Home Remedies for Dog Who Ate Chicken Bones

It's a scenario many dog owners fear: your beloved pup has gotten into the chicken bones, and you're worried about the potential health risks. Chicken bones, particularly when cooked, can splinter and pose a serious hazard to dogs. However, there are immediate steps you can take at home to help ensure your dog's safety and well-being.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken Bones?

Yes, dogs can eat raw chicken bones, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Raw chicken bones are generally safer than cooked bones, as they are softer and less likely to splinter. Splintered bones can cause choking or serious damage to the dog's mouth, throat, or intestines.

However, even with raw bones, there's a risk of bacterial contamination like salmonella. It's crucial to source the bones from reputable suppliers and handle them with good hygiene practices. Also, some dogs might be more prone to choking or have difficulty digesting bones, depending on their size, age, and health.

What Happens If a Dog Eats a Cooked Chicken Bone?

If a dog eats a cooked chicken bone, there are several risks involved due to the nature of cooked bones. Cooked chicken bones can be dangerous for dogs for the following reasons:

• Splintering: Cooked bones, especially chicken bones, are more brittle than raw bones. They can easily splinter when chewed, leading to sharp fragments.
• Choking Hazard: These splinters or even whole bones can get lodged in the dog's throat, causing choking.
• Internal Injuries: Splintered bones can cause damage to the mouth, throat, esophagus, and even puncture the digestive tract.
• Intestinal Blockage: Larger pieces of bone can cause obstructions in the intestines, which might require surgical intervention.
• Constipation or Perforation: Bone fragments can cause constipation or, in severe cases, perforate the walls of the intestines.

Are There Any Specific Foods I Should Give My Dog After It Eats Bones?

Experts suggest feeding 5–20 pound dogs something that wraps up around the bones to make "a pillow," hopefully preventing damage as they make their way out. Try using 1/2 to one slice of high fiber bread or 1/2 cup canned plain pumpkin, the type without spices (not the pie filling version.) You could also feed your dog 1/4 to 1/2 cup of brown rice.

What You Should Not Do If Your Dog Eats Chicken Bones

If your dog eats chicken bones, there are certain actions you should avoid to prevent further harm:

Don't Try to Remove the Bone Yourself

If the bone is lodged in the dog's mouth or throat, don't attempt to remove it yourself. You could inadvertently push the bone further down or cause more damage. This requires professional handling by a veterinarian.

Don't Induce Vomiting

While it might seem like a good idea to get the bone out of the system, inducing vomiting can cause more harm. The sharp edges of the bone can damage the esophagus on the way back up, or the bone could become lodged in the throat during vomiting.

Don't Overfeed Your Dog

In an attempt to cushion the bone's passage through the digestive tract, you might be tempted to overfeed your dog. This can lead to other issues like gastrointestinal upset or blockage.

Home Remedies for Dogs Who Ate Chicken Bones

If your dog has eaten chicken bones, it's crucial to monitor them closely and consult with your veterinarian for the best course of action. However, there are some home remedies and measures you can consider to help your dog. Always use these cautiously and in conjunction with professional veterinary advice:

1. Try to remove any visible pieces of bone.

If you can see any pieces of bone stuck in your dog’s mouth or throat, try to remove them carefully with a pair of tweezers.

2. Plenty of Water

Ensure your dog has access to fresh water. Hydration is important for maintaining normal bowel movements and can help the bone pass more easily

3. Bread or Cooked Rice

Feeding your dog a small amount of bread or cooked white rice can help cushion any sharp fragments. This can make it easier for the bone pieces to pass through the digestive system.

4. High-Fiber Food

Adding high-fiber food to your dog's diet can help the bone pass through the digestive system. Plain canned pumpkin (not the spiced pie filling) is a good option as it's high in fiber and gentle on the stomach.

5. Wet Food

Feeding your dog wet food or moistening their regular kibble can assist in easing the passage of the bone fragments. Soft food is less likely to cause additional irritation if the bone has caused any internal scratches or injuries.

6. Mashed Potatoes

Plain mashed potatoes, without added butter or seasonings, can also be used to help soften and bulk up the stool.

7. Give your dog probiotics

Probiotics can help to restore the balance of good bacteria in your dog’s gut, which can help with digestion and overall gut health. Look for a probiotic supplement made specifically for dogs.

8. Try an over-the-counter laxative

If your dog is having trouble passing the chicken bones, you can try giving them a gentle laxative to help move things along.

Is It Necessary to See a Vet After My Dog Eats Chicken Bones?

If your dog appears normal, without signs of distress, you might choose to closely monitor them at home. Watch for symptoms like gagging, choking, vomiting, constipation, bloody stool, abdominal pain, or lethargy.

If you notice any concerning symptoms, or if your dog is a small breed, very young, very old, or has existing health issues, it's safer to consult a vet immediately.

How Can I Prevent My Dog from Eating Chicken Bones Again?

• Ensure all trash cans, especially in the kitchen, are secure and out of your dog's reach. Use trash cans with lids that lock or store them in a place inaccessible to your dog.
• Keep an eye on your dog during meals and snack times, especially if you're eating chicken or other foods with bones. 
• Teach your dog commands like “leave it” or “drop it.” These commands can be lifesavers in situations where your dog picks up something they shouldn't eat. Consistent training can help your dog learn what is off-limits.
• Provide appropriate chew toys to satisfy your dog's urge to chew.

Dogs can chew these bones to clean teeth in a mechanical way. The product contains the Chrysanthemum indicum extract, working as a bacteriostatic factor, which is helpful in inhibiting bacteria and freshening breath.

Which Types of Bones Are Bad for Dogs?

Here are the types of bones that are generally considered bad for dogs:

• Cooked bones, particularly from poultry like chicken or turkey, are very dangerous for dogs. 
• Pork bones, whether raw or cooked, are likely to splinter and can cause similar issues as chicken bones.
• Rib bones, from any animal, are often smaller and can be chewed into sharp pieces, posing a risk of choking or internal injury.
• Bones with high-fat marrow can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, including pancreatitis, especially if consumed in large quantities.

Conclusion

While home remedies can be helpful in minor cases, it's crucial to monitor your dog closely. If you notice any concerning symptoms or if your dog consumed a large number of bones, seek veterinary care immediately. Remember, prevention is the best cure, so take steps to ensure chicken bones are kept safely away from your curious canine friend.