Quick Answer
Dogs that swallow chicken bones are at risk of becoming sick immediately or within the next 2-3 days. Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite may occur shortly after ingestion. Small bones can get lodged in the digestive tract and cause an obstruction in the hours or days following ingestion. It’s important to monitor your dog closely after eating chicken bones and contact your vet if symptoms develop. Early treatment greatly improves the chances of recovering safely.
When Do Symptoms Start After Eating Chicken Bones?
Chicken bones can cause problems for dogs in a couple of ways:
1. Bone fragments
When chewed or swallowed, chicken bones can break into sharp fragments that can damage the mouth, throat, stomach and intestines. These fragments are very irritating and inflammation usually starts quickly.
– Cuts and scrapes in the mouth may be seen immediately after eating a chicken bone.
– Vomiting and diarrhea often start within 2-3 hours as the fragments pass through the stomach and intestines.
– Abdominal pain may follow soon afterwards.
So in most cases, symptoms from bone fragments will begin within 3 hours of ingestion. However, signs can sometimes be delayed up to 48 hours as the fragments move through the digestive tract.
2. GI obstruction
Whole bones or large fragments can become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines, causing a blockage. This may not cause immediate symptoms.
– Discomfort and loss of appetite may start 12-24 hours after ingestion as an obstruction starts to develop.
– Vomiting and diarrhea often follow in another 12-48 hours as the obstruction worsens.
– Severe lethargy, abdominal pain and bloating as the stomach and intestines struggle to move contents past the blockage.
So while mild symptoms may start within 24 hours, it can sometimes take 2-3 days before signs of obstruction become obvious.
What Symptoms Occur After Eating Chicken Bones?
Some common symptoms to watch for after your dog eats chicken bones include:
Mouth and Throat
– Bleeding from the mouth or gums
– Pawing at the mouth
– Drooling
– Difficulty swallowing
– Gagging or choking
These signs suggest oral injury from bone fragments. The mouth and throat should be examined for lacerations. Inhaled bones can also cause choking.
Stomach and Intestines
– Vomiting – often starts suddenly and may contain blood
– Diarrhea – may be bloody
– Loss of appetite
– Abdominal pain
– Bloating
Vomiting and diarrhea are common signs of irritation or inflammation from bone pieces passing through. A distended, painful belly can indicate a developing obstruction.
Systemic Symptoms
– Lethargy
– Hunched posture
– Weakness
– Collapse
These non-specific signs of illness can occur if bone fragments cause significant injury or bleeding. Toxins from the intestines entering the bloodstream can also cause systemic effects.
When to See the Vet
It’s important to monitor your dog closely after chicken bone ingestion and call your vet at the first sign of illness. Early treatment can help prevent complications.
Prompt veterinary care is especially crucial if your dog shows any of the following:
– Choking or difficulty breathing
– Repeated vomiting
– Signs of shock like pale gums or collapse
– Abdominal bloating
– Limited appetite for more than 24 hours
– No stool production for over 8 hours
– Blood in the vomit or stool
– Oral injury affecting eating or drinking
These red flags can indicate a bone is obstructing the esophagus or intestines, or has caused perforation. All warrant immediate veterinary assessment to avoid a life-threatening situation.
What Do Vets Do When a Dog Eats Chicken Bones?
If your dog ate a chicken bone within the last 2 hours, your vet may recommend inducing vomiting. This eliminates any remaining bone fragments before they can do harm.
Treatment steps for dogs currently showing symptoms may include:
Exam and Diagnostic Tests
A physical exam allows your vet to feel for obstructions or an enlarged stomach. Tests like x-rays or ultrasound often follow to pinpoint bone location and check for perforation. Endoscopy can retrieve lodged bones. Blood work helps assess systemic effects.
IV Fluids
Fluids help maintain blood pressure and hydration if your dog is vomiting, not eating or bleeding internally.
Pain Management
Medication is given to control pain from oral, throat or GI injury.
Gastroprotectants
These coatings protect the stomach lining from irritation by bone fragments. Antacids may also be used.
Anti-vomiting Medication
This stops ongoing nausea and vomiting to allow rest for the GI tract.
Laxatives
Stools are kept soft and easy to pass around an obstruction until it can be removed.
Surgery
This is needed to retrieve bones wedged in the esophagus or intestines, or to repair any perforations.
With appropriate veterinary treatment, most dogs recover fully after eating chicken bones. However, surgery to remove an obstruction or fix a tear carries risks.
Quick, proactive care gives your dog the best chance of bouncing back with no lasting effects. Monitor closely after any chicken bone ingestion and call your vet at the first sign of trouble.
How to Prevent Chicken Bone Ingestion
To keep your dog safe:
– Never feed cooked chicken bones – only give bones specially formulated for dog treats.
– Keep food waste out of reach. Use tight-sealing garbage cans.
– Avoid giving real meat bones like chicken necks or wings. Other options like raw carrots or durable chews are safer.
– Supervise anytime chicken is served, and remove bones immediately after.
– Train your dog to only take food from you, not to scavenge.
While accidents happen, a few precautions can go a long way in preventing this common emergency. Know what symptoms to look for after ingestion, and don’t hesitate to call your vet at the first sign of illness. Prompt treatment gives your dog the best prognosis if a chicken bone causes problems.
Conclusion
Chicken bones can cause immediate or delayed issues for dogs depending on the type of injury. Bone fragments usually cause symptoms like vomiting within 2-3 hours, though signs can be delayed up to 48 hours as pieces move through the GI tract. Obstructions take longer to develop but can cause severe illness within 2-3 days.
It’s crucial to monitor your dog closely after any chicken bone ingestion. Call your vet promptly at the first sign of distress like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or abdominal pain. Quick veterinary care improves the chances of complete recovery and avoids complications. Know what dangerous symptoms to watch for, and never hesitate to contact your vet if you have any concerns after your dog eats a chicken bone. With prompt treatment, most dogs recover fully.