You should always keep an eye on your dog when they are chewing, whether you are giving them a raw bone, a treat shaped like a bone, or an inedible chew toy. Make sure to take away the chew after 10-15 minutes because dogs will continue to chew for hours if you let them.
If your dog begins to chew excessively or chews something too hard, their teeth could become dull over time or chip. Chewing becomes problematic before it may even begin to hurt.
What kind of bones can I give my dog?
A fresh, meaty, hard marrow bone or spongy femur bone from a large animal, such as a cow or bison, is the best bone you can give your dog. Before your dog gnaws on the bone, it should be too large to swallow.
Cooked bones and smaller bones are prone to splintering. Poultry bones tend to be brittle and splinter, and pig bones are more likely to contain pathogens. This is especially accurate for the highly hollow and pointed turkey bones.
The gums on your dog are cut by bone fragments, which can result in vomiting or digestive issues. When dogs accidentally swallow cooked bones or bones from poultry, they are more likely to develop blockages in their esophagus, stomach, or windpipe.
Rectal bleeding, choking, peritonitis (a bacterial infection in the abdomen from stomach punctures), and mouth or tongue injuries are additional health risks related to splinter consumption.
How long should you let your dog chew on a bone?
The majority of experts concur that 15 to 20 minutes is sufficient to thoroughly chew a bone. Your dog can benefit from this period by cleaning the dental plaque from their teeth and taking pleasure in chewing. If they continue to chew on a bone past this point, they run the risk of whittling the bone down too far, which could make it a choking hazard or cause a bowel obstruction if they swallow it.
So always remove the bone after about 15 minutes and replace it with a treat or a toy, like a puzzle toy.
Another possibility is that they ingest too much bone matter. This can cause an excess of calcium in their gut. Dogs who eat too many bones frequently experience constipation and have poop that is white and crumbly.
Excess calcium can lead to other issues but is particularly dangerous for puppies, as it causes skeletal issues in growing dogs.
See our article here for more information on the top dry foods for puppies.
When you take the bone away, don’t forget to replace it with something else your dog enjoys. If you don’t, they might become anxious about having their bone removed and develop food aggression or resource guarding.
When should I take my dogs bone off?
After 10 to 15 minutes, remove the bone from your dog and store it in the refrigerator. Dispose of a bone after three or four days. Give large bones to breeds of dogs like Mastiffs, Bloodhounds, and German Shepherd Dogs. Do supervise your dog when you give him a bone.
FAQ
Why do dogs chew on bones for hours?
Both wild and domestic dogs spend hours chewing bones. This activity keeps their jaws strong and their teeth clean. Dogs enjoy chewing on bones, sticks, and pretty much anything else they can find. They chew for entertainment, stimulation, and anxiety reduction.
Can dogs chew on bones everyday?
It is a myth that dogs need to chew bones. While most dogs love to chew on bones, they are dangerous and can result in serious injuries even though dogs love to chew.
How long should I let my dog chew rawhide?
One hour per day of letting your pet chew on a rawhide toy is a good rule of thumb. Make sure your dog always has two or three rawhides on hand if it enjoys chewing them frequently. You can make the experience more enjoyable by giving your pet a variety of chew toys.