck so tightly that It took bolt cutters to break the block to get him out! My first thought was to take him to the Vet but in all honestly I didn’t think we had time. I feel as guilty as anything as I checked on them this morning and they were fine and then I was out and checked on them as soon as I got back... I am so thankful I got to him when I did. Sadly he is not out of the woods and I can only hope he is okay in the morning.

I’m so upset, he is sitting on my lap now on a towel and seems okay!


Please do not buy this product! I will be writing a strongly worded letter to Pets at Home first thing tomorrow!

 

[Betsy]

What an awful shock for you and your piggy Gaz.

 

[PigglePuggle]

That's awful, I think there is a thread about dangerous toys on the forum somewhere that hopefully someone can direct you to?

 

[Wiebke]

Oh dear!

I am glad that your piggy has survived!

You are welcome to add your post and pictures to our long list of dangerous shop toys and cage accessories in the sticky guide at the top of our Housing and Enrichment section. We have also added this thread link to our New Owners guide collection to help them avoid repeating mistakes and known hazard.
Here is the direct link: Potentially Dangerous Cage Accessories And Toys

Please also inform the shop so the cube is pulled asap.

 

[Shelbylou]

Thank you! I don’t want to sound stupid, but how do I post under the Potentially Dangerous tread? As when I click the link it sends me to the page, but I can’t start a post? Do I write about the toy in reply to someone else’s post? (Sorry fairly new!)

I’m also heading to the shop tomorrow to speak to someone directly. I just hope they listen as based on the online reviews this product has been on sale a while and still hasn’t been removed regardless of the many similar complaints

 

[5 girls]

Really sorry you had to go through this - thank you for letting us know the dangers. Sending get well vibes to your boy.

 

[Potterpig]

Oh my goodness, poor piggy and poor you! I'd feel devastated too, you weren't to know. You got to him in time and hopefully he will be okay. That shop is a disgrace, I hope you get some answers. In the one by us they have two chinchillas in a cage not fit for a hamster. I have complained til I am blue in the face x

 

[Wiebke]

This is the link to the last page; you should be able to post on it as it is an open thread. Otherwise contact admin via the report button below a post. Potentially Dangerous Cage Accessories And Toys

 

[Shelbylou]

Oh my goodness, poor piggy and poor you! I'd feel devastated too, you weren't to know. You got to him in time and hopefully he will be okay. That shop is a disgrace, I hope you get some answers. In the one by us they have two chinchillas in a cage not fit for a hamster. I have complained til I am blue in the face x

Thank you! Pets at home are shocking! But unfortunately due to my rural living, it’s the only place where I can buy wee treats for my wee fur babies. But I will definitely be having words with the staff there tomorrow, this product should have been removed long ago or even just the tag changed to state not suitable for guineas x

 

[Shelbylou]

This is the link to the last page; you should be able to post on it as it is an open thread. Otherwise contact admin via the report button below a post. Potentially Dangerous Cage Accessories And Toys

Thank you! I think I have posted it now hopefully it saves a few piggies out there and the product is removed from the shop ASAP!

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you! ☺ Pets at home are shocking! But unfortunately due to my rural living, it’s the only place where I can buy wee treats for my wee fur babies. But I will definitely be having words with the staff there tomorrow, this product should have been removed long ago or even just the tag changed to state not suitable for guineas x

Try some of these ideas here; pet shop toys are often rather a waste of money!
Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs