This Dog’s Scary Chew Bone Mishap Is a Wake-Up Call for Dog Parents Everywhere
A TikTok video from The Village Vet clinic in Canberra, Australia, has become a powerful cautionary tale for dog parents everywhere. The viral clip captures a tense moment as veterinarians carefully remove a piece of chew bone lodged in the roof of a dog named Clancy’s mouth while she is sedated.
Clancy’s owners rushed her to the vet after noticing her pawing at her mouth. Upon inspecting her mouth, they discovered a shard of bone lodged in the roof. Fortunately, veterinarians at the clinic were able to remove the bone successfully with hardly any damage to Clancy’s soft palate and teeth.
Warning For Dog Owners
@thevillagevetcbr Poor Clancy came in with a bone wedged between his teeth. Clancy’s family noticed that she was pawing at her mouth and noticed the bone. Clancy had the shard of bone removed under sedation. Luckily her soft palette and teeth had minimal damage. Be careful selecting which bone to let your dogs chew, always watch them when they’re with their bones as they can cause injuries to the mouth, teeth and intestines. Dogs can also choke on them. If you’re concerned about your dog chewing on bones or causing damage please contact your local clinic. #vetsoftiktok #satisfying #boneremoval #dogbones #dogsoftiktok #dogs #vet #vetlife #ohno #ouch ♬ We Need a Vet – Official Sound Studio
Although Clancy is recovering well, the veterinarians at the clinic want to use this incident as an opportunity to raise awareness about the risks of letting dogs chew on bones. They reveal that the bones can lead to severe injuries to the canine’s teeth, mouth, and intestines. Moreover, these treats are also a significant choking hazard.
Thus, the clinic advises pet parents to choose bones carefully and always supervise their dogs while they chew to prevent accidents. Lastly, they urge the viewers watching the video to contact the nearest veterinary clinic immediately if they think a bone is causing any kind of damage to their furry friend.
Gaining plenty of attention, the video has over 22 million views and more than 74K likes on the social media platform. Hundreds of users have also left comments under the video, with one user writing, “My Staffy did the same thing with a lamb bone hell of a job to get out.”
Another user expressed their wariness against bones, saying, “Yeah this is why I would never feed bones of any kind.”
Are Bones Good For Dogs?
Pet owners worldwide give their dogs bones in the form of treats. But are they suitable enough for your dog’s health?
Dr. Melody R. Conklin, a veterinarian, states, “Chewing bones isn’t really a good option for dogs and can cause harm.” Both cooked and raw bones pose a risk to dogs, regardless of their preparation. Bones can break down in large fragments, leading to potentially serious consequences, including irritation and trauma to your dog’s mouth and digestive tract.
Even the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strongly advises against giving dogs bones or bone treats, which are made from actual bones. According to an FDA report, between 2010 and 2017, 90 dogs fell ill after consuming smoked and baked bone treats, resulting in 15 fatalities.
Dangers of Bones For Dogs
Chewing or eating bones can lead to a range of serious health issues in dogs. Oral injuries can occur, including lacerations or punctures to the gums and tongue, as well as cuts and wounds to the throat. Dental problems are also a risk, with damaged or broken teeth a potential consequence.
Additionally, bones can cause choking, vomiting, diarrhea, severe constipation, and intestinal blockages. In severe cases, bones can even perforate the intestines or cause rectal trauma and bleeding.
What Bones Are Safe for Dogs?
If you want to give your dog a bone occasionally despite the dangers involved, Dr. Conklin provides the following guidelines:
- Choose a raw bone from a reputable butcher.
- Select a bone large enough for your dog to grasp comfortably, roughly the size of their head.
- Opt for a round bone with bulges or lumps on both ends.
However, it’s crucial to supervise your dog at all times while they’re chewing on the bone. Remove the bone immediately if it becomes damaged. Refrigerate the bone before use and discard it after a few hours to prevent bacterial growth, including Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli.
Can Dogs Have Chicken Bones?
Are chicken bones safe for dogs? Whether raw or cooked, chicken bones pose a significant risk to our canine companions. Let’s explore why dogs can’t have chicken bones.
Can Dogs Have Cooked Chicken Bones?
