Sometimes we tend to give our dogs food from our plate without even thinking. The fact is, not all human food is safe for dogs. Now, we know that meat is okay for dogs to eat. But what about rib bones? Can dogs eat rib bones?
No one of us wants to hurt our pups, but sometimes we can do it without being aware of it. For example, when we give them food without knowing if it’s safe for dogs or not.
To keep our canines safe, we have to do research before introducing new foods to them. This goes for fruits, vegetables, and every other food group. Some food can be healthy for us humans but could kill your dog.
Can dogs eat rib bones?
You’ve probably heard horror stories of dogs choking on chicken bones. Or getting hurt in some other way when eating chicken bones. So, obviously, your dog shouldn’t eat chicken bones. But what about rib bones? Can dogs eat rib bones?
Your dog shouldn’t eat rib bones or any other bones for that matter. Now, will one or two rib bones hurt your dog? Maybe, maybe not. With cooked bones, there is always the risk of splintering and causing damage to your dog’s organs.
Raw bones might not splinter, but they pose other serious risks to your dog’s health. They can cause food poisoning due to bacteria. Some raw meat also comes with the risk of transmitting a roundworm.
So, as you can see, you shouldn’t let your dog eat rib bones. But what if your dog stole one or two bones while you weren’t looking?
What if they ate it?
If you notice that your dog stole a couple of bones after lunch or dinner, don’t panic.
As already said, one or two bones might not hurt your dog. But it’s still good to monitor them. Besides this, there are certain steps you should take to ensure your dog is and will be okay.
Firstly, check your dog’s mouth and throat. If you find any bone remnants, remove them immediately. Also, check for bone splinters in your canine’s tongue and gums. This is very important, so please don’t forget to do that!
Secondly, monitor your dog’s behavior. See how they’re acting, pay attention to any unusual behavior or symptoms. Be on the lookout for the following symptoms:
- excessive thirst
- doesn’t want to eat
- vomiting
- lethargy
- bloody stool or mucus
- having a hard time going to the bathroom
- whimpering
- any signs of discomfort
- gagging
- respiratory issues
- lip licking
- pacing
Thirdly, if you notice any of those symptoms, take your dog to the vet immediately. They will probably examine your dog for internal blockages or other problems. But, it’s very important that you’re completely honest with your vet. Don’t hide anything, even the smallest detail can make a change.
Even if you don’t notice any symptoms, you should still call your vet and let them know what happened. Explain the situation, and your vet will be able to give you the best advice on what to do and how to act.
Can dogs digest rib bones?
Now, we’ve answered the question can dogs eat rib bones. But, can a dog even digest rib bones? Don’t underestimate your dog. Their stomach acid is very strong, and generally speaking, they should be able to digest it. But, that’s not always the case.
Sometimes it can happen that pieces of the bone get digested, but others do not. This means you will have to monitor your dog’s stool too!
There isn’t really an answer to how long it could take for your dog to pass a rib bone. It depends on how big the bone pieces were, if the bone was cooked or raw, how big your dog is, and so on. So, you’ll probably have to monitor your dog’s stool for the next three days. If you don’t see any bone pieces, then you might also want to call your vet and let them know what happened.
It’s also possible that you notice mucus or blood in your dog’s stool. If this happens you’ll know that something isn’t right. That’s also a sign to call your vet.
What to give your dog instead
Your dog probably just wants something to chew on. It doesn’t have to be a rib bone, there are so many other, much safer options.
- Chew toys – get your dog a nice chew toy. There’s so many options out there, in different shapes, sizes and some are even flavored. Just make sure you get the toys that are made out of non-toxic and non-piercing materials.
ALSO READ Dog Toys: Chew And Puzzle Toys For Canines
- Bully sticks – this chew treat is perfectly safe for your dog and actually healthy for their teeth! Bully sticks are a single-ingredient, easily-digestible chew treat made from beef muscle. These are also actually one of the safest and best chew treats you could possibly give your dog!
ALSO READ Can puppies have bully sticks? The real truth!
- Fruit – There are many kinds of fruits that are safe for dogs and make a great chewy treat. You can give your dog sliced apples to chew on, pr maybe a few pieces of pineapple. There are also other fruits that are safe for dogs, for example, strawberries, blueberries, and watermelon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, can dogs eat rib bones? The answer is, your dog shouldn’t eat rib bones. No matter if they are fresh or cooked, either way, they pose a risk to your dog’s health.
Cooked bones can splinter and cause GI problems, while fresh bones carry bacteria that could make your dog sick.
Dogs love chewing, it doesn’t matter what they’re chewing on. Your shoes, furniture, a bone, or a toy. It’s simply in their nature. But, you’re there to make sure they stay safe.
There are many other alternatives to bones, for example, chew toys or bully sticks. It’s just important that you pick something that is bigger than your dog’s mouth. So they don’t choke on it.