It’s easy to give in to impulse buys in the dog treats and bone sections of the pet store. Most dogs like bones, but the views of veterinarians on this matter are split. It’s crucial to separate reality from fiction when it comes to dog bones, which is why so many myths persist.
It’s crucial that you offer your dog a bone that is safe for his digestive system if you plan on doing so. Let’s start with a discussion of the benefits and drawbacks.
The Dangers of Bones
Bones can cause:
- Damaged teeth
- Choking
- Constipation
- Gastrointestinal blockage
- Cuts in the mouth or tonsils
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Advantages of Bones
- Good source of calcium, minerals, and nutrients
- Chewing on bones helps prevent tartar and plaque buildup on teeth
- Keeps your dog occupied
- Chewing can stimulate adult teeth growth in puppies
- Chewing can strengthen the stomach muscles, strengthen the stomach muscles, prevent bloat, foster healthy bowel movements, and prevent anal gland problems.
- Better bones than your shoes … dogs will chew on something
Which Bones Are Appropriate?
Most veterinarians agree on several basic facts concerning bones. Despite the fact that you may be tempted to feed your dog cooked turkey bones or even beef bones this holiday season, raw bones are preferable. Splinters from broken rawhide bones might become stuck in your dog’s digestive tract and cause illness. Raw femur or hip bones with flesh, marrow, or cartilage still attached are a popular request at butcher shops.
Guidelines for protecting yourself are listed below:
- Size-appropriateness is essential when it comes to skeletal structures. A smaller dog can’t have a bone as big as a German Shepherd or Mastiffs. Dogs shouldn’t be able to swallow a bone whole, thus they should be bigger than the dog’s muzzle, as recommended by the American Kennel Club.
- Dead bodies should be thrown out. Always err on the side of caution. Remove the bone from your dog after 10 or 15 minutes and store it in the fridge to prevent it from being chewed into small bits. As soon as three or four days have passed, dispose of the bones.
- Please refrain from giving your dog a bone if he is currently undergoing dental treatment or has pancreatitis.
- It’s not safe to give your dog a bone that’s been sliced in half. For instance, if you cut your leg, the bone may splinter more easily.
- Avoid giving your dog any kind of pork or rib bones since they tend to splinter easily.
- Watch your calorie consumption during the day. Calorie content might be considerable in bones with a lot of marrow.
No one knows your dog as you do. Pick a bone that will last as long as your dog tends to chew. Even though bones are beneficial because they satiate your dog’s natural want to chew, they may also be harmful. In order to prevent your dog from swallowing any broken bits, it is important to keep a close eye on him as he chews.