Dog swallowed chicken bones, what to do?

Chicken bones can become dangerous for dogs. If your dog has swallowed one or more, observation and quick action are required.

Why chicken bones are dangerous

Poultry bones are pneumatized, i.e. air-filled. This makes them light but also prone to splintering. Cooked chicken bones in particular become brittle and break into sharp-edged pieces that can cause injuries in the mouth, oesophagus, stomach or intestines. Possible consequences include internal bleeding, perforations or intestinal blockages.

Can the dog’s stomach dissolve bones?

A dog’s stomach acid is strong and can partially dissolve bones. However, this does not work equally well for all bones. Cooked chicken bones are particularly problematic because they remain splintery despite stomach acid. Additionally: digestive capacity varies individually; the size of the dog, the amount of swallowed bones, and their condition all play a role.

Raw chicken bones from very young animals are softer, but they too can splinter. A residual risk remains.

What to do if the dog has eaten chicken bones?

1. Observe: Watch for symptoms such as gagging, vomiting, drooling, loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain or problems passing faeces.
2. Feed sauerkraut: Unpeppered, mild sauerkraut can help. The fibres wrap around sharp splinters and cushion them as they pass through the digestive tract. Give 1–3 tablespoons depending on the dog’s size.
3. Contact the vet: Go to the vet immediately if there are visible symptoms, large amounts of swallowed bones or uncertainty. An X-ray can show where the bones are and whether there is a danger.

Prevention

Keep chicken bones and other kitchen waste out of reach. Secure the bin and do not leave your dog unsupervised in the kitchen or at the table. Balanced nutrition reduces the likelihood that your dog will search for edible items.