Sophie Bennett
Chicken bones are dangerous for dogs and can cause serious, even life-threatening emergencies. If your dog has eaten chicken bones, it is important to remain calm and follow the appropriate steps to help your dog. If your dog hasn't completely swallowed the bone yet, try to remove it from their grasp. If your dog has already swallowed the bone, monitor them for symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, constipation, or persistent gagging. If your dog is choking, check inside their mouth and try to remove the bone, or use the Heimlich maneuver. Seek veterinary attention immediately if your dog is showing signs of distress or illness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Risks | Choking, gastrointestinal blockage, internal bleeding, rupture of the stomach or intestines, sepsis, intestinal obstruction, perforation of the esophagus, bacterial infection, gastroenteritis, constipation, internal organ puncture, blockages |
| Symptoms | Diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargic, constipation, straining to defecate, bloody stool, bloating, abdominal pain, low energy, excessive drooling, anxiety, fever, weakness, collapse |
| Immediate Actions | Check for choking, call the vet, perform the Heimlich maneuver, take the dog to an emergency clinic |
| Don't | Panic, induce vomiting, give the dog cotton balls soaked in milk or olive oil |
| Do | Stay calm, remove the bone from the dog's mouth, give the dog white bread or another soft food, give the dog fluids, take the dog for an X-ray |
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What You'll Learn
Stay calm and check for choking
It is understandable to panic when your dog eats chicken bones, but it is important to remain calm and follow the appropriate steps to help your dog. If your dog hasn't completely swallowed the bone yet, gently open their mouth and calmly try to remove it from their grasp. A panicked removal motion can trigger a dog to be possessive of the bone, and they may try to swallow it quickly. If your dog still needs to swallow the chicken bones, give them the command to drop it. A well-trained dog will understand the command and might drop the chicken bones. If your dog drops the bones, be sure to keep an eye on them to make sure they didn't consume any small pieces.
If your dog has already ingested the bones, all you can do now is watch them carefully for at least 48 to 72 hours. Check for choking by observing your dog's behaviour. If your dog is choking, they may start retching or acting like they're trying to cough something up. They may also pace back and forth, roll around on the ground, or paw at their mouth. Unfortunately, if their airway is completely blocked, they won't be able to make any noise at all, so you'll have to pay extra close attention to their body language. If your dog exhibits signs of choking, act immediately and seek immediate veterinary assistance. If you suspect choking, be cautious—attempting to remove the bone yourself could push it further down.
If your dog is not actively choking, call your veterinarian and explain the situation. They will guide you on the next steps and advise if your dog is in any immediate danger. If your dog appears to be active and eating and drinking normally, it is likely that they will be okay. In this case, you can continue to monitor the situation without seeking immediate medical assistance.
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Contact your vet
If your dog has eaten chicken bones, it is important to contact your vet immediately. They will assess the situation and advise on the best course of action. Your vet may recommend bringing your dog in for a physical examination and, depending on the severity of the situation, may suggest taking an X-ray of your dog's abdomen to locate the ingested bones and check for any issues.
It is crucial to remain calm and avoid panicking, as this can confuse your dog and lead to unnecessary and potentially dangerous decisions. Instead, carefully observe your dog for any signs of distress or unusual behaviour. If your dog exhibits symptoms such as gagging, drooling, retching, coughing, or difficulty breathing, these could indicate that the bone is lodged in their airways, throat, or upper airway, requiring immediate veterinary attention.
Even if your dog appears to be fine initially, it is important to closely monitor them for at least 48 to 72 hours. Check their stool daily during this period to look for bone fragments. If you do not see any fragments within 72 hours or if your dog experiences diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or other unusual symptoms, consult your veterinarian for advice. They may recommend hospitalization and intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration and aid in bone digestion.
While cooked chicken bones are more fragile and prone to splintering, raw chicken bones carry harmful bacteria that can cause serious infections. In both cases, it is important to seek veterinary guidance to ensure your dog receives the necessary care and to prevent potential complications.
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X-rays and physical examination
If your dog has eaten chicken bones, it is important to remain calm and monitor them for any symptoms of distress. Chicken bones can cause serious health issues in dogs, including choking, gastrointestinal blockage, and internal bleeding. If your dog is exhibiting any signs of choking, such as gasping, pawing at their mouth, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate veterinary assistance.
Physical Examination:
- Veterinarians will typically perform a thorough physical examination of your dog. This may include checking vital signs, listening to the heart and lungs, and palpating the abdomen to assess for pain or abnormalities.
- During the examination, the veterinarian will look for any external injuries or signs of distress, such as difficulty breathing, gagging, or drooling. They will also assess your dog's level of consciousness and responsiveness.
X-rays:
- X-rays, or radiographs, are a vital tool to visualize the ingested chicken bones and assess their location and potential impact on your dog's body.
- X-rays can help determine if the bones are lodged in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. They can also reveal any signs of perforation or blockage caused by the bones.
- The veterinarian may take X-rays of the chest and abdominal regions to get a comprehensive view of the affected areas.
