Here’s how to tell if it’s safe for your pup or if you should try an alternative.
I used to regularly give bones to my dog Ollie, an 8-year-old Australian cattle dog mix.
Bully sticks, elk antlers, marrowbones you name it.
If it was sold at my local pet shop, chances are I bought it.
Ollie crunched, gnawed and chomped on that treat for a few days.
He loved it, or so I thought.
But soon after he finished it, he stopped eating his kibble.
He turned his nose up at treats, and my energetic herding dog suddenly became lethargic and melancholy.
I tried everything: I got him more expensive (and smellier) treats and kibble flavor enhancers.
Maybe this was just normal aging, I thought.
My experience wasnt rare, my vet told me.
Her advice: Skip the bones!
Greenstein called it simple physics.
These fractures tend to impact the most functionally important teeth.
(Think back molars or fangs.)
Tooth fractures can expose blood vessels or nerves, which may be uncomfortable or downright painful.
The dog may also only chew on the unaffected side of its mouth.
Dental fractures tend to affect larger dogs more, because they are power chewers, Greenstein said.
The best way to avoid tooth fractures?
Dont give your dog (or cat!)
In fact, theres likely no perfect bone out there, Greenstein said.
When in doubt, look for the seal of theVeterinary Oral Health Councilon the packaging label.
Finally, vets have two rules of thumb to quickly weed out bones that are simply too hard.
Tip one: Use the nail indent test.
If you dont see an indent, skip it.
(The exception to this rule, according to Soltero-Rivera, is rawhides since they soften with saliva.
That said, they, too, can be risky.
The second tip: If you wouldnt hit your knee with it, dont give it to your dog.
Always get your vets advice many have specific brands that they recommend.
They will be able to help you, Soltero-Rivera said.
And, if you suspect somethings going on with your dogs mouth, schedule an appointment.