A Reddit user, u/mizzle_fb asked whether they can give chicken bones to their dog. While answering the question, user, u/Johann2041, writes, “From what I know, cooked chicken bones have a high splinter chance, and those splinters can easily get caught in the throat and cause major damage. I don’t think it’s a good idea to give them to dogs.”
Dr. Conklin echoes this Reddit answer asserting chicken bones are particularly hazardous due to their tendency to break down into small, sharp fragments. Their compact size makes them prone to getting lodged in the throat and esophagus, posing a significant choking risk.
Thus, if you’re wondering the question, “Can dogs have boiled chicken bones,” the answer would be no.
Can Dogs Have Raw Chicken Bones?
No, it’s not recommended to feed dogs raw chicken bones, as per Dr. Sandra C. Mitchell. While they may be safer than cooked bones in some ways, they still pose significant risks.
Raw bones getting stuck in a dog’s mouth is extremely common, causing oral injuries. Moreover, raw chicken meat harbors bacteria like E. coli, which can lead to infections if ingested.
That being said, if your dog accidentally ingests raw chicken bones, they are less likely to splinter and cause internal damage compared to cooked bones. However, it’s still crucial to monitor your dog’s health closely and consult a veterinarian if you suspect any adverse reactions.
Are Rib Bones Or Pork Bones Safe For Dogs?
Pork rib bones or pork chop bones are not safe for feeding your dogs. Raw pork bones, particularly rib bones, pose a significant threat to canine health. Due to their brittle nature, they easily break into shards, increasing the risk of internal damage.
Their small size also makes them a choking hazard. Even if the bone is relatively soft, swallowing small bones can still cause obstruction. Furthermore, consuming multiple small bones can lead to intestinal blockages, which can be life-threatening.
Therefore, you shouldn’t give any rib bones to your dog, which means that if you were wondering “Are beef rib bones safe for dogs,” the answer would be No.
Are Rawhide or Beefhide Bones Safe For Dogs?
According to American Kennel Club, the safety of rawhide treats depends on several factors. While many dogs adore rawhides, enjoying them as long-lasting chews that keep them occupied, satisfy their taste buds, and even support oral health by cleaning teeth, their safety is not guaranteed.
A dog’s personal chewing style, influenced by factors like breed, size, and age, determines the safest treats and toys for them. Rawhides can be a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockages if broken into large chunks. Strong chewers may need to avoid rawhides altogether, while softer chewers can generally enjoy them safely.
Can Dogs Have Ham Bones?
You must keep ham bones out of reach of your furry friends because ham bones are not safe for dogs, as per health experts at Purina. Cooked ham bones are soft and prone to splintering, which can cause oral and digestive injuries. Moreover, dogs can easily break off sharp pieces, leading to life-threatening blockages in the digestive system.
For the same reasons, turkey bones and lamb bones are also not safe for dogs because they can splinter and cause internal injuries.
Are Marrow Bones Safe For Dogs?
Raw marrow bones are high in fat, which can cause pancreatitis in dogs, claims Dr. Lauren Richman. In addition, chewing on raw bones can still lead to broken teeth due to the thin enamel layer on canine teeth. Overall, it is best to not give marrow bones to your dogs to eat.
Are Frozen Marrow Bones Safe For Dogs?
Frozen marrow bones are hazardous to a dog’s teeth. Since they are so hard, a dog can hurt their teeth or gums while using them as chew toys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are nylon bones safe for dogs?
“Dogs can chew safely on nylabones but consuming them can be potentially dangerous,” says The Kind Pet. In fact, nylon dog chew toys can cause choking. If swallowed, they can also cause stomach upset, allergic reactions, or even intestinal blockages.
Are smoked bones safe for dogs?
Smoked bones are usually considered safe treats but before getting a smoked bone for your dog, you must research the brand and product carefully. FDA has reported many smoked bones of different brands to be dangerous for your dog’s health.
Are cooked bones safe for dogs?
No, cooked bones are not safe for dogs. They can splinter and cause internal damage, obstruction, or choking.
Are deer bones safe for dogs?
Deer legs are generally safe for dogs, but not recommended for fast eaters, puppies, or small dogs due to the risk of choking. Fast consumption can lead to swallowing large portions, causing obstruction or choking hazards. However, they can be beneficial for other dogs since deer bones provide essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and iron, supporting canine health and well-being.
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