My Dog Ate a Chicken Bone: What to Do? [Home Remedies]

As a dog owner, it can be distressing to realize that your pet has eaten a chicken bone. And rightfully so, as chicken bones can pose serious dangers to dogs. When a dog ingests a chicken bone, there are several risks involved. The sharp edges of the bone can cause tears or punctures in the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, or intestines. These injuries can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions. Additionally, the bone fragments can obstruct the digestive tract, leading to blockages and severe discomfort for your pet.

Signs that your dog has eaten a chicken bone

It’s essential to be aware of the signs that indicate your dog may have ingested a chicken bone. Some common symptoms include:

• Excessive drooling: If you notice your dog drooling more than usual, it could be a sign of discomfort or pain caused by a chicken bone lodged in its mouth or throat.
• Difficulty swallowing: Your dog may exhibit signs of difficulty swallowing or even refuse to eat or drink altogether.
• Vomiting or retching: Frequent vomiting or retching can indicate that your dog is trying to expel the bone fragments from its system.
• Abdominal pain: Your dog may display signs of discomfort, such as restlessness, pacing, or a hunched posture.
• Lethargy: If your dog appears unusually tired or lacks energy, it could be a sign of internal complications caused by the bone fragments.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is crucial to take immediate action and call your veterinarian to ensure the well-being of your furry companion.

Why chicken bones are dangerous for dogs

Chicken bones, especially when cooked, become brittle and can splinter easily. These sharp fragments can cause severe injuries to your dog’s digestive system. The bones can puncture or tear the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, or intestines, leading to internal bleeding, infection, or even death in severe cases.

Furthermore, the bone fragments can obstruct the digestive tract, causing blockages that prevent the normal passage of food and waste. This can lead to severe discomfort, pain, and potentially life-threatening conditions such as gastrointestinal perforation or peritonitis. It’s important to remember that even if your dog appears fine after ingesting a chicken bone, complications can still arise. Therefore, it is crucial to take appropriate steps to address the situation promptly.

Home remedies for dogs who have eaten chicken bones

If your dog has ingested chicken bones, it’s critical to prioritize seeking veterinary assistance. However, in situations where immediate veterinary care isn’t accessible, you can employ certain home remedies to potentially ease the symptoms:

• Feed Soft Bread or Canned Pumpkin: Giving your dog a slice of soft bread or canned pumpkin can be beneficial. These foods can help cover the sharp edges of the bones, reducing the risk of further harm to the digestive tract.
• Ensure Adequate Hydration: Providing your dog with plenty of water is essential. Staying hydrated not only keeps your dog hydrated but may also aid in flushing out any small fragments of bone. If your dog isn’t interested in drinking water, try giving them some plain, low-sodium broth instead to encourage liquid consumption.
• Symptom Monitoring: Keep a vigilant eye on your dog for any troubling symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite. These signs indicate the need for urgent veterinary care.
• Promote Gentle Movement: Engaging your dog in light exercise, like a short walk or gentle play, can help stimulate the digestive system and encourage bowel movements.

It bears repeating that these home remedies are not a replacement for professional veterinary care. The immediate step should always be to seek veterinary assistance if your dog consumes chicken bones, as the potential for serious complications requires professional evaluation and treatment.

 Seeking Veterinary Care

If your dog shows any of the following signs, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian:

• Difficulty breathing or excessive panting
• Severe abdominal pain or distension
• Persistent vomiting or retching
• Blood in the vomit or stool
• Lethargy or weakness
• Loss of appetite for an extended period
• Signs of discomfort or distress that worsen over time

These symptoms could indicate serious complications and require immediate medical attention.

Preventing your dog from eating chicken bones in the future

Prevention is key to ensuring your dog’s safety and well-being. Here are some measures you can take to prevent your dog from ingesting chicken bones:

• Dispose of chicken bones safely: Ensure that all chicken bones are disposed of in a secure trash container that your dog cannot access.
• Supervise mealtime: Always supervise your dog during mealtime to prevent them from stealing food, including chicken bones, from countertops or garbage bins.
• Offer safe chew toys: Provide your dog with appropriate chew toys that are designed to be safe for them to chew on. This will help redirect their chewing behavior away from potentially harmful objects.
• Train your dog: Teach your dog basic commands such as “leave it” or “drop it.” This will allow you to quickly intervene if they come across any dangerous objects, including chicken bones.

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 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 $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.