Feeding Bones to Dogs

Most people are aware of the risks associated to feeding bones to dogs, but choose to ignore the facts.

There is debate amongst dog owners whether feeding your dog bones is safe or not. Some say that bones are harmless and are beneficial to your dog. Others state that there are more risks involved than benefits.

Benefits to Giving Your Dog Bones

Many dog bone brands claim that their product will maintain your dogs’ teeth healthy. This is true to some extent. It is considered by many the “lazy” way to maintain your dogs’ teeth clean. Most

Veterinarians agree that the best way to keep your dogs’ teeth clean is by brushing them. Having good oral health is essential not only for the mouth area, but for your dogs’ entire body. Bacteria from the mouth can spread to organs such as the heart and cause great damage.

Risks Involved in Giving Your Dog Bones

The most common problem with feeding dogs bones is the choking hazard in the dog's diet. Most of the time owners are not aware of the appropriate bone size for their dog. A bone should be big enough so that your dog can’t swallow it, but small enough so that your dogs’ jaw/mouth is not affected.

Even so, your dog can break the bone into smaller pieces and possibly choke. Bones can also cause cuts in your dogs’ mouth, and teeth can even be broken. Another major danger to feeding your dog bones is that it can be harming to the digestive tract.

The bone may become lodged in various parts of the gastrointestinal system, causing blockage. This situation is considered a medical emergency, and surgery is necessary in most cases. Bones may also cause bloat, diarrhea, constipation, and a painful abdomen. 

Alternatives to Bones

If you are using bones to maintain your dogs’ teeth clean, consider other options. Nylabone is a good alternative to real bones. They offer many different types of dental products that help reduce tartar, are easy to digest, and are softer in texture.

Another option for oral hygiene in your dog is to use special dental products. These include; dog toothpaste, oral rinse, and water additives. If brushing your dogs’ teeth is challenging, then you can use an oral rinse or a water additive. They are easy to use and will increase your dogs’ oral health. C.E.T. is a good dental brand that is sold at most veterinary clinics.

You can ask your veterinarian about the different options you have to maintaining your dogs’ teeth clean. If you use bones a type of treat for your dog, you may want to look into other types of snacks. There are crunchy treats that are made for dental care. These types of treats are better nutritionally, and will be less of a choking hazard.

As you can see, there are more dangers than benefits to feeding bones to dogs. Be especially cautious not to give your dog rawhides or other similar products. These can be even more dangerous than bones. Keep your dogs’ teeth healthy without putting him at risk.

Just a reminder, make sure you check out the free dog life saving video below, you'll be so glad that you did:

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