Can Dogs Eat Chicken Bones? Effective Home Remedies For Dogs Who Ate Chicken Bones

Feeding nonseasoned, cooked chicken to your dog is safe and does not do any harm. But what about eating chicken with all the bones? Can dogs eat chicken bones safely, or are there any risks associated? 

We loved how Scott Krager explained it on Quora, “Oh boy, this takes me right back to one of those lap-your-forehead moments. See, dogs and chicken bones have a relationship that can swiftly go from a drooling love affair to an emergency vet trip real quick.” This blog will explore the risks of chicken bones and home remedies for dogs who ate chicken bones.

Can Dogs Eat Chicken Bones?

Many pet owners believe eating chicken bones should not be a problem for dogs as they are carnivores and have historically been predators. However, dog experts advise against eating chicken bones, whether cooked or raw. One apparent reason for prohibiting the chicken bone feast is that your pet might choke on the bone. This can be fatal if you do not know how to ease your furry friend’s condition and help it breathe again.

Another reason why dogs should not eat chicken bones is because cooked chicken bones are softer than raw or dried bones, making them easier to splinter into small, sharp pieces. These sharp splinters can cause injuries in the mouth, esophagus, and even the stomach. Internal injuries, bleeding, and pain are commonly associated with the eating of chicken bones in dogs. 

But what about raw chicken bones? Can your dog safely eat raw chicken bones? Definitely not. While the chances of splinters might be minimal in raw bones, they can still cause choking and internal injuries. Moreover, if your dog eats raw chicken bones, they may be at increased risk of salmonella poisoning.

Home Remedies For Dogs Who Ate Chicken Bones

Suppose your sneaky pup managed to gobble down a piece or more of a chicken from your dinner table. Looking at the empty plate and your dog, who is busy licking its mouth, you might wonder, “What can I give my dog to help pass a chicken bone?” Based on expert advice and fellow dog parents’ experience, we have some home remedies for dogs who ate chicken bones. 

Or as Scott puts it, “First things first, take a breath. Chicken bones can be dangerous due to their potential to splinter and cause blockages or perforations in your dog’s digestive tract. But before you start envisioning worst-case scenarios, let’s talk about what you can do right from your home…”

What To Do If My Dog Ate Chicken Bones But Is Acting Normal?

• Stay Calm: We know it can be scary to watch your dogs eating chicken bones while knowing about the potential risks. Yet, panicking will do no good. Conversely, if your dog is swallowing a chicken bone, your frantic actions might startle the pup into choking. So take deep breaths and do not worry.
• Monitor Your Dog: Often, you will not see immediate effects after a dog ingests chicken bones. Experts recommend keeping an eye on your pal for symptoms like choking, gagging, excessive drooling, refusal to eat, vomiting, a painful belly, constipation, or bloody stool. If your pet starts showing such signs, you should visit the vet as soon as possible.
• Feeding Bland Food: Many pet owners ask, “What can I give my dog to help pass a chicken bone?” The best food choice would be something bland and soft to help the dog pass the chicken bones easily. Some safe options are boiled rice without salt or butter, bread, and plain pumpkin. You should also provide your furry friend with plenty of fresh drinking water. However, your best shot is to consult the vet for a proper diet plan.

How Long After Eating Chicken Bones Would A Dog Get Sick?

Chocking on a chicken bone is instantaneous and probably the first sign that your dog indulged in chicken bones without you noticing. Other signs, such as vomiting after eating, retching or gagging, drooling, licking lips excessively, abdominal pain or bloating, and coughing or labored breathing, can show within a few hours or a day. Your canine friend might act normally, but with constant observation, you can identify the symptoms before it is too late.

What Not To Do as Part of Home Remedies for Dogs Who Ate Chicken Bones

We have already discussed the simple steps of effective home remedies for dogs who ate chicken bones. However, what not to do is also as essential. You should avoid doing a few things, no matter how scared or panicked you are about your pup eating a chicken bone.

Do Not Try To Get The Bones Out

If you happen to find your dog munching on chicken bones, never try to pull them out. First, this can startle your dog, causing it to swallow the bone quickly and choke. Second, it can trigger the dog’s possessiveness, even if your dog is not territorial. Puppies can become quite aggressive and might even harm you.

No Vomiting

Vomiting is suggested as part of home remedies for dogs who ate chocolate, but it should be avoided when dogs eat chicken bones. An apparent reason for this is that vomiting up a sharp object, like a bone splinter, may increase the risk of it getting stuck in the airway on the way back up. So do not induce vomiting and prevent your dog from eating grass.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do if your dog eats chicken bones?

Stay calm and monitor your dog for any signs of choking, discomfort, or stomach bloating. If your dog seems to be in pain, take it to the vet immediately.

How much bread should I give my dog after eating chicken bones?

Giving him bread to dogs that ate chicken bones is a very good idea. Experts typically recommend giving at least two whole pieces every 8 hours for the first day.