Can Pointers Chew on Bones?

Dogs and bones go together like peanut butter and jelly, but not all bones are created equal. If you have a Pointer, you might be wondering whether giving them a bone to chew on is safe. The answer depends entirely on what kind of bone you are offering.

Pointers can safely chew on certain types of bones, but there are some important rules to follow. The wrong bone can cause serious injuries including broken teeth, choking, and intestinal blockages. Here is everything you need to know about giving bones to your Pointer.

Safe Bones for Pointers

Raw Bones

Raw bones are generally the safest option for Pointers. Large, raw beef or bison bones like knuckle bones, marrow bones, and femur bones are sturdy enough to withstand heavy chewing without splintering. These bones provide hours of entertainment and also help clean your dog’s teeth by scraping away plaque and tartar as they chew.

Choose a bone that is bigger than your Pointer’s mouth so they cannot swallow it whole. A bone that is too small is a choking hazard. For a medium to large dog like a Pointer, look for bones that are at least six inches long.

Recreational vs. Edible Bones

Recreational bones are the large, hard bones meant for chewing and gnawing, not eating. Edible bones are softer bones that dogs can actually consume, like raw chicken necks or turkey necks. Both can be appropriate for Pointers, but edible bones should be given under supervision since they can be swallowed in larger chunks.

Bones to Avoid

Cooked Bones

Never give your Pointer cooked bones of any kind. Cooking changes the structure of the bone, making it brittle and prone to splintering into sharp fragments. These splinters can puncture your dog’s mouth, throat, stomach, or intestines, potentially causing life threatening injuries. This applies to all cooked bones, including leftover chicken bones, steak bones, and rib bones from your dinner.

Small or Thin Bones

Avoid giving your Pointer small bones that they could swallow whole or break apart quickly. Chicken bones, pork chop bones, and small rib bones are all dangerous. Even raw, these bones may be too small or thin for a strong chewer like a Pointer.

Weight Bearing Bones from Large Animals

While raw beef bones are generally safe, very large weight bearing bones like beef leg bones can sometimes be too hard and may crack your dog’s teeth. If your Pointer is an aggressive chewer, be cautious with extremely dense bones and monitor them closely.

Benefits of Bone Chewing

Giving your Pointer appropriate bones to chew on offers several benefits beyond just keeping them occupied. Chewing is a natural stress reliever for dogs and helps reduce anxiety and boredom. Raw bones provide important nutrients including calcium, phosphorus, and marrow fat. The mechanical action of chewing also helps promote dental health by reducing plaque buildup.

For an active, intelligent breed like the Pointer, having something constructive to chew on can prevent them from turning their attention to your furniture, shoes, or other household items.

Safety Rules for Bone Time

Always supervise your Pointer when they are chewing on a bone. Even with the safest bones, accidents can happen if a piece breaks off and gets swallowed. Take the bone away once it has been chewed down to a size small enough to swallow whole. Limit bone chewing sessions to 15 to 20 minutes at a time to prevent excessive wear on your dog’s teeth.

Store leftover raw bones in the refrigerator and discard them after three to four days to prevent bacterial growth. Never give your Pointer a bone that has been sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.

Alternatives to Real Bones

If you are not comfortable giving your Pointer real bones, there are some safe alternatives. Heavy duty rubber chew toys designed for aggressive chewers can satisfy the urge to gnaw. Bully sticks, tendons, and dried sweet potato chews are natural, digestible options that most dogs love. Avoid rawhide, which can swell in the stomach and cause blockages if swallowed in large pieces.