Although dogs can digest bones, swallowing whole bones can cause breathing problems and a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract. There are also types of bones that are considered particularly dangerous and can have fatal consequences.
Having said that, if you follow certain basic rules, you can eliminate the biggest sources of danger. Bones also contain many healthy minerals.
Below, you'll learn whether dogs can digest bones, which bones are suitable for them, and what the potential consequences are.
Are you worried or unsure? Then click here to start a live chat with a veterinarian.
Can dogs digest bones?
Dogs can digest some types of bones. Just like us humans, if we wanted to. In dogs, digestion is around 3 times faster than in humans.
On average, dogs have already digested everything after 8 hours. For us it takes up to 25 hours. The problem? Not every type of bone is suitable for dogs. [1]
The “good” bones crumble as soon as the dog gnaws on them. However, other types are naturally more sharp or start to splinter after cooking.
Young dogs also have their teeth changed between the 3rd and 6th months. During this phase, hard bones can cause unnecessary injuries. [2]
Soft and splinter-free wooden bones are better suited for this. In addition, you should only give bones to dogs that have no problems with their teeth.
The greatest dangers from bones are splintering, swallowing the entire bone and pain when gnawing. [3]
Or to put it another way: bones for dogs are roughly comparable to skydiving. Just because in most cases nothing goes wrong doesn't mean it's a really safe sport.
Dogs' digestive tracts are designed to digest bones. However, problems can arise if the bones splinter when gnawing, the bones are swallowed without chewing or the dog has problems with his teeth.
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Which bones are suitable for dogs?
The following types of bones can have life-threatening consequences. You should avoid these:
- Poultry bones: Cooked chicken and turkey bones splinter when chewed and can form razor-sharp edges.
- Rawhide bones: These bones made from pig skin often lead to blockages and often also contain toxic additives.
- Fish bones: Depending on the species, fish can sometimes have very sharp and stable bones, which can cause injuries when chewed or swallowed.
- Cooked bones: Even bones that are considered “safe” can change their structure when cooked and are more likely to splinter rather than crumble.
- Bones from leftover food: Whether it's cooked bones from a soup or grilled bones from a BBQ, this type can splinter. [4]
If the dog has accidentally swallowed this type of bone, then it is important to keep an eye on it afterwards. The following bone types, however, are considered safe:
- Uncooked bones: Bones from pigs, cattle, poultry, lamb and other raw species.
- Pressed Treat Bones: Specially made bones that have been given their shape by pressing. [5]
Even uncooked chicken bones are suitable for dogs. After all, dogs are descended from wolves, which hunt poultry more often in nature.
It's best to always give bones after eating. This not only prevents snares, but also greatly reduces the risk of choking.
It is also recommended that the bones be larger than the dog's snout. This means that swallowing is hardly possible. [6]
Dogs can eat raw and uncooked bones with almost no problem. The same goes for most treat bones. Problems usually only arise if the dog has accidentally swallowed cooked bones or bones made from rawhide.
Possible consequences of a swallowed bone
Bones can make dogs feel happy and have a wagging tail. But they are also considered high-risk snacks.
Because of all swallowed foreign bodies, bones are in first place. According to veterinarians, they most often get stuck in the dog's esophagus. Possible consequences are:
- Blockade: A bone can block the esophagus and the gastrointestinal tract, causing digestion to stop.
- Broken tooth: If the bones have a similar hardness to the dog's teeth, painful chipping of the tooth can occur.
- Suffocation: A bone can block the windpipe, causing shortness of breath and fainting.
- Internal bleeding: Splintered bones can rupture the stomach or intestines, causing blood to appear in the stool, among other things. [7]
- Gum injuries: The most common bone injury is splinters in the gums, which can cause deep wounds and severe bleeding.
- Peritonitis: Bone splinters can irritate the thin membrane surrounding the digestive organs and cause inflammation.
- Constipation: Regular feeding of bones can cause constipation, causing dogs to have problems defecating.
- Death: Internal injuries and narrowed or blocked airways can be so serious that dogs die from them. [8]
Even the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already issued an official warning against bones. And that says a lot. [9]
If dogs get a bone, it can cause chipped teeth, injured gums, or internal bleeding. Swallowing a whole bone can also cause choking or an internal blockage.
Actions if the dog has eaten a bone
First of all, don't panic. Even with the “bad” types of bone, everything can go well under certain circumstances. The only important thing is that you watch your dog closely.
If you notice the following symptoms, I advise you to see the vet immediately:
If there is an acute risk of suffocation due to a swallowed bone, you should take immediate action and carry out the “Heimlich maneuver”. Here is a quick guide:
- Stand over your dog, facing forward
- Hold the dog's hind legs up
- Press against the upper abdomen under the ribs
You can also find pictorial descriptions on YouTube. You should also contact the emergency veterinary service immediately. Once there, the diagnosis begins.
An X-ray or ultrasound examination is usually carried out for this purpose. In simple cases, the bone digests on its own or may be flushed out.
In severe cases, however, surgical removal may be necessary. However, this is the last option if all alternatives have not worked. [10]
If the dog has swallowed a bone and then behaves unusually, this could indicate possible problems. If necessary, it is important to carry out the Heimlich maneuver and consult the vet immediately.
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