Forget the desserts! Your dog wants to help out with the leftover ham! What condition will ham (meat or bones) NOT contribute to?
A) Gastroenteritis (vomit/diarrhea)
B) Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
C) Intestinal obstruction
D) Ham/bone consumption can cause all of the above
Yep, it was D. Sure, some dogs eat ham, or chew on the bones, and do just fine. Others are sick sick sick the next day! Vomit and diarrhea will usually pass, or respond to simple symptomatic treatment, but pancreatitis can be very serious, to the point of requiring hospitalization! (Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, often associated with eating something high in fat). Obviously, obstructions are serious, and can require surgery. Your best bet? Get a treat or chew toy that your dog normally eats and enjoys. When my dogs are complaining of abuse because they haven’t gotten any special snack, I’ve been known to take a chewer and dip it in cream cheese – they think that’s super cool!
