In cartoons, dogs are often seen chewing on bones, but in real life, can dogs eat bones like pork rib bones? Surely, these meaty bones are tasty for dogs. If pork is a part of your meal, your dog will probably even try to snatch the bones off your plate. But cartoons and stereotypes are not a good rule of thumb to follow for your dog’s health. Instead, do your research before you serve them pork bones or any other type of bone.
Can Dogs Eat Pork Rib Bones?
No, you should never willingly serve your dog a pork bone. Pork bones are not safe to eat, whether they’re raw or cooked. While these bones are flavorful and full of protein, they can easily splinter and break as your dog eats them. This could cause a choking hazard or it could scratch your dog’s insides on the way down. It’s especially dangerous for big dogs because pork bones are small enough for them to swallow whole.
If you don’t want your pork bones to be wasted, you can make them into bone broth instead. Bone broth can be drizzled over your dog’s kibble to make a tasty flavor enhancer. While this is much safer than the bones, it should still be served in moderation since pork is high in fat. Pork can be healthy for dogs, but not in large quantities.
Risks of Pork Rib Bones for Dogs
If your dog accidentally eats a pork rib bone, they could suffer from some long-term consequences. Not only could the bone cause an obstruction or damage organs, but it could also lead to unusual symptoms. If you notice your dog behaving in a bizarre manner after eating a pork bone, it’s a good idea to contact your vet right away.
Here are some symptoms to look for:
- Vomiting
- Excessive drooling
- Lack of appetite
- Abnormal bowel movements
- Other signs of pain or discomfort
What to Do if Your Dog Accidentally Eats a Pork Rib Bone
Even if you keep pork bones away from your dog, it’s still possible for them to snatch one when your back is turned. If possible, try to take the bone away from them before they get a chance to bite it. However, if they already ate part or all of the bone, it’s best to simply monitor them closely. In some cases, a bone could pass through a dog’s digestive system without any harm, but it’s never a guarantee.
If your dog experiences any extreme signs of pain, discomfort, or illness, consult your vet. In extreme cases, your vet may need to do surgery on your dog. But in most cases, they may just advise you to monitor your dog closely. Either way, it’s always better to be safe than sorry with your dog’s health, so don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional in this situation.
Can Dogs Eat Any Bones?
In most instances, it’s a good idea to avoid bones altogether. All cooked bones should be off limits since they are the most likely to splinter. However, some raw bones are okay to give to your dog. Specifically, raw bones that are too large for them to choke on, such as cow bones or bison bones, are much safer options.
If you choose to give your dog a large, raw bone, then make sure you monitor your dog closely when they chew on it. Only allow them to chew for 10 to 15 minutes, and then give them a break. You can store the bone in the refrigerator when you don’t want your dog chewing on it. After about 3 to 4 days, you should dispose of the bone for health and safety reasons.
It’s up to you to choose what bones are safest for your dog. Choose a size that’s much too big for your dog to swallow. For large breeds, this means that the bone will have to be massive. If you ever suspect that the bone might be too small, it’s best to simply throw it away or turn it into bone broth. If you’re even unsure about a certain type of raw bone, be sure to look it up before blindly offering it to your furry friend. Your dog will gladly gnaw on anything you give them, so it’s important to always take their health into consideration.
Dogs are important family members. So, while your dog might be drooling as they beg for a bone, it’s best to say no until you know it’s safe. Pork rib bones are not one of the bones dogs can eat, so it’s important to always keep them out of your four-legged family member’s reach.
[…] there are some types of bones that are always unsafe for your furry friends. Smaller bones, such as pork rib bones, should never be served to dogs. Even when raw, these bones are small and splinter easily. So, you […]