Can Dogs Eat Chicken Bones? Risks, Symptoms and What to Do Next!

Dogs and bones seem like they go hand-in-hand. After all, our pups have been eating bones for thousands of years. But just because they can, doesn’t mean they should, especially when it comes to chicken bones. While it’s true that some chicken bones dissolve quickly in a dog’s stomach, many don’t. And that’s where the trouble begins.

In fact, it can happen really quickly. You turn your back for a second and realize your dog ate a chicken bone. Panic sets in, and for good reason. Cooked chicken bones can splinter and cause serious health problems for dogs. But before you spiral, let’s walk through what to do next, the symptoms to watch for, what your vet may recommend, and how to prevent it from happening again.

If your dog ate a chicken bone, the most important step is to stay calm. Dogs are quick opportunists, and many will snatch bones straight from the trash, a plate, or even out of your hand.  However, if you act quickly and rationally, it gives your dog the best chance of staying safe. This is almost the same procedure if your dog ate a sock.

What Happens If A Dog Eats Chicken Bones?

When your dog eats chicken bones, several things can happen. Sometimes, the bone passes through their digestive system without causing any harm. Other times, it can get lodged in the throat or esophagus, leading to gagging, drooling, or difficulty breathing. This is a true emergency.

Even if the bone makes it to your dog’s stomach, it can still splinter and tear the lining of the stomach or intestines, causing internal injuries that require urgent care. Puppies are especially vulnerable because their smaller digestive tracts make obstructions more likely. And if the chicken was raw, bacterial infections add another layer of risk.

What Are Some of The Signs That Your Dog Swallowed a Chicken Bone?

If you suspect your dog ate a chicken bone, watch your dog’s behavior carefully. Some pups may act completely normal, but others will show signs that something is wrong. You might notice gagging, retching, or coughing if the bone gets stuck in the throat.

 Vomiting, drooling, or licking their lips excessively can also signal discomfort. As the bone travels farther down, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or even blood in the stool may appear. Dogs may seem lethargic, lose their appetite, or just not act like themselves. If any of these symptoms occur, it’s important to get veterinary help right away.

Look out for bones or crumbs around your floor or trash can and some dogs might lick their lips excessively. And some dogs will even just have a guilty look on their face as they know the aren’t supposed to eat the chicken bone.

What You Should Do If Your Dog Eats Chicken Bones

If your dog manages to snatch a chicken bone, don’t panic, but do act quickly. Some veterinarians suggest giving your dog a small amount of soft food, like plain bread, to help cushion sharp edges as the bone passes. Then, monitor your dog closely for any changes in behavior or signs of illness. If your dog begins choking, vomiting, straining to poop, or seems lethargic, it’s time to head to the vet immediately.

At the clinic, your vet may take X-rays to check for fragments or blockages and decide whether your pup needs an endoscopy or surgery.

What You Should Do If Your Dog Is Choking

If you see your dog choking on a bone and can safely see it in their mouth, you may try to gently remove it. But never stick your hand down your dog’s mouth if you can’t reach it, as you could push it farther down or hurt your dog more. If you can’t safely retrieve it or your dog is in distress, get to the vet right away. A bone lodged in the airway or esophagus is a true emergency and needs immediate attention.

What to Expect at the Vet

If your dog ate a chicken bone and you head to the vet, here’s what might happen:

Examination & History: Your vet will ask when it happened and what type of bone it was.

X-rays or imaging: Your vet will most likely take an x-ray or image to see if fragments of the chicken bone stuck in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.

Endoscopy: In some cases, a vet can use a scope to remove the bone safely.

Surgery:  If the bone has splintered or caused an obstruction, surgery may be necessary.

The sooner you act, the more options your vet has to help your dog avoid complications.

How To Prevent Your Dog From Eating Chicken Bones

The best solution is prevention. Since dogs have an amazing sense of smell and if you leave chicken bones in the trash, this can be extremely enticing to your pup. Use dog-proof garbage bins, take out leftovers right after meals, and double-bag bones before placing them in outdoor trash cans your dog can’t access.

If your pup is a counter-surfer, consider crating your dog during meals or putting your dog in another room while cooking. Teaching your dog a solid “drop it” command can also save the day if they manage to grab something they shouldn’t. Remember that prevention isn’t just about protecting your dinner table, it’s about protecting your dog’s health.

Final Thoughts

While dogs can eat chicken bones, they absolutely shouldn’t. While some bones may pass without issue, the risks of choking, splintering, obstruction, or infection are far too high. If your dog eats a chicken bone, keep calm, monitor your dog closely, and call your vet if you notice any troubling symptoms.

And next time you’re enjoying a plate of chicken, keep those bones well out of reach. Your dog may beg, but trust me, this is one treat that’s way better not to share.