If your dog eats chicken bones, here is what you should do:
- Check for distress or choking: If your dog shows signs of choking (gasping, pawing at mouth, difficulty breathing), drooling, coughing, retching, gagging, or difficulty swallowing, this is a veterinary emergency. Seek immediate veterinary care
- Do not induce vomiting: Vomiting can cause sharp bone fragments to injure the esophagus or get lodged, worsening the situation
- If your dog appears normal: Monitor closely for 24-48 hours. Most chicken bones dissolve in stomach acid and pass through the digestive tract without issue
. Watch for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, poor appetite, abdominal pain, or bloody stools, which require veterinary attention
- Give soft food and bread: Feeding a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice or canned food, plus a small piece of soft white bread, can help cushion bone fragments and aid digestion
- Avoid over-the-counter medications: Do not give antacids or other stomach medications without veterinary advice, as stomach acid is needed to dissolve bones
- Contact your veterinarian: Even if your dog seems fine, calling your vet for guidance is recommended. They may suggest an X-ray to check bone location and decide if treatment is needed
- Prevent future incidents: Keep chicken bones and other dangerous foods out of your dog's reach to avoid recurrence
In summary, if your dog eats chicken bones and is acting normally, monitor closely and feed soft food and bread while staying alert for symptoms. If any signs of distress or illness appear, seek emergency veterinary care immediately