Dog Bones
Chew On This Information Before Buying Another Dog Bone
Specialty pet stores will carry endless varieties of
dog bones and choosing among them may seem like a difficult task.
While there are some bones that are just meant to be a treat, others have a special purpose, and can even be healthy for your dog. Keep in mind that before you purchase a certain type of bone for your dog, you may want to clear it with a veterinarian first. Specific breeds may have certain allergies to bones and it is best to find this out before you allow your pooch to have a new bone.
Dental Bones Fairly new to the world of dog bones are dental bones. There are two different types available, the edible and the heavy-duty plastic kind that are just meant to remove plaque from the tooth. Usually an edible bone is meant to help clean and freshen breath, whereas the plastic version is meant for a dog to spend time chewing in order to remove tartar and plaque from their teeth. Neither of these bones should be used in place of regularly brushing a dog’s teeth though.
Rawhides These bones are also an excellent way to clean a dog’s teeth, although some veterinarians may recommend not using rawhides as they are known for producing skin allergies. As well, many vets believe that prolonged exposure to rawhide chewing can actually wear away at the gum lining or cause tooth enamel problems. If your dog loves chewing on rawhides, it is best to limit the time they spend chewing them to once or twice a week, as some dogs would chew on a rawhide bone all day long! Also remember that the smaller rawhides may become lodged in a dog’s throat, so it is important to supervise a dog’s chewing habits. Rawhides come in the shape of a bone, in a circular shape, as well as in a long tube, and in little squares. It is best to get the rawhides as an actual bone or in a tube or circular shape, because the squares can most easily lead to choking. Pigs’ Ears These bones are purely for pleasure and many dogs absolutely love them. Because they have no health or dental value, it is best to limit the amount of bones to only a few times a week. These can be purchased individually and can also be purchased as a large bag. Depending on the type of pig’s ears you purchase, you may find that some are greasy and have a fatty texture to them. This may not sit well with certain dogs that have sensitive stomachs. Other brands claim to be all-natural or may be a little easier for your dog to digest, but it is important to limit the amount of time your dog spends eating these dog bones, so as not to cause an upset stomach.
Cow Bones These can range from a hard, rawhide-like cow hooves that are simply meant to entertain a dog with chewing into very rich and thick cow bones that still have pieces of meat left over on the bone and are meant as a treat. While the cow hooves tend to be free of excess fat, grease or meat, many of the other pieces will be an extremely rich treat for your dog to digest. These are definitely treats and should be reserved for a special occasion or for a dog that has a good digestive system. Cow Bones may be especially difficult for small breeds to digest. There are many other large breeds that have sensitive stomachs, so it is important to discuss these dog bones with your doctor before allowing them to have this treat.
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