Watch your dog when you feed treats

18/02/06 12:10 Filed in: You and your dog

Honey (my Jack Russell) loves treats, as do most dogs. However, with the number of news stories about dogs getting treats lodged in their throats, it's a good idea to watch your pet as he consumes the treat.

Greenies are the treats which are most in the news for creating obstructions:

The manufacturer says small dogs shouldn’t get big Greenies. The company’s Web site, www.greenies.com, offers advice on the correct size for different dogs. Hause says flatly: "Don’t give small dogs Greenies. Small dogs or cats." Dr. Michael Leib agrees. He teaches at Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in Blackburg, Va., and tracks Greenie problems. So far, he’s counted about 60 cases of obstruction and five or six deaths. He says larger dogs can have Greenies, if owners watch carefully and if the dogs gnaw the treat into little slivers.

Keep an eye on your pet, and you'll both be happy with the treats.