INDIANAPOLIS — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing a warning against bones, and not the chicken and turkey bones most dog owners know not to give their pets.

The FDA has received nearly 70 reports of illnesses in pets after having “bone treats.” Bone treats are real bones that have been processed, sometimes flavored, and packaged as dog treats.

About 90 dogs were involved in the reports. Of those 90 dogs, about 15 reportedly died.

Treats including “Ham Bones,” “Pork Femur Bones,” “Rib Bones,” and “Smokey Knuckle Bones” were listed in the reports. In addition, the FDA also received reports of the bone treats appearing moldy, and splintering when chewed.

A veterinarian in the Center for Veterinary Medicine at the FDA said these bone treats may lead to an unexpected vet trip, surgery, or death.

Illnesses reported include blockage in the digestive tract, chocking, cuts in the mouth or tonsils, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding from the rectum.

The FDA offers these tips to keep your dogs safe:

• Be careful to keep bones from the kitchen table, especially chicken bones, out of reach of your pets
• Be cautious of what you put in the trash can. Dogs can get creative with helping themselves when they smell something they want
• Talk to your vet about safe chew toys for your dogs

The FDA vet also suggested always supervise your dog with any chew toy or treat.

Source: WTHR