The Bone Dilemma: Should You Help Your Dog to a Bone Treat?
Dogs gulp down bones with as little regard as a child unwrapping birthday presents. But let’s stop and consider this a bit. For dogs, bones are a bit like natural toothbrushes; they help scrub off tartar and give the old choppers a bit of a workout. A gnawing dog is a happy dog. However, to choose the correct type of dog bones requires just a bit more thought than that.
You many have a doubt whether any bone at all is safe. Many recall cartoons in which dogs bury giant femurs with abandon. However, reality is somewhat different. Cooked bones tend to splinter, which is an extremely dangerous threat. It’s rather as though you were throwing a hand grenade down your dog’s digestive tract. Cue dramatic music. Save the drama for the TV–stick to raw, appropriately-sized bones.
Now, perhaps you might ask, “Why raw?” raw bones are less likely to splinter into shards. They can flow through a dog’s guts with all the grace of a veteran figure skater. Supposing that you are fumbling around through various kinds of raw bones, the knuckle bone and the marrow bone are choices which one cannot praise too highly.
Still with me? Good. Let’s talk about size. Large dogs need bigger bones, or else they will gobble them whole. A tiny little piece may become a choking hazard just like stepping on Lego bricks in the middle of night with bare feet (it’s something we’ve all done).
Ribs, chicken necks and wings occasionally blend into this bone den to trick you into thinking it’s ok to eat those; but large dogs will swallow them just as easily as you eat popcorn in a movie. Put these on the shelf for smaller people.
Of course, being able to quietly enjoy a chewing dog is tempting. But there is also the seasoning of security to consider. Always supervise bone-chewing sessions. In this way, you’ll be there if something goes wrong. It’s like being a lifeguard at the beach, keep one eye out or two eyes peeled.
Here’s a story of warning: Rex, a dog worn out from a bout of bone chewing, had the bone in his mouth. An engrossed host, too occupied with watching the latest reality TV show, failed to spot that Rex had attempted to swallow a piece that could rival a house brick. The vet: stage left. Don’t let that be you.
If you’re nervous about the risks involved then there are other options. There are synthetic bones and chew toys galore waiting out there for your dog’s tail to start spinning around like the rotor of a helicopter. Consider these for peace of mind.
“Why not start with a bone-shaped toy for a chew?” Throw in some discussion of playtime, it may not make a dog’s tail wag the way a meaty bone does but it could well be next best thing.
In a process of selecting, it’s crucial to remain vigilant. Keep an ear open for Fido’s response. Dogs have their unique way of giving a big paws-up sign when they like something. But also watch for signs of discomfort or distress: subtle as a splash of coffee on your white shirt.
Compared to your whole diet, bones should be merely a part. At a banquet, they are more like the side dish; they are not the main course. For specific needs that fit your four-legged buddy’s shoes, have the veterinarian tailor you a plan.
So gentlemen and dogs, that’s the bone of contention. Next time you’re puzzling over that pint-sized mystery, you’ll be primed to deal with it. Abide by these rules and that bone-toting mutt of yours will be one happy dog.
The Best Bones for Your Dog’s Dental Delight: Choose the Right Bone for Your Dog
Selecting the right bone for your BFF can be a bit of puzzle. With so many choices surrounding us, one is tempted everywhere–it’s like being a child in a candy store. We all want our dogs to have a jolly good time. However, when it comes to treats (and to find one that you can trust), it’s worth considering plenty. We need to think about the kinds of bone that exist. There is also the matter of size–something fits snug in their mouths is a big deal. And what hits both tails and hearts squarely.
First of all, raw bones are a great pick. Like an in-born toothbrush, they get the job done by cleaning up those pearly whites without unnecessary ingredients. When our little bundles of trouble chomp down on a raw bone, the crunchy freshness wipes out plaque. However, you can’t play down the importance of size—always go for larger bones than can fit through your dog’s nose hole, to avoid any choking hazards. Think of it as Goldilocks who wants to find the “just right” porridge. Chicken or turkey bones: though they may pique interest, they are places to totally avoid. They are more likely than not to splinter and get stuck where you don’t want them.
Some like the rich flavor of beef marrow bones. With six cups of taste the dog would be unlucky enough to live in to sense these fragrant flavors, gloomy weather soon turns all Carnival. But watch your female dog to ensure that she doesn’t eat too much of this fat marrow. High calories are how you get nervous losing your car keys.
Are you thinking of buying artificial bones instead? These do not carry with them the scent of meat, but have convenient safety and long life. Made from rubber or nylon, calcium will not strike them back as it comes through those set teeth. The fragments of those bones are less likely to scatter. Although dogs may grumble like a cranky engine when first forced to accept this change in flavor, they do adapt to these less repellent yet ecologically beneficial snacks.
In fact, there are even dogs who enjoy a ‘bully stick.’ They are not exactly bones either, but they still exercise the jaws somewhat. They do not have the power to clean teeth which bones do; on the other hand they offer a more convenient workaround. If you want a treat that won’t scratch the roof of – a dog ‘s mouth and possibly could save life,,These are your man.
No matter what kind of bone or chew, always be your kid’s guardian angel. Keep an eye on it like a hawk. Sometimes bones can produce too much wear or make the belly feel unwell. And if it’s up to us, let’s have happy panting instead. First feel his teeth and see if there are any cracks in them before you round off any bone-chewing sessions.
It can seem as if a bone about as rare finding needle in hay stack. You should have a better idea after you. Just remember, it’s a matter of turning, obstacles into opportunities for wagged tails and shiny teeth. Now take the time to pat your superhero companion or throw her a bone – a safe one, not stick! – and look over the delightful coming lap that goes happens next ensuing.