My Dog Ate a Chicken Bone: What to Do? [Home Remedies]
Updated July 3, 2025
We’ve all been there, one second you’re clearing plates, the next, your dog has snuck off with a chicken bone. Before panic sets in, take a deep breath. While chicken bones can pose serious risks to dogs, staying calm and knowing what to do next makes all the difference.
Let’s walk through what you should know, what to watch for, and how to keep your pup safe moving forward.
Why Chicken Bones Can Be Dangerous for Dogs
At first glance, a chicken bone might not seem like a big deal. But once cooked, chicken bones become brittle and can splinter easily. Those sharp fragments can cause trouble, like choking, cuts in the mouth, or injuries further down the digestive tract.
Dogs are curious scavengers by nature (and let’s be honest, expert snack thieves). Whether it’s from the trash, the ground, or an unattended plate, it’s not uncommon for them to grab something they shouldn’t. Knowing the risks can help you respond quickly if it ever happens.
What Happens When a Dog Eats a Chicken Bone?
Every situation is different. Some dogs might pass the bone with no issues at all—others might not be so lucky. Here’s what might happen:
- Splintering: Cooked bones can break into sharp pieces that scrape or puncture the mouth, throat, or intestines.
- Blockages: A larger bone or multiple fragments can get stuck and create a dangerous obstruction.
- Infection or irritation: Even small pieces can cause inflammation or introduce bacteria into the digestive system.
Signs Your Dog Might Be in Discomfort
Your dog can’t exactly tell you they’re hurting, but their body language speaks volumes. After eating a bone, keep an eye out for:
- Coughing, gagging, or retching
- Drooling more than usual
- Vomiting or lack of appetite
- Pawing at the mouth
- Lethargy or restlessness
- Visible discomfort or tummy pain
- Blood in their stool or trouble going to the bathroom
What to Do Right Away
- Stay calm. Your pup takes their emotional cues from you. Staying cool helps them stay calm, too.
- Check their mouth. If the bone is still in their mouth and you can safely remove it, great. But don’t reach too far in or risk injury.
- Don’t induce vomiting unless your vet tells you to. This can sometimes make things worse, especially if the bone is sharp.
- Limit movement. Try to keep your dog relaxed and quiet to reduce the risk of internal damage.
- Call your vet. Every dog and situation is different. A quick phone call can help you figure out whether your dog needs to be seen or just monitored at home.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Chicken Bones
As a veterinarian, Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP explained in the PetMD article: ‘‘Feeding your dog a few slices of plain white bread or soft food right after ingestion can help to coat the bone and hopefully prevent harm from any sharp edges.
Keep a very close eye on your dog to make sure they don’t develop any signs of illness. Symptoms such as choking, vomiting, and diarrhea can be life-threatening.
If your pup begins to have any symptoms or they are a puppy, seek veterinary attention immediately.’’
What To Do if Your Dog Chokes on a Chicken Bone
‘’If you are concerned that the bone is stuck in the upper airway or the upper intestinal tract, this is an emergency and should be addressed immediately.
If you can see or grasp the bone, you should do so. However, be mindful to not stress your pup out further. If the bone is not immediately visible, take your pup to the vet immediately.
As a rule, don’t feed bones to your dog at all, and don’t allow your pup any access to them.’’
When It’s Time to Call the Vet
It’s best to play it safe. If you notice any of these signs, reach out to your vet right away:
- Persistent vomiting
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Bloody stool or diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy, shaking, or signs of pain
- No bowel movements within 24–48 hours
How to Prevent It from Happening Again
We can’t bubble-wrap our dogs, but we can take a few simple steps to avoid chicken bone mishaps in the future:
- Use pet-proof trash bins (especially after dinner parties or holidays).
- Keep plates and food out of reach—even for a moment.
- Teach cues like “leave it” or “drop it” to stop scavenging in its tracks.
- Let guests know not to slip your dog any bones under the table, no matter how cute those eyes are!
Safe Chewing Alternatives for Your Dog
If your pup just loves to chew, offer safer options instead of table scraps. Some great choices include:
- Durable rubber or nylon toys made for chewing
- Vet-approved raw bones (ask your vet first!)
- Dental chews that clean teeth while satisfying that urge to gnaw
How can pet insurance help you if your dog has eaten a chicken bone?
Dealing with a dog who has eaten a chicken bone can be financially burdensome, especially if complications arise and require veterinary care. Having pet insurance can provide you with peace of mind and help alleviate the financial stress associated with unexpected medical expenses.
Pet insurance may cover a portion of veterinary costs, including diagnostic tests, medications, surgeries, and hospitalizations. With pet insurance, you can focus on providing the best care for your furry friend without worrying about the financial implications.
What about the claims process for pet insurance?
When looking into pet insurance, understand the claims and payment process.
Reimbursement
This method is the most common for pet insurance companies. You pay out of pocket for the veterinarian bill, and then the insurance company reimburses you for what’s covered under the insurance plan. The steps look like this.
- You pay the vet bill after your dog’s visit.
- You fill out the pet insurance claim form.
- Submit the claim form and other required documentation to the insurer.
- After the claim is approved, you will be reimbursed for eligible expenses.
Odie’s Illness and Injury pet health insurance plan offers comprehensive coverage for your dog.
What Does Odie Pet Insurance Cover?
Pet insurance covers various veterinary expenses, providing financial protection and peace of mind for pet owners. Here are the details of the coverage options offered by Odie Pet Insurance:
Illness & Injury Plan
The Illness & Injury Plan is an all-inclusive insurance plan designed to cover a wide range of medical needs for your pet. This plan includes comprehensive coverage for various illnesses, injuries, and veterinary services. Some of the covered items include:
- 24/7 Televet Chat
- Emergency vet visits
- Overnight hospital stays
- IV Fluids & Medications
- Medical Supplies
- Surgeries
- MRI/CAT Scans
- Rehabilitative Care
- Prescription Medications
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Laboratory Tests
Accident-Only Plan
The Accident-Only Plan is designed for pet owners seeking coverage specifically for accidents. This plan provides financial protection for emergency veterinary care resulting from accidental injuries. It includes 90% reimbursement up to $10,000 each year, with a $250 annual deductible.
Here’s an overview of the Accident-Only Plan:
- Coverage for broken bones, sprains, eye injuries, and traumatic dental fractures.
- Coverage for wounds, including bite wounds, lacerations, snake bites, and bee stings.
- Veterinary treatments covered for accidental injuries include X-rays & ultrasounds, laboratory tests, emergency care, hospitalization, CT scan & MRI, and surgery.
The Wellness Add-on Plan
The Wellness Plan is an add-on for routine care coverage you can purchase with an insurance policy. It focuses on preventive care and covers routine veterinary services. Odie has two wellness plan options available:
Basic Plan:
- Covers services as rabies vaccination, flea & tick prevention, heartworm prevention, vaccination/titer, wellness exam, heartworm test or FELV screen, blood, fecal, parasite exam, microchip, urinalysis or ERD, and deworming.
- Reimbursement up to $305 per year.
Plus Plan:
- Ideal for puppies and kittens.
- Covers services such as spay/neuter and teeth cleaning, rabies vaccination, flea & tick prevention, heartworm prevention, vaccination/titer, wellness exam, heartworm test or FELV screen, blood, fecal, parasite exam, microchip, urinalysis or ERD, and deworming.
- Reimbursement up to $535 per year.
