To feed or not to feed your dog bones? That is the million-dollar question that doesn’t have a clear-cut answer. For every professional that says all meat bones are unsafe for dogs, you will find another that advocates the feeding of animal bones.
The decision is yours to make. Talk with the dog’s breeder, dog trainers and veterinarians to gather information concerning the safety of giving your dog bones.
There is one thing that all professionals will most likely agree on and that is any dog that is given a bone to chew should be supervised. Don’t give Fido a bone and walk away from the dog. You’re asking for trouble – what if the dog swallows a piece that gets lodged in the intestines? Not only is it expensive to have it surgically removed; it is painful for the dog to undergo the surgery and recovery.
While the subject of feeding bones remains controversial, most experts do agree that it is best to feed raw bones because cooked ones tend to do splinter easier. The splinters can be dangerous, causing cuts to the mouth and throat, choking and a host of intestinal problems.
If you choose to give bones to the dog, choose those that are appropriate in size. Large dogs should not be given small bones because there is a greater risk that he or she could swallow them, causing an intestinal obstruction. It is best to choose bones that are too large to fit in the dog’s mouth.
It is probably best to avoid feeding chicken bones to any dog because they tend to splinter very easily. Be sure to put a lid on your trash cans so that Fido can’t heist them from the garbage.
Rawhide bones remain controversial. That is because a dog can bite off and swallow pieces that are too large to pass through the intestines. There are safer manmade alternatives such as Nylabones. These can be found in most any pet store.
Some say that beef bones from the grocery store or butcher shop are the safest to give to a dog. Once again, this remains a controversial topic. If you do choose to feed beef bones, do not cook them. You might choose an elbow-type of bone over something like a thigh bone since the thigh bones are more likely to splinter.
If you do give your dog bones, watch for signs of an intestinal problem. Symptoms will include vomiting, bloody diarrhea or stools, no bowel movements, fever and chills. These are signs that there is an obstruction and the dog needs to be seen immediately by a veterinarian.
Despite the dangers of feeding bones, there really are benefits. Bones work well to reduce plaque and clean teeth. They are also a great means of curing boredom. If you’ve ever seen a dog that is happily chomping away on a big, raw beef bone, you could almost say he or she is smiling with pleasure. If seeing your dog happy makes you happy, choose bones with care and always monitor the dog that is enjoying one.
Related posts:
- Why Dogs Bury Bones
- Broken Bones
- Choosing Toys That Are Safe For Your Puppy
- Recommended Foods/Treats For Different Size Dogs
- Keep Your Dog Safe During Hunting Season
