In our common perception, dogs naturally love chewing bones.When a dog happily carries a bone in its mouth and gnaws on it, most people find this scene absolutely adorable.However, the truth is that this so-called “instinct” can actually be very dangerous for dogs—sometimes even life-threatening.Today, we’re going to discuss the potential risks of dogs eating bones.After reading this article, the next time your dog looks at you with those eager, bone-hungry eyes, you’ll want to think twice before handing one over.
-
Why Do Dogs Love Chewing Bones?
First of all, bones represent taste and nutrition for dogs.Bone marrow is rich in fat and high in calcium, while the meat attached to the bones contains abundant protein.Chewing bones is also a pleasurable activity for dogs. It satisfies their natural chewing instinct.Chewing can also stimulate the release of endorphins, a hormone that plays a key role in boosting a dog’s happiness.
-
The Dangers of Dogs Chewing Bones
The first concern is oral health. When dogs chew very hard bones, they may bite down even harder, which can lead to broken teeth or injuries to their mouth and tongue.Many bone fragments can get stuck around the dog’s jaw, which is extremely painful and often hard for owners to notice.If the dog swallows broken bone pieces, they can damage internal organs.During the journey to the stomach, bones may get stuck in the esophagus or trachea, causing breathing difficulties.If this happens, you must take your dog to the vet immediately.More seriously, if the bones are too large, they may block the passage from the stomach to the intestines, requiring surgery to remove the obstruction.Bones—especially poultry and fish bones—can splinter into sharp fragments when chewed.These fragments can tear the walls of the intestines or rectum as they pass through the digestive tract.Dogs with sensitive stomachs may also experience diarrhea or vomiting from chewing bones.
-
What to Do If Your Dog Can’t Chew Bones
Although bones can be harmful, chewing is essential for all dogs, whether puppies or adults.Puppies chew from the moment they start teething and continue exploring their world this way.Chewing helps strengthen jaw muscles, maintain dental health, and support brain development.For the dog’s physical and mental health, owners need to provide safe chewable alternatives to bones.If no suitable options are provided, dogs will find their own “chews”—usually your favorite sneakers, chair legs, electrical wires, or even your arms.
-
Choosing the Right Chew Treats for Your Dog
There are many edible chew treats available, such as dog chews or chew sticks.These treats are designed to match a dog’s playful nature.High-quality chews often contain protein, fat, calcium, and moisture, and chewing them can help:Regulate appetite.Maintain healthy teeth.Prevent bad breath.Avoid excessive weight gain.However, dog owners should follow some important guidelines when selecting treats, regardless of whether they have a large dog like a Golden Retriever or a small breed like a Teddy or Bichon:Check ingredients and appearance: Avoid treats with excessive additives. Don’t choose unnaturally bright colors.Give treats at the right time: During training, reward correct behavior immediately with a treat.When the dog does something that pleases the owner, give a treat to reinforce positive behavior and obedience.Avoid treats for overweight dogs: If your dog has excess body fat, reduce treats, especially those with sugar, to prevent further weight gain.Do not replace meals with treats: If a dog refuses its regular food, giving treats instead can create a habit of skipping meals.Instead, mix small amounts of treats with their regular dog food to encourage eating, so they cannot separate treats from regular food.
In veterinary practice, many dogs have already required surgery due to chewing bones.So, for the sake of your dog’s health—and your wallet—it’s best to avoid giving them those “expensive” bones altogether!
