April 20, 2012
Posted in Pet Supplies

Like peanut butter and jelly, dogs and bones are an age-old match made in heaven. Dogs probably originally chewed on real animal bones because they tasted good, but today there are hundreds of varieties of bones, real and fake, for Fido to enjoy.

Animal bones

Some animal bones are still okay for your pet to chew on. It is no secret that dogs love meat, but owners do have to discriminate when it comes to which bones they give to the dog. You should never give your dog cooked bones from poultry like chicken or turkey, since these can easily break and puncture your pet's mouth. They can also splinter and harm the dog's internal organs, often resulting in hospitalization.

Marrow bones from cows are a good option for dogs. Your pooch will love licking out the marrow and even chewing the bone once it has been licked clean. However, remember to always keep these bones frozen until the dog chews it, and then boil it to sanitize it after. Dogs can get sick from bacteria like E. coli on raw meat just like humans can.

Rawhide

Rawhide bones are one of the most common pet products on the market for chewing. These are great because they are inexpensive and can last a long time when the chew is large enough. They are also excellent at cleaning plaque off your dog's teeth and keeping them healthy and strong. However, it is not a good idea to leave your dog alone with its rawhide chews all day. Because rawhide gets soft as it gets wet, it is easy for a dog to break off little pieces that it can choke on.

Other chews

Because there have been some health concerns around bones made from animal products, there are now a myriad of chews on the market that are safe for the pooch and have the same health benefits – sometimes even more. Greenies Dental Treats are chews designed to interest your dog with their flavor and texture but also control tartar and plaque on its teeth, which can prevent serious illnesses that often require pet drugs.

There are also treats on the market that support other aspects of your dog's health. Happy Hips Treats have chondroitin and glucosamine for dogs, the same ingredients in joint supplements like Dasuquin. They support healthy joints and may prevent or soothe arthritis symptoms. 

Related posts:

1. Give the dog a bone: Practicing bone safety
2. Are Greenies Dental Chews Safe For My Dog?
3. Greenies: More Than Just Dental Chews
4. Treating your dog to healthy joints
5. Most common holiday hazards for your pooch