Interpreting the Results:
- The veterinarian will carefully analyze the X-ray images to identify the location and condition of the ingested chicken bones. They will look for any signs of obstruction, perforation, or internal damage.
- In some cases, the veterinarian may also recommend additional imaging techniques, such as an ultrasound, to further evaluate the soft tissues and organs.
Treatment Planning:
- Based on the findings from the physical examination and X-rays, the veterinarian will determine the appropriate course of treatment. This may include monitoring your dog, inducing vomiting (under veterinary supervision), or performing emergency surgery in severe cases.
- The treatment plan will aim to address any immediate threats to your dog's health and prevent further complications.
Follow-up Care:
- After the initial treatment, your veterinarian may recommend follow-up X-rays to ensure that your dog has passed the chicken bones completely and that there are no remaining fragments causing issues.
- During follow-up examinations, the veterinarian will assess your dog's recovery progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Remember, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian as soon as you suspect your dog has ingested chicken bones. They are equipped with the knowledge and tools, including X-rays and physical examinations, to provide the best care for your furry friend.
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Symptoms of illness
It is important to remain calm and watch your dog carefully for at least 48-72 hours after they have eaten a chicken bone. Chicken bones can splinter and cause serious internal damage, so you should call a veterinarian immediately if your dog has consumed chicken bones, even if they seem fine.
Some symptoms of illness to look out for include:
- Gagging, drooling, and retching, which could indicate that the bone is lodged in the oesophagus.
- Choking: if the bones are not chewed properly, they can get stuck in the dog's throat and cause choking.
- Vomiting and diarrhoea: these symptoms could indicate gastroenteritis, which is a common complication when dogs eat chicken bones.
- Constipation: if there are multiple fragments and shards of bone, it can cause constipation and discomfort.
- Lack of appetite: this could indicate an intestinal blockage or other uncommon but significant complications.
- Lethargy: if your dog seems more tired than usual, it could indicate internal bleeding or a blockage.
- Straining to defecate: this could be a sign of constipation or an intestinal blockage.
- Blood in stool: this indicates potential internal damage and requires immediate veterinary attention.
- Hard, distended stomach: this suggests a possible blockage or internal bleeding that needs emergency care.
If you notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to a veterinarian immediately. It is also important to check your dog's stool for several days after they eat a chicken bone to look for bone fragments.
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Preventative measures
While chicken bones can be dangerous for dogs, there are several preventative measures that can be taken to ensure your dog does not ingest them. Here are some detailed guidelines to prevent your dog from eating chicken bones:
Secure Food Storage and Disposal:
- Keep cooked chicken and bones out of your dog's reach. Store all food in secure, dog-proof containers with lids that latch firmly.
- Take out the trash regularly, especially after meals involving chicken bones. Make sure trash lids are securely closed.
- Inform all household members and guests about the dangers of feeding bones to dogs. Ask them to be mindful of where they leave their food.
Provide Safe Alternatives:
- Offer veterinarian-approved alternatives for chewing, such as appropriate dog chew toys. These toys can help satisfy your dog's natural chewing instincts while keeping them safe.
- If you see your dog with a chicken bone, try trading it for a higher-value item like steak or another treat they love. This approach may require prior training, so they understand the exchange.
Train Your Dog:
- Train your dog not to steal food from counters, tables, or plates. This may include teaching them commands like “leave it” or “drop it." A well-trained dog may understand and release the chicken bones when commanded.
- Teach your dog not to be possessive over food. This can help prevent them from gobbling down chicken bones before you have a chance to intervene.
Supervise Your Dog:
Although it's challenging to watch your dog constantly, try to keep a close eye on them, especially when they're near food. Their curious nature may lead them to discarded chicken bones, so supervision can help prevent accidental ingestion.
Remember, prevention is always the best approach. By following these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of your dog ingesting chicken bones and potentially avoid a dangerous situation.
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Frequently asked questions
Stay calm and check if your dog is choking. Signs of choking include gasping, pawing at the mouth, gagging, drooling, and difficulty breathing. If your dog is choking, call your vet immediately and try to remove the bone from their throat. If your dog is not choking, monitor them closely for at least 48-72 hours for signs of blockage or internal bleeding. If your dog is acting fine, the bone may have passed through to their stomach. Keep an eye on them to ensure there are no further complications.
Chicken bones are dangerous for dogs because they splinter easily and can cause tears in the digestive tract or create dangerous blockages. These splinters can also puncture the throat, stomach, or intestines, leading to internal bleeding. Even raw chicken bones carry harmful bacteria that can cause serious infections. Puppies are at a higher risk of developing complications due to their smaller digestive systems.
Symptoms of internal bleeding or blockages include lethargy, constipation, straining to defecate, bloody stool, vomiting, a swollen abdomen, loss of appetite, and general discomfort. If your dog displays any of these symptoms, seek veterinary attention immediately.
To prevent your dog from eating chicken bones, keep all food and trash out of their reach and secure lids on trash cans. Be mindful of where family and guests leave their food and inform them about the dangers of feeding bones to dogs. Train your dog not to steal food from counters or tables, and provide them with appropriate chew toys as safer alternatives.
