It is far from an easy task to be a dog owner. They require as much care (if not more) as kids. Sure, they are a great source of joy. The benefits of owning a pet are numerous and widely talked about. Everyone will tell you how happy they are after adopting a dog or a puppy. Without a doubt, it’s a wonderful experience. However, the struggles of being a pet owner or suffering from puppy blues rarely come up in conversations – unless it’s a gathering of pet owners. Truthfully, the challenges fall solely on the owners. And one of these is chicken bones. Yes, chicken bones. Dogs love chicken bones but it’s one of the most hazardous foods for them, according to general consensus. That’s why this article will definitively answer all your, “can dogs eat chicken bones?” questions.
Why are Chicken Bones so Contentious? Risks of Eating Chicken Bones for Dogs
Chicken Bones became contentious because they are hazardous. Following are the risks of dogs swallowing chicken bones.
1. It can cause Choking
Bones are a choking hazard. Especially, chicken bones that are neither too large to be unswallowable nor too small to be easily swallowed. They can get stuck at the back of the throat in dogs, causing them to choke.
2. It can lead to Gut Impaction
Gut impaction refers to the condition when swallowed bones accumulate in the intestine, causing a blockage. It can further cause vomiting, constipation, dehydration and inflammation.
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3. It can cause Infection
Chicken bones are brittle. They can break into sharp pieces, like shards of glass and damage the insides of the dogs. It can cause internal bleeding and infection, called Peritonitis – a condition in which these broken bones pierce the intestinal wall and leak the contents of the gut into the abdominal cavity.
What are the Symptoms of Distress in Dogs after Swallowing Chicken Bones?
The dangers of eating chicken bones for dogs are real. However, they are rare. Most dogs will be just fine after swallowing a chicken bone or two. But always be on the lookout for the following signs and symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation, straining to poo
- Vomiting
- Fatigue and Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately take your dog to the vet.
What to do if your Dog ate Chicken Bones?
It is not a death sentence if your dog swallowed a chicken bone. Here’s what you should do if your dog ate a chicken bone.
First of all, calm down and look for any signs of distress. If there are none, then no need to worry. Your dog is just fine. On the other hand, if he seems lethargic or restless after eating a chicken bone, then you should immediately take him to the vet for a check-up.
One of the red flags is when he immediately starts choking, retching and drooling profusely. This might be because the bone is stuck in his throat. Try to open his mouth wide enough to locate the bone. If it is possible, forcibly remove it using your fingers. However, if it doesn’t dislocate, take him to the vet posthaste. They’ll need to sedate him in order to remove the bone.
How to Prevent Your Dog from Consuming Chicken Bones
Dogs love bones. They love to chew on them and eat them even if you tell them “No“. It’s the owner’s responsibility to keep hazardous bones out of the dog’s reach. Firstly, try not to leave any cooked food unattended, especially chicken. Second, dispose of the eaten chicken bones carefully so that your dog cannot access them. Lastly, you might have to keep your dog in his or her kennel or some sort of barrier to keep them away from the chicken bones. In short, prevention is the way to keep your dog safe.
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Can Dogs Eat Uncooked Chicken Bones? The Safe Way to Consume Chicken for Dogs
Certainly, eating chicken bones can be harmful to dogs. However, in most cases, this is only true for cooked chicken bones. As I said earlier, cooked bones become brittle and prone to breakage, which then causes internal injury. Contrastingly, raw chicken bones are completely safe for dogs to consume. Raw bones are elastic and rubbery. They are perfect for dogs to crunch and even help clean their teeth. In fact, they are part of a healthy raw diet for dogs as they contain many essential minerals and nutrients. So, if you were wondering, can dogs eat raw chicken bones? Then, the answer is yes.
Another safe way for dogs to eat chicken bones is to eat chicken wings or bones that have a good amount of meat on them. This is because the meat acts as a buffer and prevents the bone pieces from causing internal injury. Moreover, it is easier to digest as well.
What Does Healthy Dog Diet Look Like? – Can Dogs Eat Chicken Wings Bones?
Experts swear by raw diet for pets. It is actual food with real nutrients as opposed to processed food. Processed food is harmful and you can never tell what it actually contains. It is always best to feed your pets homemade food. A raw diet is simple and contains the most nutrients. It consists of 75% meat, organs and bones. 20% fresh vegetables and 5% fruit. Of course, it’s a tentative guideline. The actual ratio depends on the size, breed and weight of your dog. For example, a full-grown guard dog like Rottweiler will have different needs than a cavapoo puppy.
The Verdict
The final verdict is that yes, chicken bones can be bad for your dog but only if they’re cooked. Moreover, complications are rare. Dogs are strong creatures and they can digest a chicken bone or two without any problem. In fact, it might even be good for them in some cases. For instance, raw bones and chicken wings bone are easy to chew and digest for dogs. We hope this answers all your “can dogs eat chicken bones?” queries.
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