Canine Catastrophe: Shocking Revelation - The Common and Beloved Dog Treat That Poses a Grave Threat to Your Pet's Teeth

I used to regularly provide various bones to my 8-year-old Australian cattle dog mix, Ollie, including bully sticks, elk antlers, and marrowbones – basically, anything available at my local pet shop. However, this routine changed in 2021 when I decided to add a cute rodent-shaped dental chew to my shopping cart – a cleverly disguised toothbrush for my pup.

Keep your dog's pearly whites safe and intact by avoiding hard bones

Ollie happily crunched, gnawed, and chomped on the dental chew for a few days, appearing to love it. However, shortly after finishing it, he stopped eating his regular kibble. He began refusing treats, and my usually energetic herding dog became unusually lethargic and melancholic. Despite trying various solutions, such as getting him more expensive and aromatic treats or kibble flavor enhancers, nothing seemed to work. I began wondering if this change was just a normal part of the aging process for Ollie.

Eventually, I took Ollie to the vet, and upon a swift examination, they discovered a badly fractured molar caused by that dental chew. The injury was likely so uncomfortable that it hindered Ollie's ability to eat.

According to my vet, my experience wasn't uncommon. Doggy dental fractures are among the more prevalent reasons dogs end up at the vet, and depending on the severity, they can be quite painful.

Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, a veterinary medical adviser for Rover and the chief veterinarian at Kleinburg Veterinary Hospital, compared the discomfort to a toothache in humans. Her advice based on this experience: "Skip the bones!"

The Potential Dangers of Giving Dogs Hard Bones

Dr. Maria Soltero-Rivera, an assistant professor of dentistry and oral surgery at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, highlighted that studies reveal dogs possess remarkable chewing capacity. If a bone or chew toy doesn't yield to this force, the teeth can break.

Dr. Rebecca Greenstein explained this phenomenon as basic physics, emphasizing that when a bone is harder than a tooth, the tooth is susceptible to breaking or sustaining damage during gnawing and chewing. Dental fractures are a prevalent canine injury, with Dr. Soltero-Rivera estimating that about a quarter of the dogs in her practice experience tooth fractures.

These fractures typically affect the most "functionally important" teeth, such as back molars or fangs. According to Dr. Greenstein, oral injuries often go unnoticed by owners until a routine vet checkup, where they may be incidentally discovered. The severity of the fracture and the presence of pulp exposure or nerve irritation can significantly impact a dog's well-being.

Tooth fractures have the potential to expose blood vessels or nerves, causing discomfort or outright pain. Dr. Greenstein warns that even smaller bones can splinter, with the remaining shards posing a risk of lacerating the mouth or digestive tract. These injuries may manifest as a dog pawing at its face, rubbing its face on furniture, exhibiting a decreased appetite, reduced interest in play or work, and a preference for softer foods and toys, as noted by Dr. Soltero-Rivera.

Dogs might also choose to chew only on the unaffected side of their mouth. In cases where the injury leads to an infection, it can result in foul breath, swelling inside the mouth, or signs of general illness, according to Dr. Greenstein. X-rays may be necessary, and in severe instances, the affected tooth might require extraction or even life-saving surgery.

According to Dr. Greenstein, dental fractures are more prevalent in larger dogs, often categorized as "power chewers." Owners of larger dogs might be more inclined to provide tough bones to keep them occupied, contributing to the higher incidence of fractures. Additionally, dogs with pre-existing dental disease are at an increased risk, as weakened teeth are more susceptible to cracking off, as mentioned by Dr. Greenstein.

To prevent tooth fractures, the key advice is to avoid giving your dog (or cat!) extremely hard bones. While tooth-brushing and dental chews may not specifically prevent fractures, regular brushing can help owners detect changes in their pet's mouth early on, ideally before they become a source of discomfort, according to Dr. Soltero-Rivera.

Finding a Secure Dog Bone: Tips for Safety

There are currently no official guidelines or regulations governing the market for bones and chews. Dr. Soltero-Rivera considers this situation unfortunate because owners may be misled into believing a product is beneficial for dental health, while it could potentially lead to tooth fractures.

Finding a product that is both easily digestible and gentle on a dog's jaw can be challenging. According to Dr. Greenstein, there may not be a perfect bone out there. She suggests monitoring your dog's chewing habits, especially if your pet has a robust jaw and tends to chew through various items, as almost no chew may be completely safe.

In uncertain situations, it's advisable to look for the seal of the Veterinary Oral Health Council on the product's packaging label. This seal indicates that the chew has been scientifically proven to remove plaque or tartar, ensuring its efficacy beyond mere marketing claims, as highlighted by Dr. Greenstein.

Vets offer two quick rules to identify bones that are excessively hard. The first tip involves the nail indent test: if you can press your nail into a bone and leave an indent, it's considered soft enough for your dog; otherwise, it's best to skip it. Dr. Soltero-Rivera notes an exception to this rule for rawhides, as they soften with saliva, but cautions that they too can be risky, advising their removal after being eaten to a size that dogs could attempt to swallow and choke on.

The second tip is straightforward: if you wouldn't hit your knee with it, don't give it to your dog.

It's always wise to seek advice from your vet, who may have specific brands they recommend. According to Dr. Soltero-Rivera, vets can provide valuable assistance. If you suspect any issues with your dog's mouth, schedule an appointment, as tooth fractures may not always be evident. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can help your dog return to its playful, kibble-loving self quickly.Top of Form