Many dog owners love to spoil their pets with special treats, but it turns out that one of the most common go-to snacks may actually be putting your dog at risk without you realising it. While it might look harmless and healthy, this popular treat can become dangerous if not prepared correctly.
Canine Cottages spoke to canine behaviour and nutrition consultant, Dr Emma Scales-Theobald, to highlight foods that dog owners should be wary of letting their pooch eat. A spokesperson for Canine Cottages said: “Although in most cases, a trip to the vets will be able to treat your pet, in this instance, as pet owners, it’s important to understand what these foods can do to our beloved pets.” The dangerous popular snack owners should be wary of: cooked bones.
It is commonly known that dogs love chewing on bones, and after having a summer BBQ, some people think it’s harmless to hand their leftover cooked bones to their pooch. However, pet owners must understand that not all bones are safe for dogs.
When bones are cooked, the structure that was once somewhat soft and flexible but is now dry, brittle, and much more prone to splintering.
Dr Emma Scales-Theobald said: “Your dog might enjoy chewing on a raw bone, but watch your dog doesn’t get hold of any cooked bones because these can splinter and cause internal injury.”
What injuries could dogs face?
According to the Animal Emergency Service, your dog could face a number of issues after eating cooked bones.
- Broken teeth
- Mouth injuries, such as bone splinters
- Obstructions with bones stuck in the oesophagus, trachea or intestines
- Constipation
- Internal bleeding
- Peritonitis (a bacterial infection in the abdomen)
- Pancreatitis from the high-fat content
Other popular summer foods to avoid feeding your pooch
During the hot summer months, we love to indulge in a sweet, cold treat. But no matter the flavour, pet owners are being warned not to feed ice cream to their dogs.
Dr Emma Scales-Theobald said: “Ice cream made for people may contain sweetener xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
“Ice cream can also potentially cause a stomach upset in dogs because dogs are commonly lactose intolerant.
“Therefore, it’s best to seek out dog-friendly ice cream for your dog instead of sharing yours.”
Full list of foods to avoid:
- Avocado
- Chives and onions
- Cherries
- Peaches
- Plums
- Raw potato
- Ice cream
- Cooked bones