Remember how the English bulldog Spike from Tom and Jerry protected its bone no matter what. He even dreamt of his snacking bone and would chew on it when he wasn’t chasing Tom around for his shenanigans. In the wild, wolves participate in bone-chewing activities, and it is quite possible that dogs like bones. But why do dogs like bones so much, since they live differently than wolves?
Why do dogs love bones?
1. The wolf connection
Thousands of years ago, some wolves became more friendly with humans. They would feed off the scrapes that humans left around. As they settled with this lifestyle, their canines became blunt, and with more changes– thanks to evolution, they became modern-day dogs. Wolves love to munch on bones, and it is believed that dogs have got this habit from their ancestors– Canis lupus, a wolf species. These bones serve as a source of essential nutrients, minerals, and even dental hygiene .
2. Hoomans got toothpaste, we got bones
Beyond the satisfying crunch, bones offer tangible benefits for a dog’s oral health. Chewing on bones can help naturally clean teeth by scraping away plaque and tartar buildup. This contributes to fresher breath and minimizes the risk of dental diseases that can cause discomfort and pain. Besides, their teeth glisten as well after a fresh bone chewing session.
3. Jaw workout
Dogs have strong jaws designed for tearing and crushing meat and bones. Chewing on bones helps them exercise those powerful jaws. This is particularly important for older dogs whose jaw strength may be diminishing. Pups are no less; they chew on bones to strengthen their jaws when young. Sometimes, if they find no bones, they might nibble on your fingers or forearm. Talk about jaw gym. The bone marrow inside the bones is rich in fat and nutrients, while the bone provides calcium and phosphate.
4. Food for thought
Often we binge-watch TV shows and movies out of sheer boredom. Guess who else got binge habits too? Dogs are intelligent creatures that thrive on mental stimulation . Chewing on bones engages their senses, providing a form of mental enrichment that can prevent boredom and anxiety. When a dog is occupied with a bone, it’s less likely to engage in destructive behaviors like chewing on shoes. A bone a day keeps the dogs away (from destroying furniture and shoes, they still want your cuddles and belly scratches).
5. Satisfying the Need to Gnaw
Beyond nutrition and oral care , chewing on bones is a dog’s primal need to gnaw. Gnawing can be soothing for dogs, akin to how humans might enjoy a stress-relieving activity, as chewing on bones releases chemicals in their brains that make them feel good. These chemicals are called endorphins. Bones provide a natural and healthy way for dogs to fulfill this urge.
Activity: Think of an action that requires us to chew and gnaw like our furry friends!
Happy dogs have relaxed eyes and ears and may even wag their tails. Have you noticed any of those behaviors in a dog chewing on a bone? If you haven’t tried it before, you can try it now.
Just like we all love to chew on gum, dogs love to chew on bones. Studies show that chewing gum can help with focus, and to some extent, it is valid for dogs, too, as they get mental stimulation. When have you ever seen a pet dog respond to calls when it is munching on its bone?
Glossary
Canine: Relating to or characteristic of dogs.
Dental hygiene: The practice of maintaining oral health to prevent dental issues.
Plaque: A sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and can lead to dental problems.
Tartar: Hardened plaque that accumulates on teeth and can contribute to gum disease.
Oral care: Maintaining proper hygiene and health of the mouth, including teeth and gums.
Mental stimulation: Activities that engage and challenge the mind, promoting cognitive well-being.
Bone marrow: Tissue inside bones that synthesis blood cells
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