The Risks Bones Pose to Dogs: What Every Owner Should Know

It is a common misconception that giving dogs bones to chew on is natural or harmless. However, the current veterinary consensus in the UK in 2025 strongly advises against offering any bones to dogs. This is because bones, particularly cooked ones, can easily splinter and cause severe injuries or even be fatal to your beloved pet.

Why Bones Are Dangerous for Dogs

Many dog owners believe that giving a larger bone is safer since it cannot be swallowed whole. Unfortunately, bones break down into tiny splinters when chewed, which dogs then swallow. These fragments can seriously damage your dog’s digestive system or respiratory tract, leading to emergencies that may require costly veterinary treatment or surgery.

Common Injuries from Dogs Chewing Bones

• Dental damage: Hard bones can chip or fracture teeth, causing painful issues and expensive veterinary visits.
• Mouth injuries: Sharp bone shards can cut the tongue or inside of the mouth, resulting in heavy bleeding and discomfort.
• Jaw entrapment: Bones can get stuck around the lower jaw, causing stress and may need professional removal.
• Throat obstruction: Bone pieces may lodge in the throat, causing choking and potential oesophageal damage.
• Windpipe injury: Splinters can harm the windpipe, leading to difficulty breathing and emergency vet care.
• Gastrointestinal blockages: Large or sharp bone parts can block the intestines or stomach, requiring surgical correction.
• Constipation and internal damage: Bone fragments can cause constipation and cut internal tissues, making toilet visits painful.
• Rectal bleeding: Injuries in the rectum from bone shards can cause serious bleeding and require urgent veterinary attention.
• Peritonitis: Sharp fragments that damage the abdomen can trigger peritonitis, a life-threatening infection needing immediate care.

Safe Alternatives to Bones for Chewing

Instead of bones, offer your dog safer alternatives, such as specially made chew treats and dental chews from reputable pet food manufacturers. Always supervise your dog during chewing to ensure they are safe and not damaging their teeth or swallowing harmful fragments.

Practical Advice for Responsible Dog Owners

If you have cooked bones from meals like roast dinners or barbeque ribs, dispose of them safely in bins inaccessible to your dog. Never leave bones unattended where your dog can find them, especially during walks where they might pick up discarded animal remains. Vigilant oversight is key to preventing dangerous bone ingestion and potential emergency visits to the vet.

Conclusion

Giving dogs bones can pose numerous serious health risks in 2025 UK, including severe injuries, blockages, and costly vet treatments. The safest approach is to avoid bones altogether and choose approved chew alternatives. Responsible owners will keep bones out of reach and watch their dogs carefully to ensure their ongoing health and happiness.