As a dog owner, you might have noticed that dogs love dog bones! For them, chewing isn’t just entertainment, it's also a natural behavior for dogs. In the wild, canines chew bones for nutrition and dental health, among other reasons, and your family pet may have that same drive. But when it comes to dog bones, not all options are as good as each other.
In this article, we take a look at what dog bones veterinarians recommend. Let’s break down the facts so you can make the safest choice for your pet puppy or dog.
Yes, dog bones can be safe for dogs, but you need to choose them carefully and exercise caution. Chewing on dog bones is a natural behavior for dogs. It relieves boredom, reduces anxiety, and supports dental health by helping to scrape away plaque. Chewing also stimulates saliva production, which plays a role in protecting teeth and gums. Dog bones can be great enrichment for dogs.
However, dog bones can also pose serious risks. According to guidance from organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association, bones can lead to a variety of health issues, including the risk of broken or fractured teeth, choking, mouth or tongue injuries, gastrointestinal blockages, or internal bleeding from splintered fragments.
Because of these risks, many veterinarians urge pet parents to choose dog bones and chew options carefully. Always supervise your dogs when they use a chew toy or dog bone.
Many commercial dog bones are real animal bones that have been cleaned, processed, and packaged for retail sale. Some are smoked or flavored to make them more appealing.
There are also bone-shaped chews that are not technically bones, like rawhide chews, which are made from processed cattle or horse hides, or synthetic or nylon chews, which are manufactured alternatives designed to mimic bone texture.
Rawhide, in particular, is a highly controversial product. It can be difficult to digest and may pose a choking or blockage risk, especially for puppies or aggressive chewers. Always check with your veterinarian before introducing new treats, especially for young dogs, seniors, or pets with digestive issues, to ensure their safety.
If your veterinarian approves giving your dog bones, most experts agree on a few important safety guidelines. You should avoid cooked bones, whether baked, boiled, roasted, or grilled. Cooked bones can become brittle and splinter easily. Splintered bone fragments can puncture your dog’s digestive tract and cause life-threatening injuries.
Never give your dog leftover steak bones, chicken wings, turkey bones, or pork chop bones from the dinner table. These are all risks for your dog.
Some veterinarians may allow raw, uncooked bones under strict supervision. Raw beef or lamb bones are often considered sturdier than poultry bones. However, even raw bones carry risks. They can still crack teeth or cause choking if they’re too small.
The bone should be large enough that your dog cannot swallow it whole. It should not be so hard that it risks tooth fractures, and it must be appropriate for your dog’s size and chewing style. For example, a large-breed dog like a Mastiff may need a much larger chew than a small terrier.
Many veterinarians do not routinely recommend traditional dog bones because of the potential for injury. Instead, they often suggest safer alternatives that support dog teeth health without the same risks. You can purchase dental chews that are approved by veterinary organizations. Look for products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). These chews are tested for their ability to reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
Bully sticks are often recommended as a more digestible alternative to rawhide. They’re softer than bone, making them less likely to fracture teeth, though supervision is still essential. Heavy-duty rubber toys can also satisfy your dog’s urge to chew while reducing the risk of splintering. Some can even be stuffed with healthy treats to extend chewing time. Again, make sure they’re safe for your dog.
Ultimately, your veterinarian’s recommendation will depend on your dog’s age, breed, chewing intensity, dental health, and medical history. If your dog has cracked teeth, gum disease, or a sensitive stomach, bones may not be appropriate at all.
Most veterinarians advise against giving dog bones daily because of the risks involved. Bones should be considered an occasional treat, not every day, as exposure increases the likelihood of dental fractures or digestive complications.
For daily support of dog teeth health, brushing your dog’s teeth remains the gold standard. Your veterinarian can show you how to safely brush your dog’s teeth at home and recommend dental products tailored to your pet.
If your vet gives the green light for dog bones, limit chewing sessions to about 10 to 15 minutes at a time, under direct supervision. This is because prolonged chewing increases the risk of tooth damage, reduces the chance of your dog swallowing large fragments, and helps prevent overconsumption of marrow or fat. After the chew session, remove the bone and store it safely.
If you decide to give your dog bones, never give cooked bones, choose raw bones only with veterinary approval, select the appropriate size for your dog, avoid bones with sharp edges, supervise your dog with a dog bone at all times, limit chewing to 10–15 minutes.
If you notice vomiting, lethargy, drooling, pawing at the mouth, constipation, or blood in the stool after chewing a bone, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Dog bones can satisfy your pet’s natural chewing instinct and may offer some dental benefits. However, they are not risk-free. Many veterinarians prefer safer alternatives that promote dog teeth health without the dangers of splintering or choking. It’s a good idea to talk to your vet before offering any type of bone or chew. With the right vet recommendations and proper supervision, you can help your dog enjoy safe chewing while protecting their overall health and letting them enjoy the satisfaction of a chew bone, providing enrichment.
27 February, 2023