Think twice before tossing your dog a barbecue treat

Bone appétit?

Story by Bailey Gilliam

We’ve all heard the phrase “give a dog a bone,” but bones, especially from summer barbecues, can be dangerous to dogs. Cooked bones can splinter, causing choking or serious injuries like gastrointestinal blockages. To keep your dog safe, avoid giving them real bones: opt for commercially available chew toys and simulated dog bones instead. These alternatives satisfy their chewing instincts without the risks. So, during your next barbecue, keep bones out of reach, and ensure your dog enjoys a safe and happy summer. But why are dogs so drawn to bones in the first place?

A history of bones

Dogs descended from an ancient, unknown and extinct population of carnivorous wolves that relied on hunting to survive. During lean seasons when prey had minimal fat reserves, these wolves turned to bone marrow as their last source of fat. This behavior of bone-chewing, crucial for survival, had to be pleasurable to ensure its persistence through evolution. However, domestication altered some of the anatomical traits that facilitated bone chewing.

As these wolves evolved into domestic dogs, they adapted to different food sources and roles within their environment, leading to significant physical changes. Modern dogs have floppier ears, shorter snouts and smaller, less robust teeth compared to their ancestors. While the instinct to chew bones remains, domestication has rendered this activity less safe for them anatomically. Consequently, our dogs are evolutionarily predisposed to find bone chewing pleasurable, despite the risks posed by their changed physiology.

Dr. Matthew Tenwolde, owner of Carolina Veterinary Critical Care, warns, “Bones can cause bowel perforations, obstructions and colon impactions, all of which can be life-threatening.”

But pet stores sell bones …

Yes, dogs chew on bones and can often be just fine. Pet stores cater to a wide range of beliefs and carry various types of bones. Some veterinarians believe that raw bones are safe, and some say certain animals’ bones pose less risk. However, the reality seen in emergency veterinary clinics might make you reconsider giving bones to your dog.

According to Carolina Veterinary Critical Care, rawhide bones and bully sticks, common pet store items, can cause digestive distress, intestinal blockage, and pose choking hazards. “Rawhide can swell in the stomach, making digestion difficult and/or causing blockage, known in the veterinary world as a ‘foreign body.’ These treats also can break off in large, sharp pieces, putting your pet at risk for esophageal perforation,” said the care team.

Instead, they recommend No-Hide by Earth Animal or similar products, which “provide a safe and tasty substitute to both rawhides and bully sticks, as they dissolve while ingested and are easily digestible.” As with any treat, give in moderation, and always supervise your pet.

Marrow bone nightmares

Marrow bones, filled with nutritious tissue found inside bones, are a popular treat for pets. While they might seem like a perfect snack for our furry companions, a relaxing treat can quickly turn into an emergency. Veterinarians frequently encounter dogs with marrow bones stuck on their lower jaw, teeth trapped in the marrow.

Carolina Veterinary Critical Care recounts a case involving a sweet dog who arrived in a panic, “pawing at her face, trying desperately to get it off.” Their technicians quickly calmed her down before sedating her and removing the bone. They explained, “Marrow bones can be ingested quickly, leaving a hollow opening where dogs continue to lick and gnaw. This allows the bone to easily slip over their bottom teeth and get stuck on their jaw. Once the bone is past their teeth, the bottom lip swells, making it impossible to remove the bone without sawing it in half. Pets can frantically paw at their face, potentially causing further harm.”

Thankfully, this dog’s owner noticed her distress and brought her in for the necessary intervention. “It’s not the first time and won’t be the last,” the care team warned. “If you see someone buying this treat for their pet, speak up and help spread awareness of the dangers involved.”

Bones from the table

It may be tempting to let your dog nibble on your leftovers. We’ve all experienced those sad eyes watching us enjoy a delicious turkey leg, T-bone steak or rack of ribs. However, cooked bones are among the worst things you can give your pet. They are extremely dangerous to ingest and can cause blockages, perforations and more.

Cooking weakens the bones, making them prone to splintering. These sharp shards can severely damage your dog’s gastrointestinal tract. Rib bones, especially pork rib bones, are high in fat, which dogs are not equipped to handle. This can lead to pancreatitis, with symptoms that may not appear for days.

“Use caution when cooking and disposing of carcasses and leftovers,” advises the Carolina Veterinary Critical Care team. “Be mindful of throwing away scraps if your pup knows how to get into the trash cans, and watch those countertops.”

In case of emergency

If you suspect that your dog has ingested a cooked bone or notice any concerning symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or reluctance to eat, call your vet immediately. If your local veterinarian is not available, contact an emergency vet, and take your dog in to be seen as soon as possible.