Q: A friend said I should not give my young dog any bones to chew. Can bones be harmful, and is there any difference between raw and cooked bones when it comes to a dog’s health?
A: Bones can indeed be harmful when fed to dogs, and it doesn’t matter if they are cooked or not. The problems with feeding bones are associated with damage to the teeth and soft tissue structures in the mouth, and then once swallowed with the oesophagus (gullet), stomach and small or large intestine.
Feeding your dog a balanced diet will supply all the necessary nutrients he may need.
Also, keep in mind that there are toys and chews on the market that will be able to keep your dog occupied in a much safer way.
Gerhard Steenkamp, Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic
