Beware the Blockage: Understanding How Dog Bones Can Lead to Obstructions

So, the other day, I found myself stuck in a traffic jam on the way back from the grocery store—and instantly regretted choosing to run errands so close to rush hour. Since I've worked from home for over 10 years, waiting in a line of running cars that aren't going anywhere seems like a colossal waste of time, not to mention pollution. Gen Z is right about the ridiculousness of the daily commute.

As I sat there, I could only think with a little worry of my dogs' eager faces, wondering why I was not home yet to give them their dog bones.

With just a little better planning, I could have prevented this. Leave a little earlier. Shop a little faster. It made me think about dog bone choices. The best bones for dogs are great. However, bone obstruction in dogs can happen due to the wrong kind of bone.

Blockages are no joke. Unlike these traffic jams, they can be life-threatening.

What Causes Bone Obstruction in Dogs?

Bones can cause choking and blockages in the gastrointestinal tract if large fragments or the whole bone get swallowed. Dogs may chew off small pieces if the bone is too soft. But they may not chew them down enough for safe swallowing. These pieces can get stuck. Now, sometimes they pass on, like that time when my then one-year-old swallowed some marbles.

But other times, they're either too big or too sharp to pass safely. In these cases, emergency surgery may be the only option. Even if the bone fragment can safely pass through, it's likely to cause pain and discomfort on the way through. I don't want my dogs to go through that.

But I also wouldn't want to leave you with the impression that all dog bones are unsafe. Dog bones have some amazing health benefits for dogs. It would be sad if someone's sweet fur baby never got their bone again because of something I said. Like most healthy food choices, things become unsafe in certain circumstances. It's up to us human dog parents to ensure safe dog bone enjoyment.

Is It Safe to Give Dogs Bones?

Dog bones are generally safe for dogs when the manufacturer takes care to ensure the dog treats are suitable for our pups. Pups over profits—am I right? Ultimately, it depends on the bone.

Can dogs have bones?

Yes, they can. But as a responsible human adult, you need to take some precautions. Don't worry. I'll break it all down for you so you feel safe and confident when you give your dog a bone.

How to Safely Give Bones to Your Dog

1. Know that Size Matters

Choose a bone that's large enough for your dog. It should be bigger than their head in one direction. For some dogs, this means buying a massive dog bone like this one.

2. Bone Type Is Critical

Chicken and turkey bones are notoriously dangerous. But so are squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, and other small animals. Not only does the bone tend to be too small for all, but the tiniest of pups. They can fracture easily, creating shards that tear a pup's insides. I don't like to think about that, but I had to say it. Sorry for that mental image.

Cow and sheep bones are some of the best.

But even with these, used bone broth bones and any leftover dinner bones are a bad idea. The cooking process makes them too soft.

3. Pay Attention to Bone Density

Ultimately, you need to find the right bone density. It's hard enough for aggressive chewers to not destroy in 2 seconds flat. But it's also soft enough that it doesn't destroy teeth. A slow and low-heat cooking process using an industrial smoker can achieve this. But I don't trust myself enough to do this. I only buy dog bones from a bone vendor I trust.

4. Schedule Regular Vet Checkup

Keeping your dog's annual checkup is important for so many reasons. They can examine my dogs to ensure they're in good health and have healthy teeth that can chew on dog bones.

5. Find Out the Bone's Source

It's no secret that I prefer bones from grass-fed beef cattle that were born and raised in the USA. USA vendors will have to meet FDA pet food safety guidelines. And grass-fed is just more nutritious.

6. Know the Bone's Age

Some dog bones come from dairy cows who have stopped producing. Unfortunately, like older human ladies, older cows can have weakening bones as they age. Beef cattle are processed before 29 months—prime time for tasty beef and strong bones.

Once the bone is harvested, it's generally good for up to two years. So, it's important to look for an expiration date on the packaging.

I know!

A lot of people would never think of checking the date on a dog bone.

7. Seek All-Natural Ingredients

Some dog bones are made of wood pulp or, worse, rawhide, plastic, or rubber. These materials break easily, especially with aggressive chewers. They may also have chemicals, additives, sugar, preservatives, and other ingredients that aren't great for dogs.

8. Supervise Chew Time

Even the safest dog bones can cause bone obstructions in dogs. So, I always ensure I'm close to my dogs during chew time. In a choking event, a doggy Heimlich maneuver works on dogs like humans. Often, you can scoop the bone out before it goes down, as you would with a small child.

Find out why I give my dogs bones despite the risks in my article over here.

Signs of Bone Obstruction in Dogs

Just like my slow journey through traffic, a dog's digestive system can slow down dramatically with a bone obstruction. Watch out for these signs:

• Vomiting
• Lack of appetite
• Straining to poop or not pooping at all
• Lethargy or discomfort
• Blood in stools
• A hard or distended belly (from not being able to poop)

If your dog shows any of these signs, it's time to visit the vet ASAP.

The Best Bones for Dogs

The best bones for dogs are marrow bones for dogs. They're packed with health benefits like bone and joint support, dental health, mental health, and skin, and coat. Bone marrow is pretty nutritious stuff, especially when it comes from grass-fed beef cattle born and raised in the USA. Just follow my tips above, and check out some of the dog bones my pups love.

And once the bone marrow is gone, you can extend the fun with these dog bone refill recipes.

Obstructions of the Traffic and Dog Bone Persuasion

I eventually escaped that traffic jam and made it home to my dogs and significant other. My pups were waiting for me at the door, and so was my spouse, ready to help bring the groceries in. Some of them are keepers, Ladies. That gave me the opportunity to slip over to the dog treats cabinet to get my 3 dogs the dog bones they had been waiting for. And it's chew time again!

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