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Seeing your dog chewing bones might be one of the greatest feelings because it indicates that they’re growing stronger. However, can dogs eat rib bones, and are there dangers associated with the practice?
Well, it depends on the type of ribs you give your pet to chew and whether it’s raw or cooked. Read on to know what type of bones is safe for your canine and the hazards you might be exposing them to by giving them the object to gnaw. You will also learn what to do if your dog swallows a bone.
Dangers of Feeding Your Dog with Rib Bones
If you’ve just bought a dog pet or you’re taking care of one for the first time, one of the questions you need to ask yourself is can dogs eat rib bones? Well, some rib bones can be hazardous to your canine, especially if they’re cooked. Here are some of the dangers bones can cause.
They can Break Your Canine’s Teeth
Bones can break your canine’s teeth, leading to other health complications if you don’t take them for treatment. Your vet will treat or conduct a surgical extraction to prevent the problem from developing other complicated issues. They will then prescribe the best medicines to prevent infections.
They Can Block the Gastrointestinal Tract
One of the most hazardous effects of feeding rib bones to your dog is that they might block the gastrointestinal tract. If you’re not around when the splinter gets caught in your dog’s throat, it can choke them to death. Besides, if the canine swallows the rib, it can end up in the large intestine, causing constipation. It would help if you took them to a reputable pet clinic immediately when this happens. The vet will conduct surgery to remove the bone.
They Might Cause Pancreatitis
Your canine can also suffer from pancreatitis, depending on the type of rib bone they eat. Some of the signs to look out for include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Get professional vet services when you notice any of these signs.
Do you know?
Chickpeas go well with rib bones, right? I’m not sure. However, we do have an article on Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas?
Measures to Take Immediately After Noticing That your Dog Has Consumed a Rib Bone
Get Rid of All the Bones around Your Dog
When you notice that your furry friend has consumed a rib bone, get rid of all the bones around them. It will prevent them from eating any other bones, which could cause more hazards.
Inspect Your Dog’s Mouth Skillfully
After removing all the bones around your canine, inspect their mouth skillfully to ensure no bone shards under the tongue or on the gums. If you notice any piece, remove it immediately to prevent injuries.
Look out for Indications That Your Dog Has Already Swallowed the Bone
If your dog has been chewing the rib bone for some time, they might have swallowed some pieces. Therefore, when you find them gnawing a bone, look out for vomiting, constipation, inability to sit comfortably, or restless signs. Loss of appetite, gagging, or choking indicate that your canine has swallowed a bone.
You might not notice some of these signs immediately. Therefore, it is advisable to bring your dog to your vet even if they don’t look sick. Your vet will inspect them skillfully to determine whether their life is in danger.
First Aid Tips for a Choking Dog
If your small dog is choking, place them on your lap and ensure that they’re facing up. Then, locate the rib cage and push it in several times. Then, turn the canine on their side and check their mouth for any bone pieces.
If your canine is a medium lot large, lift their hind legs to disclose the bone from their throat. If that does not work, make a fist with one hand while placing it on their abdomen. Then, put the other hand over your fist and push it several times. After that, check their mouth for the bone and remove it.
Types of Bones That Are Safe or Unsafe for Your Dog
Synthetic and beef bones are safe for your dog as long as they are raw, thick, and larger than your canine’s mouth. However, pork and fish bones are hazardous because they can cut your dog’s mouth or injure their intestines.
