Bones can be a great treat for your dog, but they come with risks and should be offered with care.
Dogs have a natural tendency to want to chew, and many pet owners turn to bones to satisfy this need. Bones provide important benefits, but they also come with some risk that needs to be considered every time you give one to your dog. If you’re not comfortable with the risks associated with giving your dog bones, consider the many bone and rawhide alternatives on the market that can provide the same benefits while being significantly safer for your furry companion.
There Are Benefits
Allowing your dog to chew on bones does come with some benefits. The chewing creates friction and activates saliva enzymes which prevent plaque build-up, making them an option for optimal dental health. According to the AKC, bones also have nutrients that subdue a dog’s appetite. For dogs that lick or chew on their paws excessively, bones can be a good distraction to keep them from overdoing it and possibly hurting themselves.
But Also Risks
Unfortunately, giving your dog a bone also comes with a level of risk. Bones can cause choking or blockages if your dog attempts to swallow all or part of them. Some bones can also break into a sharp point, which can cause cuts around the mouth and throat. This is especially true for bones that have been previously cooked.
Keeping Bones Safe
There are several things to keep in mind if you do decide to give your dog bone in an effort to make it as safe as possible.
- Do not give your dog any bones that have been cooked.
- Give your dog raw meat bones.
- Don’t give your dog small pieces of bone.
- Throw out any bones after 3 or 4 days.
- Don’t offer your dog any bones if they have a sensitive stomach or history of a medical condition where bones are contraindicated.
- Always supervise your dog while they are chewing on a bone.
- Don’t give your dog a bone if there is another dog without one.
- If in doubt, always discuss best practice with your primary veterinarian before offering to your dog.
Bone Alternatives
There are many alternatives on the market that can help you replace bones and ensure your dog’s safety without accepting the risks that bones present. According to Canine Journal, yak cheese chews are one of the best options because they are hard and difficult to destroy even for tough chewers, but they are also easily digestible and don’t present a serious risk to your pup. Other options include buffalo and pig ears, as well as bully sticks and dental chews. Variety is the spice of life, so switching up your alternative chews regularly can keep your companion interested and engaged while they gain the benefits of having a safe bone alternative.
Trust Maryland Veterinary Surgical Services With Your Companion’s Health
Your companion’s health is important, and the team at MVSS is ready to provide the best care possible for your furry family. We are dedicated to combining comprehensive exams and assessments with informative and honest discussions of your companion’s care. Once we have worked with you to decide on the best course of action for your dog, our professionals will use their surgical expertise to work towards the goal of giving your companion an active and pain-free life. We are proud to serve loyal companions in Catonsville and Baltimore. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 410-788-4088 or visit us online. For more information and tips for pet health, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.