Give a Dog a Bone - NOT!

A few days ago the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), released a consumer products update and in it they included bones that are meant for dogs.

Most pet owners feel that it is quite natural to give their dogs bones to chew on. However, it is never recommended by any veterinarian as it can cause serious injury to dogs.

A veterinarian in the Center for Veterinary Medicine at the Food and Drug Administration, Dr Carmela Stamper, D.V.M., states:

"Some people think it's safe to give dogs large bones, like those from a ham or a roast. Bones are unsafe no matter what their size. Giving your dog a bone may make your pet a candidate for a trip to your veterinarian's office later, possible emergency surgery, or even death."

"Make sure you throw out bones from your own meals in a way that your dog can't get to them," suggests Dr. Stamper, who also adds that taking out the trash immediately or placing any bones way out of your dog's reach until you have a chance to properly dispose of them are also good choices. "And pay attention to where your dog's nose is when you walk him around the neighborhood - steer him away from any objects lying in the grass."

The FDA has compiled a list of 10 reasons why you should not give your dog a bone:

1. Broken teeth. Your dog can easily break or chip a tooth or two by chewing on a hard bone. You will then need to take your dog into to have expensive veterinary dentistry.

2. Mouth or tongue injuries. Dogs can easily bite down on their own tongue and inside of their mouths whilst gnawing on a bone. This can result in a lot of blood and will definitely require a trip to see a veterinarian.

3. Bone gets hooked around a dog's lower jaw. This is extremely scary and painful for a dog to experience and will also cost a pretty penny to repair. You should immediately take your dog to an emergency veterinarian if this happens.

4. Bone gets stuck in esophagus. Bones have the potential of getting stuck inside your dog's throat, or rather the tube that food travels through to reach their stomach. If this does happen your dog may gag, in an attempt to bring the bone back up. A trip to the vet will be in order as well.

5. Bone gets stuck in windpipe. This can happen when a dog accidentally inhales a tiny piece of the bone itself. Because your dog will have trouble breathing, you will need to take him to a veterinarian immediately!

6. Bone gets stuck in stomach. Most often, a dog will be able to swallow a bone just fine, but then it will get stuck in the dog's stomach as it is too large to pass through and into the dog's intestines. Your dog may need surgery or even upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, depending on the bone's size.

7. Bone gets stuck in intestines. The bone will cause a blockage if it does get stuck and surgery will be required.

8. Constipation due to bone fragments. Due to the size of the bone, your dog may have difficulty in passing the bone fragments because they're very sharp and they will scrape the inside of the large intestine and rectum as they move along. This will cause extreme pain for your dog and will require a trip to the veterinarian.

9. Severe bleeding from the rectum. If you notice bleeding, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

10. Peritonitis. This is a bacterial infection of the abdomen which is caused when bone fragments stab holes in your dog's stomach or intestines. Although it is very difficult to treat, your dog will need to see an emergency veterinarian as peritonitis can kill your dog.

Photo Credit: FDA