You just finished a great dinner with pork chop and have leftovers. Instead of them going to waste, you’d like to give some to your furry friend. But is that really a good idea? Can dogs eat pork bones? The answer is no.
Although bones are often regarded as a prized possession for a dog, it is important to know which bones are safe to give your dog and what to do if they eat an unsafe one. Unlike chicken bones and steak bones, pork bones are not recommended for dogs, especially if cooked. Cooked Pork bones have the highest risk of splintering. The fragments of cooked bones can be harmful to your dog. They can also cause choking and intestinal problems that are unmanageable and dangerous.
Keep reading to learn more about why you should not offer pork scraps to your dog.
3 Reasons Why Feeding Your Dog Pork Bone is A Big NO?
- When dogs chew on cooked pork bones, the ends of the bones will splinter. Your dog may try to swallow small pieces of pork bone, which may cause choking, blockage of the intestines, or damage to the esophagus or intestines which is potentially dangerous.
- Since pork bones are relatively small, larger dogs can try to swallow them whole, which is very dangerous as well.
- Pork has high-fat content which makes pork bones harder for dogs to eat and as a consequence, may lead to some serious health problems.
Are There Any Benefits Of Feeding Pork Bones To Your Dog?
Despite the above-mentioned health risks, there are still some benefits of feeding pork bones to your dog. Dogs are often seen as carnivores, so owners often do not debate on feeding meat to their furry friends. Pork bones provide quality protein and vitamin B12, both required to maintain healthy muscles and many other essential physical processes to keep your canine friend active and robust.
Can Dogs Eat Pork Rib Bones?
No. You will have to thrust aside the desire to share your tasteful delight. Pork rib bones are unsafe for dogs, just like all other pork bones. They can break and damage the mouth, throat, or intestines of your dog.
Your Dog Swallowed Pork Bones? Here’s What You Must Do
Don’t panic if your dog approaches a pork bone. Minimize the distractions and try to take the bone off as soon as possible. If the bone or part of the bone has already been eaten by your dog, you will need to watch for signs of discomfort very closely.
Vomiting, excessive drooling, abnormal bowel movements, and lack of appetite are all signs of intestinal blockage. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet right away. Your vet will determine whether observation, endoscopy, or surgery is the best to do at that time. This is a medical emergency that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. In most cases, in order to clear the blockage, your dog can need surgery.
We’re not going to scare you, but bones can be very risky for your furry friend. Never leave any kind of bones unattended where they can be reached by your dog. Instead, a more secure option would be a bull stick, a deer antler, or even tough chew toys.
Conclusion
All in all, the answer to the question, “Can dogs eat pork bones?” is No. Cooked pork bones splinter easily and as they are sharp, they can easily cause intestinal injuries and internal bleeding. So, we highly recommend that you do not give your dog pork bones, especially cooked ones.
Thank you for reading the article.
Have you ever tried giving your dog pork bones? What was their reaction like? We would love to know. Please share with us your experience by leaving a comment below!