Feeding bones to Dogs

Feeding bones to your dog can be potentially dangerous. Small bones like chicken bones, lamb, steak and pork bones are the worst as they are easily chewed into sharp splinters. These splinters and other bone fragments can lodge in the GI tract and cause life threatening lacerations, obstructions and perforations. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhoea, gut pain, reluctance to eat, and lethargy. If your dog exhibits any of the above signs after being fed bones it is important to seek veterinary attention immediately. Bone marrow has a very high fat content and can therefore cause diarrhoea, pancreatitis, and obesity. When dogs eat bones they will often become constipated due to the high calcium content of bone. This is particularly common in older dogs. It is a common misconception that bones are an essential part of a dog’s daily diet, particularly to keep teeth clean. Although bones do help keep teeth clean and help prevent boredom, there are many other safe options available with equal or better benefits such as raw hide chews, greenies, and special veterinary diets.