Bones – Are they good or bad for your Dog?

There are varying opinions whether chewing on a bone is a natural treat or a risky activity. Here are some of the facts.

The Risks

•  Cooked bones: Cooked bones splinter into shards. This can cause a choking hazard as well as damage to the dog’s mouth, throat and intestines.
• Pancreatitis: Bones such as pork bones are high in fat. Your dog will not be able to process this saturated fat, which can lead to pancreatitis. This is an inflammation of the pancreas and can range from mild to severe, often causing symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea. Bone and its marrow can cause diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome and irritate already sensitive stomachs.
• Injuries to mouth and tongue: Broken bone edges can be very sharp. These have the potential to pierce the tongue, cheek or soft palate. Bone fragments also get stuck between or over teeth or across the palate. These are often wedged in and will require sedation to remove.
• Damage to stomach and intestinal lining: Bone fragments, especially the sharp pieces broken off, can cause injury to the lining of the stomach and intestines. In some instances, the lining can be completely penetrated which allows leakage into the abdomen. This causes a potentially fatal abdominal infection (peritonitis).
• Bone fragments get trapped in the stomach: Sometimes bones or bone fragments can be swallowed but are too large to pass out of the stomach. This causes vomiting and stomach lining irritation, in many cases the bones need to be surgically removed.
• Small intestine blockages: Bones or bone pieces become wedged in the small intestine, causing an intestinal blockage. This is regarded as an emergency and surgery is required to remove this obstruction.
• Colon blockages: Bone fragments may collect in the colon and cause constipation. This is uncomfortable for the dog as these fragments scrape the lining of both the colon and rectum and lead to trauma. Enemas may be required to evacuate the blockage.
• Contamination: Raw bones may have pathogens such as E.coli and Salmonella. While these don’t always make the dog sick (depending on their immune system), these pathogens present a health risk to the more vulnerable humans in the household, especially children and the elderly.
• Teeth damage: Particularly weightbearing bones/antlers are very hard. Gnawing on a bone can cause teeth to fracture, requiring dental procedures under anaesthetic.
• High value to the dog: Bones are often regarded as high value treats by your dog and even friendly, well socialized dogs can be protective of their bones. Fighting between household dogs can occur and bones should not be left with multiple dogs unattended.

In light of the various safety concerns relating to bones, careful consideration should be taken before providing them to your dog. As a responsible pet guardian, weighing the risks and making an informed decision is important. Please contact Otaki Vets on 06 364 6941 if you want to determine whether bones would be safe and appropriate for your dog.