- Bone can splinter and break into sharp pieces that can puncture the dog's mouth, throat, or intestines.
- Bone can become lodged in the dog's throat or airways causing difficulty breathing.
- Bones can crush teeth and cause damage to the mouth.
- Bones can cause bacterial infections, which can lead to other health issues and, in severe cases even death.
If you think your dog has eaten a lamb shank bone, it is important to:
Contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency animal hospital immediately for further instructions.
Keep the dog calm, try to prevent them from further chewing the bone, and do not try to pull it out if lodged in their mouth or airways.
Bring the pieces of bone (if you have them) to the veterinarian for evaluation.
Prevention
The best way to prevent your dog from eating lamb shank bones is to:
- **Keep all bones out of reach of dogs.
- Teach your dog to drop objects on command.
- Provide your dog with safe alternatives to chew on, such as rawhide bones or dental chews.
If you are concerned about your dog's health or have any questions about what they can and cannot safely eat, it is always best to contact your veterinarian for advice.