Dogs love chewing. It cleans their teeth, exercises jaw muscles, and relieves teething pain. Chewing helps beat boredom, frustration, and anxiety as they focus on the activity. However, not all bones or chews are safe for your dog.

Cooked Bones

Giving your dog cooked bones is dangerous as they splinter and break easily into small sharp pieces. As a result, they can cut the mouth and digestive organs and lead to various health problems. Your dog may suffer from:

• Tongue and mouth lacerations

• Intestinal blockage

• Broken teeth

• Severe constipation

• Diarrhea

Commercial Bone Treats

The FDA disapproves of giving dogs some store-bought bone treats. The FDA got 35 reports in 2015 of dogs with different conditions caused by commercial bone treats. Most products get baked or smoked. Companies add seasoning, smoke flavoring, and preservatives. The reports showed that the dogs suffered from:

• Gastrointestinal blockages

• Diarrhea

• Tonsilitis

• Cuts in their mouth

• Rectal bleeding

• Vomiting

Consult your vet if you consider getting your dog store-bought bones or chews. Doing so will help ensure you get your pet the appropriate products.

Rawhides

Talk to your vet before purchasing any rawhide product. It may be a good option if your dog is big with strong jaws to allow it to chew. However, it can also be a poor option as your dog’s strong jaws can break and accidentally swallow the hazardous rawhide pieces.

Supervise your dog if your vet approves of letting them chew rawhides. Your dog can also experience bowel or stomach problems if they ingest some rawhides made with ingredients like leather and fur. Thus, be careful.

Sticks

Many adorable videos show dogs carrying the sticks they like during their walks. While that is not harmful, the danger is with chewing. Wood and sticks can splinter and cut your dog’s mouth. Swallowing the sharp fragments can harm their insides.

Rib or Pork Bones

Pet MD advises dog owners to refrain from giving their dogs ribs or pork bones because they are dangerous. Such bones can splinter easily compared to other types of bones. As a result, it can lead to injury or choking.

Chicken Bones

Chicken bones can pierce the esophagus and damage the chest cavity, lungs, and heart if ingested. They can cause death. Veterinarians advise that if you suspect your dog has ingested a chicken bone, make them vomit and observe them for 24 hours.

Tennis Balls

Excessively chewing tennis balls can destroy your dog’s teeth enamel. They can also crush the ball if they have strong jaws. Doing so can lead to a choking hazard. The yellow part that covers the tennis ball can be dangerous if swallowed.

Allow your dog to fetch a tennis ball. However, allowing them to gnaw on it can endanger their lives.

Ice Cubes

Most pet owners think it is okay to toss ice cubes to their furry friends on a hot day. However, doing so can harm their teeth and gums. Small dog breeds are often at risk of loosening or cracking their teeth as they eat the ice. You can ensure you give your dog cold water in plenty during a hot day. You can also use semi-frozen berries as an alternative.

Rocks

Rocks are worse than ice cubes. They do not crack easily or melt. Your dog can break its teeth when they chow down a rock. They can also choke when the stone blocks their throat.

For more about what dogs should avoid, visit Port Royal Veterinary Hospital at our office in Port Royal, South Carolina. Call 843-379-7387 to book an appointment today.