Bones to avoid giving dogs

'Giving a dog a bone' isn't as straightforward as it seems, the main problem being, your dog will love any bone you give it! However, some bones can present serious health risks to your dog so it's important to choose the right one .

Chewing on a bone comes naturally to dogs, in fact, it provides them with great mental stimulation as well as keeping their teeth healthy.

Here’s our guide to safely introducing bones to your dog:

This is the #1 no-no! Cooked bones can cause serious damage as they easily break and splinter into sharp pieces which can lead to:

·        Cuts to the mouth and tongue

·        Choking

·        Broken teeth

·        Vomiting and diarrhoea

·        Constipation

·        Rectal bleeding

·        Blockage of the intestine

Raw bones are great, however there are some raw bones that you should avoid:

·        Pork bones can easily splinter

·        Rib bones are small and can get caught in your dog's throat

·        Any bone that your dog can swallow whole in one go

When looking for the right raw bone, try and find one that is approximately the size of their jaw – If it keeps them occupied for an hour that’s perfect.

Remember, raw bones are a hotbed for bacteria so it's important to throw them out after a day.

Commercial chews are also a good option as they have been designed with the dog's needs in mind.

Speak to your local specialist about Veterinary approved options. There are loads of chews on the market from digestible chews to non-edible toys that have also been designed to clean teeth whilst also being indestructible.