For dogs, having a bone to chew on is a real treat. Generally, they love them, and their owners don't hesitate to give them one. While for some owners, the goal is to reward their faithful companions, it's important to be careful.
While chew bones can be beneficial to your dog in some way, you shouldn't just choose just any chewable bone. As with any food in your dog's diet, nothing should be taken lightly. Some chewable bones are good for dogs, while others are less good for dogs. Wondering if it's okay to give your dog bones? Read here everything you need to know about them and your dog's well-being.
Giving your dog chew bones: what are the benefits?
For dogs, bones are delicious treats that they love to chew quite often. Giving your dog chew bones can offer several benefits.
Good health
When you give your faithful companion good bones, you're doing something good for their health. Some studies even show that chewing a bone once a week can help boost their immune system. This can help them resist certain microbes and even naturally fight certain types of cancer.
Additionally, some dog bones may be fortified with nutrients like calcium, which are essential for strengthening your dog's bones . The bone itself isn't what provides nutrients to the dog, but rather what's found around and inside it.
Optimal oral hygiene
This may come as a surprise to many, but chew bones contribute to your little pooch's oral hygiene. In addition to their overall health benefits, chewing bones also ensure good dental hygiene and help keep your pet healthy. By chewing, your dog can remove plaque and strengthen their teeth and gums.
This action is also effective in preventing periodontal disease and, above all, helps prevent bad breath. Chew bones cannot, however, replace essential actions such as regular brushing for the oral health of your four-legged friend. You must continue to take good care of your dog's teeth . A puppy bone or a dog chew toy promotes the growth of adult teeth.
Prevent boredom and anxiety
For dogs, chewing on a bone is stimulating and naturally provides significant well-being. It's a useful activity to keep your dog occupied and give them something to do. Bored or anxious dogs are often tempted to chew things they shouldn't. You may see them chewing on shoes or furniture, for example. Chewing bones can be useful here and help them channel their energy.
What bones are allowed to be given to a dog?
It's important to know the types of bones you can give your dog to maintain their health. To treat your dog, raw bones like veal bones for dogs are the ones you can give them to chew. They contain minerals, calcium, and phosphorus, which are beneficial for your pet. Unlike cooked bones, dogs enjoy chewing and grinding raw bones, which clean their teeth at the same time. Raw bones are safe and taste much better than cooked bones for dogs.
It is also particularly soft, flexible, and, above all, does not break, which has the advantage of making it more digestible. For your dog, a good raw bone once a week would be more than enough. To give it to him, you can leave a few pieces of meat inside. The best bone for dogs is undoubtedly the one with raw beef marrow, which will provide a lot for your companion. It is very important to give your dog fresh bones to avoid any risk. When you choose spoiled bones or those still containing stale meat, you could poison him.
Some dogs enjoy burying their bones so they rot before they eat them. This method makes the bones more brittle and therefore more dangerous for them. Therefore, the best thing to do is to supervise your dog and remove the bones when he is finished chewing them.
What bones are forbidden for dogs?
There are several types of bones that are not recommended for dogs because they can be dangerous to their health. These are primarily cooked bones, which break quickly and crumble easily. Small bones can cause choking, mouth and esophageal injuries, or intestinal obstructions.
They are dangerous for dogs and should not be fed to them. Can you give chicken bones to your dog ? The answer is obviously no. Chicken, turkey, or other poultry bones are generally prohibited because they are small and can easily break into small pieces. Ham bones are not very suitable for dogs .
Indeed, they can cause a lot of damage to the dog's body. Similarly, sheep bones should be avoided because they are much more brittle than other bones. Pork bones for dogs are a bad idea that you should quickly forget about. You should also avoid sharp bones or those from table scraps. It is recommended to give your dog a bone that is the exact size of its jaw.
What are the risks of not giving your dog the right bones?
If you don't give your dog the right type of bone, you expose them to several dangers. First, the dog risks breaking their teeth by chewing on bones that are not suitable for their jaws. Similarly, they could quickly end up with a piece of bone stuck in their jaw or between their teeth. The tongue and gums can also be injured. This is generally very painful for the dog, who risks developing serious dental problems in the long run. You expose them to risks such as:
- peritonitis;
- a hemorrhage;
- constipation;
- an obstruction of the trachea.
In some cases, bones can cause your pet to choke. To avoid these problems, you need to be careful about what you give them. As soon as you notice that your dog is feeling unwell after giving them a chewable bone, contact a veterinarian.
Prompt treatment will help you avoid potential complications. Veterinarians are specialists and can give you advice on how to give bones to your dog.
