throw me a bone

Question: Why do dogs chew bones?

Answer: Dogs are forever associated with chewing on bones and burying them for later chewing sessions. Wild canines like wolves, foxes and dingoes also enjoy chewing on bones and will save them for later. Canines are fixated on bones for their high food value and for the pleasure that chewing them brings to the animals.

Nutritional Value: Bones contain high-calorie marrow. By chewing to get at the marrow, dogs also grind the bone to dust and get needed calcium. Bones and dog chew treats also help to remove plague from teeth.

Pleasure: According to the book "Your Adopted Dog," when dogs chew, endorphins are released from the brain. These chemicals are thought to make dogs feel good.

The instinct to chew bones is so strong that dogs and puppies will chew on anything they can get a hold of if bones or suitable chewing treats are not available to satisfy the craving. This can lead to chewing on furniture, shoes or other valuables.

Dogs do not instinctively know how to safely eat bones by chewing them up into small bits, and some will gulp dangerously large pieces. Dogs should always be supervised when chewing bones.

Dogs should not be given bones that easily splinter or bones from the garbage. The former can perforate the bowels or cause choking, while the latter can harbor E. coli or other dangerous bacteria.