Dog’s distress raises concerns over Hau-Hau Champion chew toys in Finland

In late September, Mari Pekkarinen of Mikkeli purchased a pack of chew toys during a shopping trip. On Wednesday, October 16, she took out the second-to-last Hau-Hau Champion duck roll from the bag and gave it to her German Wirehaired Pointer, Likka. A few hours later, the dog exhibited unusual behavior. “It was like it was in a psychosis. It barked, howled, and its eyes were bulging. It was disoriented,” Pekkarinen recounted. She tried to calm Likka and took her outside, where the situation worsened. The dog’s distress was loud enough to be heard from the house to the street.

Late that evening, Pekkarinen contacted a veterinarian, who asked if Likka had eaten a Hau-Hau duck roll. The same product had previously caused health issues in other dogs. A recent report highlighted a Brazilian Terrier that was euthanized after showing severe symptoms related to the same brand’s chew toys. Multiple dogs began experiencing symptoms from the same brand’s products in August.

The importer, Prima Pet Premium, announced recalls of certain products on August 28 and October 11. “I was completely unaware of these recalls. There was a lot of concern and shock,” said Pekkarinen.

On October 17, Finland’s Food Authority stated that no quality defects were found in the recalled products. However, the duck rolls have not been specifically tested. Following multiple reported seizures in Likka, the dog was brought to a veterinarian, where she was started on anti-seizure medication.

Pekkarinen contacted the store from which she bought the duck roll, which was unaware of the broader recall. Prima Pet Premium has received over 100 urgent inquiries regarding the recalls and is now processing compensation claims for veterinary bills.

Despite some improvement in Likka’s condition, Pekkarinen lamented that “no compensation can replace a healthy dog.”