When it comes to giving your dog a bone to chew on, the main attitudes are either for or against the action, because of all the different benefits, or problems that come from dogs gnawing away on a bone. On the one hand, many people fully believe in the benefits, as well as the fact that dogs have been chewing bones... since there were dogs. On the other hand, others argrue that now that more people are aware of what kind of damage animal bones can inflict on a dog s internal digestive system, the idea of giving your dog a bone is practically sadistic. One view is more extreme than the other, and there are happy mediums that can be reached here, somewhere in the middle. First we ll go over the benefits, then the issues, and finally, which bones should be selected based on facts, rather than speculation.
Benefits
Bones give your dogs something to chew on that isn t your new shoes, the curtains, or the garbage; it s simple, and effective on the doggy to do list. A chew bone is a dog s healthy alternative to your furniture, clothing, or other household items. If he or she has a designated chewy, then the chances of him or her going for the couch legs are much slimmer.
Contrary to rumours, bones actually do improve dental health. Chewing a bone scrapes away tartar and plaque buildup, which fights the growth of bacteria, which in turns prevents gum disease and bad breath. It will also improve the whiteness of their teeth.
Puppies that are teething especially appreciate having a bone to chew because it eases the pain of new teeth coming in, just like a baby chews on a cold teething ring. Give your puppy the same treatment by keeping his bone in the refrigerator when he s not after it.
Problems
Some people are concerned with whether or not a dog s teeth will hold up to the tremendous pressure of chewing on a hard bone; the dog s teeth may crack, or chip. Despite the validity in this concern, an dog s teeth are specially formed to withstand crunching, and chewing hard objects; this is part of their genetic makeup as predators.
Another major concern is the bones splinter and crack in the dog s mouth, and later, the pieces may be choked on, or cut up the animal s mouth. Or even worse, if swallowed, will pass through the animal s digestive system, creating cuts and tears in the throat, stomach or intestinal lining.
Which Bones To Choose For Your Dogs
Many of the more extreme disbelievers in the benefits of dog bones prefer to give their dogs absolutely nothing even resembling a bone; better safe than sorry, but there are other options. The hard exterior of a good chew bones is good for teeth, the same as the hard dog food or treats that is the staple of the majority of dogs diets. Instead, you can use healthier and safer hide chewies; you ve seen them before, usually they re hard pieces of white or red rawhide, you know, the slimy drool covered things that you ve seen stuck to your friends carpet? Those are great for dogs because they re hard enough to provide good chewing, which means puppies can use them for teething relief, and bigger dogs can safely chew without cutting their mouth. Other bones are sold specifically for dogs as well, found in pet stores, that are treated with vitamins and flavouring, and big enough so that they don t chip or splinter.
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