Warning: Dog Bone Treats Could Kill Your Pet

After over a dozen dogs died the FDA is warning the public that bone treats sold in stores could actually kill your dog.

The FDA recently received around 70 reports of pet illnesses or deaths related to bone treats, which differ from uncooked butcher-type bones because they are processed and packaged for sale as dog treats, the FDA says.

The reports, sent to the FDA by pet owners and veterinarians, involved about 90 dogs.

Fifteen dogs reportedly died after eating a bone treat.

“Giving your dog a bone treat might lead to an unexpected trip to your veterinarian, a possible emergency surgery, or even death for your pet,” Carmela Stamper, a veterinarian in the Center for Veterinary Medicine, said in a press release.

Reported illnesses or injuries from bone treats included:

• Choking
• Blockage in the digestive tract
• Cuts and wounds in the mouth or tonsils
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bleeding from rectum

Officials didn’t name any brands or provide images of the potentaially deadly dog treats. But they described the treats as “Ham Bones,” “Pork Femur Bones,” “Rib Bones,” and “Smokey Knuckle Bones.”

The products may be dried through a smoking process or by baking, and may contain other ingredients such as preservatives, seasonings, and smoke flavorings, the FDA warns.

“We recommend supervising your dog with any chew toy or treat, especially one she (or he) hasn’t had before,” Stamper said. “And if she (or he) just isn’t acting right, call your veterinarian right away!"

The FDA offered the following tips to keep your dog safe:

• Chicken bones and other bones from the kitchen table can cause injury when chewed by pets, too. So be careful to keep platters out of reach when you’re cooking or the family is eating.
• Be careful what you put in the trash can. Dogs are notorious for helping themselves to the turkey carcass or steak bones disposed of there.
• Talk with your veterinarian about other toys or treats that are most appropriate for your dog. There are many available products made with different materials for dogs to chew on.

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