FIFTEEN HUNDRED DOLLARS! “Are you kidding me?!”
This is one of the most common replies when my clients see a quote for a broken tooth repair from a dog dentist. Yes, repairing a dental fracture can be very expensive. That is why reading this blog post may save you lots of money.
What you need to know to reduce the risk:
Avoid feeding beef, buffalo or bison shank bones. They are often harder than dog teeth. Most dogs will get simply carried away chewing on a large bone and may crack one of their teeth. This is how a 2 dollar marrow bone can turn into a painful and very expensive adventure.
I already hear some of you protesting: “But my dog loves big bones!! He likes to work at the bone marrow!”
Solving the dilemma
In reality, nature intended canines to hunt for birds, rodents , rabbits, goats and perhaps deer. Most dogs would simply not dare to come even close to a buffalo or a cow. With the exception of a pack of hungry Chihuahuas, most dogs simply do not like hanging on the ankle of a angry bull.
The right sized bones can be very beneficial
However, if you want to avoid regular dental cleaning under anesthesia, the right sized bones can save Fido a lot of dental trouble and save you tons of money. I usually recommend feeding lamb or goat bones twice a week. The abrasive action of these hard but not too thick bones is perfect for keeping your dogs teeth shiny without the risk of dental fractures.
Why I do not recommend junky dental bones?
Many companies have come up with alternatives to dental bones. However most of them are innefective and loaded with artificial preservatives, wheat, starches and ingredients of questionable origin.
Real bones are the best option!
What to do if you discover a fractured tooth?
Since my clients have learned about feeding the right bones, the number of fractured teeth has dropped sharply. However, no matter what you do, your dog can crack a tooth by munching on a rock or having an accident of some sort.
I remember Roz, a German Shepherd that chased a ball and tried to catch it mid air. Unfortunately, she missed the ball and bit a big cement block instead. She fracture several teeth and needed a medical attention.
The rule of thumb is if you can you should repair it. If a veterinary dentist is available in your area, he will give you the right suggestion. Many general practitioners have also suitable dental equipment however, some over-prescribe extractions because they are not trained to do root canals.
Also, if a tooth is removed, the opposing one is usually affected by increased tartar build up and gum disease. It will frequently be lost a few months or year later.
Timely response is important
The sooner you can get the fractured tooth examined the better because because a freshly fractured tooth can regenerate and stay alive by applying a cemment cap. In most fractures older than a few days, a root canal is most likely needed and sometimes, an extraction may be the only solution.
Summary
- RAW BONES ARE SAFE TO FEED.
- NEVER FEED COOKED OR SMOKED BONES – THEY ARE HARD AND INDIGESTIBLE
- Feed the bones of medium sized animals for optimal and safe cleaning effect
- Large beef, buffalo and other large bones are too hard and can cause dental fractures.
- RAW Chicken bones are safe to eat but too soft to clean teeth
- It is ok for a dog to eat bone fragments. The stomach acids disolve them and aid complete disolution and digestion.
- Fractured teeth should be restored if possible.
- Raw dental bones should fed 1 – 2 a week
Tags: canine teeth, dental bones, dental disease, dental fracture, feeding bones, tartar build up, tooth fracture
thanks for this peter! quick question. bones only twice a week?
The reason why recommend bones only 2x – 3x times a week is that some dogs that eat bones more frequently show signs of gastro-intestinal strain. Bones are much more difficult to digest. F
Very enlightening – always spread the word. Getting excited about an update. For too long now have I had the urge to begin with my personal blog. Suppose if I wait around any longer I’ll never do it. I’ll make sure to include you in my Blogroll. Thanks again!!
Thank you, I find blogs great to pass on what I have been repeating to my clients for many years, this way, I will hopeful make a difference and spread the word.
I really appreciate anyones participation, saving one animal soul at the time. Good luck with your blog
Nice article. I was able to send this to some doctor I know that could use this on their blog..
My brother-in-law,a vet, doesn’t recommend chicken bones as they can splinter and can cause problems.
Sherri, it is a myth enforced by pet food companies. Raw bones digests well. Cooked don’t.
I know no canines that debone their dinner.
[...] Feeding your dog poultry, lamb or other small to medium size RAW ONLY bones makes the stomach wall and muscles stronger which also prevents it from distention. Any gas buildup is much easier expelled or moved downwards into the intestines.Feeding bones is, from my point of view, one of the most important steps in preventing GDV. Just remember that they have to be raw. To read more about what to feed and what bones to leave out here is the blog on this topic. [...]
