The Do's and Don'ts for Your Pup's Chew Toys"

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chewing on bones is a natural behavior for dogs. It helps keep their teeth clean and provides mental stimulation. However, not all bones are safe. Some bones can splinter and cause injuries or blockages if swallowed. It’s important for dog owners to know which bones are safe for their pup to chew and eat.

Feeding the right bones can enrich a dog’s life by satisfying their urge to chew while avoiding potential harm. Taking the time to learn about bone safety will help you confidently provide bones without worrying. This guide covers the types of bones that are suitable for dogs and signs to watch out for if your dog experiences any trouble after chewing.

Raw Bones

Raw bones are one of the healthiest chews for dogs when provided properly. Bones like raw chicken wings, necks, and backs are soft enough to chew, digest, and pass easily. The natural texture helps clean plaque and tartar off dogs’ teeth, reducing the risk of dental disease. Chewing raw bones provides mental stimulation and satisfies a dog’s natural urge to gnaw. Make sure raw bones are from animals approved for raw dog food, like poultry. Avoid weight bearing bones from large mammals like cows, which are too hard. For safety, always supervise dogs when providing any chews.

Cooked Bones

Cooked bones can pose a serious risk to dogs and should be avoided. The high temperatures of cooking cause bones to become brittle and dry. When chewed, cooked bones have a tendency to splinter and fragment into shards. These bone shards can cause cuts and lacerations in a dog’s mouth, throat, and digestive tract.

Splinters may become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestinal tract, potentially perforating organs and leading to serious infections. Some signs of cooked bone splinters causing harm include gagging, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding from the mouth or rectum, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Anytime these symptoms arise after chewing bones, seek veterinary care immediately.

To keep dogs safe, it’s best to never give cooked bones of any kind. These include bones that are boiled, baked, roasted, steamed, smoked, or processed. Bones from ham, fish, chicken, turkey, pork, or other meats can all fracture and cause internal injuries when cooked. Opt for raw meaty bones or other dog-safe chews instead.

Recreational Bones

Recreational bones are made specifically for dogs to chew on for enjoyment and dental health. These are designed not to splinter so they are safe for chewing. Some popular options include:

Nylon bones – These hard plastic bones come in different sizes and shapes. The ridges clean teeth and massage gums. Being synthetic, there’s no danger of splintering.
Rope bones – Rope toys infused with flavors attract dogs to chew while flossing teeth. Look for tightly woven cotton ropes that resist shredding.

Rubber bones – Flexible rubber bones in fun shapes bounce and stretch. Durable rubber withstands hours of gnawing without breaking apart.
Edible bones – Some bones are made with digestible ingredients like vegetables, rice, or wheat. Chewing provides dental benefits. Supervise to prevent choking.

Opt for larger recreational bones that are too big to be swallowed but not so tiny your dog will gulp it down. Inspect for signs of wear and replace bones once they start breaking apart. This prevents swallowing fragments that could lead to obstructions.

Weight Bearing Bones

Weight bearing bones like femurs and knuckle bones from cows or other large animals should be avoided. These dense bones come from the legs of animals and are meant to withstand the animal’s weight. They are very hard and durable.

While dogs may enjoy chewing on these types of bones for a long time, the hardness of these bones can lead to broken teeth. The constant pressure placed on a dog’s teeth from chewing on these hard, dense bones can cause teeth to crack or break over time. This can lead to expensive dental work and pain for your dog.

Veterinarians recommend avoiding giving dogs weight bearing bones from cows, deer, and other large mammals. The risk of tooth damage is quite high. These bones simply are not appropriate for a dog to chew on. Choose softer bones or chews that do not pose a threat to your dog’s oral health.

Bone Treats

Bone treats can be a great way to provide nutritional benefits while satisfying a dog’s natural desire to chew. However, not all bone treats are created equal. When choosing bone treats, look for products made from quality ingredients without preservatives or artificial flavors.

High quality bone treats are made from real bone or dried cartilage. They provide calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients. Avoid bone treats with a lot of fat, which can cause pancreatitis. Also be wary of treats containing preservatives like BHA or BHT, which are suspected carcinogens.

Reputable pet stores and brands generally offer healthier options. Look for bones sourced from free-range, grass-fed animals. Ingredients should include just one or two bone types, like “beef femur” or “chicken cartilage”. Avoid treats with vague ingredients like “animal bone”.

The best bone treats are made in the United States or countries with high quality standards. They don’t require refrigeration and have a long shelf life. Harder bones are safer, as softer ones can chip into sharp pieces. Supervise your dog with any bone treat to prevent choking hazards.

