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To keep your dog’s teeth healthy, feed them raw lamb or goat bones twice a week. These bones have an abrasive action that keeps teeth shiny and reduces dental issues, saving you money on vet bills.
Avoid beef, buffalo, or bison shank bones as they can cause fractures and costly repairs. While dental bones might seem like a good option, they often contain artificial preservatives and aren’t as effective. Stick to raw bones, but make sure they’re not cooked or smoked to avoid risks. Choose medium-sized bones for safety.
Plus, if dental trouble arises, timely veterinary care is vital. Want to find out more?
Table Of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Give your furry friend raw lamb or goat bones twice a week for a sparkling smile and a healthy wallet. These bones act like natural toothbrushes, scraping away nasty stuff and saving you a pretty penny on dental bills.
- Avoid beef, buffalo, or bison shank bones like the plague. They’re tougher than your dog’s teeth and can lead to painful fractures and expensive repairs. Stick to the softer lamb or goat bones to keep your pup’s pearly whites safe.
- Don’t waste your money on dental bones from the store. They’re often filled with artificial preservatives and other junk that can be harmful to your dog. Plus, they’re not as effective as real, raw bones.
- If your dog does fracture a tooth, don’t panic. Take them to the vet right away to get it repaired. A fractured tooth can lead to infection and further damage if left untreated.
Avoid Beef, Buffalo, or Bison Shank Bones
Beef, buffalo, and bison shank bones are incredibly hard—harder than your dog’s teeth—which can lead to painful dental fractures. These tough bones additionally damage teeth and also require costly repairs from the veterinarian.
Harder Than Dog’s Teeth, Can Cause Dental Fractures
Beef, buffalo, and bison shank bones can wreak havoc on your pup’s pearly whites. These dense bones are:
- Harder than dog teeth
- Increase fracture risk
- Lead to costly dental repairs
- Not ideal chew toys
Stick to raw, meaty bones that are soft enough to gnaw safely. The marrow acts as a tasty treat, while the bone’s abrasive action helps keep Fido’s smile sparkling.
Costly Repair Expenses
If your dog fractures a tooth on those rigid shank bones, you’re looking at a steep vet bill:
| Procedure | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Tooth Extraction | $300-$1,000 |
| Root Canal | $500-$2,000 |
| Jaw Surgery | $1,000-$5,000+ |
Avoid the hassle and expense of dental injuries by sticking to safer bone options like raw lamb or goat bones. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure in terms of bone safety.
Feed Lamb or Goat Bones
For ideal dental health, feed your dog lamb or goat bones twice a week. These abrasive bones effectively scrape away plaque and tartar buildup, keeping teeth shiny while reducing the risk of costly dental issues.
Feed Twice a Week
You’ll want to feed lamb or goat bones twice a week for exceptional dental health. These medium-sized bones are the ideal size and texture to safely clean your dog’s teeth. Consult your integrative veterinarian about the best natural bone options and supplements for promoting strong, shiny teeth.
Abrasive Action Keeps Teeth Shiny
Lamb or goat bones provide an abrasive chewing action that scrubs away dental plaque and tartar buildup. As your pup gnaws on that bone marrow-filled goodness, the abrasive surface polishes their teeth, leaving them squeaky clean and shiny. No more stinky dog breath or unsightly brown gunk – just pearly whites fit for a canine supermodel!
Reduces Dental Trouble
You’ll reduce dental plaque, tartar buildup, gum disease, bad breath, and tooth decay by feeding lamb or goat bones. These raw bones provide an abrasive action that scrapes away:
- Plaque and tartar
- Food debris
- Bacteria
- Calculus
Maintaining good oral hygiene prevents painful dental diseases and expensive vet bills down the line.
Saves Money
You’ll save money on expensive dental cleanings and procedures by feeding lamb or goat bones regularly. The abrasive action scrapes away plaque and tartar buildup, preventing costly bone debris from accumulating and causing gum infections or tooth loss. Plus, the nutrient-rich bone marrow boosts overall health, making bones an economical long-term investment.
Drawbacks of Dental Bones
You might be tempted to purchase dental bones or chews marketed as teeth cleaners for your dog, but these products are often ineffective and contain artificial preservatives, wheat, starches, and other questionable ingredients. Real raw bones are a superior option for promoting your dog’s dental health.
Ineffective
You’re spending money on dental bones that don’t even work? Those ineffective ingredients like:
- Preservatives that serve no purpose
- Wheat that’s hard on their stomach
- Starches that provide zero benefits
- Artificial junk with unknown effects
Don’t waste your cash. Real, raw bones are the safe, effective way to keep Fido’s teeth sparkling.
Contain Artificial Preservatives, Wheat, Starches, and Questionable Ingredients
You’ll find that many dental bones contain artificial preservatives, wheat, starches, and other questionable ingredients. These additives can be problematic for your pup’s health. Stick to natural, raw bones to avoid exposing your furry friend to these potentially harmful substances. Real, unprocessed bones are the safest and most beneficial option for their dental hygiene.
