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Can Dogs Eat Chicken Bones?

Can Dogs Eat Chicken Bones?

Why can't dogs eat cooked chicken bones | Why can't dogs eat raw chicken bones | What to do | Prevention

No, chicken bones are not safe for dogs to eat. Always consult your vet before adding any new foods into your dog’s diet. And if you’re tempted to let your dog gnaw on a chicken bone—similar to cartoons depicting dogs chewing on bones—this is not an appropriate snack to feed your pup. 

However, if it’s the end of a family barbecue and your dog digs into the leftovers behind your back, it can be good to know if dogs can eat chicken bones. If your dog ate chicken bones, should you be concerned? Maybe. 

While cooked chicken is perfectly safe for most dogs, chicken bones should not be eaten by dogs. These bones are too small for safe consumption and can lead to serious health issues. If your dog ate chicken wings or you think they snagged a wishbone from your picnic table—you need to monitor your pet. Always call your vet if you suspect your dog has eaten a chicken bone. 

Read on to learn more about why dogs shouldn’t eat small animal bones, and what to do if your dog ate chicken bones.  

Why your dog can’t eat cooked chicken bones

While you may give your pet rawhide or similar treats to chew on, chicken bones are too small to fill the same need. In fact, cooked chicken bones can become very brittle and break up quickly when chewed on. A chicken bone could splinter when your dog bites down. These splinters have the capacity to puncture or lacerate their digestive system. 

Here are some of the most common risks associated with feeding your dog cooked chicken bones:

  • Punctured GI tract, leading to internal bleeding or an abdominal infection. 
  • Gastrointestinal obstruction, even if the chicken bone doesn’t splinter and cut the GI tract. 
  • Bleeding from the rectum when the chicken bone makes it far down the digestive process. 
  • Choking when the chicken bone gets caught quickly in the throat before it even makes it to the stomach. 
  • Wounds in the mouth and tonsils from broken bones that are being chewed. 

Instead of giving your dog chicken bones to chew on, stick to chew and squeak toys. 

Why your dog can’t eat raw chicken bones

If you find out your dog ate chicken bones from a raw piece of meat, there are additional risks. These bones present additional bacterial and parasitic threats. Raw chicken could be contaminated with a pathogen like Salmonella, which is apt to make your pet very sick to their stomach in addition to the potential splintering of bones in their mouth. Raw bones may be more flexible than cooked bones, but they aren’t safe. 

Here are some of the most common risks associated with finding out your dog swallowed a chicken bone with raw meat:

  • Food poisoning from the chicken and the contaminated bones that can be spread to people; family members who are immunocompromised are at an especially high risk. 
  • New food, including raw chicken, can cause vomiting and diarrhea; these symptoms often lead to dehydration. 
  • Bacteria can be passed through feces, so a human that interacts with dog waste after the pet eats raw chicken bones may be at risk for contamination. 
  • Choking from the swallowed bone getting lodged in their system.

What to do if a dog accidentally eats chicken bones

If your dog ate chicken bones and they don’t appear to be choking or in pain, they may end up being unharmed. Still, you should monitor their behavior for any distress or abdominal discomfort and call your veterinarian for advice—especially if your pet ate a lot of raw chicken. Puppies and older dogs may be especially prone to experiencing health problems after eating a chicken bone. 

If your dog ate a small chicken bone and they are otherwise healthy, it is likely that your vet will recommend a wait-and-see strategy for a few days. Look for reduced appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, problems going to the bathroom, blood in their stool or a general demeanor change. Sometimes pets try to hide their pain and may only reveal problems by changing their habits. Is your dog starting to turn down treats? That might be a sign that something is wrong. 

How can I prevent my dog from eating chicken bones?

Dogs love chewing on bones, and the best dog bones can safely fill this need. Making sure your pet has a steady supply of dog bones and chews could help keep them from getting curious about the leftover chicken wing bones on your counter. 

Keep chicken bones and raw chicken well out of reach of your pet and tempt them with an alternative while you cook. A dense chew or chew toys that are designed for pets are best. And treats that taste great to your pet and help clean your dog’s teeth are excellent options. 

FAQs about dogs eating chicken bones

Can dogs eat chicken bones?

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While bones aren’t toxic to pets, they also aren’t safe. A dog could choke on a chicken bone or break a tooth. Plus, these bones are often brittle and could splinter after your pet chews on them. Chicken bones could lead to tears and bleeding in the GI tract and make your pet very sick. 

Are there home remedies for dog who ate chicken bones?

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If your dog ate a chicken bone, your veterinarian may suggest you watch them for signs of distress. There is no quick at-home remedy for potential problems. If your pet cuts their mouth or breaks a tooth on a chicken bone, you should take them in for emergency care immediately. And if your dog is choking or vomiting, it is time to go in for emergency care. Other symptoms to watch for include abdominal pain and trouble defecating. 

My dog ate chicken bones: what do I do?

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If your dog ate a cooked or raw chicken bone, watch for symptoms of pain or bleeding and call your vet. Immediate threats are cuts to the mouth and choking. The bone may become an obstruction farther down the GI tract—so keep watching their behavior for a few days to make sure they are in the clear. Call your vet if you see a change in behavior such as vomiting or if your dog appears to be in pain. 

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