This bone is dangerous to give to your dog according to the vet

As tempting and enjoyable as it is for your dog to chew on a bone, it can be dangerous for him in more ways than one.

A dog’s jaw can exert incredible force, and if the bone is too hard, it can cause the dog’s teeth to chip or break off, which can be very painful, warns Dr Maria Soltero-Rivera, assistant professor of dentistry and oral surgery at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine.

This can happen if the dog gets too hard a bone

“It’s simple physics. If a bone is harder than a tooth, then it’s harder than a tooth when you chew it. it can break or get damaged” says Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, chief veterinarian at Kleinburg Veterinary Hospital. These fractures also usually affect the most functionally important teeth. She noted that often owners don’t even notice oral injuries, so they are only discovered during routine veterinary examinations. However, the dog can suffer a lot in the meantime, as fractured teeth can open up blood vessels or nerves, which can be extremely painful. Another known danger is that small pieces of bone or splinters can break off during chewing, which can damage the dog’s mouth or digestive system, leading to reduced appetite, loss of interest in play or tasks, and a preference for softer foods.

The dog may chew with only one side of its mouth.

An additional risk of oral trauma is that it can cause infection, which can lead to bad breath, swelling of the mouth and other symptoms of disease. In severe cases, it may be necessary to remove the damaged tooth or even undergo life-saving surgery.

According to experts, tooth fractures are more of a threat to larger dogs because they are strong chewers and their owners usually give them bigger bones. But a dog’s pre-existing dental disease can also be a predisposing factor, which can weaken teeth, making them more vulnerable. Brushing cannot prevent tooth fractures, but it can make it easier to monitor changes in the mouth – ideally at an early stage, before any complications occur.

Some toy can also be dangerous

It’ s not just bone that can be dangerous for your dog , but also chews that are too hard – even if you fool yourself into thinking they’re good for his teeth. Experts say it’ s hard to find a product that’s easy to digest and not too hard. So if your pet has a strong jaw or tends to chew everything, bone and chewing gum can be an extra risk.

How to decide if the bone is too hard

Professionals have two methods that can help you find a solution. The first is to try to push your fingernail into the bone. If it leaves an indentation, the bone is right for your dog. If not, don’t risk it! The second tip:

if you wouldn’t hit your knee with it, don’t give it to your dog.

Can also cause constipation

Dr. Andrea Bodó, a veterinarian, told that in addition to the possibility of bone fragments getting stuck in the gums or esophagus, feeding with bone can also cause constipation. “The older the animal, the more difficult it is to digest the bone and the more likely it is to cause constipation.”

If you do give your dog bone, the vet says it should be raw, because the heat treatment changes the structure and it will shatter when chewed, causing damage to the digestive tract. The latter is also true for bones in poultry (e.g. chicken, turkey, duck). However, meat and bones of pigs should only be eaten after heat treatment, as they may transmit the pseudorabies virus if not treated.

Beef bones can also be given raw. It is best to give the dog beef shank.

The vet added that the dog should only be given bones 1-2 times a week at most, and even then not a large amount. There may be some advantages to this. Chewing helps keep teeth clean, reduces plaque build-up and keeps the dog occupied and entertained.