Raw bones, can they be harmful? - Page 1

Hi everyone,

I just got back from a local dog show and bought some raw bones from a vendor (reputable, well known business). I gave one to each of my dogs, a small-medium one for my female (60lbs) and a large one for my male.

Less then 10 minutes later my girl came up to us, indicating that she was finished and wanted more. We were extremely surprised as our boy is still chewing on his(20 minutes later) and has yet to really make a dent in his.

We took into account that she could have hid it somewhere for later use, so we searched the house(even though we were on the oppisite side of a large room and probably would have noticed her get up and move).  Nothing. She ate it. Normally she nibbles on bones, saves them for later....she has never really been a chewer and certainly has never ravenously taken down a bone in such little time.

My questions are;  how long does it usually take for your dogs to consume a medium sized meaty bone?

Could she be at risk for intestinal compaction and what are the warning signs?
 
Should we call our vet?

Do you feed raw bones? Why or why not?

 

Thanks for your help.

The only raw bones I give my dogs are large marrow bones... Directly from a butcher or grocery.  For a dog the size of a Shepherd I would only use 4" or longer, though my small dogs get 2" ones.   Any rib bone, or other bones that can be crunched and actually eaten I'd avoid for danger of piercing the stomach or intestine.

I usually have to order my bones from the butcher as well - but they're big marrow bones and last for MONTHS. 

I would say it was 4 inches long and about 3 inches wide.

I should also add, they have both been given raw bones before. I use to feed them somewhat regularly but have sinced moved and I couldn't find a supplier close by up until now.

I would like to delete the post with the sideways photo.  How do you delete a post? 

Hmmmm...  raw bones CAn cause problems:

http://www.thepetcenter.com/xra/bonecomp.html

"If these small chips are swallowed they will pass along the intestinal tract and be eliminated  in the stool... MOST of the time!  Stomach acid will dissolve the bone... eventually.  But stomach acidity depends upon various factors including the amount of food, type of food and other factors present in the stomach.  On occasion bone chips can  create severe constipation, become lodged between teeth, in the esophagus or intestinal tract, and can create severe pain when the dog eventually has to pass the chips rectally"

That vet doesn't think it is without riskes and there are several C rays showing problems from bones:

I feed my guys raw, so eating bones is part of their everyday routine. I feed every type of bone EXCEPT large marrow bones. The weight bearing bones of ungulates (cow, deer, moose, etc.) are extremely dense and can cause chips or breaks to the dog's teeth. No, not everyone will have problems with their dogs chewing on these bones, but why take the chance. Other than those my guys burn through pig hocks, goat & lamb legs, etc. like they were butter.

As for the original post. I wouldn't worry right now. She probably hid it and you just haven't found it.  That said, if she did chew it down, you will probably notice her stools tomorrow (or the next day) might be very firm and/or crumbly.

London:

Man-o-man, the dog in your avatar is gorgeous.... 

I feed  raw whole bones, raw whole fish, similar to what London said.  I never feed recreational/weight bearing bones either, for fear of a dog breaking a tooth.    I would also suggest not leaving around any bones a dog does not eat right away because once they dry out they are prone to chipping and splintering which can cause real big problems.