What To Do If Your Dog Ate A Chicken Bone

Chicken bones are a common household item that many dogs will try to eat if given the chance. While dogs are naturally inclined to chew on and consume bones, chicken bones can be dangerous if swallowed. They can splinter and cause injuries or blockages in a dog’s throat or digestive tract.

As a dog owner, it’s important to understand the risks of your dog eating chicken bones and to know how to respond if it happens With some basic knowledge and prompt action, you can address this common mishap and help keep your pup safe and healthy.

How Dangerous Are Chicken Bones For Dogs?

Cooked chicken bones tend to be brittle and can easily splinter when chewed by dogs The splinters can then get lodged in your dog’s throat or puncture their gums and mouth If swallowed, these sharp pieces have the potential to perforate the esophagus, stomach or intestines.

Some specific risks of dogs eating chicken bones include:

• Choking – Bones getting stuck in mouth or throat
• Gastrointestinal bleeding – From bone splinters penetrating the GI tract
• Blockages or obstructions – Bones getting stuck along the GI tract
• Peritonitis – Infection from bone fragments and stomach contents leaking into abdomen

Puppies are especially prone to choking on bones before they learn how to properly chew food, Small and medium breed dogs also face higher obstruction risks from chicken bones due to their smaller digestive systems

While the risks are clear, it’s important to note that most dogs will pass chicken bones without incident if they swallow them whole. Issues mainly arise when dogs chew the bones into sharp fragments. Monitoring your dog after eating bones can help identify any potential complications.

What Should I Do If My Dog Ate A Chicken Bone?

If you see your dog eat a chicken bone or suspect they have swallowed one, here are some steps to take:

• Check for choking: Look inside your dog’s mouth and feel their throat for any lodged bones. Be very careful not to push bones deeper. If choking is occurring, get emergency vet care immediately.

• Don’t induce vomiting: While it may seem logical to remove the bones, this can cause more harm than good. Sharp bones can damage the throat and esophagus during vomiting. Only induce vomiting under vet supervision.

• Feed bland food: Give your dog a small meal of boiled chicken and rice or canned pumpkin. This can help cushion bones passing through the digestive tract.

• Monitor your dog: Watch for signs of distress like gagging, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or loss of appetite. These warrant an urgent vet visit.

• Avoid medications: Don’t give medications like hydrogen peroxide or antacids without consulting your vet first, as these can hinder bone digestion.

• Call your vet: Describe the situation and follow your vet’s recommendations. They may suggest x-rays to locate bones or other treatment.

• Visit the emergency vet: If your dog shows signs of choking, severe vomiting, abdominal pain or lethargy, seek emergency vet care right away.

While most dogs pass bones without issue, it’s always best to consult your vet if there’s any uncertainty. They can guide you on the safest course of action for your dog.

How Do Vets Treat Dogs That Ate Chicken Bones?

If your dog requires veterinary care after eating chicken bones, some common treatments may include:

• X-rays to locate bones and identify any obstructions along the GI tract.

• IV fluids to keep your dog hydrated and promote bone passage.

• Antiemetics to control nausea and vomiting.

• Surgical removal of lodged bones through endoscopy or laparotomy if obstructing the intestines.

• Bloodwork to check for signs of infection.

• Antibiotics if infection is present.

• Strict monitoring for 48-72 hours to ensure bone fragments pass through system.

• Special GI food to reduce inflammation and soothe digestive tract.

• Laxatives or enemas if bone fragments are obstructing the colon.

• Hospitalization for severe cases to allow for intensive treatment and monitoring.

The exact treatment approach will depend on your individual dog and the severity of their condition. In straightforward cases, dogs are often just monitored at home after eating chicken bones.

How Can I Prevent This From Happening Again?

To avoid future chicken bone incidents, here are some tips:

• Keep cooked chicken bones discarded in a covered trash can that’s out of your dog’s reach.

• Never feed your dog cooked bones of any kind. Only give dogs raw meat bones intended for consumption.

• Clean up any meat scraps, bones or debris after eating chicken. Don’t leave unattended.

• Train your dog using positive reinforcement not to steal food or rummage through the trash.

• Use baby gates or crate your dog when handling and eating chicken.

• If your dog steals a bone, trade it for a treat to avoid swallowing.

• Avoid throwing chicken bones into your yard, where dogs may find and ingest them.

With proper precautions, you can prevent your dog from accessing dangerous chicken bones. Supervise them closely any time chicken is prepared or consumed in your home. Safer chew options include rubber toys, dental chews and raw marrow bones.

When To Worry After Your Dog Eats Chicken Bones

While most dogs pass chicken bones without issue, it’s smart to remain observant of your dog for 2-3 days after the incident. Seek prompt veterinary care if you notice any of the following:

• Repeated vomiting
• Vomiting more than 2-3 times
• Diarrhea, especially with blood
• Loss of appetite for more than 24 hours
• Lethargy or weakness
• Abdominal tenderness or enlarged belly
• Gagging or choking
• Difficulty breathing
• Black, tarry stools

These signs could indicate a blockage, perforation or other complication that requires treatment. Puppies, small dogs, and at-risk breeds may need closer monitoring and vet care even if they seem normal initially after eating chicken bones.

When in doubt, it’s always better to call your vet and have your dog examined, even if only for peace of mind. They can provide tailored guidance based on your dog’s health history and specific situation.

FAQs

How long do chicken bones take to digest in a dog’s stomach?

Chicken bones can take anywhere from 10 hours to 2-3 days to fully digest in a dog’s stomach, depending on size of dog and quantity ingested. Monitoring for this duration is recommended.

Can x-rays show chicken bones in a dog’s stomach?

Yes, x-rays are an effective way to identify bones and bone fragments within the digestive system. Vets may recommend x-rays to locate bones and check for any obstructions.

What happens if my dog passes chicken bones?

As long as the bones pass normally through the digestive tract without obstruction, dogs generally recover well and suffer no long term consequences. Monitor their stools to ensure all fragments pass.

Do chicken bones dissolve in a dog’s stomach?

Chicken bones are small, thin and low in density compared to other animal bones. Under the action of stomach acid, most chicken bones will gradually soften, dissolve and pass through a dog’s digestive system without issue.

How can I safely remove chicken bones from my dog’s mouth?

Don’t reach into their mouth or try to pull out lodged bones, as this can worsen obstruction or choking. It’s safest to take your dog to the vet clinic where they can remove bones using proper sedation and medical equipment.

Conclusion

Chicken bones can pose a hazard if dogs chew or swallow them. Their tendency to splinter means they can lead to choking, blockages or internal injury if ingested. While most dogs pass bones without issue, it’s important to remain vigilant for any signs of distress after your dog eats them. Seek prompt veterinary care if your dog becomes lethargic, has appetite loss or shows other symptoms. With vigilance and quick response, most dogs recover fully after eating chicken bones. Prevention is always best, so be sure to keep cooked chicken bones well out of your dog’s reach.