If your dog ate a rib bone, the first step is to ensure your dog isn’t choking, then inspect their teeth to ensure there aren’t any leftover bone fragments. Monitor your dog for the next 24-48 hours. If they start acting weird, take them to the vet.
After a hearty meat dinner, you might turn around to find your dog staring up at you with pleading eyes. Or maybe your dog will wait until the remnants are thrown away before breaking into the garbage bin.
Dogs and bones have gone together in our cultural understanding for centuries, so it might feel natural to toss your furry friend a helping of meaty bones from your meal.
However, there are quite a few hazards for dogs who are given cooked pork ribs or other kinds of dinner bones.
Rather than offering your pet bones from human food, consider getting your dog a hearty bully stick, jerky chew, or bone prepared specifically for safe chewing.
How to train your dog not to eat rib bones
When it comes to dogs eating things they’re not supposed to, basic obedience training can come in handy. Since puppyhood, a dog should be trained to obey commands such as “drop it,” “no,” and “stay” on the first call.
Such commands can potentially save a dog’s life if they have something dangerous in their mouth other than rib bones. This includes items such as razors, rocks, and toxic food items like chocolate. Your commands can also stop them in their tracks when they’re about to jump onto a road or get into any other dangerous situation.
To obedience train your dog, start by giving basic commands like “stop” and “drop” in a clear and firm voice whenever they grab something they’re not supposed to. Remember not to shout, as this can provoke your dog to swallow the object out of fear instead. If your dog obeys your command, give them a treat or verbal praises. Both are proven to be highly effective in appreciating your dog and will make them realize that obeying you will result in a reward.
Even if your dog doesn’t obey you, never punish or scold them. This will only provoke aggression and make them harder to train. If your dog is carrying something dangerous in its mouth, you could try to pull it out or make your dog let go gently.
How Do I Choose the Right Bone for My Dog?
Ensure any bone you choose is larger than your dog’s mouth to prevent them from swallowing the bone whole. The best raw bones for dogs are cow and bison bones. Ideally, any bone you choose for your dog should be larger than your dog’s snout to reduce the chance of him or her breaking off chunks that could cause problems.
Monitor Your Dog for Any of the Following Signs
If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms after your dog swallowed rib bone, take your dog to the vet to be examined for internal blockages, infections, or other problems.
Other things you should watch for are constant lip licking, pacing, or the inability to sit comfortably.
Rib bones are dangerous for dogs, especially cooked bones. Cooked bones are brittle, jagged, and can splinter when chewed, which could cause serious internal damage both before and after being swallowed.
Even if your dog appears to be OK after eating a rib bone, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any bones or splinters lodged in the gastrointestinal tract. That’s why we recommend you be proactive and take your dog to the vet to address any issues before they get worse.
FAQ
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