Feeding Bones to Dogs - Good or Bad?

Feeding bones to dogs has been a controversial topic for years and there seems to be no definite opinion on this matter. Some say it's good to feed them bones and that they also enjoy it while some are adamant that bones should never be fed to dogs.

There is evidence to support both theories, however, and one has to analyze these properly in order to form any judgment. Bones are a rich reservoir of calcium and phosphorus among other minerals and could be a valuable source for dogs to get these vital minerals. Chewing bones is also an extremely good exercise for dogs as it stimulates the jaws and the flow of saliva while keeping the mouth healthy and also preventing boredom. What's more, giving them bones to chew on will also prevent them from chewing on other household items such as cushions and upholstery and shoes.

However, bones can break teeth and cause damage to their enamel. Cooked bones are brittle and more prone for splintering which can cause internal injuries and even perforate the intestines and stomach. Although raw bones won't have the tendency to splinter, they may contain varieties of bacteria which may cause illnesses including serious complications such as diarrhoea.

Most people voice concern about giving chicken bones to dogs. However, it must be said that all cooked bones are dangerous to dogs due to the above mentioned reason. It's believed that raw chicken or turkey necks and raw chicken wings are parts of the body which are free of salmonella and other bacteria. Chewing on these parts is also enjoyed by most dogs as they are both delicious and nutritious as are raw beef knuckle bones which can be given to pets without any worries. It's highly recommended by veterinarians never to feed raw pork to dogs, regardless of them containing bones or not. What you give your dog to eat as well as chew should be discussed with the veterinarian.

However, it's important to keep an eye on the dog while it's with the bone in order to prevent it swallowing large bones and choking on them. The bone should be removed from them before it becomes small enough for them to swallow whole. A dog should be allowed to play with a bone for about 20 minutes per day. Afterwards, the bone should be removed, rinsed or even soaked in vinegar to kill any bacteria and refrigerated to be used the next day. It should be discarded after a few days.

Get the dog trained to chew on bones when they are still puppies, so that they know to chew instead of gulping it whole. If adult dogs receive bones to chew on for the first time, they might even swallow it whole, which could choke them or cause internal blockages.

Never attempt to retrieve a bone from the dog's mouth. Always use some other treat or toy to distract them away from the bone and then pick it up. Otherwise, it's very likely that you would get bitten.

In the meantime, there are other dog treats which may have the same benefits as bones. Whether the priority is the dog's dental health or giving them the occasional treat, there are many options to consider in Dubai.

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