What To Do If A Dog Eats Chicken Bones?

You are a strict dog parent, but the furry guy is a mischievous one who often does something that he is not supposed to do. If your dog accidentally ate the chicken bone and you have no idea what to do next, No need to panic. We will tell you what to do if a dog eats chicken bones. But before that, let’s see, is chicken bone not good for their health? Let’s get started!

Are Chicken Bones Dangerous For Dogs?

Yes! Chicken bones are dangerous for dogs, like any other cooked bone. Since cooked bones are crisp and hence easily crumble, which can perforate the dog’s gastrointestinal tract. Dogs eat them as a delicious meal, but they hurt the dog’s throat, damage the gums, injure the gullet, and, if they go into the stomach, cause further problems. The bone pieces can also block the guts.

If chicken bone goes into the windpipe, it causes choking and severe coughing. Serious blockage of the windpipe can obstruct breathing, which turns into a life-threatening situation. While the stomach digests bones to some extent, it takes a while, during which a lot of damage is already done. 

Can Chicken Bone Kill Dogs?

Chicken bone can be life-threatening, but only in rare cases. The worst-case scenario happens when chicken bone perforates the esophagus, i.e., the gullet. The esophagus is the pipe that links the mouth to the stomach, running through the chest area beside the lung and heart. 

The gastrointestinal tract has various microbes and bacteria, such as salmonella, living inside. When chicken bone pierces the gullet, it damages the protective layer of the gullet. This causes the inflammation and infection to spread, which can be fatal. The piercing doesn’t cause as damage as the infection resulting from it. 

Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken?

Raw chicken bones are less problematic than cooked ones because they are not fragile and don’t break easily. But it doesn’t mean it is okay for a dog to eat raw chicken often. Keep away from the chicken, even if it is raw. You can feed chicken as a part of a regular diet, but it should be finely grounded so as not to choke up the dog. And don’t assume that the dog was fine after eating chicken bones before; they will be okay again. Because you never know when the situation will become dangerous. 

How Can I Help Dogs Digest Chicken Bones?

First, stay calm and observe the situation. If you spot any of these symptoms in the dog, the situation is problematic. 

• Vomiting
• Retching
• Weakness
• Bloated abdomen
• Drooling
• Troubled breathing
• Sitting in a hunched position
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Not passing feces
• Gagging
• Coughing

If the dog is eating and breathing well, the condition is safe; hence, monitor the situation calmly. But if the dog is constantly vomiting and blood appears in the stool, you should take the dog to the vet for instant medical intervention. During this time, avoid making the dog vomit as you don’t know the location and size of the chicken bone, so it can cause even further damage while coming up from the stomach. Here’s what you should do if the dog has eaten the chicken bone which is normal. 

Feed Him A Little 

You might be a little cautious about food and want to avoid feeding, but our advice is to let the dog eat a little of the usual food. This food will help stimulate the dog’s normal digestion, breaking the obstructed bones in the stomach. Food will also act as a cushion and protect the stomach walls against the sharp-edged bones. 

Allow Gentle Exercise

Let your dog move around a little. Not grumpy jumping, but gentle exercise helps in improving digestion. Take your dog for a walk and keep an eye out during their exercise time.

Keep The Dog Hydrated

Ensure that the dog has enough freshwater. Add water to the dog’s food or switch from dry to wet food to increase the water portion. Hydration improves digestion, which can help remove the stuck chicken bone. 

Monitor Dog’s Stools

If your dog has vomiting and diarrhea, it is evident that the dog is experiencing the side effects of consuming chicken. It is essential to notice that a dog is passing stool in the first place because the inability to do so points towards a bigger problem.

Should I Worry?

It depends on various factors, like what kind of bone the dog has eaten, bone size, number of bones, and health status of the dog. Dogs are carnivores. Their digestive system can naturally digest bones and meat, but not always. The reason is that cooked bones are more dangerous than raw ones, and these are the ones that dogs get hold of often.

Cooked bones are brittle and break into sharp pieces, which can block the airway or gastrointestinal tract or cause perforation of the esophagus. Either of the outcomes is life-threatening. So you have to act quickly after the dog eats chicken bones.

FAQs What To Do If A Dog Eats Chicken Bones

Should I try to remove the chicken bones from my dog’s mouth?

Attempting to remove the bones can cause further harm if not done correctly. It’s safer to prevent your dog from eating more bones and consult your veterinarian immediately.

How long will it take for a chicken bone to pass through a dog’s system?

This varies with each dog and situation, but it generally takes between 10 and 24 hours for a dog to digest and pass a bone. Your vet may suggest an X-ray to monitor the bone’s progress.

Can chicken bones dissolve in a dog’s stomach?

While a dog’s stomach acid can break down many things, chicken bones can splinter and cause internal damage before they fully dissolve, which is why they’re dangerous.

Are any chicken bones safe for dogs to eat?

No chicken bones are considered safe for dogs, as they can splinter easily and cause choking or damage to the digestive system.

What are the signs that my dog is experiencing discomfort after eating chicken bones?

Watch for signs like gagging, drooling, refusal to eat, visible distress, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, bloody stool, or lethargy. These symptoms require immediate veterinary attention.

If my dog seems fine after eating chicken bones, do I still need to see a vet?

Yes, internal damage may not be immediately obvious. It’s best to consult with your veterinarian to be on the safe side.

Are cooked chicken bones more dangerous than raw ones?

Cooked chicken bones are generally more dangerous because they are more prone to splintering. However, raw bones also pose risks and should be avoided.

What alternatives can I give my dog instead of chicken bones?

Many safer alternatives exist, such as rubber or nylon chew toys, dental chews, or rawhide alternatives designed for dogs.

How can I prevent my dog from getting into the trash and eating chicken bones?

Secure your trash cans with tight-fitting lids or store them in a place inaccessible to your dog. Also, train your dog to respond to commands like “leave it.”

What should I include in a home first-aid kit for my dog?

A home first-aid kit for your dog should include gauze, non-stick bandages, adhesive tape, hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting only if directed by a vet), a digital thermometer, and contact information for your vet and local emergency animal hospitals.

Conclusion

I hope by now you know what to do if a dog eats chicken bones. Chicken bones are dangerous for dogs. Cooked chicken bones can cause gastrointestinal blockage, which causes symptoms like abdominal cramps, bloody stools, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is also highly likely that a dog’s digestive system will digest the bone pieces, as it is naturally built to do so. If your dog eats a chicken bone but is normal, make the dog eat a little food, drink lots of water, and walk so the digestive system gets stimulated for active digestion of chicken bone.