Dogs and bones are an inseparable pair, and that’s a universal fact. All of us pet owners can’t help but smile whenever we see our dogs happily gnawing a big bone.
However, not all kinds of bones can go perfectly with our dogs. Some bones, especially small and brittle ones, can break easily and can be hazardous to dogs when eaten. It is important that we know which kinds of bones are safe for our dogs to chew.
But what about pork shoulder bones? Have you ever wondered if your dogs can eat them?
Let’s take a look at some questions that you might be looking for answers to.
Can your dogs eat pork shoulder bones?
Yes, you can go ahead and feed your dogs pork shoulder bones. However, it should be clean and raw. Cooked bones can turn brittle and splinter, which can cause harm to your dogs because of the sharp edges.
The size of the bone is another crucial matter. It should not be too small or too big to prevent choking and dental issues.
Are pork shoulder bones safe for dogs?
Bones, in general, are safe for dogs. Some bones are more brittle than others, some can be easily chewed on compared to others. However, here are a few things to consider when giving your dogs pork shoulder bones and other bones as treats.
Cooked bones are brittle.
You should always give your dogs raw bones because they are harder to break than cooked bones. Cooked bones can quickly become brittle and dried. These bones break and splinter, and your dogs can get hurt when they chew on them.
The sharp edges of the bones can also cause intestinal damage if they happen to swallow the bones.
Bones can be a choking hazard.
Give your dogs an appropriately sized bone as a treat, and consider their size as well. Small bones can cause choking or digestive blockage to your dogs.
So you should always keep your furry friend in your sight and watch as they chew on the bones. Pay close attention to them to ensure that they can chew the bones to their heart’s content without any harm.
What should you do if your dog accidentally swallowed a bone?
If you suspect that your dog accidentally swallowed a bone, here are some tips you can immediately do:
Observe their surroundings.
Observe the surroundings for any leftovers or broken bone fragments. This can help you determine the possible size of the bone that your dog accidentally swallowed. Also, remove any bones from their immediate area.
Examine your dog’s throat.
Check your dog’s airway to see if the bone is stuck in their throat. This helps to determine if you need a veterinarian’s assistance to remove it.
If you can, try to dislodge the bone as carefully as possible to reduce pain.
Touch your dog’s throat, chest, and stomach.
Observe their reactions once you touch these parts. If they are whining, howling, or showing signs of pain and discomfort, you should take them to the vet immediately.
You should also watch out for signs like heavy breathing, panting, vomiting, retching, drooling, or weakness. Your pet’s life can be at risk if left untreated.
Are there any benefits of giving bones to dogs?
Scrapes away plaque
Chewing on bones can help scrape away plaque from your dog’s teeth. It helps them to maintain healthy teeth and gums, and prevent bad breath. The friction between the bones and their teeth can control the buildup of tartar and prevents yellowing teeth.
Satisfies their urge to chew
Surely, you’ve experienced having some broken slippers, furniture, or other stuff because of your dog’s chewing urges. Giving them a bone to gnaw on helps them satisfy those urges.
It also helps teething dogs or puppies to stimulate the growth of their teeth. Adding bones as part of their feeding schedule can also relieve any gum discomfort because of their new teeth.
Chewing relieves their boredom
Bones are a terrific, healthy chew for dogs and are an excellent way to keep them entertained. Chewing bones can help stimulate their minds and keep boredom away.
Source of calcium
Adding bones to your dog’s diet can be a good source of calcium for their body. Veterinarians encourage adding bones to supplement calcium for dogs as part of a balanced diet.
How to choose the right bone for your dog?
Here are some factors you need to consider when choosing the right kind of bone for your dogs:
- The size of your dog
- The size and shape of the bone
- The hardness of the bone
- Your dog’s dental health
- Your dog’s tendency to chew food
As a rule of thumb, choose bones that are approximately the same size as your dog’s head. This will prevent instances of breaking off bone fragments and accidentally swallowing the bone.
Additionally, if your dog is a larger breed, consider getting denser and stronger bone treat because large dog breeds have the tendency to chew stronger than smaller breeds.
Other options and alternatives to pork shoulder bones
You can also give them alternatives like beef bones, synthetic bones, or rawhide alternatives to satisfy their chewing tendencies.
Beef knuckle bones or knee caps are also a great alternative. These are softer than bones because they are made of cartilages, so your dogs can avoid mouth injuries when eating them. These cartilages are a good source of collagen that promotes bone health.
If you’re after the idea of adding collagen to your dog’s diet, consider adding bone broth or ground bones to their meals instead.
Be a responsible dog owner.
All dogs love to chew on things. Giving your dogs bone treats is an excellent way to satisfy their chewing tendencies, while also promoting their physical and mental health.
Adding bones to their meals is also a great way to supplement calcium to their body.
The important thing to remember is to monitor them closely when giving bone treats to prevent any injuries. And as always, seek advice from your trusted veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog’s overall health.