Can Dogs Eat Ham Bones? Why Vets Say No This Christmas
Can dogs eat ham bones? No. Ham bones are smoked and cooked, which makes them brittle and likely to splinter, and the fat on ham can trigger pancreatitis. Canberra vet Dr Michael Archinal told Region Canberra that giving your dog the Christmas ham bone can prove deadly. If your dog has eaten a ham bone or ham fat, call your vet.
In short: put the ham bone straight in a sealed bin, and give your dog a treat made for dogs instead.
Why ham bones are dangerous for dogs
Dr Archinal of Manuka Vet Hospital explains that ham bones “have been smoked, making them brittle and likely to splinter.” RSPCA chief veterinarian Dr Bronwyn Oke told SBS News that cooked bones are “at the top of the naughty list”, because they become brittle and can cause gut obstructions.
The same goes for any cooked bone. RSPCA NSW warns that cooked bones can splinter and block the gut, and lists pork and ham among the festive foods to keep away from pets.
So, can dogs eat ham bones if you watch them closely? No. Supervision doesn’t stop a brittle bone from splintering.
5 risks of ham bones and ham fat
| Risk | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Splintering | Smoked, cooked bone breaks into sharp pieces |
| 2. Broken teeth | Dogs can chip or fracture teeth chewing hard, brittle bone |
| 3. Gut blockage | Bone pieces can lodge in the gut and cause an obstruction |
| 4. Constipation | Dogs that eat the whole bone can become badly constipated |
| 5. Pancreatitis | Fatty ham and trimmings can inflame the pancreas, which can be fatal |
Ham fat and pancreatitis in dogs
Many owners trim the fat off the ham and give it to the dog. Dr Archinal warns that some dogs can’t tolerate it: “They can get pancreatitis and it can be fatal.” He recalls a Border Collie that died after eating too much ham fat.
Dr Oke describes pancreatitis as “a really painful condition”. An episode can mean days in hospital, and a dog that has had pancreatitis once is more likely to get it again.
RSPCA ACT lists these signs of pancreatitis:
- Lethargy
- Poor appetite
- Tummy pain
- Vomiting
- Fever
If your dog is vomiting after Christmas lunch, see our guide to dog vomiting and diarrhoea, and call your vet.
What to do if your dog eats a ham bone
- Take away any remaining bone or fat so your dog can’t eat more.
- Note what your dog ate, roughly how much, and when.
- Call your vet or nearest emergency vet for advice, even if your dog seems fine.
- Watch for warning signs such as vomiting, tummy pain, lethargy, straining to pass a poo or loss of appetite, and go to the vet if any appear.
Many vet clinics change their hours over Christmas and New Year. RSPCA NSW suggests checking your vet’s holiday hours in advance.
How to keep ham bones away from your dog
- Put the ham bone and fat trimmings straight into a bin with a secure lid, or take them outside.
- Ask guests not to feed your dog leftovers. Dr Oke suggests feeding pets in a separate area, away from guests.
- Clear plates and platters from low tables before your dog can reach them.
- Keep your dog out of the kitchen while you carve.
Safer Christmas treats for dogs
Dr Archinal’s advice is simple: “Go to the pet store and get something specifically made for your dog and their specific breed or size.” His rule of thumb is that if you wouldn’t eat it, don’t feed it to your pet. If a guest asks “can dogs eat ham bones?”, the answer is no.
Ham isn’t the only festive risk. See our guide to Christmas foods toxic to pets, plus chocolate poisoning in dogs.
FAQ
Can dogs eat ham bones?
No. Ham bones are smoked and cooked, so they are brittle and likely to splinter. Vets warn they can break teeth, block the gut and cause constipation.
Can dogs eat ham fat?
No. Vets warn that ham fat and trimmings can cause pancreatitis in dogs, a painful condition that can be fatal and can mean days in hospital.
Are any cooked bones safe for dogs?
No. RSPCA vets warn that cooked bones become brittle, can splinter and can cause gut obstructions.
What are the signs of pancreatitis in dogs?
RSPCA ACT lists lethargy, poor appetite, tummy pain, vomiting and fever. Call your vet if your dog shows any of these after eating fatty food.
My dog ate a ham bone. What should I do?
Remove any leftovers, note what and how much your dog ate, and call your vet or nearest emergency vet for advice, even if your dog seems fine.
Be ready for the unexpected
Treating a blockage or pancreatitis can mean days in hospital. Find out how dog insurance could help with unexpected vet bills.
Sources
- Region Canberra: Giving your dog the ham bone for a Christmas treat can prove deadly, warns Canberra vet
- SBS News: Cooked bones, chocolate and alcohol: what not to feed your pets during the festive period
- RSPCA NSW: Furry friends and festive feasts
This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from your vet. If you’re worried about your dog, contact your vet.