Knick-knack, paddywhack, give the dog a bone…You may be thinking this when you pass the pet store bin or are chatting with the butcher at your local grocery store. But are dog bones OK to give you pup? Generally, yes, but it depends on the bone, vets say.
The Benefits of Dog Bones
- Chewing on bones helps to scrape away plaque on your dog’s teeth and may also control tartar buildup.
- Your dog is hardwired to chew and will gnaw on anything within range, so better the bone than your shoe!
- Bones are endlessly entertaining for your pooch and exercise his jaw, as well.
- Teething puppies can benefit. As with a baby, gumming a toy (or in a dog’s case, a safe bone) eases discomfort as new teeth emerge.
Things to Watch Out For
Not all bones are created equal, and it is important to pay attention to the type of bone you’re giving your pup. “Rawhide is the worst thing you can give because the pieces your dog pulls off may become stuck in his throat — and they aren’t even digestible,” explains Anthea Appel, a naturopathic animal consultant.
“These pieces can sit in the stomach and obstruct the intestines, requiring surgery for removal.” You may also be wise to avoid purchasing bones that are in the “bargain bins,” since those may be of questionable quality.
If you’re giving bones for dental health, you might also try to get your pup to tolerate teeth brushing, suggests veterinarian Dr. Katy Nelson of Alexandria, Virginia. Even brushing your pet’s teeth three times a week can decrease tartar, she reports.
Here are four other things to do before you give your dog a bone:
- Know the Maker
Some countries don’t regulate the production of dog chews, so it’s critical to read the label before you purchase them. According to a recent report from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there’s been ongoing concern about jerky pet treats that are made in China. In fact, as of last year thousands of cases of illness in dogs were being tracked as possibly originating from the consumption of these treats.
- Learn the Types
Cooked bones, like rawhide, are hazardous and shouldn’t be given to dogs. When any kind of bone is cooked, it becomes brittle and may break into shards, causing small pieces to become lodged in your dog’s throat, stomach and intestines.Better picks include edible bones (soft and easily crushed, such as poultry wings, necks and backs, usually without marrow), recreational bones (beef or bison femur and hip bones with marrow) and antlers (deer, elk), which don’t splinter as easily as other types of bones and are a good source of calcium.
- Ask the Butcher
If you feed your dog a raw diet, ask about giving raw beef tails and poultry necks. These bones are more pliant and easier to digest, but the downside is their rawness. (Fresh bones may carry bacteria and will definitely smell rank if not eaten within a couple of days.)
- Supervise Your Pup
Safety is paramount when your dog has his bone. “Some dogs are ‘gulpers,’ so always monitor pets while they’re chewing to ensure they do not swallow the chewy bone whole and choke or have trouble digesting it,” warns Dr. Nelson. You may want to serve your pup’s bones in his crate or on a dog towel to minimize the mess. Fresh bones, in particular, can become rather slippery and wet after a dog has worked on them.
Your dog’s natural instinct is to chew, chew, chew! Give her the best and safest options so she can enjoy it. If you have questions about whether a bone is a good choice for your particular pup, be sure to ask your vet for recommendations.
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Jennifer Kelly Geddes is a New York-based writer and editor who specializes in parenting, health and child development. She’s a frequent contributor to Care.com and the mom of two teen girls.
* This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be providing medical advice and is not a substitute for such advice. The reader should always consult a health care provider concerning any medical condition or treatment plan. Neither Care.com nor the author assumes any responsibility or liability with respect to use of any information contained herein.
