When you’ve just completed a great rack of ribs, your dog’s “puppy eyes” may make it difficult to say no. So what’s the harm in throwing them a few bones? Well, at Safarivet, we’ve got a thing or two to say about this.
No matter how enticing it is, you should think twice about it. Not all bones are suitable for dogs, as the FDA has warned us since 2010. In addition, some bones can cause serious harm.
However, when given properly, bones can be a nutritious and enjoyable part of your pet’s diet. Do you want to offer your dog a bone but aren’t sure which ones are the best? When puppies are young, dogs gnaw on bones to relieve stress and alleviate teething pain.
It would be best to feed your raw dog bones; some bones are preferable to others. We contacted the experts to discover more. Raw animal bones can be provided to dogs as long as they are kept fresh and not broken up by your dog.
In the meantime, larger breeds like German shepherds, mastiffs, and Rottweilers must chew enormous bones that cannot be ingested whole.
Please ensure that a solid bone cannot be consumed entirely. As a result, the bone should not fit completely in the dog’s mouth. You should also avoid bones in which the lower jaw can fit inside.”
While raw bones are generally okay for dogs, heated or smoked bones are not; the cooking process softens and brittles them, making them prone to splintering. Splinters of bone might suffocate or harm the esophagus, intestines, or stomach.
By the way, type out a veterinary clinic near me if you are in Texas, we’ll be glad to help with every pet-related issue concerning your pet. And yes, we are an affordable pet clinic.
The Best Bones to Feed Your Dog
Raw knucklebones are ideal, as previously said. We encourage dog owners to request raw bison, beef, or venison knucklebones from their local butcher.
If knucklebones are unavailable, femurs, tails, feet, and ribs are suitable substitutes. If your local butcher does not stock these, check your grocer’s meat counter or frozen food department (also known as soup bones).
We recommend larger bones because they are less likely to become a choking hazard. There’s no such thing as a too-big bone. However, if a bone is too little, dogs may swallow it and become lodged in their throats or caught in their stomachs.
A bone in the wrong place can cause pain, surgery, and infection. Don’t be concerned if the thought of giving your dog a raw bone makes you nervous. Canines benefit from a variety of healthful nutrients from raw bones.
To prevent bacteria from forming on the bones, buy them frozen and keep them frozen until you’re ready to thaw one for your dog. One bone at a time, thaw (giving a frozen bone to your pup could result in cracked teeth).
Allowing your dog to bury bones in the yard is also not a good idea. They may return to their hiding place hours or days later, where bacteria has almost begun to develop.
Bones to avoid
No matter how tempting it may be, it is preferable if you never feed your pet the following bones:
Cooking causes bones to become brittle, making them easily broken and splintered. Giving your dog a cooked bone, according to the FDA, is related to dangers such as:
- Teeth fractures
- Injuries to the mouth or tongue
- A bone becomes lodged in the esophagus, windpipe, or stomach.
- Constipation as a result of bone fragments
- Rectal bleeding is severe.
But note, Bone shards or fragments can become trapped in the small intestines, resulting in an intestinal blockage. If unfortunately, that’s the case with your dog, please feel free to bring your dog to our Safari animal hospital.
We are an affordable pet clinic situated in the heart of Texas.
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