Bones are seen as a traditional treat for dogs. However, there are several compelling reasons why dogs shouldn’t eat bones. While some people believe that bones are beneficial, the risks associated with feeding bones to dogs far outweigh the benefits. Below is a detailed explanation of why dogs shouldn’t eat bones:
Fractured Teeth
Cooked or smoked bones can be extremely dense. When a dog chews on these bones, the pressure exerted by their powerful jaws can cause their teeth to crack. This is particularly common in dogs that are aggressive chewers.
A fractured tooth can lead to pain, and tooth loss. Dental fractures often require veterinary intervention, such as root canals or extractions, which can be costly and stressful for both the dog and the owner.
Choking Hazard
Cooked bones can break into sharp splinters. These splinters can become lodged in the dog’s throat. Splinters can puncture the stomach or intestines, causing life-threatening conditions like peritonitis. Even raw bones can pose a choking risk if they are too small or if the dog tries to swallow them whole.
Choking can be life-threatening. A choked bone in the airway blocks the airflow. The dog then feels suffocation. In some cases, the dog may need immediate veterinary intervention, such as the Heimlich maneuver or surgery to remove the obstruction.
Esophageal Obstruction
Large bone fragments can get stuck in the esophagus, especially if the dog swallows them without chewing properly. This is more common with smaller breeds or dogs that tend to gulp their food.
Esophageal obstructions cause difficulty swallowing, gagging, drooling, and regurgitation. If left untreated, the obstruction can lead to inflammation, infection, and perforation of the esophagus.
Gastrointestinal Blockage
Bone fragments can block the stomach or intestines. This is especially dangerous if the dog swallows large pieces of bone or if multiple small fragments clump together.
Gastrointestinal blockages can cause vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. If the blockage is not resolved, it can lead to tissue death, infection, and death. Surgery is often required to remove the blockage.
Intestinal Perforation
Sharp bone fragments can puncture the walls of the intestines as they pass through the digestive tract. This is particularly dangerous because it can lead to peritonitis.
Symptoms of intestinal perforation include severe abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Immediate veterinary intervention is necessary, and surgery is often required to repair the damage.
Constipation and Rectal Bleeding
Bones can cause constipation if they form a hard mass in the digestive tract. Additionally, sharp bone fragments can cause rectal bleeding as they pass through the intestines or anus.
Constipation can cause discomfort, straining, and fecal impaction. Rectal bleeding occurs if sharp bone fragments tear the delicate tissues of the rectum.
Pancreatitis
Some bones, especially those with fatty marrow, can trigger pancreatitis in dogs. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that can be caused by high-fat diets or sudden dietary changes.
Symptoms of pancreatitis include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Severe cases can be life-threatening and require hospitalization, fluid therapy, and pain management.
Nutritional Imbalance
Feeding bones regularly can lead to an imbalance in nutrients. For example, excessive calcium intake from bones can interfere with the absorption of other essential minerals like phosphorus and magnesium.
Nutritional imbalances can lead to health issues such as kidney stones, bladder stones, and metabolic bone disease. Puppies, in particular, are at risk of developing skeletal abnormalities if their diet is not balanced.
Cooked Bones Are Especially Dangerous
Cooking chicken, turkey, and pork bones makes them brittle and more likely to splinter. These splinters can cause serious injuries, including choking, esophageal obstructions, and intestinal perforations.
Cooked bones are significantly more dangerous than raw bones and should never be given to dogs under any circumstances.
Aggressive Chewing Behavior
Some dogs become overly aggressive when chewing bones. It increases the likelihood of them swallowing large pieces and injuring themselves while trying to chew aggressively.
Aggressive chewing leads to broken teeth, choking, and swallowing large bone fragments that can cause blockages and perforations
Bacterial Contamination
Raw bones can carry harmful bacteria like salmonellaand E. coli, which can pose a health risk to both dogs and humans. While dogs have stronger stomach acids than humans, they are not immune to bacterial infections.
Size Matters
The size of the bone is also important. Bones that are too small can be swallowed whole. Bones that are too large may encourage aggressive chewing.
Age and Breed Differences
Puppies and senior dogs may be more vulnerable to the risks associated with bones. Puppies have softer teeth and growing bones. Their teeth are more susceptible to fractures. Senior dogs have weaker teeth and pre-existing health conditions that make them more prone to complications.
Safer Alternatives to Bones
If you want to give your dog something to chew on, here are some safer alternatives:
Rubber Chew Toys: Durable rubber toys like Kongs can be stuffed with treats and are safe for chewing. They are also reusable and easy to clean.
Edible Dental Chews: Many brands offer dental chews specifically designed to clean teeth and satisfy a dog’s urge to chew. Look for products approved by veterinary dental organizations.
Frozen Vegetables: Some dogs enjoy chewing on frozen carrots or green beans, which are safe and healthy. These can also help soothe teething puppies.
Rawhide-Free Chews: There are many rawhide-free chews available that are made from natural ingredients like sweet potatoes, yak milk, or collagen. These are generally safer than traditional rawhide chews.
Dehydrated Treats: Dehydrated meat or fish treats can provide a satisfying chewing experience without the risks associated with bones.
While bones may seem like a natural and appealing treat for dogs, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Cooked bones should never be given to dogs due to their tendency to splinter. Even raw bones carry risks, such as bacterial contamination, dental damage, and gastrointestinal issues. Always prioritize your dog’s safety by offering safer alternatives and consulting with your veterinarian before introducing any new food or chew item into your dog’s diet.
