The One Thing You Should Never Do If Your Dog Eats A Chicken Bone

Although many dogs enjoy gnawing on bones, chicken bones are a different story and can be extremely dangerous to your pup. While you should never give your dog a chicken bone and always keep a close eye on them while you're cooking or eating, they may still get their paws on a forbidden item. However, even if your pooch eats a chicken bone, there's one thing you should absolutely never do: induce vomiting.

Though you might be tempted to try and get the bone out of your dog's system, causing them to throw up can lead to even more issues. Cooked chicken bones are prone to breaking and splintering, and if your canine vomits, they may harm the esophagus or even get stuck. Instead, there are safer measures you can take if you find yourself in this situation.

"A lot of dogs are perfectly capable of eating chicken bones without having any issues whatsoever," veterinarian Dr. Jo Myers, DVM, advised Pawp. However, they can still cause major problems. Aside from the choking danger and splintered edges, swallowing chicken bones may lead to internal bleeding. Signs that your dog may be experiencing internal bleeding include bloody stools, lethargy, constipation, bloating, vomiting, and loss of appetite. If your pup displays any of these symptoms, get veterinary help immediately.

Often, puppies and smaller dogs are more likely to have issues with chicken bones due to their more compact digestive systems, which can lead to the bones getting stuck more easily and causing increased damage. Along with internal bleeding, chicken bones can also result in intestinal obstructions that require surgery, as well as mouth problems and a ruptured stomach. Raw chicken bones could also make your pup sick if they are contaminated with salmonella, which typically produces gastrointestinal issues in dogs, such as throwing up and diarrhea.

If you catch your dog stealing chicken bones, try to safely take them away. If you aren't quick enough and your pooch devours the bones, ensure they aren't choking and contact a veterinarian right away to determine what to do from there. If your dog shows signs of choking, such as coughing, pawing at the mouth, gagging, or difficulty breathing, you will need to help them get the object out of their throat without delay. "If their dog is actively choking, perform the Heimlich maneuver to remove the bone from their pet's airway and immediately go to a veterinary emergency hospital," Dr. Aliya McCullough told The Dig.

Other steps you can take include feeding your dog a soft food, such as slices of white bread, which can potentially help shield the sharp edges of the bone and block it from causing any damage. Even if your pup appears fine after eating a chicken bone, it's best to monitor them closely and take them to a vet to make sure the bones aren't stuck anywhere in their body, especially if you still don't see the bone fragments in their stool after 72 hours. Depending on how your dog got access to the bone in the first place, you will want to take steps to ensure they stay safe in the future.