Safe Bone Chewing Guide
Of course, a carnivore should be allowed to chew bones! It's crucial for their health, both physically and mentally. Chewing bones is relaxing for them, and it fulfills an important behavioral need: gnawing. Simultaneously, their teeth and gums receive the necessary massage, and tartar is gently removed. Win-win! This is how you help your furry friend become bone-wise.
Safe bone chewing for voracious dogs
However, dogs with huge appetites without much bone experience can chew or even swallow bones in an unhealthy way. They need to be supervised when chewing bones and gradually introduced to them. By giving the right kind of bones in the right way, dogs learn that bones are not in short supply but a part of their diet. This helps to reduce bone frenzy. All dogs can become bone-wise with a little guidance.
How to make your dog safe with bones
- Whether you choose real skeletal bones or chew bones, make sure to keep an eye on your dog while she/he is chewing.
- For a hungry dog, give larger bones and preferably after dinner, also give more than one bone to satisfy the urge.
- Give bones after meals so your dog doesn't chew frantically due to hunger.
- Start by giving bones every three days. If your dog tends to chew for hours, gradually increase the time they have the bone. Jaw muscles and teeth need to get used to this kind of strain. If your dog hasn't chewed bones before, she/he might experience muscle soreness at the beginning. Short sessions is a good rule for getting her/him used to it.
- If given raw bones, make sure they are from young animals; older ones have harder bones.
- Do not give cooked skeletal bones, as they are more likely to splinter.
- Also, ensure that the bone is longer than your dog's snout (the length of their nose ridge), as this reduces the risk of your dog trying to swallow the bone.
- If your dog spits out or vomits bone fragments, don't worry, the alternative would be to swallow them which is dangerous. Your dog is bone-wise for spitting out sharp fragments.
- Beware of fatty marrow. Marrow bones are delicious, but too much of the insides can give your dog loose stool.
Health benefits of bone chewing for dogs
- Natural eating behavior: Allows the dog to engage in natural eating behavior, promoting both physical and mental health
- Meeting behavioral needs: Satisfies behavioral needs: carrying, burying, chewing, tearing, pulling.
- Stress reliever: Chewing and licking are stress-reducing; oxytocin is released in the dog's body.
- Oral and dental health: Benefits oral and dental health. Bone chewing reduces the risk of gum disease and tartar buildup.
- Natural gymnastics: Provides natural exercise through chewing, tearing, gnawing, and grinding.
- Extended eating time: Extends mealtime significantly. Combats boredom and excess energy.
- Stress reduction and behavior: Reduces stress and prevents problem behaviors as a result of the above points.
Is your dog guarding bones? Then read: Resource defense in dogs - understanding their zones and limits.
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
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