What is what to do when a dog eats chicken bones?

It's important to act quickly if your dog has eaten chicken bones, as they can pose several risks. Here's what you should do:

1. Stay Calm: Panicking won't help your dog. Try to remain calm so you can assess the situation and take appropriate action.

2. Assess the Situation: Determine approximately how many bones your dog ate, how long ago they were eaten, and whether they were cooked or raw. Cooked bones are generally more brittle and dangerous than raw bones.

3. Contact Your Veterinarian Immediately: This is the most crucial step. Your vet can provide the best advice based on your dog's size, breed, health history, and the specific circumstances. Call them right away, even if it's after hours; they may have an emergency service or be able to direct you to one. They will likely ask you the information you determined in the "Assess the Situation" step.

4. Do NOT Induce Vomiting Without Veterinary Advice: Inducing vomiting can be dangerous, especially if the bones are sharp. You could cause more damage to the esophagus. Only induce vomiting if your vet specifically instructs you to do so and provides guidance.

5. Monitor Your Dog Closely: Watch for the following symptoms, and report them to your vet immediately:

   • Lethargy
   • Loss of Appetite
   • Vomiting
   • Diarrhea
   • Constipation
   • Abdominal Pain (tenderness or reluctance to be touched on the belly)
   • Straining to Defecate
   • Blood in Stool
   • Drooling
   • Difficulty Breathing

6. Feed a Bland Diet (If Advised by Your Vet): Your veterinarian may recommend feeding your dog a bland diet of boiled chicken (without bones!) and rice to help soothe their digestive system.

7. Watch Stools Carefully: Keep an eye on your dog's stools for several days. Look for any signs of blood, undigested bone fragments, or difficulty passing stool.

8. Prevent Future Incidents: Keep chicken bones (and other potential hazards) out of your dog's reach. Ensure that trash cans are securely covered and that food preparation areas are off-limits.

Potential Complications:

• Esophageal Perforation: A bone fragment could pierce the esophagus.
• Gastric Perforation: A bone fragment could pierce the stomach.
• Intestinal Obstruction: Bone fragments can cause a blockage in the intestines.
• Constipation: Bone fragments can cause constipation, which can become severe.
• Rectal Damage: Bone fragments can cause damage during defecation.