What to do if my dog ate chicken bones

Canine Emergency Situations can be stressful for dogs and their owners. However, it is vital for a dog owner to remain calm and collected for the sake of the dog. If you are a dog owner and your dog ate a chicken bone, then chances are they will not be harmed. However, a dog owner will want to watch his or her dog closely if the dog consumed chicken bones.

Chicken bones are weak and brittle, and can splinter when a dog is chewing on them, which is one reason chicken bones can be considered dangerous. Splintered chicken bones can cause harm to a dog’s mouth, throat, and the lining of the digestive system. If you noticed your dog has gotten a hold of chicken bones, then watch him or her carefully to make sure choking does not occur. It is important to check your dog immediately to make certain he or she is not choking on the bone.

If your dog has already swallowed the chicken bones, then there is a good chance your pooch will be unharmed. However, it is important to keep an eye on your dog to make certain the bones digest safely in his or her stool. It may be helpful to give your dog a soft piece of food, such as a piece of bread, which will provide as a form of cushioning in his or her stomach. Soft food can serve as a way to protect the lining of your dog’s digestive system from being scratched.

It is also important to monitor your dog’s stool for blood, and keep an eye if your pooch has problems defecating. Other signs to look out for is swelling of the stomach, vomiting, and abnormal behavior. If you have not seen any chicken bones in your dog’s feces after 72 hours, then it is recommended to take your dog to the vet for examination.

Did your pup get his paws on a chicken bone? Learn the risks of your dog eating a chicken bone and when it might be time to call a veterinarian for help.

Vanessa Armstrong

Updated March 28, 2022 • Published March 24, 2022

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If you have a dog, it's likely no surprise that our furry friends can get their paws on things that they shouldn’t. This is especially true when it comes to human food, whether it’s something left on a table or something they’ve had the gumption to pull out of an unsecured trash can. 

Chicken bones are one thing that veterinarians generally don’t recommend your dog eat. Dogs sometimes eat things without our blessing, however, so what should you do if your precocious pup manages to gobble some down? 

The team at Pawp is there whenever you need them to give you specific help and advice. This post also has general information about what could happen to your dog if they eat chicken bones, and what you should do about it.  

What happens when your dog eats a chicken bone

The good news about your dogs and chicken bones is that it’s very possible your pup will be just fine. 

“A lot of dogs are perfectly capable of eating chicken bones without having any issues whatsoever,” explains veterinarian Dr. Jo Myers, DVM. “The risks associated with this depend on the size of the dog, the amount and type of chicken bones consumed, the health status of the dog, and just plain luck. The problem is that on occasion, chicken bones will end up causing problems, and when they do, those problems are serious.”

Chicken and turkey bones are more brittle than other types of bones, and as such, have a higher complication of risk. While not common, some of those potential problems include a splintered piece of bone piercing the gastrointestinal tract, your pup choking, or—especially if your dog has eaten a large number of bones—potential blockage. 

“If a dog manages to consume a large enough quantity of chicken bones to cause a blockage, then you will see symptoms like vomiting for more than 24 hours, appetite loss, depression, and usually no bowel movements at all,” says Dr. Myers. Those symptoms are similar if your dog gets a puncture (peritonitis) or an inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause pain and severe gastrointestinal upset (pancreatitis). 

Your dog can also have some minor symptoms, especially if they have a sensitive stomach to begin with. These symptoms include vomiting (though not for more than 24 hours) and diarrhea. 

Read: Dog Diarrhea: Why Does Your Dog Have It? How Can You Stop It?

If your dog happens get a bone (or anything else) stuck in his mouth, the signs are immediate and obvious. “The dog is going to paw at his mouth and do his best to dislodge it himself,” explains Dr. Myers. “He may also lick a lot and have excessive drooling.”

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What to do when your dog eats a chicken bone

If your dog eats a chicken bone and shows no signs of distress, you don’t have be distressed either.

“The vast majority of dogs who eat a small chicken bone, especially if they chew it up, can pass it without an issue,” says Dr. Myers. 

If your dog has been vomiting for more than 24 hours, however—especially if you haven’t been feeding them in that time—you and your pup should head to the vet. You should also head to the veterinarian’s office if they exhibit any of the severe symptoms listed above for a blockage, peritonitis, or pancreatitis.

“In short, you should go to the vet if it appears your dog is experiencing anything other than a run-of-the-mill, mild, temporary upset stomach,” Dr. Myers says. 

If your dog has their airway partially and fully blocked, that is an emergency-level event that may require you to do a modified Heimlich maneuver to clear it. A dog, however, isn’t more likely to choke on a chicken bone than anything else, so this is a rare occurrence. 

Another chicken bone-related issue that may require a vet visit is if your dog gets a bone stuck in their teeth, as you’ll sometimes need a professional to get it removed.

Overall, however, your dog eating a chicken bone in and of itself isn’t a reason to panic or head to the vet, especially if your pup is in good health otherwise. In the rare event that your dog is clearly choking or has the severe symptoms listed above, you should get professional help to get your furry friend feeling better.

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