How to Choose the Right Kind of Bone for Your Dog

When it's time to treat your dog with a bone you want to treat it right. Which is why you need to know what's best for your pooch and what's not. There are several things for you to consider.

The first is the size of your dog. Make sure you get a bone appropriate to your dogs' size. Don't give your Pomeranian a bone that a Doberman or Newfoundland would be happy mouthing. And visa versa. Both are choking hazards and decrease the pleasure of having a bone for a dog.

The second is your dog's chewing habits. Give your dog a bone that suits their gnawing habits. If your dog is constantly grinding their teeth on something, you may want to get it a shin bone. If your dog only likes to suck the marrow out of a bone, you might want a marrow bone.

And last (but never least) is your dog's safety. Knuckle bones pose a problem in that pieces may come off and lodge in your dog's throat or intestine. Some people swear by nylon or rubber or paste bones. And yet, these pose their own hazards. Also take into consideration flavour and texture. Most veterinarians do not recommend rawhide bones as pieces of the hide can break off and cause choking. Never give your dog bones from pork, chicken, turkey or other high-fat content animals. These bones splinter and also break off into small chunks.

When giving your dog a meat bone, don't let them chew on it for more than a day or two at most. Bones are a food item and can carry bacteria that can develop into food borne illnesses. This poses a health hazard for your pet and your family.

Remember that the "bone" is really yours, and don't be afraid to take it away from your dog. This is especially important if you see parts of the bone looking worn and starting to break or splinter.

If you buy bones in bulk, freeze them individually. Then, as needed, partly thaw them in the microwave and let them cool to room temperature. Then you may give them to your deserving companion.

Know your bones and you'll never be a bonehead!