We may presume that dogs can chew on any type of bone, but this actually isn't true. Today, our San Gabriel vets talk about what bones are safe for dogs and why your dog should chew bones regularly.
Can dogs eat bones?
Bones can play a critical role in your dog's diet, giving them the opportunity to consume many important minerals. Additionally, chewing stimulates saliva enzymes and helps prevent plaque buildup and gum disease, which aids in keeping your pup's mouth healthy.
Chewing on bones can also help your dog avoid unwanted behaviors as long as they can stimulate themselves by chewing. Nonetheless, many veterinarians warn dog owners not to allow their pooches to chew on bones, which can lead to some serious risks for your dog's health.
So, can you give a dog a bone? Are bones good for dogs? Are beef bones or cooked bones bad for dogs? Below, we'll cover the advantages and disadvantages of dogs having bones and share any other facts you may need to know.
Why Your Dog Should Eat Bones
Chewing is a natural way for dogs to stimulate themselves. This can help them maintain their oral health, alleviate boredom, and curb unwanted behaviors.
Dental Health – Allowing your dog to chew on bones can help protect their oral health. Gnawing on bones can help remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing gum disease and promoting healthier teeth. Chewing on bones has an abrasive effect on your dog's teeth, as the bone works like a natural toothbrush for your dog.
Mental Stimulation – By chewing bones, dogs can stimulate their brains and avoid boredom. When dogs grow bored, they are more likely to get into mischief and chew on something they shouldn't. Chewing is a natural and instinctive activity that can keep your dog entertained and occupied. This activity can also help alleviate anxiety and redirect destructive chewing behaviors.
Nutritional Value – Bones can be a source of essential nutrients (this is particularly true of raw bones). They contain marrow, which is rich in fat and can provide your dog with a source of additional calories. Bones also contain phosphorus, calcium, and trace minerals that enrich overall nutrition.
The Harm Bones Can Cause
While some bones are beneficial to your dog's health, others should not be given to your dog and could cause serious repercussions if your dog were to chew on them. Raw and cooked bones can both cause splinters in your dog's mouth and digestive tract, causing injury and potentially even death (although this is more common with cooked bones). Here are some potential consequences of a dog chewing on raw or cooked bones:
- Damaged or broken teeth
- Lacerations or punctures to the tongue and gums
- Cuts and wounds in the throat
- Choking
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Intestinal obstruction/blockage
- Severe constipation
- Perforation of the intestines
- Rectal trauma and bleeding
If your dog cracks or fractures a tooth while chewing on a bone, they may need a dental procedure to repair the damaged tooth. Hard bones like weight-bearing bones from large animals are particularly risky for your dog's health.
There is a chance that bones can break into tiny fragments that your dog won't be able to safely ingest due to risk of injury. These shards can cause intestinal obstructions if swallowed, leading to a life-threatening emergency and, potentially, the need for costly surgery to remove the obstruction. Small dogs, aggressive chewers, or dogs prone to gulping are at higher risk for these types of injuries.
Bones can cause digestive problems like constipation, diarrhea, or pancreatitis in some dogs. Fatty bones like marrow bones can lead to gastrointestinal upset, and sharp bone fragments can damage the digestive tract. Dogs with sensitive stomachs or a history of digestive issues should be monitored closely.
What bones are not safe for dogs?
Cooked Chicken & Turkey Bones: These bones can break easily and are more likely to cause problems. Small bones can also get stuck in a dog's throat and cause trouble.
T-Bones: T-bones have a shape that can get stuck in a dog's throat while the other end is in the esophagus or trachea. This can lead to severe swelling that can block the airway, preventing your dog from breathing.
Small Bones & Circular Bones: Giving any bone that is smaller than your dog's mouth or easily splinters is risky. Both can result in choking hazards as well as trauma to the mouth and intestinal tract. Circular bones are also unfavorable because they can become lodged in the lower jaw of a dog. Dogs are terrified of this, and cutting the bone to free the dog's jaw usually necessitates sedation.
What bones can dogs eat?
Now that you are aware of which bones to never give to your dog, we can now discuss which bones might be right for your pooch.
Raw Bones – When choosing natural bones to purchase, you may want to consider a raw bone, which is less likely to splinter and cause injury. Purchase raw bones from a reputable butcher that are large enough for your dog to easily grasp (about the size of your dog's head, as a rule of thumb). It should also have bulges or lumps on both ends.
While raw chicken, turkey, lamb, beef, or even oxtail bones are considered safer options for dogs, there are still risks. Your dog can still break a tooth, get a bone splinter, or cut their gums. Excessive chewing on a raw bone can cause constipation. The bone should be refrigerated before use and discarded after a few hours. Regardless of the type of bones your dog chews, you'll need to monitor them the entire time they spend chewing.
Generally, raw bones tend to be better for dogs than cooked bones. So, if you've ever wondered, "Are cooked bones bad for dogs?", the answer is yes, but again, this is general advice. We recommend asking your vet which bones and chew toys would be best for your dog's needs.
Synthetic Chews – Plenty of companies manufacture safe synthetic chew toys. These products are designed to be durable and non-toxic. They are less likely to cause dental or digestive issues. Look for options like nylon bones, rubber chew toys, or specially designed dental chews.
Vet-Approved Treats - Consult your veterinarian to find appropriate treats that promote dental health and are safe for your dog's specific needs. Dental chews or treats specially formulated to support oral hygiene can be a safer alternative to bones.
General Rules for Bone Safety
If you are considering giving your dog a bone, here are some general safety rules to follow:
Do:
- Serve raw meat bones.
- After 10 to 15 minutes, remove the bone from your dog and place it in the refrigerator.
- After three or four days, discard the bone.
- Give large bones to large breeds like German Shepherd Dogs, Bloodhounds, and Mastiffs.
- When you give your dog a bone, keep an eye on him.
- Be an educated consumer
Do Not:
- Give your dog the wrong type of bone.
- Don't give your dog cooked bones of any kind.
- Allow your dog to chew any type of bone into small pieces.
- Don't give your dog a bone if he has stomach problems.
- If another dog is visiting, don't give your dog a bone to chew on.
How will I know that I am giving my dog the right bone?
When you plan on giving your dog new things, speak with a veterinary professional to make sure that you are not inadvertently putting your dog's health in danger by giving them an item that can cause injury or otherwise harm their health. While bones can provide benefits such as dental health, mental stimulation, and nutritional value, they also come with risks. Dental injuries, choking hazards, and digestive issues are potential concerns that must not be overlooked.
As a responsible pet owner, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and make an informed decision. Ultimately, consulting your veterinarian is crucial in determining whether giving bones to your dog is safe and appropriate for their individual circumstances.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet for an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition.