Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Yosry
Updated on 08/08/2024
Reading time 3 min.
Overview
Severity: Low
Life stage: All
A dog sitting in a box with a bone in its teeth is a stereotypical illustration familiar to many from childhood. As a result, for many owners the question of whether dogs can be fed bones does not even arise. Experts and veterinarians have long debunked the misconception that feeding bones to dogs is necessary to maintain their teeth. In fact, eating bones can be extremely harmful to a pet’s health, even fatal. It is important for a dog owner to understand which bones can be given and which cannot.
Why dogs should not be given bones?
Although many dogs will eat bones without apparent harm to their health and their stomachs have the ability to digest them, they are harmful for the following reasons: Dog bone chewing provokes: grinding and chipping of teeth, destruction of enamel, and the development of tooth decay. Such damage, reduces life expectancy, which is noticeable in dogs living in the wild.
Large fragments of bone get stuck in the throat, blocking the airway, which can lead to an attack of suffocation. If the outcome is unfavorable, bone extraction is only done by a veterinarian, surgically, using anesthesia.
Injury to the stomach and intestines by bone fragments occurs if the GI tract is not working properly. Undigested bone fragments scratch the mucous membranes. Bone eating often results in diarrhea or constipation for the dog.
The bone getting stuck in the stomach and not being able to pass through to the intestines causes bouts of persistent vomiting. Surgery is a common outcome.
Blockage of the intestines by the bone and general obstruction. The most unfavorable result of bone ingestion.
Fluoroscopy with contrast agent determines the area of obstruction, after which surgery is scheduled. Postoperative rehabilitation is long and difficult for the dog – says Dr. Luciano de Gatica
Blockage by bone fragments in the large intestine, prevents the dog from emptying the intestines. Symptoms indicating this problem are: the dog adopting an emptying posture, squealing, drops of blood. In this case, a cleansing enema with oil is used, followed by a therapeutic diet.
Any boiled bones for dogs are forbidden. Boiled bones, form a dense mass in the intestine, clogging it. At best, they are treated with an enema and Vaseline oil inside. In the worst case – surgical intervention and a long postoperative period.
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Writen by
Dr. Sarah Yosry
DVM
A product of a rich Australian/Egyptian heritage, Dr. Sarah Yosry stands as a testament to the union of diverse cultures and a shared love for animals…
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