Our dog Jefferson is crazy about Milk Bones, clean breath “greenies,” and just about any other dog treat tossed his way. If those aren’t available, he’s been known to make do with shoes, stuffies and even heirloom quilts – at least before he gets caught.
But there’s one thing Jefferson won’t be sampling: bone treats made from real bones.
Most dog owners know not to give a brittle, splintery chicken bone to their pet to gnaw on, but “bone treats” at the supermarket or pet store are advertised as a safe alternative. However, this November the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to pet owners: Bone treats have been linked to 15 deaths among pet dogs and 90 reports of illnesses.
Carmela Stamper, a veterinarian in the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, suggests bone treats are just too risky. “Giving your dog a bone treat might lead to an unexpected trip to your veterinarian, a possible emergency surgery, or even death,” she stated in a news release. “We recommend supervising your dog with any chew toy or treat, especially one she hasn’t had before. And if she isn’t acting right, call your veterinarian right away.”
Bone treat hazards
Bone treats are not the same as uncooked butcher bones. With names like “Rib Bones,” Smokey Knuckle Bones,” and “Ham Bones,” they’re often baked or dried through a smoking process or contain ingredients such as seasons, smoke flavorings and preservatives.
The illnesses linked to bone treats reported to the FDA by pet owners and veterinarians include:
- Blockages in the digestive tract
- Choking
- Cuts in the mouth or on the tonsils
- Diarrhea
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Death
The FDA has also received reports of moldy bones and bone treats splintering when chewed.
Keeping bones away from Bowser
Of course, regular bones aren’t good for your pet, either: They can also splinter and cut or choke your pet. In addition, dog treats like dried pig ears or rawhide may contain salmonella.
Here are some precautions:
Keep your eyes on the prize. It’s easy to forget and leave a plate full of chicken or turkey bones on the table, and unfortunately, some dogs are big enough (or crafty enough) to reach them. So keep platters out of reach when you’re cooking, clear the table after meals and make sure your dog doesn’t swipe a chicken leg while you’re not looking.
Lock up that tempting garbage can. As the FDA observes, “Dogs are notorious for helping themselves to the turkey carcass or steak bones disposed of there.” They’re also liable to help themselves to coffee grounds, Keurig coffee canisters, and other hazardous items. Use a simple lock on the door to the garbage can or dispose of bones in the large cans outdoors (or you may be using your pet insurance sooner than you expected).
Avoid rawhide chew bones. Earlier this year United Pet Group recalled a slew of rawhide chews for dogs, including American Beefhide, Healthy Hide, Companion, Dentley’s, Enzadent, Good Lovin,’ Hill Country Fare and Priority Pets, among others. Some of the manufacturing facilities were in other countries that used quatenary ammonium compounds, which are not approved for rawhide production in the United States and are linked to health problems in dogs, including gastric irritation, diarrhea and vomiting.
Find safe alternatives to bone treats. Talk with your veterinarian about the best toys for your dog to chew on. And while you’re looking, keep those new shoes out of reach of any sharp little teeth in the vicinity.
