FDA Issues Warning for Dog Bone Treats

The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning for dog bone treats. From November 1, 2010 to September 12, 2017, many dogs have fallen ill after eating commercially produced dog bone treats. Unfortunately, 15 dogs died. According to their report, the treats are marketed under the names, “Ham Bones, Pork Femur Bones, Rib Bones and Smokey Knuckle Bones.” Some are smoked or baked with additional chemicals added for flavor.

According to the FDA, the clinical signs reported are:

  • Gastrointestinal obstruction (blockage requiring surgical removal)
  • Vomiting
  • Choking
  • Diarrhea
  • Damage to the mouth
  • Bleeding from the anus
  • Death

As a veterinarian, I do not recommend bones of any kind. Beside the problems listed above, I see a lot of tooth fractures from bones. The large upper premolar is often fractured when the dog chews the bone. This results in a painful infection along the roots that causes a swelling under the eye. Removal of the tooth is the only way to end the pain.

More information on the FDA warning can be found at: https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm208365.htm