15 Pet Products From the Past That Were Wildly Unsafe

Here's a list of 15 once-popular pet products that turned out to be dangerously flawed, causing harm to pets due to poor design, toxicity, or negligence.

Alyana Aguja
August 7, 2025
4 min read

15 Pet Products From the Past That Were Wildly Unsafe — Krista Mangulsone from Unsplash

Some products marketed to pamper or protect pets turned out to be hazardous or even deadly. From toxic treats and overheating dryers to leashes with poor safety features, these items reveal a troubling history of negligence in the pet product industry. This list exposes how far safety standards have come and why informed pet care is more important than ever.

1. Hartz Flea & Tick Drops

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Marketed as an affordable flea and tick treatment, Hartz drops caused severe reactions in thousands of pets. Reports included chemical burns, seizures, and even death, particularly in cats. Despite public outcry and multiple lawsuits, the product remained on store shelves for years before major retailers began pulling it.

2. Sargeant’s Flea and Tick Collars

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These collars were once a go-to for pest prevention, but they came with toxic consequences. Many pet owners reported skin burns, vomiting, and neurological symptoms in their pets. The active ingredients were too potent for smaller animals, especially cats and puppies.

3. Cyclone Dog Dryer Cage

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This automatic cage dryer was meant to help groomers and pet owners dry wet dogs quickly. Unfortunately, overheating incidents occurred because the machine lacked an automatic shutoff, resulting in heatstroke and even death. Several dogs died in grooming salons before awareness spread.

4. Rawhide Dog Chews from China

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These treats were once considered a harmless way to keep dogs busy and their teeth clean. However, imported rawhide often contained toxic chemicals like arsenic and formaldehyde. Dogs experienced digestive blockages, poisoning, and even fatal intestinal damage from them.

5. AquaBabies Miniature Ecosystems

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Though marketed as self-sustaining aquariums, these tiny sealed tanks were anything but healthy for fish. Betta fish and aquatic frogs were often crammed into cramped, oxygen-starved spaces. The animals typically died within weeks, making it more of a decorative deathtrap than a real pet habitat.

6. Jerky Treats from China (Chicken, Duck, and Sweet Potato)

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These treats led to widespread pet illnesses in the 2000s, particularly in dogs. The FDA received thousands of complaints of kidney failure and gastrointestinal distress linked to imported jerky. Despite years of investigation, a specific contaminant was never conclusively identified.

7. Pet Tanning Beds

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Yes, these actually existed and were marketed to pamper pets with UV light exposure. What they actually did was expose animals to unnecessary radiation, increasing the risk of skin cancer and eye damage. Veterinarians quickly denounced the devices as absurd and dangerous.

8. Pet Pogo Stick Leashes

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This gimmicky leash featured a spring mechanism to “soften” the tug when walking a dog. In reality, it gave dogs unpredictable recoil, causing sudden jerks to their necks. Multiple reports of whiplash, choking, and even neck injuries surfaced before it disappeared from the market.

9. Kitty Tease Laser Pointers Without Warning Labels

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Laser toys were a hit with cats, but many early models lacked safety instructions. Prolonged use led to obsessive behavioral disorders in cats, and direct eye exposure risked permanent damage. Without guidance on moderation or aiming, they became a mental and physical hazard.

10. Electric Pet Massagers

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Designed to relax pets, these hand-held vibrating massagers often startled or stressed animals. Worse, some units malfunctioned or overheated mid-use, resulting in burns or electrical shocks. They were more discomforting than comforting to most animals.

11. Toxic Squeaky Toys with Lead Paint

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Some older dog toys, especially those manufactured overseas, were coated in brightly colored lead-based paint. Pets chewed and ingested flakes of toxic paint, leading to lead poisoning symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, and seizures. These toys were eventually banned, but not before many dogs were harmed.

12. Fish Tank Marimo “Moss Balls” Contaminated with Invasive Mussels

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Sold in pet stores as tank decorations, some of these moss balls were later found to harbor invasive zebra mussels. These mussels posed ecological threats and were illegal to transport in several U.S. states. Owners were asked to destroy or report them, but not before they spread.

13. Catnip Spray with Harmful Additives

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Some early commercial catnip sprays contained alcohol, artificial fragrances, or even mild pesticides. Cats that licked or rolled in these products ended up with rashes or stomach upsets. Natural catnip was safe, but these chemical-laden sprays were not.

14. Bird Toys with Unshielded Bells and Chains

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Older bird toys often included sharp metal bells or dangling chains without proper shielding. Birds frequently got their beaks, feet, or feathers caught in them, sometimes resulting in serious injury or even strangulation. Manufacturers eventually updated designs, but only after widespread harm.

15. Retractable Leashes for Large Dogs (Early Models)

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The concept was clever, but the early models lacked adequate brake control or durable cords. Dogs could bolt suddenly, snapping the leash or yanking the handle from the owner’s grip. Injuries included rope burns, broken fingers, and lost control in traffic-prone areas.