Author: Caroline Lindholm

This article is part of a series “Can My Dog Eat X” by Pala Petfoods, where our experts review the benefits and dangers of different foods to dogs. Our mission is to help you make informed decisions that prioritise your furry friend's health and break some bad myths in the process.

💡 VERDICT - ABSOLUTELY NOT

The Dangers

• Choking Hazard: Cooked chicken bones can splinter easily, posing a serious choking risk.
• Internal Injuries: Splintered bones can cause punctures or tears in the digestive tract, which could be life-threatening.
• Obstruction Risk: Bones can become lodged in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, leading to blockages requiring surgery.
• Dental Problems: Hard bones might crack or break teeth, leading to dental issues or emergency veterinary care.
• Nutritional Imbalance: Relying on chicken bones for nutrition does not provide a balanced diet for dogs and could lead to deficiencies.
• Bacterial Contamination: Raw chicken bones could be contaminated with pathogens like Salmonella, which can make dogs (and humans handling them) ill.

Other Things To Note

What to do if my dog ate cooked chicken bones?

If your dog has eaten cooked chicken bones, follow these steps:

• Stay Calm: Panic can stress your dog and worsen the situation.
• Assess the Situation: Check if your dog is choking, coughing, drooling excessively, or showing signs of distress.
• Do Not Induce Vomiting: Avoid making your dog vomit as this could cause further injury if the bones scrape the throat.
• Check for Obvious Discomfort: Look for signs of pain, difficulty breathing, or an inability to lie down comfortably.
• Call Your Veterinarian Immediately: Inform them of the situation and seek advice on whether to monitor your dog at home or bring them in for an examination.
• Monitor Your Dog: Watch for symptoms such as abdominal pain, lethargy, bloody stool, or vomiting.
• Follow Veterinary Instructions: Your vet may advise you to bring your dog in for X-rays, surgery, or may provide instructions to help your dog pass the bones naturally.
• Prevent Future Incidents: Securely dispose of chicken bones to prevent your dog from accessing them again.

Immediate veterinary attention is essential if major symptoms are present, as complications from ingesting chicken bones can be severe and even life-threatening.

As always, it's best to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new foods to your dog's diet to ensure they're safe and beneficial for your pet specifically. Check out our other articles in this series for more information on what you should or should not feed your dog.

References

1. What to Do if Your Dog Ate Chicken Bones - American Kennel Club (AKC) https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/what-to-do-if-your-dog-ate-chicken-bones/
2. Gastrointestinal perforation by chicken bones - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/570715/