Although there is a well-known association between dogs and bones, is it actually safe for dogs to consume all types of bones, and what should you do if your dog ate a chicken bone?
Most dog owners are aware that dogs shouldn’t eat chicken bones. However, you might not understand why this is the case, which bones your dog should avoid, or what to do if your pet unintentionally consumes one of these bones.
We’ll provide you with the knowledge you need to react appropriately if your dog unintentionally consumes chicken bones in the article that follows. Read on to learn more.
Should I feed my dog leftover bones?Leftover bones can be a great treat for dogs. However, there are certain types of bones that should be avoided to keep your dog safe and healthy.Dr Adam Sternberg from Greencross Vets Brookvale says ‘If you must give your dog a bone then it should always be raw.’‘If they are cooked, smoked, fried or steamed, this makes the bone very brittle and likely to splinter,’ he says.‘Cooked bones are not recommended under any circumstance.’
Dr Sternberg says if you do decide to give your dog a bone, make sure you prepare it properly by separating all the meat from it first. ‘Some dogs become frustrated they cannot chew the meat off the bone, and they instead try to inhale the entire thing,’ he says. ‘I do not recommend feeding bones to dogs that ‘inhale’ their food. If dogs eat food or bones very fast, then the bone can become stuck and cause issues.’
Hereâs what to do if your dog swallowed a chicken bone
If you believe your dog has ingested a chicken bone, take them to the veterinarian right away, whether they appear to be choking or not. Depending on your pet’s condition, they might need to stay at the hospital for at least one night in order to have their fluids checked and take their medications. Â.
If your dog is choking, itâs essential to act fast. If pet owners see or suspect their dog has consumed a chicken bone, they should call their veterinarian, advises Dr McCullough says. “Use the Heimlich maneuver to free the obstruction in their dog’s airway if it is actively choking, and then take them straight to a veterinary emergency hospital,” the advice reads. âÂ.
Indications that your dog is choking on a chicken bone include the following:
Even if your dog ate the chicken bone without choking, you should still take them to the vet in case the object is lodged in their digestive system. The severity of the chicken-bone obstruction will determine your pup’s prognosis, but it’s important to act quickly because the situation frequently gets worse the longer the chicken bone is lodged in the digestive tract.
According to Dr. McCullough, swallowed chicken bones can be quickly identified, particularly if they are visible on an X-ray. Your veterinarian may, however, use additional techniques, such as abdominal ultrasounds or exploratory laparotomies (abdominal surgery where vets examine the internal organs, collect biopsy samples, and remove foreign bodies).
A piece of chicken bone or a cooking string that partially blocks the intestine are examples of potential incomplete obstructions, also known as linear foreign bodies, which you should ask your veterinarian to check for. Pets with an incomplete obstruction typically exhibit non-obtrusive symptoms, such as a lack of appetite and sporadic vomiting, before suddenly becoming very ill. Â.
Why are Chicken Bones Dangerous for Dogs?
Chicken bones are dangerous to dogs because they are so small and can splinter so easily. These lightweight bones break into shards that can tear the throat or puncture through the intestines. The bones and their pieces can also quickly lead to choking and airway obstruction in dogs.
Whether they have been cooked or not, chicken bones are harmful to dogs. The other potential risks associated with chicken bones are the same whether the bones are cooked or raw, despite the fact that raw chicken bones also increase the risk of disease transmission. Unfortunately, dogs find chicken bones to be very alluring as well, which can result in unintentional eating.
FAQ
Can I give my dog cooked chicken bones?
If you must give your dog a bone, Dr. Adam Sternberg of Greencross Vets Brookvale advises that it should always be raw. According to him, the bone becomes extremely brittle and more likely to splinter when it is cooked, smoked, fried, or steamed. ‘Cooked bones are not recommended under any circumstance.
Can dogs digest chicken bones?
Since dogs have been eating bones for thousands of years, they typically have no problems breaking them down. When chicken bones enter the stomach, they typically dissolve, preventing them from becoming dangerous. Most times, dogs are able to pass chicken bones uneventfully.
Which chicken bones are safe for dogs?
All cooked bones, including table scraps of chicken, are strictly prohibited. Raw animal bones can be dangerous and should only be consumed under close supervision. Dogs may enjoy consuming chicken necks or larger bones. Their powerful stomach acid aids in the breakdown of the bones and kills potential bacteria.