Kmart has come under fire over a new cult dog toy which has just landed in stores.
The retail giant’s Pet Toy Plush Heart Beat Dog retails for $19 and described as “a great cuddle toy for your pet”.
The stuffed toy includes a battery-run mechanism inside the toy that creates a “pulsing heartbeat sound” that “assists in easing your pet’s anxiety”.
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In a new social media post, Kmart advertised the toy as being an ideal companion for puppies.
But the post prompted a concerned reaction from some Kmart fans, who were alarmed by the toy.
They felt it was dangerous to give a plush toy containing a battery to dogs, given the risk that it could be chewed and ingested.
“Not safe to give a dog a plush toy that contains batteries!” said one.
Another added: “Our cavoodle puppy got the heart out of his and started to chew it.”
A third wrote: “Sounds great … until a dog eats the batteries.”
One more responded: “No such thing as quality control.”
Said another: “I bought this for my puppy. Destroyed it.”
Others were nervous to give it to their pooch.
“I’d love to but my dog loves to chew the limbs off then goes for the squeaker,” one said.
Another wrote: “Nervous about giving this to my dog, he’d pull it apart in five minutes.”
Despite the warnings, others said the toy had become a favourite with their pooch at home.
“They’re the best! For a new puppy — our puppy was having trouble sleeping until we brought a heart toy and she settled straight away!” one said.
On the Kmart website, the retail giant does warn customers “this is not a chew toy. No pet toy is indestructible.” It adds: “Choose toys that reflect your pet’s play style.”
7NEWS.com.au has reached out to Kmart for further comment.
