Feeding Dogs Bones

Article Title: Feeding Dogs Bones
Author: David Beart

For decades, images of dogs happily chewing on bones have been
promoted on television and in motion pictures. As a result, pet
owners have been feeding their dogs both raw and cooked bones,
thinking that they are providing a natural form of nutrition for
their pets. In reality, they are compromising the dog's health
and unintentionally risking the animal's life. The consumption
of bones by dogs has resulted in vomiting, organ puncture, and
cancer. Feeding dogs bones is not a good thing to do!

Dogs are natural and instinctive scavengers. They might not be
fed bones by their guardian, but they can find them in trash
cans, on unattended plates, and when they find a dead animal,
such as a bird or rat. This is very dangerous and must be
prevented. One of the more common dangers of bone consumption
is bone splinters. Bones from small birds, such as starlings,
or medium-sized birds, such as chickens, as well as fish and
other meats, can easily splinter when chewed and disperse inside
an unsuspecting dog, leading to ripping and tearing of internal
organs, and, possibly, death.

In addition to the intestinal danger that results from eating
bones, dogs may experience cracking or breaking of teeth. This
could result in prolonged periods of pain for the animal because
tooth injuries are not as easily noticed as other physical
ailments. When the problem is discovered, the dog may have to
undergo oral surgery to remove infections, reconstruct a tooth,
or extract teeth. This is painful and traumatic for the dog and
can be very costly for the dog's guardian.

If a pet owner is in doubt regarding proper nutrition for a
dog, it is recommended that they consult a veterinarian, or, at
the very least, perform cursory research on the internet. Food
requirements vary, depending on a dog's breed, weight, and size.
If a pet owner can't bear not to give the dog a treat, use
rawhide or chew bones made of dog food purchased at the store or
pet shop.

A proper diet for a dog contains a balance of nutrients that
are low in fat and are easily digestible. Veterinarians do not
recommend that dogs receive `table scraps' or leftovers from the
owner's meals. Eating these foods can result in weight gain and
a rejection of food specifically prepared for dogs. In
particular, dogs should never be given chocolate, raw meats, or
raw organ meats. These foods can cause skeletal problems and
toxicity in dogs. They, along with real bones, are a "No, no!"

One of the best, and most easily accessible, sources of
information regarding animal nutrition is the internet. A
concerned dog owner can search the internet using words such as
"feeding dogs," "dog food," or "dog nutrition." The resulting
information will include general nutrition information, feeding
a specific a breed of dog, and training a dog to eat certain
foods. Chew bones and other safe treats are also available on
the internet.

Dogs can be fed properly, safely, and consistently when
everyone in the home, or family and friends outside the home,
are aware of the dog's dietary needs. This information will
help anyone who may be taking care of the dog in an owner's
absence. Dog owners should list the foods that the dog eats and
the way in which the food is prepared. Also, there should be a
prominent notation stating that feeding bones to the dog is
prohibited. Since feeding dogs bones is very dangerous, be sure
that no one, family, friend, or dog-sitter ever does!

About The Author: David Beart is owner of
http://www.professorshouse.com , a site dedicated to dog
information, family, relationships and household issues.

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