Top Benefits of Feeding Dogs Bones: Health & Happiness!

Benefits of Dogs Chewing on Bones

1. Bone Health and Calcium Intake: Bones are a natural source of calcium, making them an excellent choice for dogs to chew on. This can help in maintaining their bone health and provide essential nutrients.

2. Oral Hygiene and Fresh Breath: Chewing on bones increases a dog's jaw movement, which aids in cleaning their teeth and gums. This process can help in reducing bad breath and the buildup of tartar.

3. Relief from Teething Discomfort: Puppies often suffer from teething pain and irritation. Chewing on bones can alleviate these symptoms and assist in the proper replacement of milk teeth with permanent ones, preventing the development of double rows of teeth.

4. Staving Off Boredom: Providing a bone for a dog to chew on during moments of boredom can prevent destructive behavior, such as gnawing on furniture, and can also serve as a way to keep them entertained.

Dangers of Dogs Eating Bones

Firstly, dogs that consume raw bones are at a high risk of contracting parasites like worms and toxoplasmosis, which can significantly impact their health. Moreover, longterm consumption of hard bones can be difficult to digest, leading to constipation and potential gastrointestinal disorders.

Secondly, dogs may break their teeth while chewing on bones, posing a risk to their oral health. Sharp edges on bones can also cause injury to the esophagus, leading to diarrhea or bleeding, and posing serious health risks.

Additionally, there's a risk of bones becoming lodged in the throat, causing choking or even death.

How to Safely Feed Dogs Bones

1. AgeAppropriate Feeding: Puppies should never be given bones due to their developing digestive systems and risk of injury. It's generally recommended to introduce bones to dogs after they are about 8 months old.

2. Types of Bones: Small, fragile bones like chicken, duck, and fish bones should be avoided as they are more likely to cause harm. Larger bones from animals like cows and sheep are usually safer, but be cautious with very hard bones like deer antlers, which can damage teeth.

3. Preparation of Bones: Opt for naturally dried or sterilized bones. Raw bones are unsanitary and can harbor bacteria and parasites, while cooked bones can splinter, causing injury.

Conclusion

It's clear that simply throwing a bone to a dog is not enough. Dogs should not be fed bones on a regular basis; they are more of a treat to clean teeth and should not replace a balanced diet of dog food. Ensuring your dog's health requires careful consideration and attention from their owners.