[...] Feeding your dog poultry, lamb or other small to medium size RAW ONLY bones makes the stomach wall and muscles stronger which also prevents it from distention. Any gas buildup is much easier expelled or moved downwards into the intestines.Feeding bones is, from my point of view, one of the most important steps in preventing GDV. Just remember that they have to be raw. To read more about what to feed and what bones to leave out here is the blog on this topic. [...]
My Standard Poodles love those rib bones! I sometimes watch them “eat” the whole bone. Tells me they require it. I also tell my puppy people to never feed bones that support the body wieght of an animal as those bones are very dense and will do teeth damage as well. Thank you for this great blog. (May I link you to my website which I am rebuilding at this time?)
please be cautious of long rib bones as they may get stuck in the esophagus where they can’t digest. Shorter bones or cut rib bones are ok.
[...] Feeding your dog poultry, lamb or other small to medium size RAW ONLY bones makes the stomach wall and muscles stronger which also prevents it from distention. Any gas buildup is much easier expelled or moved downwards into the intestines.Feeding bones is, from my point of view, one of the most important steps in preventing GDV. Just remember that they have to be raw. To read more about what to feed and what bones to leave out here is the blog on this topic. [...]
So are you saying that dogs can have chicken legs or thighs? I was always told not to feed those? What about turkey wings or backs?
Absolutely, all those are ok if raw. I have seen no problems in more then 14 years.
I have had some people say they feel root canals have caused them health problems. What are you thoughts?
Sirena, I have one one and feel very healthy, they just need to be done properly and sometimes they are done in a a sloppy way or by people who are not educated enough.
Dr Dobias. Hello. How do we know who to choose to ensure they do it correctly for our self or our pets?
Also, What is your position on anesthesia vs anesthesia free cleaning? I ask b/c I hear some people say the cleaning is not as effective if not under anesthesia. I went with a neighbor last night to the vet (for moral support) and they vet wants to clean (with anesthesia) and pull the tooth if needed. They estimated bill is a whooping 1400. I was shocked!
I always thought Lamb bones were very soft? I have 2 large dogs that have demolished them, is that still safe?
I have heard concerns about turkey /chicken neck pieces getting stuck in the digestive tract. Have you had any experience with this.? A vet friend of mine who supports raw, was quite concerned when she heard I was feeding these. I have also heard that the necks help prevent anal sac, and would like if possible to include them in the diet again.
Good article. Re weight-bearing bones: I agree the shanks are like gnawing on a rock, but I have found, over my 18 years of feeding raw, that the raw knuckle is quite ‘soft’ and edible. I always supervise the bone days and take away any knuckle bone that gets too small (small enough to swallow and lodge in the throat). I prefer all the bones to be ‘meaty’ as per Dr. Tom Lonsdale’s suggestion.
Just wondering about feeding raw bones to a dog the also gets kibble.
I feed entirely raw and I always learned that digestion of kibble is different from digestion of raw. For instance I learned that stomach acid is much lower in raw fed dogs which helps with dissolving bones. Also that digestion time from kibble and raw is different.
Can’t it give complications when kibble fed dogs consume raw (bones) while there still is kibble in the stomach?
Just sharing my concerns
I would never feed raw bones and kibble together. At least 3 – 5 hours apart is a reasonable time frame
I have only seen problems with cooked bones, raw chicken bones of any kind should be fine if your dog is healthy.
I have never had any problems with dogs eating lamb bones. They should be fine.
I’m slightly confused. Weight bearing bones are too hard…does this include lamb femurs?
Thanks!
No it doesn’t include lamb bones, only large beef and bison and buffalo bones
my dog just started licking his feet more and more until they almost bled.i havent changed his diet what causes tis and will he need meds?
I fed my pup raw lamb bone and she loved it, but then vomited during the night. She is fine today. Any tips? There was meat on the bone. It was a rib. I would really appreciate any advice you can share because I would like to continue to give them to her…
And pork bones? Specifically pork necks? Would they be fine? Are pigs big animals or small? I.e., do chihuahuas stalk them?
I usually do not recommend pork because of the risk of trichinosis.
She may have eaten too much, sometimes they also just vomit if they do not chew the bones enough. PErhaps start with raw chicken bones and get her used to them before you give lamb bones.
check our blog on collars, neck injuries often cause paw licking if in the front or back injuries in the lumbar region may be a problem if he or she is licking the hind feet.
I have been giving my yorkie/maltese mix small beef neck bones and he has been doing okay. Are these rough on the teeth also?
I have also been looking for a new toothpaste and possibly a dental spray (ie. something like this: http://www.amazon.com/DentaSure-All-Natural-SPRAY-harmful-alcohol/dp/B004RH5R78/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_cart_3 ) . Do you have any to recommend?
I recommend bones and scaling, have not found any sprays that “realy” work