Can Dogs Eat Cooked Bones?
Safety Information
Cooked bones can splinter.
Important Notes
Can cause choking, intestinal blockage, or perforation.
Why are Cooked Bones So Dangerous?
The dangers of cooked bones are numerous and severe: 1. Splintering and Perforation: When a dog chews on a cooked bone, it easily shatters into sharp fragments. These shards can pierce your dog's tongue, gums, throat, stomach, and intestines, causing severe pain and life-threatening internal bleeding. 2. Choking Hazard: Pieces of bone can easily become lodged in the esophagus or windpipe, leading to choking. 3. Intestinal Blockage: Larger fragments can cause a blockage in the digestive tract, which is a painful and life-threatening condition that requires emergency surgery. 4. Broken Teeth: The hardness of cooked bones can easily lead to fractured teeth. 5. Constipation: Bone fragments can clump together in the colon and cause severe constipation, which can be very painful and require veterinary intervention.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Cooked Bone
- If you know your dog has eaten a cooked bone, you should contact your veterinarian for advice. They can tell you what signs to watch for, such as:
- Vomiting or gagging
- Lethargy
- Straining to defecate
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so by your vet, as the bone shards can cause more damage on the way back up.
The Bottom Line
There is no safe way to feed a dog a cooked bone. The risk of splintering, choking, and causing a deadly internal injury is far too high. Always dispose of leftover bones in a secure trash can that your dog cannot access.
Emergency Notice
If your dog has consumed cooked bones, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 immediately.
General Feeding Guidelines
Introduce new foods gradually to monitor for allergic reactions or digestive issues.
Treats and human food should make up less than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake.
Always consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog's diet, especially if your dog has pre-existing health conditions.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Every dog is unique, and some may have specific dietary restrictions or allergies. Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your dog's diet.