If a visit from the farrier has your dog snacking on hoof trimmings, beware. While hoof trimmings are high in protein and dogs relish them, they carry some health dangers.

The sharp-edged trimmings can cause stomach perforations, may lodge in the esophagus (requiring endoscopic extractions) or cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Try to limit your dog’s access to hoof trimmings, and if he has difficulty swallowing, is panting excessively, vomiting, has loss of appetite or abdominal pain, call your vet.