Bones and bits
This was inspired by a conversation with an acquaintance who posted a video of his dog enjoying the delights of a bone without realising the possibly of a consequence. I have already briefly mentioned this problem in a previous post but today we will go into this issue in greater depth.
Is it 100% safe to give bones to dogs? The simple answer to this question is No. There is always a risk
Why?
Well, try this lot for size.
The first thing to remember apart from the well-being of your dog is your financial status. Can you afford the veterinary surgeon’s bill for any of the following? Any of these may require a general anaesthetic, plus sedation, intravenous fluids, x-rays, antibiotics, enemas, and for the critical ones major surgery.
- Damaged or broken teeth
- Torn gums and tongue
- Damage to the oesophagus assuming that your dog survives choking
- A blockage causing the dog to be unable to defecate
- Damage to the intestines
- Bone being stuck In the stomach
- Severe bleeding from the rectum
- Peritonitis
- Bone jammed in the mouth
If nothing else think of the distress and pain that these conditions cause
All these issues can cost hundreds and in some cases thousands of any currency that you care to name.
And for what. The misguided belief that your dog gets any health benefit from chewing bones.
Common Misconceptions
While we are on the subject let’s deal with the three main reasons that are given for feeding bones
1. They need to exercise their jaws
There are any number of specially designed toys for the purpose, you only have to choose the one that is suitable for the size of your dog.
2. They need the nourishment that bones bring
Pet food manufacturers have spent millions on research to bring you the very best nutritional food for your dog. It is available in every type to suit all dogs for every conceivable requirement. If a dog is provided with a balanced diet then it does not need bones for nourishment.
3. They need to clean their teeth…
Again there are commercial products available plus in this day and age, something denied to previous generations….. Flavoured dog toothpaste and brush. (Never use human toothpaste)
Let’s be clear. There is no such thing as a safe bone, only degrees of safety. The only bone that I have ever given is a long bone with the knuckle still in place at both ends. Also, I have never left my dogs alone with a bone and the bones are always raw, not cooked. Yes, we have all done it because our dogs do enjoy gnawing on a bone but is it wise? No!! Now I no longer give my dogs bones.
While we are on the subject of bones let’s just mention the alternatives. If you give your pet anything to chew it is preferable that you stay with them whilst they are enjoying this experience. The exemption is activity toys designed to occupy your pet whilst you are away. Even if it is a product recommended by veterinary surgeons and manufactured and sold by a reputable company please ensure that the product is a suitable size and quality for your dog. Finally please don’t purchase cheap imitation, inferior dog toys from market stalls to same a few pennies, it could end up being very costly
Why am I adamant that giving inappropriate bones can be dangerous?
Many years ago when I was a veterinary nurse working in a very busy clinic, on more than one occasion I was delegated to go and explain to the distraught owner of a dog why their beloved pet had died despite the very best efforts of a veterinary surgeon. Having assisted the vets I was always horrified to see the damage to the internal organs and the resultant blood loss. It was plain to see that the bone shards that caused such terrible internal injuries were the result of the dog being given a totally inappropriate type of bone.
Watching grown men break down and sob like a baby was truly awful. Their guilt was palpable. They would live with that guilt for the rest of their lives.
Don’t be one of them.
“Animals have come to mean so much in our lives. We live in a fragmented and disconnected culture. Politics is ugly, religion is struggling, technology is stressful and the economy is unfortunate. What is the one thing in our lives that so we can depend on? A dog or a cat loving us unconditionally, every day, faithfully.”
Jon Katz