When human treats bite back

Snack time can lead to the veterinary ER

Most pets love treats, but what they really crave is whatever you're eating. Human snacks are tempting to dogs and cats for the same reasons we enjoy them, but many of our favorites aren’t safe for pets in any amount (looking at you, chocolate ganache cake).  

The good news is that some people foods are healthy for pets in moderation, including strawberries, bananas and certain vegetables. In fact, many veterinarians recommend adding plain canned pumpkin to kibble to increase fiber and make bland meals feel like a treat. But as regular readers of this blog know, there’s always room for a few surprises. 

Here are some of the wildest ways human foods have turned into snack-tastrophes for our Hambone nominees.

Blueberry blues

Blueberries are generally considered a safe treat for sharing with cats and dogs (in moderation, of course). As people foods go, they’re delicious and nutritious, especially when chilled on a warm summer day. However, they also come with some risks for smaller pets who can choke on them. Or they can pose a snuffling risk, as one Hambone nominated pup named Rue discovered when a blueberry got stuck in her nose.  

“I think that just a piece of it got stuck, because she was so excited to get the treat,” dog mom Alexis says. “She was pawing at her nose and sneezing and just doing weird things, and then an hour later there was a very loud sneeze.… The treat came loose, but then unfortunately all the blood came with it, too.” Rue was taken to the veterinarian for observation and luckily didn’t have an injury to her sinuses.  

When feeding blueberries and small fruit to dogs or cats, be sure to cut them down to a safe size to prevent choking. Also remember to rinse fruit before feeding to wash away any residual dirt and pesticides that could lead to tummy upset. If your pet gets something stuck in their nose, whatever it may be, don’t attempt to remove it at home—DIY extraction efforts often make the situation worse.  

Thinking about those beans

Many dogs love green beans as a healthy, low calorie treat that can be served raw, steamed or frozen. When washed and cut into small pieces, they’re a high fiber, high reward treat, though remember to look for “no salt added” varietals.  

While green beans are pretty harmless, the vessel they come in can pose a risk to pets. Hambone nominee Stella discovered this for herself when an attempt to get one more tasty bean led to an iron mask situation as the tin can got stuck on her bottom jaw.  

“I was more panicked than she was,” dog mom Cathy recalls. “I was worried that she wouldn’t be able to breathe, but she was staring back at me like nothing was wrong. I tried to take the can off, but I was worried that the lid would dig into her skin, so we went to the veterinarian.” 

If a foreign object like a can gets stuck on your pet’s mouth, don’t panic—but also don’t pull or twist. Keep your pet calm on the way to the veterinarian and restrict movement to prevent further trauma.  

It’s peanut butter and … spatula time?

Few human treats are more beloved among dogs than peanut butter. However, this calorie- and fat-rich food shouldn’t be a daily staple in large amounts (always check the label to make sure it’s xylitol-free, too). Pets can also put themselves at risk by getting too excited about their high value human treat, as happened when Hambone nominee Duke lapped down his gooey goodie—and then some.   

“He not only licked it, but he pulled the spatula head off and swallowed it,” pet mom Jennifer remembers. Not sure what to do in such an unusual situation, she contacted Nationwide VetHelpline® for advice, and Duke was rushed to the veterinarian for treatment.  

When giving your dog peanut butter, opt for pet-safe lick mats or toys rather than spoons, which can damage teeth and become a choking hazard. And if your pet does eat something they shouldn’t, contact a veterinarian for advice, don’t just wait for it to pass on its own.

Easy-to-swallow pet care

If treat time becomes troublesome for your pet, Nationwide VetHelpline® offers veterinary advice anytime 24/7 from home. Simply download the app, which is available free to Nationwide pet insurance members from the App Store or Google Play. 

Like all Hambone Award nominees, these pets got the care they needed, and their pet parents got reimbursement for their eligible veterinary bills. Protect your pet from surprising snack-tastrophies with customizable coverage from Nationwide pet insurance. Get a quote today at petinsurance.com.