90 Dogs Sickened, 15 Killed By Commercial Dog 'Bone Treats', FDA Warns

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — While you're looking for treats to give to your dog, you may want to think twice about getting "bone treats."

The FDA says they have received about 68 reports of pet illnesses, and even deaths, related to "bone treats."

These differ from the uncooked butcher-type bones because they are processed and packaged for sale as dog treats. The products may be dried through a smoking process or by baking and may contain other ingredients such as preservatives, seasonings or smoke flavorings.

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Many bone treats for dogs including treats described as "Ham Bones," "Pork Femur Bones," "Rib Bones," and "Smokey Knuckle Bones," were listed in the reports.

"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," says Carmela Stamper, a veterinarian in the Center for Veterinary Medicine at the FDA.

Illnesses reported to FDA by owners and veterinarians in dogs that have eaten bone treats have included:

• Gastrointestinal obstruction (blockage of the digestive tract)
• Choking
• Cuts and wounds in the mouth or on the tonsils
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bleeding from the rectum, and/or
• Death. Approximately fifteen dogs reportedly died after eating a bone treat.