No Bones About It: Bones are Unsafe for Your Dog

Some people think it's safe to give dogs large bones, like those from a ham or roast.  The idea that it's natural for dogs to chew on bones is a popular one.  However, no matter the size of the bone, it's dangerous practice and can cause serious injury to your pet.

                                                   Risks:

• Broken Teeth
• Mouth injuries
• Choking
• Intestinal blockage
• Constipation
• Rectal bleeding
• Injections
• Death

Make sure to throw out bones from your own meals in a way that your dogs can't get to them.  No matter what the size of the bone is, giving your dog a bone may make your pet a candidate for a trip to the vet.

There are many bone-like products made with materials that are safe for dogs to chew on.  We offer Purina Dental Chews at South Des Moines Veterinary Center as an alternative to a bone.   Not only do they prevent tartar build-up, they are 100% digestible.  The dental chews dissolve in liquid (stomach acid), so they will not cause any blockage throughout the digestive system.

 

References: www.fda/gov/consumer  FDA Consumer Health Information/ U.S. Food & Drug Administration