Dogs should not have ham bones. They are unsafe and can cause several serious health problems for your dog.
Why ham bones are unsafe
Ham bones, whether cooked or raw, can crack and splinter into sharp pieces that may break teeth, lodge in the throat, or puncture the stomach or intestines, sometimes requiring emergency surgery. Pork bones in particular tend to splinter easily, so they are considered higher risk than many other types of bones.
Ham itself is also very high in fat and salt, which can trigger pancreatitis (dangerous inflammation of the pancreas) and contribute to dehydration, stomach upset, or more serious sodium-related issues.
What to do instead
If you want to give your dog something to chew, choose vet-approved dental chews or chew toys designed not to splinter and that are appropriately sized for your dog. If your dog already ate a ham bone, contact a vet immediately if you see vomiting, lethargy, bloody stool, difficulty defecating, choking, or signs of pain.
