Dogs have no problem chewing on chicken bones they find in the garbage or on the street, but does that mean it is safe for them to eat? Actually, you shouldn’t let your dog have them at all.
Are chicken bones bad for dogs?
Chicken bones should not be a part of your dog’s diet. While they contain nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, all these are provided in your dog’s regular diet, in commercially made dog food. Chicken bones can cause injury to your dog’s mouth, and they put your dog at hufe risk of GI obstruction, GI perforation, and bacterial or parasitic infection from raw chicken bones. Cooked chicken bones break apart much easily and can easily splinter and cause cuts in your dog’s mouth and intestines.
What to do if he/she eats it anyway
If your dog eats a chicken bone, you need to pay close attention to his/her stool to ensure it passes through, otherwise it may be a sign of GI perforation or obstruction. If it does not pass within 72 hour, contact your vet. Some signs of internal bleeding include:
- Lethargy
- Constipation
- Straining to poop
- Bloody stool
- Vomiting
- Bloated abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Abnormal behavior
Your dog is not a wolf
Your dog is not like his/her wolf ancestors. he/she is domesticated and, as a result, does not need to live as they do. A wolf’s diet is not necessarily the safest or best option for a dog. If you want your dog to have bones, consider toy bones. There are tons of options to choose from.