Can Dogs Have Lamp Bones?
Dogs and bones go together like peanut butter and jelly. However, not all bones are created equally. In fact, some bones can be downright dangerous for our canine companions.
In this post, we will take a look at the two different types of bones (edible and chewable) and some tips to keep in mind when feeding your dog a "real" bone. Plus, we'll answer the question of can dogs have lamb bones?
Edible or Chewable Bones?
There are two main types of bones: edible and chewable.
Edible bones are meant to be completely consumed. These include chicken and turkey.
Don't feed your dog chicken bones in their whole state
However. DO NOT feed your dog either one of these bones in their whole state. Both chicken and turkey bones will splinter. This can cause lacerations of the mouth and the intestinal tract once swallowed. To find a safe edible bone for your dog, you're best to stick with the ones found through local pet retailers.
Chewable bones, on the other paw, are meant for just that, chewing. These include the large beef, ham, and yes, lamb bones.
When choosing one of these chewing bones for your pooch, be sure to get the large leg or hip bones. These are much safer and will enable your dog to gnaw on them for long periods-of-time, without the bone splintering.
Cooked or Uncooked?
You may be tempted to throw your dog a bone from the dinner ham or roast. However, once a bone is cooked, it loses a lot of its moisture content. It will also become softer and looser, which tends to make it more prone to breaking apart. Small pieces of bone can pose a choking hazard to your canine and other health risks. These include:
- Broken teeth
- Injury to the mouth and/or tongue
- Blockage of the windpipe and/or esophagus
- Stomach/intestinal blockages
- Bone fragments can cause constipation
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Peritonitis (infection of the stomach)
Tips & Guidelines for Feeding Raw Bones to Dogs
All pet parents ever had the kind of question "Can dog have this food?" such as "Can dog have spinach?" and "Can dog have olive oil?". Today, the answer for "Can dogs have lamb bones?" is YES, but be sure to follow these tips and guidelines when feeding any recreational bone to your pet.
1. Supervision is Required
Always be sure to supervise your dog when he's gnawing on a raw bone. Watch for any blood on the bone (for aggressive chewers). Once the bone has reached the hard brittle point, remove the bone from your dog. Also take the bone away when it becomes too small to be safe.
2. Alone Time
Always allow your dogs their own bone and their own private places to chew on it to avoid any confrontations.
Even if your two (or three) canine companions are the best of friends, a raw bone can bring out the aggressive side in some dogs. Always allow your dogs their own bone and their own private places to chew on it to avoid any confrontations.
3. Location
For your own benefit, always give your dog a raw bone in his crate, on a towel, an easily wipeable surface or outside (with supervision).
This is because raw bones will become very messy, greasy and gooey the longer your dog chews on it. The last thing you want is this messy treat all over your carpet or furniture.
4. Health Issues? No Raw Bones!
If your dog has broken teeth or has had restorative dental work done, avoid the bone. This treat can undo the work done on your canine's teeth and cause further damage to already broken teeth.
In addition, if your canine is suffering from pancreatitis or has a predisposition to this disease do not feed him a raw bone. This is due to the fact that raw bone marrow is rich in fat, which can cause a flare up in the pancreas. It can also cause diarrhea.
5. Know Your Dog
Some Pit Bulls may try to swallow the bone whole. Therefore, knowing your dog well can help you offer him up a bone and act accordingly.
Some breeds of aggressive chewers like Pit Bulls may try to swallow the bone whole or bite it into two smaller pieces to swallow. This can lead to many health risks, so know your dog before you offer him up a bone and act accordingly.
6. Avoid These Bones
Never allow your dog to chew on pork or rib bones. These can splinter and pose many health risks. In addition, avoid small bones or those that have been cut, as these are more likely to splinter.
7. A Treat, Not a Meal
Always use a bone as a treat and not in the replacement of a meal. A hungry dog is more likely to be tempted to swallow a bone whole or break it apart and swallow the large chunks. This will increase the risks we mentioned above.
Can Dogs Have Lamb Bone? Proceed With Care!
Now that we've covered all the facts about dogs and lamb bones, proceed with care. Be sure to only give large, uncooked bones to prevent any health issues from occurring.
To find the appropriate bones for your dog, look for them at your local butcher shop or the meat counter of your supermarket. Dog-friendly bones are usually labeled as "soup bones." Once you get it home, store it in the freezer, then thaw before feeding it to your pup.
Bones can provide your canine companion with hours of gnawing fun, just be sure to supervise him and toss the bone when it becomes too small to be safe.
References:
1. https://www.fetchpetcare.com/blog/can-dogs-eat-lamb-bones/
2. http://smartdogowners.com/lamb-bones/
3. http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/05/19/caution-bones-can-kill-your-dog-find-out-which-ones-are-safe.aspx
