The holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year. It is also one of my busiest times of the year due to, in part, those tasty bones people love to give their pets! It is hard to resist the temptation of sharing our meal with the family pet, however there are some important reasons why we should refrain from tossing them the ham or roast bones.
- Choking
- Cuts and wounds in the mouth or on the tonsils
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Gastrointestinal obstruction (blockage in the digestive tract)
- Death
Here are some common conversations I have when talking to clients about bones:
Client: “Dogs in the wild eat bones and they don’t get sick.”
Dr. Rizzo: “This may be true, but there are many veterinary approved dental chews available that are much safer alternatives.”
Client: “I have always given my dogs bones in the past and they were fine!”
Dr. Rizzo: “While this may be true, there is always a risk that the next bone may lead to significant illness.”
Client: “I like to give my dogs bones because it keeps their teeth clean.”
Dr. Rizzo: “Yes, but dogs in the wild don’t eat processed, cooked bones.”
Unfortunately, these conditions are not just limited to bones from home, but also commercially-available bone treats, such as “Ham Bones,” “Pork Femur Bones,” “Rib Bones” and “Smokey Knuckle Bones”. These products break into sharp fragments due to drying through a smoking process or by baking, and may even contain other ingredients or preservatives that can make our pets sick.
While I love seeing you and your pets, I would prefer it be for a wellness visit, not an emergency. However, if you need help or a have question, please contact Bellevue Animal Hospital at (419) 483-6345 or Sandusky Animal Hospital at (567) 256-3615
-Blog Post Written By Dr. Rizzo
Reference: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm208365.htm
