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Dogs love to chew on bones. And we dog lovers want to give dogs what they want. So, we often give our dogs big delicious bones that make them so happy. However, this might not be the safest way to treat your dog.

In general, bones are not the safest or healthiest treats for dogs. Most bones are dangerous for dogs because they can cause certain health problems. While not all pet experts agree on this topic, most veterinary health professionals can tell you plenty of bone-related horror stories.

The longtime assumption that bones are appropriate canine treats is off track. Cooked bones are the riskiest. Raw bones, on the other hand, are a subject of debate because they are softer and potentially more digestible. However, raw bones are not completely safe. The same goes for other raw parts, such as chicken feet.

The Dangers of Bones for Dogs

Some dogs will chew bones their whole lives and never experience an issue. Others will have an emergency with just one bone. In part, it depends on the chewing style of the dog. The size, shape, and type of bone is also a factor. Unfortunately, much depends on luck.

There are several potential complications associated with bones and dogs. These problems can occur in dogs after eating bones, even if they are raw bones.

• Fractured teeth: Bones are hard enough to cause your dog’s teeth to crack, sometimes necessitating root canals or tooth extractions.
• Oral injuries: The sharp edges of bones can cut your dog’s gums, tongue, and other oral mucous membranes. Not only is this painful for your dog, but it can also get pretty messy. Bones can also get stuck in the mouth, particularly between the molars of the lower jaw.
• Airway obstruction: All or part of the bone can slide down the throat and become stuck, blocking the airway and causing your dog to choke.
• Gastrointestinal complications: Bones passing through the digestive tract can cause serious damage. A piece of bone can become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. In most cases, emergency surgery is needed to remove the bone. If the bones do not get stuck, they can cause irritation while passing through the GI tract. At the very least, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation can occur. However, fragments can actually poke through the lining of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and colon. This is a life-threatening situation.

Are Any Kinds of Bones Safe for Dogs?

Sure, dogs love bones, but it doesn’t mean they should all be allowed to eat them. The risks associated with feeding bones to dogs apply to bones from all kinds of animals, whether they are raw or cooked. However, the risks are highest with cooked bones, especially those from poultry because they tend to splinter.

If you wish to feed your dog raw meaty bones, talk to your vet about raw turkey necks. Not all experts agree that they are safe, but they are comprised mainly of cartilage and soft bones. Therefore, they may be considered digestible when raw. However, raw food also comes with risk, including salmonella or septicemia, a severe blood infection. Additionally, humans in the house could be at risk of salmonella from cleaning up the remains of the turkey neck or picking up pet waste that contains them.

Animal hooves and antlers can be equally dangerous. The size of your dog is not necessarily a factor either; any type of dog can be affected. However, small dogs eating large bones are obviously at a greater risk.

Even if you have given bones to your dog in the past without complications, it does not mean that everything will turn out fine the next time you feed a bone. Be sure you understand the risks before giving your dog any type of bone or chew. Then, make sure you supervise your dog's chewing in case something goes wrong.

Bone Alternatives for Dogs

Chewing is instinctively necessary for dogs. To help satisfy your dog's need to chew without giving bones, look for safer alternatives. No matter what you give your dog to chew on, always be certain that you supervise your dog.

Specially made dog toys, dental chews, and other dog treat varieties can be excellent ways to satisfy your dog's need to chew. Again, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the best options for your dog.

Keeping Bones Away From Your Dog

Use caution when discarding bones that are leftover from food. Your best bet is to take them directly to the outside trash provided it is out of your dog's reach. Treat bones as you would all other foods that are toxic to dogs.

If you suspect your dog has experienced a bone-related complication, contact a veterinarian immediately.