What precautions should you take before giving your dog bones?
If you want to allow your dog to enjoy the benefits of bones, there are a few precautions to take. These are very useful for his well-being and prevent you from having to deal with complex situations. So, when giving him bones, choose those that are meaty, that is, with a little meat still around them. This avoids the risk of constipation caused by the thick paste formed when the bones dissolve.
An important precaution is to remove all small and brittle bones. Choose bones for your dog that are appropriate for his size so he doesn't swallow them. For a large dog, for example, you'll need a bone large enough for him to chew properly. Similarly, for a smaller dog, it won't be helpful to give him a bone that's too large. Make sure your dog eats his bone calmly and, above all, that he takes his time to avoid injury or choking.
You should also closely monitor your dog while it chews, but do not interrupt it. You should only interrupt if it poses a risk to your dog. Avoid letting your dog eat a non-meaty bone entirely to avoid possible digestive problems. If your faithful companion has already had dental surgery, it is not recommended to give him chewable bones. If he has pancreatitis, avoid giving him bones with marrow. On the same topic, also discover our complete guide to dog digestion and puppy nutrition .
What are the alternatives to chew bones for dogs?
There are several alternatives to chew bones for dogs that you can choose from for your pet. Dog chew toys, for example, are one of the most popular alternatives you can find. They come in a variety of shapes and textures to meet your dog's chewing needs.
All you need to do is choose the one that best suits your expectations and your dog's needs. A chew toy will undoubtedly please your dog and allow him to have a pleasant time.
Dental sticks are dental hygiene toys for dogs that provide a good chewing surface, but they are also designed to help clean your dog's teeth and gums. They can also help reduce bad breath. Rubber bones are a safe alternative to traditional chew bones. They are durable and can be filled with tasty treats to encourage your dog to play and chew. You will find many toys of this type on Mikizi, such as treat balls .
Along the same lines,dog balls or evenrope toys for dogs are also very good alternatives.
Chew bones for all dogs?
You should keep in mind that not all chew bones are suitable for all dogs. You should first consider the dog's age, size, and breed. Chew bones that are too small can be easily swallowed, which can lead to a risk of choking or intestinal obstruction. For a small dog, you should naturally choose a bone small enough for them to chew on safely.
If it's a puppy that's a few months old, he'll need a puppy chew bone. Chew bones that are too large can be difficult to chew and can damage your dog's teeth. For a large dog, you'll need to choose accordingly. A large bone is best for a large dog with strong teeth.
Chew bones should also be chosen based on your dog's chewing habits. This detail may seem trivial, but it is extremely important. In reality, some dogs chew vigorously, while others prefer to simply nibble. Therefore, it is important to monitor your dog's chewing habits to make the right choice for them.
You should supervise your dog while chewing the bones and remove any bones that have become too small or show signs of wear. It may also be helpful to consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns before giving your dog chew bones. This is especially important if your dog has any health problems or is on a special diet.
Where to buy chew bones for your dog?
You can buy chew bones in many places, depending on your pet's needs. Pet stores are popular places to buy dog chew bones. You can find a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and flavors of chew bones to suit your dog's needs. Many supermarkets also sell dog chew bones. Chew bones can be found in the pet or treat aisles.
With the internet, it's now possible to find the products you need quickly and in just a few clicks. This even applies to dog chew bones, which you can obtain quite easily. Several websites specializing in the sale of pet products offer a wide variety of chew bones for dogs. You can also find alternatives to chew bones that are just as useful and interesting in our online store.
Butcher shops can also be a good source for dog chew bones. You should always choose quality chew bones that are appropriate for your dog's size and breed.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Chew Bones
What bone should a puppy chew on?
When it comes to choosing which chew bone for a puppy , it's important to consider several factors. First, make sure the bone is appropriate for your puppy's size. Bones that are too large can damage your puppy's teeth and jaw, while bones that are too small can be accidentally swallowed.
Puppy chew bones from what age?
Puppies can start chewing bones as early as 3 to 4 months old, when their baby teeth begin to grow. It's always important to choose bones that are appropriate for their age and size. Bones that are too hard can damage your puppy's developing teeth and gums. Chewable bones for puppies should be softer than those intended for adult dogs.
My dog swallowed a bone: what should I do?
If your dog has swallowed a bone , it's important to act quickly. Inform your veterinarian immediately. They can give you specific advice based on the size of the bone and your dog's condition. Monitor your dog closely for any signs of complications, such as:
- vomiting,
- diarrhea,
- abdominal pain, etc.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment below this article. We would love to address your concerns and help you maintain your bond with your dog.
