What if my dog ate chicken bones?

dobe8 · 08-30-2008, 11:51 PM

Zeus figured out how to open the "closed lid" trash can while I ran out and ate chicken bones...

I know it's very bad for them because they can splinter. What can I do? Just hope they digest?

**voodoolizard** · 08-31-2008, 05:16 AM

if they were raw you have nothing to worry about, if they were cooked its probably not the best thing, just best to keep a really close eye on him for a few days.. but in sure he will be fine !!

how is he settling in now ??

Dillon427 · 08-31-2008, 06:33 AM

Don't worry, he'll be fine. A cooked bone can splinter but it's an extraordinary occurrence. The bone is good for him and he should digest it normally - he's built for it.

Baruch · 08-31-2008, 08:20 AM

My past dobe would eat the bones of a whole boiled chicken that I used for chicken soup. I would put the bones in a garbage with a lid and think it was safe.......... nope! when I came back in the room there was not a trace of it. He was fine, he did it a couple time in his life and we did not have any problems.

Tess-a-boo · 08-31-2008, 11:46 AM

Definitely keep an eye on him.

We had this happen this past winter. Tess toppled the garbage can (one with a pedal & hinged lid) and ate all our discarded Super Bowl appetizers...including the bones from several buffalo wings. We had only had her for a few weeks at that point; I was so scared and felt like I totally failed as a doberparent.

Our vet advised us to feed her boiled chicken or beef and rice for a few days to help coat the inside of her tummy and digestive track. He also said to keep an eye on her for any signs of discomfort. The bones eventually worked their way out and when they did, they were so pulverized from her teeth and stomach acid they were about the size and shape of grains of couscous. Had I not been closely inspecting each and every poop she took, I probably wouldn't have even noticed they were in there.

Good luck with Zeus. Hope everything turns out ok!

**RedFawnRising** · 08-31-2008, 11:54 PM

Check his mouth for any lodged bones, watch his stools, and just observe him closely, as already mentioned.

If behavior, appetite, stools, all look good over the next few days, you're probably in the clear.

KieferstahlDobermann · 09-01-2008, 12:07 AM

If the chicken was pressure cooked, there is no problem. The bones become rubbery and easier to digest.

**azdobes** · 09-03-2008, 01:38 AM

A sharp object like a jagged bone will actually pass through the gut easier that a rounded object like a small ball. The sharp point will cause the contractions of the intestinal tract to relax, making it easier for the sharp object to pass through. A small ball can cause the intestine to clamp down and cause an obstruction/impaction. Watch the stools for blood; if bowel movements cease and vomiting starts, that is cause for concern; don't allow Zeus to engage in any rough contact with other dogs for the day it will take to pass them through. I am parroting back the advice of my own vet after a similar experience several years ago, which turned out to be a non-event.

Caelestis · 09-03-2008, 08:33 AM

Having worked for many years in a vet clinic and witness several perforations from bones, I disagree with "don't worry about it". Cooked bones are dangerous. The advice given was always feed the dog a loaf of whole wheat bread that has been buttered. The bread will, in theory, surround any bones and help them pass through and the butter makes it an easier trip. Watch the dog carefully.

GunnersMum · 09-03-2008, 09:02 AM

The advice given was always feed the dog a loaf of whole wheat bread that has been buttered. The bread will, in theory, surround any bones and help them pass through and the butter makes it an easier trip. Watch the dog carefully.

I think a dog came up with this remedy... LOL.

I agree with the advise given already... and want to add - make sure that bones aren't left in that particular garbage any more.