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Dogs and chew bones

16 years ago

I give my two blue heelers marrow bones, knuckle bones and sometimes basted dog bones from the pet store. But I am wondering if so much chewing will wear down their teeth prematurely. They always have them around and chew them all the time.

Since I took them away, one of the dogs grinds his teeth a lot, especially at night. I wonder if this is related to the bones, maybe he's having teeth problems from the bones.

Both dogs are 4 years old.

{{!gwi}}

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Comments (7)

annzgw
16 years ago
As you probably know, you own a breed that is by nature an active working dog. My guess is a lot of the chewing is a way of releasing pent up energy. I know I see more chewing in my dog when I haven't taken him running as often as I should.

I don't know if constant (is it really all day?) chewing will affect their teeth long term, but daily chewing is good for their teeth/gums. It'd be worth having a vet check the one that's grinding his teeth at night to make sure all is well.
olga_d
16 years ago
Yes, those hard beef bones will wear down teeth and can also cause cracked molars. I feed my dogs a raw diet but the bones we give are edible like chicken leg quarters and pork roasts. Sometimes I give these frozen (especially in the summer) so that they take longer to chew.

I was also wondering about the exercise they are getting and general structure in their life (daily obedience training and having a "job" to do). That makes a big difference to many working breeds, and they can get a little OCD without it.

They sure are gorgeous! I hope you frame that photo! :)
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mazer415
16 years ago
Try adding some Kongs, or more soft toys to chew on. Dogs can and do break teeth all the time. This can be costly. You have two beautiful dogs and they do benefit from something to keep those little minds active and out of trouble.
socks
Original Author
16 years ago
I agree with Mazer above. Probably the softer chew bones would be the best bet.
Gina_W
16 years ago
I use raw bones from the butcher and throw them away after a day or so. They get dried out and harder with time. Use fresh raw bones but use them once a week or so, not all the time. I only let mine have his bones under my supervision, then put them in the fridge or throw them away. They're wonderful for teeth-cleaning and gum health, and dogs love to chew, so use them like a treat.
nwright
16 years ago
Thanks for the input. I started the butcher bones because I wanted to keep their teeth clean, but the secret is to pick them up before they are hard.
laurabs
16 years ago
Your dogs are gorgeous. I've seen a working cattle dog in TX; that's the first I was aware of the breed. That was one happy, busy dog.

When I was searching rescues and shelters for a dog, I kept seeing a gorgeous cattle dog mix. He had a pretty face like your two, but somehow he had these cool long legs. He was so pretty I wanted to adopt him, but I doubt I could keep even a mixed cattle dog busy enough. I know his height would be a disadvantage cattle because his head would be at perfect kicking height, but he sure looked cool. I hope he got a good home where he could do some sort of herding.

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