Providing an occasional high quality bone treat can give your dog enjoyment while promoting dental health. Just be sure to select natural, preservative-free products and monitor chewing sessions.

Bone Broth

Bone broth has become an increasingly popular food supplement for dogs due to its many health benefits. Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue in water for an extended period of time, typically 12-24 hours. This long cooking time helps extract the nutrients, minerals, collagen, and gelatin from the bones into the liquid broth.

There are several benefits to feeding bone broth to dogs:

It is a good source of minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
The collagen and gelatin promote joint health and can help reduce inflammation.

Bone broth contains glycosaminoglycans which support healthy cartilage.
It can aid digestion and improve gut health.
The hydrating liquid can help dogs stay hydrated.

It adds moisture and flavor enhancement to food.

When feeding bone broth to your dog, there are some tips to keep in mind:

Use bones from healthy animals to avoid disease transmission.

Choose bones with lots of connective tissue like chicken feet, necks, and backs.
Simmer the broth for at least 12 hours to extract nutrients.
Cool the broth completely before feeding.

Start with small amounts like 1-2 tablespoons.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for later use.

Bone broth can be a healthy supplemental food for dogs when prepared properly. The collagen and nutrients support joint, digestive, and immune health. Feed bone broth in moderation and monitor your dog for any signs of intolerance.

Monitoring Chewing

When giving your dog bones, it’s important to monitor them closely to avoid choking hazards. Here are some tips for keeping a close eye on your pup while they enjoy their treat:

Never leave your dog unsupervised with a bone. Stay nearby so you can watch them chew and intervene if needed.

Pay attention to the size of the bone. Make sure it’s appropriate for your dog’s size – not too small that they could swallow it, but not too big that they have trouble chewing it.
Watch for aggressive chewing. Some hard-chewing dogs may try to break off and swallow large chunks of bone, which could lead to choking. Take the bone away if they start chewing dangerously.
Observe them periodically. Even if they start off chewing slowly, keep an eye on them in case the chewing intensifies.

Listen for coughing or gagging. Those could be signs something is caught in their throat.
Stop giving the bone once it’s small enough to swallow. An appropriate sized bone can become a hazard as it gets smaller.
Consider supervised chewing sessions. Allow chewing for a limited time, then take the bone away when the session is over.

Staying engaged while your dog chews can help prevent emergencies. Monitor them closely and don’t hesitate to take bones away if chewing becomes aggressive or you have any safety concerns.

Signs of Trouble

Certain symptoms may indicate that a bone has caused gastrointestinal upset or more serious harm in your dog. Look for these signs of trouble after giving bones:

Vomiting – Throwing up pieces of bone or blood is a major red flag.

Diarrhea – Loose stools or bloody diarrhea could mean irritation or damage from swallowing bone fragments.
Loss of appetite – If your dog stops eating after having a bone, it could signal an obstruction.
Lethargy – General malaise or tiredness may accompany other symptoms.

Abdominal pain – Whimpering, pacing, or repeatedly getting up and lying down shows discomfort.
Constipation – Inability to defecate points to a potential intestinal blockage.
Blood in stool – Bright red blood or black, tarry stool indicates internal bleeding.

Difficulty breathing – Rapid breathing, coughing, or gagging could mean bone pieces have migrated to the lungs.

If you notice any of these concerning signs, especially vomiting or diarrhea with blood, stop giving bones and call your veterinarian right away.

When to Call a Vet

While most dogs can handle chewing on bones without issue, there are some situations where you’ll want to stop giving bones and call your vet right away. These include:

Choking – If your dog is making choking sounds or seems unable to breathe properly after chewing a bone, contact your vet immediately. Choking is a life-threatening emergency.
Vomiting – If your dog vomits repeatedly after eating a bone, or if you see blood in the vomit, call your vet. Vomiting can indicate an obstruction or internal injury.
Diarrhea – Loose stools containing blood or an unusual color could signify internal irritation or damage from bones. Consult your vet if this persists beyond 24 hours.

Loss of appetite – If your dog refuses food or water after chewing on a bone, this warrants a vet visit to check for potential blockages or oral injuries.
Cracked teeth – Bones can crack teeth down to the nerve, causing immense pain. If your dog is reluctant to eat or chew, have your vet examine its mouth.
Constipation – Inability to pass stool after bone consumption may indicate an intestinal blockage requiring prompt veterinary attention.

Trust your instincts. If something seems off with your dog after giving it a bone, don’t wait – contact your vet right away. Timely treatment greatly improves the prognosis when dogs experience complications from bones.