“Cracked teeth from chewing bones are common and often require surgical removal.”
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Bones are not all they’re cracked up to be. Over the years, I have seen many dogs with damaged teeth from chewing on bones. Some of these teeth have required complete extraction, which, while acceptable, is not a desirable outcome.
In my travels as a mobile vet, I have seen a number of badly cracked teeth, and I had to do some major dental surgery last week to remove one of these. You would think that eating bones is natural for dogs and cats, and you would be right.
However, the problem is that the bones we feed them aren’t so natural. They have generally been chopped or cut up by the butcher and more often than not have very little meat on them.
In the wild, a dog or a cat would eat the whole animal carcass, taking the meat off the bone, eating some of the other parts, and chewing through some of the softer bones, leaving the remains behind. In our suburban lifestyles, these chopped-up bones with little meat are very hazardous for our loving companions, as the pieces can wedge between the teeth, and the force of the bite then causes nasty fractures and cracks.
If there were an ideal bone for our pets, it would be a whole, uncut bone, appropriate in size for the pet, with plenty of meat and not too much fat. This bone would then be a meal for the pet, e.g., a lamb shank for a dog and a chicken leg for a cat. Once the dog has stripped the lamb shank of its meat, it should then be thrown out. Chicken bones aren’t so much of a problem for teeth because they are much softer.
The other major problem bones can cause in our pets is foreign body obstruction. These can be very serious and even cause death. Neck bones (vertebrae) can lodge in the oesophagus, and if these can’t be removed with an endoscope, then they have to be retrieved by opening up the chest.
This is major surgery with significant complications that can also cause death. Other bones, especially cooked ones, can get stuck in the intestine and often require surgery to remove them. There is no doubt that preventing this scenario is far more desirable.
So what can you do to keep your dog and cat’s teeth clean? It is actually a very good question that has been stumping people for a very long time. Firstly, I think it is important to note that dental health has a large genetic component, as does really everything, as we are quickly beginning to discover. Even dogs within the same litter can have very different dental health despite the same management.
The best way to keep our pets’ teeth clean and minimise the risk of dental problems is to brush them every day!
“Preventing dental damage and obstruction is far safer than treating the complications later.”
Is this realistic? Certainly not for every owner or every pet, but in many cases it is possible and does in fact help. For the rest of us, we need to concentrate on diets. A natural, meaty diet for adult cats will help to maintain dental hygiene. Feeding chunky pieces of meat, such as a chicken leg or wing, is helpful. These can be fed daily as meals to adult cats, but monitor your cat’s weight closely.
For dogs, there are many types of dental treats, such as Greenies and other dental chews, and for both dogs and cats, there are dental hygiene diets available in premium ranges of foods from vets and pet shops.
Regardless of the type of dental hygiene you choose for your pet, many will still need regular dental cleaning in a hospital, similar to us visiting our dentist (and we brush our teeth twice a day!).
With dogs, cats, and other species, for example, ferrets, this involves giving an anaesthetic, since it is very uncommon for a pet to sit in our dentist’s chair and hold their mouth open! Fortunately, anaesthetics are very safe in healthy pets these days, and the procedure only requires a short day stay in the hospital.
Don’t hesitate to give me a call if you wish to discuss anything further. I am more than happy to call at your house and give your pet a general physical examination and dental assessment.
Key Takeaways
- Bones can cause significant dental damage in pets
Hard, cut bones can lead to cracked teeth that may require extraction. - Modern feeding practices increase risk
Processed bones without meat can wedge between teeth and cause fractures. - Bone ingestion can lead to serious internal problems
Obstructions in the oesophagus or intestines may require major surgery. - Daily dental care and an appropriate diet are more reliable options
Brushing, suitable foods, and dental products can help maintain oral health.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can bones cause cracked teeth in dogs?
Yes, hard bones can lead to cracked or fractured teeth. These injuries can be painful and may require extraction. This is a common issue seen in pets that chew on dense, cut bones.
Why are butcher-cut bones risky for pets?
Cut bones often have little meat and can wedge between teeth. When a pet bites down, the pressure can cause fractures or cracks. This differs from natural feeding, where softer bones and meat are consumed together.
What happens if a dog swallows a bone?
Bones can become lodged in the oesophagus or intestines. In some cases, this requires major surgery to remove them. These situations can be serious and carry significant risk.
Are cooked bones more dangerous than raw bones?
Cooked bones are more likely to cause problems such as intestinal obstruction. They can become stuck and may require surgical removal. Avoiding these types of bones reduces risk.
What is the safest way to support my pet’s dental health?
Daily tooth brushing is the most effective method, although not always practical. Diet also plays a role, with appropriate foods and dental products helping maintain oral health. Even with good care, some pets will still need professional dental cleaning.
Do all pets need dental procedures at some point?
Many pets will require dental cleaning at some point in their lives. This is similar to routine dental care in people. The procedure is performed under anaesthesia to allow a proper examination and treatment.