Home Remedies for a Dog Who Ate Chicken Bones: What to Do Next

Dogs are notorious for getting into things they shouldn’t, and chicken bones can be particularly concerning. They are small, brittle, and can easily splinter, causing potential harm to your dog’s digestive system. If your dog ate chicken bones, it’s essential to stay calm and take the appropriate steps to minimize any risks.

Here are some important home remedies and steps to take if your dog ate chicken bones.

1. Evaluate Your Dog’s Behavior

Before trying any remedy, observe your dog closely. If they are acting normally, not showing any signs of distress or discomfort, that’s a good sign. However, if they are coughing, gagging, vomiting, drooling excessively, having trouble breathing, or showing signs of abdominal pain, you should call your vet immediately.

2. Help Pass the Bones Safely

The main concern with chicken bones is that they can splinter and get lodged in your dog’s throat, esophagus, or intestines. If your dog shows no signs of immediate distress, the goal is to help the bones pass through their digestive system safely.

• Bread or Pumpkin: Feeding your dog some plain bread or canned pumpkin can help cushion the bones and reduce the risk of sharp fragments causing damage. Bread acts as a buffer, potentially wrapping around any sharp pieces to prevent them from causing injury.
• Rice and Boiled Chicken (without bones): You can also give your dog a bland diet, such as plain boiled rice and chicken (without bones), to help move things through their system smoothly.

3. Monitor for Signs of Distress

Over the next 24-48 hours, keep an eye on your dog for any signs of discomfort, vomiting, blood in the stool, or changes in behavior such as lethargy or refusal to eat. These could indicate that a bone has caused an obstruction or internal injury.

4. Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Ensure your dog stays well-hydrated. Drinking water can aid digestion and help move the bones through the digestive tract. However, don’t force water if your dog isn’t interested, as this could make them uncomfortable if they’re already in distress.

5. Massage Your Dog’s Belly

Gently massaging your dog’s belly can sometimes help move things along. If your dog seems comfortable with it, you can softly rub their belly to promote digestion and ease any mild discomfort they might be feeling.

6. Avoid Using Induced Vomiting at Home

It might be tempting to try to induce vomiting to get the bones out, but this can cause more harm than good. The sharp bone fragments could cause damage to the esophagus or throat on the way back up. Always consult a vet before attempting to induce vomiting.

7. Consult Your Veterinarian

Even if your dog appears fine, it’s a good idea to call your vet for advice. In some cases, your vet may recommend an x-ray or other diagnostic tests to ensure that no bones are causing internal damage. If your dog develops any worrying symptoms, you may need to bring them in for immediate care.

Prevention is Key

To avoid this situation in the future, it’s essential to be mindful of where food is kept. Dispose of chicken bones properly and ensure they’re out of reach of curious noses. Training your dog with a solid “leave it” command can also help prevent them from scavenging potentially dangerous items.

While chicken bones can be dangerous, many dogs end up passing them without any issues. By staying calm, offering soft foods, and monitoring your dog closely, you can help ensure they come through the incident safely. If in doubt, always consult a veterinarian for personalized advice based on your dog’s specific situation.

Your pet’s health is important, and taking prompt, cautious action can make all the difference in their