🦴 No Bones About It: Why Chewing Bones Is Bad for Dogs’ Teeth – A 2025 Vet Guide 🐶

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Dogs love to chew — but bones, antlers, and other hard materials are a common cause of painful tooth fractures. In this guide, I’ll explain the dangers of bone chewing, signs of dental injury, and how veterinarians treat fractured teeth in dogs. 🦷🚫

⚠️ Why Are Bones Dangerous for Dogs’ Teeth?

The FDA and veterinary dentists agree: bones and hard chew items can cause serious damage to your dog’s teeth — and their digestive tract. Complications include:

• 🦷 Broken teeth
• 🫁 Choking or airway obstruction
• 🩸 Mouth wounds or lacerations
• 🚫 Intestinal blockages
• 💩 Rectal bleeding or constipation
• 🤢 Vomiting and diarrhea

🧫 Bones can also carry bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella, which are dangerous to both pets and people. 🦠

💀 Are Any Bones Safe?

❌ No — not even:

• 🥩 Steak bones — too hard
• 🦌 Antlers — harder than bone!
• 🍗 Poultry bones — splinter easily, causing internal injury

💡 Use the “fingernail test” — if your nail can’t leave a mark on the chew, it’s too hard for your dog. 🪥

🔍 Signs Your Dog Has a Broken Tooth

Dogs rarely show obvious pain from dental injuries, but look out for:

• 🥩 Refusing hard food or treats
• 🧀 Chewing on one side
• 🐾 Pawing at the mouth
• 💧 Excessive drooling
• 👁️ Swelling under the eye or jaw
• 🩸 Draining tracts (under eye or chin)
• 🐕 Irritability or avoiding head touch
• 🦷 Grinding teeth

🐾 Many dogs suffer in silence. If you suspect damage, see your vet immediately. 🩺

🩺 Diagnosing and Treating Broken Teeth

Your veterinarian will examine your dog’s mouth and may use dental X-rays to assess the extent of the fracture. Treatment options depend on:

• 📍 Tooth structure affected (enamel, dentin, pulp)
• 📆 Age of the tooth fracture
• 🐾 Importance of the tooth (e.g. canines, molars)

🛠️ Common Treatment Options:

• 🦷 Root canal therapy: Saves the tooth (done by a veterinary dentist)
• 🪓 Extraction: Necessary if the tooth is loose or severely damaged

📚 Types of Tooth Fractures

• 🧱 Enamel fracture: Minor, affects outer layer only
• 💥 Complicated crown fracture: Exposes the pulp — very painful
• 🦷 Uncomplicated crown-root fracture: No pulp exposure
• ⚡ Complicated crown-root fracture: Pulp exposure present
• 🧬 Root fracture: Hidden and serious

🔬 Factors That Affect Treatment Decisions

📆 Age of the Fracture

• 🩸 Fresh fractures: Pulp looks pink or red — often salvageable
• 🖤 Old fractures: Pulp turns brown/black — infection likely

👶 Age of the Dog

Puppies under 12 months may have open root tips (apices), which limit the options for root canal therapy. Instead, your vet may use:

• 🧪 Vital pulp therapy: Encourages continued root development
• 🧱 Apexification: Used if the pulp is dead

🦷 Importance of the Tooth

Canines and large molars do a lot of work and are usually prioritized for preservation. Less critical teeth may be extracted. 🦴

🧼 Aftercare for Fractured Teeth

• 💊 Pain relief and antibiotics as prescribed
• 🍲 Soft diet for a few days post-procedure
• 🦷 Regular brushing and dental exams

Periodontal health is essential to success. If dental disease is already present, even the best endodontic care can fail. 🚫

✅ Prevention Tips

• 🪥 Brush daily with enzymatic toothpaste
• 🦷 Use VOHC-approved dental chews
• ❌ Avoid antlers, bones, and nylon chews
• 📅 Schedule regular dental cleanings with your vet

📱 Ask A Vet for Help

If you’re worried about a broken tooth or wondering what chews are safe, download the Ask A Vet App to:

• 📷 Upload photos of dental damage
• 💬 Chat with licensed vets about treatment plans
• 📆 Track recovery and follow-ups

Visit AskAVet.com for personalized dental support. 🐶🦷

🧠 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Chewing bones might seem natural, but it’s one of the leading causes of dental emergencies in dogs. 🦴💔

Protect your pet’s teeth by offering safe alternatives, brushing regularly, and seeking prompt veterinary care for any signs of oral pain or damage. Prevention really is the best cure! 🐾🪥