Dog: Why You Shouldn’t Give Them Bones
One of the things we’ve all seen since childhood in movies and cartoons is that dogs love bones and will do anything to get them. However, this is a widespread misconception, as bones can be extremely dangerous and even deadly for our dogs' health.
Most bones are too hard, and even large dogs can struggle to break them. There’s a risk that a greedy dog might swallow large bone fragments without chewing, which can injure the gums and esophagus, requiring immediate veterinary care.
Another common case reported in veterinary clinics is bones getting lodged in a dog's throat, causing internal bleeding due to sharp edges. Whether it’s steak bones or chicken bones, both are equally dangerous and potentially fatal. Chicken bones, in particular, are small and easily splinter, injuring the throat, stomach, and even intestines.
Avoid giving your dog bones as toys, as they pose a poisoning risk. After just two days, bones can spoil, leading your dog to ingest not just the bone, but also fungi and bacteria.
How to Tell if Your Dog Has Been Injured by a Bone:
- Difficulty breathing
- Struggling to defecate
- Diarrhea with blood
- Scratching at their mouth with their paws
- Reduced appetite
- Vomiting
If you want to treat your dog to a bone, make sure it’s one specifically designed for dogs. You can find plastic or artificial bones at veterinary clinics and pet shops, which soften as they’re chewed and even help clean your dog’s teeth.
Please check our selection of artificial bones: https://mrzoo.com.au/collections/dog-toys
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