Real Bones Are the Best Option
So ditch those dental bones filled with preservatives and junk. You know real, raw bones are the superior choice for your pup’s pearly whites. They’re readily available, cost-effective, and store easily in the freezer. Plus, gnawing on nature’s toothbrushes keeps Fido’s chompers clean and healthy without any risky fillers or additives.
Fractured Tooth Treatment
If your dog fractures a tooth, quick action is essential. A veterinary dentist can assess the damage and recommend repairing the tooth if possible, though root canal therapy or extraction may ultimately be necessary.
Repair if Possible
You’ll want to have your vet repair a fractured tooth if possible. While a root canal or extraction may be necessary, timely action preserves your pup’s dental health. Don’t delay – an untreated fracture risks infection and further damage. Prioritize their comfort by promptly addressing any tooth concerns with professional care.
Veterinary Dentist Will Provide Suggestions
For fractured teeth, your vet dentist’s suggestions are invaluable. With their:
- Specialization in dental care
- Experience treating oral injuries
- Qualifications in advanced procedures
- Referrals to specialists if needed
- Emergency treatment availability
They’ll outline the best options to promptly address the issue and restore your pup’s oral health.
Root Canal or Extraction May Be Necessary
If your dog suffers a fractured tooth, a root canal or extraction may be necessary to preserve their dental health.
Consult your veterinarian, as they’ll assess the damage and recommend the best course of action – whether that’s a root canal to save the tooth or an extraction to prevent further issues.
With proper veterinary care, your dog’s teeth will stay healthy.
Timely Response is Crucial
If you spot a fractured tooth, act quickly. Delaying treatment increases the risk of infection and costlier procedures. Consult your vet immediately for options like root canal or extraction. While extractions are pricey, dental insurance can help offset costs. Prevention is key – feed appropriate raw bones to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Bone Safety Guidelines
For ideal dental health, feed your dog raw bones from medium-sized animals like lamb or goat. Cooked or smoked bones should be avoided as they can easily splinter and cause internal injuries or obstructions.
Raw Bones Are Safe to Feed
You’re on the right track feeding Fido raw bones – they’re nature’s dental chew! Raw bones are safe, packed with bone marrow’s nutrients. As he gnaws, the abrasion scrapes tartar, preventing gum disease. Plus, he’ll get calcium for strong teeth and bones. Just stick to raw, medium-sized animal bones for ideal dental health.
Avoid Cooked or Smoked Bones
You’ll want to avoid feeding your pup cooked or smoked bones. The high heat makes them prone to splintering, exposing your dog to dangerous shards that can puncture the digestive tract. Cooked bones also lack nutrients and may harbor bacteria from bone marrow contamination, causing digestive upset or even choking hazards.
Feed Medium-sized Animal Bones
So you’ve avoided cooked or smoked bones – great job! Now, let’s discuss feeding medium-sized animal bones. These are the perfect size for your pup:
- Raw lamb or goat bones (not too big or small)
- Provide dental benefits without risk of fractures
- Feed 1-2 times per week for excellent tooth health
Choosing the right sized raw bones is key for promoting your dog’s dental health and preventing costly vet bills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I give my dog bones?
You should give your dog lamb or goat bones twice a week to maintain dental health. Avoid large, hard bones like beef or bison, which can cause fractures. Stick to medium-sized, raw bones for safety.
Are there specific bone sizes best for dogs?
Choose medium-sized raw bones from sources like lamb or goat to maintain dental health. Avoid large bones like beef or bison shank bones, which can cause dental fractures and require costly repairs (Source).
Can bones help with my dogs bad breath?
Think of bones as toothbrushes. Raw bones, when chewed, help remove plaque, which in turn can reduce your dog’s bad breath. Choose medium-sized animal bones, avoiding cooked bones to guarantee safety and effectiveness .
What are signs that a bone is unsafe?
Look for signs of gagging, vomiting, weakness, breathing problems, straining to defecate, or blood in the stool. Bones can splinter, causing serious injuries or blockages, and can tear your dog’s stomach or intestines (Source).
How should I introduce bones to my dog?
Introduce bones to your dog by starting with raw, medium-sized animal bones, like lamb or goat. Always supervise, make certain bones aren’t cooked, and introduce them slowly to prevent stomach upset or dental issues (Source).
Conclusion
Remarkably, raw bones can minimize tartar buildup by up to 90%. By providing your dog with raw lamb or goat bones twice a week, you promote exceptional dental health and mitigate veterinary expenses.
Avoid beef, buffalo, or bison shank bones to prevent dental fractures and costly repairs. Choose authentic, raw, medium-sized bones over dental bones laden with artificial preservatives.
Prompt veterinary assistance for any dental issues guarantees your dog’s teeth remain healthy and strong, emphasizing the importance of the most suitable bones for dogs’ teeth.
