Can Dogs Eat Chicken Bones?

It might seem harmless, or even natural, to toss your dog a leftover chicken bone as a treat. But dogs should never eat chicken bones. They pose serious risks, from choking to dangerous internal injuries.

If your dog has eaten a chicken bone, call VEG ER for Pets right away for guidance. Our emergency vets are available 24/7 to help you navigate what to do next.

Even though it’s tempting, veterinarians strongly advise against giving your dog chicken bones, whether cooked or raw. Here’s why they’re so dangerous and what steps to take if your pup manages to sneak one.

Why are Chicken Bones Dangerous for Dogs?

Chicken bones — especially cooked bones — break easily into sharp pieces when chewed.

Sharp bone fragments can:

• Puncture the mouth, esophagus, stomach, or intestines

• Cause an intestinal blockage (which may require emergency surgery)

• Create a choking hazard

• Carry harmful bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella

Sometimes you may not realize your dog has eaten a chicken bone, especially if they grabbed it without you seeing. 

Watch for signs that could indicate a problem if your dog ate a chicken bone:

• Vomiting

• Drooling or pawing at the mouth

• Coughing, gagging, or choking

• Loss of appetite

• Lethargy

• Abdominal pain or swelling

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care as quickly as possible.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken Bones?

Raw chicken bones are sometimes fed as part of a raw diet, but they still come with risks. While raw bones are less likely to splinter than cooked ones, they can still cause major problems for your dog.

Some hazards from raw bones include:

• Choking

• Tooth fractures

• Intestinal blockage

• Harmful bacteria like Salmonella or Campylobacter, which can make both pets and humans sick

Bottom line: Even raw chicken bones aren’t safe for dogs. Always check with your primary care vet before introducing bones or raw food into your dog’s diet.

If your dog is choking, you need to act fast. VEG ER for Pets is open 24 hours with emergency veterinary care for dogs and all pets.

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Chicken Bones?

No. Cooked chicken bones are even more dangerous. Cooking makes bones brittle and prone to splintering. If a chicken bone splinters, it increases the risk of sharp fragments, which can cause internal injuries.

Never give your dog leftover chicken bones, scraps, or carcasses from the table or trash.

What to Do if Your Dog Ate a Chicken Bone

If your dog already swallowed a chicken bone, it’s normal to feel worried, but staying calm is key.

What to do if your dog ate a chicken bone:

1. Contact VEG right away. Our veterinarians can guide you based on your dog’s size, symptoms, and situation.

2. Don’t induce vomiting unless instructed. Vomiting sharp bones can cause more harm on the way back up.

3. Watch for warning signs. Report symptoms like vomiting, gagging, drooling, coughing, abdominal pain, or blood in stool to VEG immediately.

4. Keep your dog calm and quiet. Too much movement could increase the risk of injury or obstruction.

Dog parent advice: Choking happens in seconds. Read below to help be prepared in case your dog ever chokes on a chicken bone.

What to Do if Your Dog Is Choking on a Chicken Bone

If your dog is choking, coughing excessively, pawing at their mouth, or struggling to breathe, it can be really scary. But it’s important to act quickly and carefully.

Steps to take if your dog is choking on a chicken bone:

• Call VEG right away and head to the hospital. Call while you’re on your way so the team can prepare.

• Don’t try to remove the bone yourself.Stay calm. Avoid jostling your dog while getting them into the car.

At the ER vet:

• Your dog may need sedation and an emergency procedure to remove the bone.

• Our vet may use a scope or special tools to safely remove the bone without causing more harm.

How to Prevent Dogs From Eating Chicken Bones

The best way to keep your dog safe is to prevent access to bones in the first place.

Here’s how:

• Keep bones out of reach. Double-bag them and dispose of them in an outdoor trash bin.

• Avoid table scraps with bones attached. Even small pieces can be dangerous.

• Teach a reliable “drop it” command. This life-saving skill can stop your dog from swallowing something harmful.

• Supervise pets around food and trash. Especially during holidays or gatherings when scraps may be left out.

When to Seek Emergency Veterinary Care if Dog Eats a Chicken Bone

Chicken bones can cause life-threatening injuries like choking or intestinal blockages. If your dog has eaten a chicken bone or is showing any concerning symptoms, call VEG immediately.

VEG has animal hospital locations throughout the country and our emergency vets are ready 24/7 to help keep your dog safe and healthy!