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Dogs love to eat all kinds of things! Some of these are safe for dogs, but others are dangerous. One thing many dogs seem to go for is bones! Our canine companions love chewing on and eating bones. But can a bone make a dog sick?
Has your dog eaten a bone? Are you worried the bone will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve put together information about bones and whether they can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
Bones & Dogs
Bones and dogs go together. There’s no question about that. It’s common to see a dog chewing on a bone. Our canines love to chew on bones for various reasons. Some dogs love to chew on anything and love bones. Other dogs may chew and even eat the bone.
While some bones are safe for dogs, could a dog eat a bone and get sick?
Safe Bones for Dogs
The safest bones for dogs are those that are raw; these can be safe for dogs. That’s because the bones are softer and contain nutrients a dog needs. And consider that in the wild, canines regularly eat the bones of their prey. It’s to get the nutrients these animals need to stay healthy. And the same goes for our domestic dogs.
If a dog eats a raw bone and chews it up well, the chances of getting sick are minimum. It’s possible the bone could be infected with bacteria that could make a dog sick. However, if not, the bone is dissolved in the dog’s stomach acid and/or passes safely through his digestive system.
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Ask a Vet Live NowDangerous Bones for Dogs
The bones that are most dangerous for dogs are cooked bones. The problem is that cooked bones are very brittle. When a dog chews or eats a cooked bone, small pieces of the bone may break off. These small pieces could cause injuries in the mouth, the esophagus, or other parts of the digestive tract.
And if a dog eats enough raw bone, it’s possible it could become lodged somewhere in the dog’s system and cause intestinal blockage.
In addition, it’s possible for any bone (raw or cooked) to pose a choking hazard for a dog.
Symptoms of Raw Bone Ingestion in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten a raw bone:
- Gagging or coughing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Licking his lips
- Excessive thirst
- Pacing & restlessness
- Abdominal pain & swelling
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. This could be an emergency.
Treatment of Raw Bone Ingestion in Dogs
Treatment will depend on your dog’s symptoms and the vet’s diagnosis. If your dog is choking, the vet will remove the bone to restore your dog’s breathing. In cases where the bone has caused an intestinal blockage, the vet may need to perform surgery to safely remove the bone from your dog’s system.
In addition, if the bone was infected with bacteria or other pathogens, the vet will treat your dog according to the pathogen. For a bacterial infection, your fur baby may require a round of antibiotics.
The prognosis is best for dogs that receive prompt medical treatment. And you may want to consult your vet to see if raw bones are safe for your dog or not. They will offer the best guidance for your canine companion.
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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