My dog wants bones. Are boiled calf bones safe for him to chew?

No! Dogs should NEVER be given raw or cooked animal bones for several reasons. Raw bones run the risk of transmitting harmful bacteria, including Salmonella or Campylobacter, both to your dog and any exposed people. These bacteria can be transmitted through a dog’s stool and saliva. Bones can also pose hazards for foreign body obstruction in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. Poultry bones are inherently filled with air and cooked bones become more brittle, both of which can splinter leading to perforation of the stomach or intestines. Bones and antlers are also quite hard and can lead to tooth fractures. Instead of offering bones, alternative products such as Nylabones, Kongs, or the dental treats approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (www.vohc.org) are safer and more effective alternatives for dogs that like to chew.

I would not recommend feeding cooked bones, and it’s best to avoid raw bones as well. Cooked bones can splinter and cause an obstruction, constipation or diarrhea. Raw bones could cause an obstruction as well and could result in food borne illness.

I never recommend antlers because they do break teeth, and rawhides pose a chocking and intestinal blockage risk. Bully sticks are fine as long as you watch your dog when he eats it, and the Nylabone Petsafe Wood Chew is fine too. I hope this helps!

I'm not a fan of these types of chews. They can be swallowed whole and could cause internal injuries or obstructions. Dried marrow would regain its "texture" once moistened with your dog's saliva. If you do decide to get these, make sure they are of appropriate size and monitor Echo when he is chewing one. Replace it if/when it becomes small enough to fit entirely in his mouth.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Charlie. I do not recommend giving him a real bone from a butcher nor a pet supply store. The main concern I have is the dog can break off a piece of bone and swallow it. I have had to perform surgery more than once to remove such pieces out of a dog's intestines. I hope this information helps!

No I never give cooked chicken bones as they become hard after cooking and will splinter and can cause intestinal perforations or a blockage that can be life threatening and need emergency surgery to repair. Raw chicken necks with bones are fed by some people who feed a raw diet but I have seen problems with those also including vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Cooked chicken meat without the boxes, and chicken broth are fine to add into Eli's diet but please don't give the bones. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Eli.

If the bones were as soft as you describe then your dog probably will be fine. Just keep an eye on him for any GI signs, like vomiting or diarrhea and if you notice these things take him to the vet as soon as possible.