Can Dogs Eat Chicken Bones or Turkey Bones?
Many dog owners wonder if it’s safe for their furry friends to eat chicken bones or turkey bones. The short answer is no—dogs should not eat chicken or turkey bones. Chicken bones tend to splinter more easily than turkey bones when cooked, but just like their chicken counterpart, they can also splinter.
And, while turkey bones may be larger and tougher, this doesn’t make them any safer than chicken bones. While dogs are often portrayed as bone-lovers, neither chicken nor turkey bones are safe for dogs as they can easily splinter and cause blockages. This blog will help you understand the risks, what to do if your dog accidentally eats chicken bones, and alternative options for your pup.
Are Chicken Bones and Turkey Bones Bad for Dogs?
Chicken bones can pose a significant danger to dogs. Whether raw or cooked, they’re prone to splintering, creating sharp fragments that can:
Choking Hazard: Both chicken and turkey bones can get stuck in your dog’s throat or windpipe.
Internal Injuries: Sharp fragments can puncture or damage the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.
Blockages: Larger turkey bones can cause intestinal blockages, especially in small or medium-sized dogs.
Bacterial Contamination: Raw chicken or turkey bones may carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella or Campylobacter, posing a risk to your dog and your household.
Cooked chicken bones are especially brittle and hazardous. For your dog’s safety, it’s best to avoid giving them any chicken bones.
My Dog Ate a Chicken Bone. What Next?
If your dog eats a chicken bone, it’s important to assess the situation calmly. In many cases, dogs can pass the bone without issues. However, you should monitor your dog for signs of distress, such as:
1. Vomiting
2. Lethargy
3. Blood in stool
4. Difficulty breathing
If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Stay Calm and Don’t Panic
It’s natural to worry, but panicking won’t help your dog. Assess the situation carefully. If your dog shows no immediate signs of distress, monitor them closely over the next 48 hours.
Call Your Vet Immediately
Even if your dog seems fine, it’s a good idea to call your vet for advice. They can help determine whether further steps are necessary based on your dog’s size, health, and the type of bone ingested.
Make Sure Your Dog Isn’t Choking
If your dog is choking, visit the emergency vet immediately. Signs of choking include gagging, pawing at the mouth, or struggling to breathe.
Don’t Induce Vomiting
Avoid inducing vomiting, as this can cause the bone to lodge in the esophagus or cause further damage.
Give Your Dog Bread and Water
In cases where the dog has swallowed the bone and isn’t showing signs of choking, giving them plain white bread can help cushion their digestive tract and reduce the risk of injury from splinters. Encourage them to drink water to aid digestion.
Can Dogs Eat Chicken Bones FAQ
Q: What Types of Bones Can Dogs Eat?
A: Raw bones from larger animals like beef or lamb are generally safer for dogs as they don’t splinter as easily. Always supervise your dog when chewing bones. Instead of giving your dog chicken or turkey bones, opt for these safer options:
- Commercially Made Dog Chews: These are designed for safe chewing and digestion.
- Raw Bones from Larger Animals: If you want to give raw bones, choose large beef or lamb bones, but always supervise your dog.
- Dental Chews or Toys: These satisfy your dog’s chewing instincts without the splintering risks.
- Always consult with your veterinarian about what types of chewable products are the safest bet for your dog. Some smaller dogs require specific types of chewable bones, and these can even get lodged if not chewed properly or under your supervision.
- See the packaging for the recommended dog size weight as some dental chews and bones are made for breeds 20 lbs and over, etc.
Q: Can a Dog’s Stomach Acid Dissolve Bones?
A: While a dog’s stomach acid is strong enough to dissolve some bone material, it may not break down sharp or large fragments entirely, leading to potential risks.
Q: What to Do if My Dog Swallowed a Small Chicken Bone?
A: If your dog just ate a chicken bone or a turkey bone, follow these steps:
Stay calm and assess the situation: Dogs can sense your panic, which may escalate their stress.
- Assess Their Behavior: Watch for signs of choking or discomfort, such as gagging, pawing at the mouth, drooling, or difficulty breathing. If your dog shows any of these signs, act quickly.
- Opening Their Mouth: If you suspect a blockage and your dog is calm, you can gently open their mouth to check for visible bones. However, avoid using excessive force or sticking your fingers deep into their mouth, as this could push the bone further down or cause injury.
- If There’s No Immediate Danger: If your dog appears fine, monitor them closely for signs of distress, vomiting, lethargy, or blood in their stool over the next 48 hours.
- Avoid inducing vomiting: If your dog is NOT in visible distress after ingesting a chicken or turkey bone, you could offer a small piece of PLAIN bread to cushion the digestive tract if the dog appears otherwise fine. Bread can act as a soft buffer, wrapping around sharp edges of splinters or fragments, such as bone pieces. This may help reduce the risk of the sharp object damaging the esophagus, stomach, or intestines as it moves through the digestive system. It can also help bulk up the stomach contents, making it easier for potentially harmful objects to pass through the digestive tract without getting lodged or causing blockages. Please consult your veterinarian before trying this.
- Contact Your Vet: Always consult your vet after a dog eats bones, especially poultry bones, which can splinter and cause internal damage. They may guide you on the next steps or recommend bringing your dog in for an examination.
If your dog shows any serious signs like choking, pale gums, or collapse, head to an emergency vet immediately.
By following these safety precautions about not allowing your dog to ingest chicken bones or turkey bones, you can ensure your dogs remain healthy and safe. From knowing what to do in an emergency to making informed decisions about your dog’s diet, responsible ownership begins with understanding what’s best for your furry companion.
And, with the holidays around the corner, make sure others around you also know how to keep your dog(s) happy, safe, and healthy during the holidays!
Puppies.com is committed to supporting responsible pet care and providing valuable resources to help you navigate your dog’s health and happiness. Together, we can keep our four-legged friends safe, healthy, and ready for all the joyful moments that come with being part of the family!
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional training, behavioral, or nutritional advice. Every dog is unique, and training methods, dietary needs, and health considerations may vary. For guidance tailored to your specific situation, please consult a professional dog trainer, veterinarian, or canine nutritionist.
