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.
Can a Chicken Bones Kill a Dog?
Sadly, yes. Although rare, chicken bones can cause death in dogs. A pierced esophagus is the condition that causes death the most frequently. After the oral cavity, the esophagus connects the mouth to the stomach and is the first part of the digestive system to come into contact with the bones.
The esophagus is regarded as being filthy, just like any other portion of the digestive system, as it contains a large number of bacteria, some of which are simply present there by habit and others which are introduced by the food. Therefore, the bacteria will enter the chest cavity and potentially result in a life-threatening infection when the chicken bone or splinter punctures or tears the esophagus.
The esophagus is situated next to the heart and lungs, which means that any further damage from the bone shard could result in life-threatening complications.
The gifts may seem like good stocking stuffers, but they come with serious health risks.
Pet owners and veterinarians reported to the FDA that dogs who ate these bones experienced gastrointestinal blockages, choking, cuts, vomiting, diarrhea, and in the worst cases, death. About 15 dogs died.
Bone treats are real bones that have been dried, flavored and packaged for dogs, the FDA says. They’re a fixture in pet stores.
It’s understandable that you’d want to pamper your pooch. However, if you do it with bone treats, you’re actually endangering the animal’s life.
Veterinarian Carmela Stamper issued the published warning, warning that giving your dog a bone treat “might lead to an unexpected trip to your veterinarian, a potential emergency surgery, or even death for your pet.”
Can Dogs Eat Chicken Bones Raw?
Because they don’t splinter as easily as cooked chicken bones, raw chicken bones are less dangerous for dogs. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t be problematic, so if your dog manages to get a hold of one, you should still adhere to these guidelines. This is true even if your dog regularly consumes chicken bones as part of his diet, but the risk is very low if they are sufficiently ground up. Many dog owners feed their animals raw food, and it’s not unusual for dogs to occasionally catch and consume birds in your backyard.
FAQ
How likely is a dog to die from chicken bones?
When chicken bones enter the stomach, they typically dissolve, preventing them from becoming dangerous. Most times, dogs are able to pass chicken bones uneventfully. Other bones, like those of beef and pork, can significantly worsen illness and distress.
How long after eating a chicken bone will a dog get sick?
In the event that bones get stuck in the esophagus, symptoms like vomiting, gulping, and shallow breathing may occur. All of these symptoms will most likely manifest within the first ten minutes, but if the bone travels to the stomach, it may take an hour or longer for symptoms to manifest.
How do I know if my dog is ok after eating chicken bones?
If your dog consumed chicken bones, keep an eye out for any signs of mouth or throat bleeding. These may appear as coughing or vomiting up blood. Additionally, search for signs of blood in the stool and your dog having difficulty going to the bathroom.