By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
"Give the dog a bone" is one of the oldest pieces of pet folklore, and it is the cause of a steady stream of emergency visits. Bones break teeth, wedge in throats, block intestines and pierce the gut wall. Cooked bones of any kind are a firm no. Raw bones are a real debate among vets and welfare organisations, and even supporters agree they need careful choice and supervision.
Key takeaways
- Cooked bones of any species (chicken, beef, lamb, pork, fish, turkey) should never be given to dogs.
- RSPCA Australia does not recommend bones or raw meat for dogs, and lists specific bones to avoid for owners who choose to offer them.
- Bones are not needed for a balanced diet. Complete commercial foods meet nutritional needs without them.
- Learn the emergency signs: choking, retching, vomiting, straining, bloody stool, belly pain and lethargy.
- Related: cooked bones, raw bones, raw feeding.
Cooked bones: why the answer is always no
Cooking removes moisture and changes the structure of bone so it becomes brittle. When a dog chews it, a cooked bone tends to fracture into sharp, angled fragments. These can cut the mouth, lodge in the oesophagus, tear the stomach or intestine, or collect in the colon as a dense plug. Bones from roasts, barbecues, takeaway chicken, Christmas ham and fish dinners are all included. Slow cooking or pressure cooking does not make bone safe.
Raw bones: the debate in plain terms
Supporters of raw bones point to chewing enrichment and some plaque removal. Opponents point to tooth fractures, choking, obstructions and the bacteria raw meat carries, which can make both the dog and the household unwell. RSPCA Australia's view is that bones and raw meat are not recommended. It also advises that if owners choose to offer bones, they should be:
- Raw, never cooked
- Human grade
- Introduced gradually
- Large enough that the dog cannot fit the whole bone in its mouth or swallow it whole
- Given under supervision
RSPCA Australia lists bones to avoid altogether: large hard marrow bones, T-bones, chop bones (such as lamb cutlets), large knuckle bones, bones sawn lengthwise, and small pieces of raw bone. It also warns against pet meat products containing sulphite preservatives, which have been linked to thiamine deficiency. Whether a bone suits your dog depends on its age, size, chewing style, dental health and medical history. That is a conversation to have with your vet.
Common bone injuries vets treat
- Fractured teeth. The large upper premolar is often split by dense bone. These fractures are painful even if the dog keeps eating.
- Mouth injuries. Bones wedged across the roof of the mouth, or rings of bone stuck around the lower jaw.
- Oesophageal foreign bodies. Bone is one of the most common items found stuck in a dog's oesophagus.
- Stomach and intestinal obstruction. Large fragments can block the outflow of the stomach or the small intestine.
- Perforation and peritonitis. Sharp pieces can puncture the gut wall.
- Bone constipation. Lots of bone fragments compact in the colon, leading to straining and pale, chalky stools.
- Gastroenteritis and pancreatitis. Fat and marrow on bones can trigger vomiting, diarrhoea or pancreatitis.
Signs of a bone problem
- Gagging, retching, drooling or pawing at the mouth
- Repeated swallowing or a hacking sound
- Vomiting, or vomiting water soon after drinking
- Straining, small hard stools or blood in the stool
- Belly pain, a hunched posture or restlessness
- Lethargy or refusing food
When it is an emergency
Go straight to a vet if your dog is choking or struggling to breathe, has a bone stuck in the mouth or around the jaw, retches repeatedly, vomits several times, has a painful or swollen abdomen, has pale gums, or collapses. A dog that ate a lot of bone and then becomes quiet and stops eating also needs to be seen. Do not try to make your dog vomit at home, and do not pull at a bone stuck in the throat. You can be bitten and the bone can be pushed deeper. See choking in dogs for what to do on the way.
How vets diagnose and treat bone problems
Most bone fragments are visible on X-rays. Treatment depends on location: sedation for mouth and jaw bones, endoscopy for many oesophageal and stomach bones, and surgery for obstructions or perforations. Bone constipation is usually managed in hospital with fluids and enemas. Fractured teeth need dental X-rays under anaesthesia to plan treatment or extraction.
Safer alternatives
- Dental chews that meet Veterinary Oral Health Council standards
- Daily tooth brushing with a pet toothpaste
- Rubber chew toys and food puzzles sized for your dog
- Frozen lick mats with part of the normal daily food
FAQ
Do dogs need bones for healthy teeth?
No. Bones do not cure gum disease and can break teeth. Brushing, appropriate dental chews and regular dental checks are more reliable.
What about bones for puppies?
Puppies have softer, developing teeth and tend to gulp. Discuss any chewing items with your vet before offering them.
My dog has eaten raw bones for years without problems. Should I stop?
Many dogs eat bones without incident, but injuries can happen at any time. Your vet can help you weigh the risks for your individual dog.
Are cooked bones from the butcher's "dog bone" bag okay?
No. Cooked or smoked bones should not be given.
Talk with a vet
Thinking about bones for your dog, or worried after a bin raid? A Dial A Vet veterinarian can talk through the risks and help you decide whether your dog needs to be seen. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase. What should I feed my dog?
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Gastrointestinal obstruction in small animals.
- Thompson HC, et al. Esophageal foreign bodies in dogs: 34 cases (2004-2009). J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2012;22(2):253-261.
- Freeman LM, et al. Current knowledge about the risks and benefits of raw meat-based diets for dogs and cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2013;243(11):1549-1558.
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee. Global nutrition guidelines.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.
