One of the best ways of enhancing your relationship with your dog is being able to give him a treat every now and then, and I'm sure he lets you know exactly what his favorite is. But is it safe?
In recent years there has been a flood in the retail market for dog treats of all shapes and sizes, and it seems there has never been a better time to reward your favorite friend. But for all the choice and freedom that's become available, there also some treats out there that aren't so good and can even harm your dog. Some have been reported to cause your pet to choke by lodging in the animal's throat, while others have caused vomiting and intestinal problems. Everyone who wants to treat their dog will also want to be aware of the kind of treats that could be harmful, but most importantly, however harmless your think your treat is; make sure your dog is supervised when you give it to them.
Dental Sticks -- Dogs really love to chew on these things! There are several different brands that are available in different flavors, shapes, textures and colors and as well as being a tasty treat; they can also help their teeth, gums and help with bad breath. However, there have been many cases of these sticks causing dogs to choke; because dogs can eat them extremely quickly and they have become stuck in the animal's throat. It's not advised to give this type of treat to puppies, or to dogs who have a tendency to eat fast or wolf their food down. If you suspect something is wrong with your dog after eating one of these, look for signs of difficulty breathing, wretching or vomiting; and bloody stools. Seek immediate medical attention.
Hide Chews -- Another great favorite which also has dental benefits; as they can help to clean their teeth while keeping them busy. However, you need to do a little checking before giving this top treat, as a sinister secret could be contained within. Hide chews use preservatives, which in itself is ok if they are safe, but some manufacturers have been known to use arsenic based chemicals; which means these will be swallowed by your pet when they chew. Look on the internet to see if there's any information about the brand you use, if in doubt, speak with someone at your local pet store. Also remember that smaller dogs only need small sized treats.
Chocolate -- Chocolate may be the ideal treat for us humans, but for dogs it is the exact opposite and can bring lots of problems. Chocolate can be toxic to both dogs and cats so it extremely important you keep your pet away from it. It contains an ingredient called Theobromine and basically; it acts the same way for your dog as caffeine does for you. The difference is a little will make your pet seem hyperactive but a large amount can be fatal to it. Unfortunately your dog won't know or sense this, he will be quite happy to eat it and often will try to sniff it out. If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate; look out for vomiting, an irregular heartbeat and shallow breathing. You are advised to seek immediate medical treatment too.
Bones -- Yes, you read correctly - Bones! Dogs absolutely love to chew on bones, they were born for it. However, you need to make sure you are giving your dog the right type of bone as some can be extremely dangerous. Typical examples are turkey bones and chicken bones as they are very brittle. When your dog chews on them, they splinter and break which will be harmful if swallowed. Other examples are some beef and pork bones.
So what type of bone is best for your dog? Many vets agree that the best type of bone for your dog is actually a shin bone because of its density and size, but the best advice is to watch your dog when you give him this type of treat as you can quickly intervene if something should happen. Check your dog's mouth when giving him a bone and if he shows any signs of bleeding then you should stop and speak to a vet to get advice.
But it's not all doom and gloom. Giving treats to your dog is fun, it forms an important part of your friendship and is a good way of showing him you care. But it is equally important to ensure that when you do give him a special treat that you're keeping him healthy in the process.
