Many dog owners have experienced the situation where their dog gets ahold of a discarded chicken wing bone. While chicken can make a healthy treat for dogs, the bones can present a potential choking hazard or bowel obstruction risk. Chicken bones splinter easily compared to larger bones from beef or pork. These bone fragments have the potential to puncture or lacerate a dog’s digestive tract. So how long does it take for a dog to pass a chicken wing bone safely? There are several factors to consider.
Size of the Dog
The size of the dog consuming the chicken bone greatly impacts how long it takes to pass through the digestive system. Larger breed dogs have wider throats and bigger stomachs. Smaller bone fragments are more likely to pass through the esophagus without issue. Their larger intestinal tract also moves food at a slower pace, allowing more time for a bone to become lodged before entering the narrower colon.
Small breed dogs, conversely, are at higher risk of bowel obstructions from bones. Their smaller throats mean they are more likely to choke on bones. Once swallowed, chicken bones can become stuck in the narrower intestinal tract of a small dog. With their faster digestion time, obstructions happen quicker than in large dogs.
Large Breed Dogs
For most large breed dogs over 40 pounds, chicken bones take 10-24 hours to digest. Their digestive process is slower, so bones have ample time to soften and break down into smaller pieces that can pass easily. Unless swallowing a large chunk of bone bigger than the dog’s throat, large dogs can usually pass chicken wing bones without incident. Monitoring the dog’s appetite and bowel movements for 24 hours is recommended.
Medium Breed Dogs
Medium sized dogs between 25-40 pounds may take 10-18 hours to digest a chicken bone. Their slightly smaller throats and intestinal tract means bones have less space to move through. Owners should watch for signs of choking for 2-4 hours after ingestion. Then monitor appetite and bowel movements closely for up to 18 hours to ensure the bone passes normally.
Small Breed Dogs
For small breed dogs under 25 pounds, chicken bones can take 8-12 hours to pass through the digestive tract. Their highest risk is choking, especially on larger pieces of bone. Even if swallowed, their shorter digestive tract gives bones less time to soften and break down before reaching the colon. Any signs of appetite loss, vomiting, or constipation after eating a chicken bone means an immediate vet visit to assess for an obstruction.
Amount of Bone Consumed
The amount of bone ingested also changes how long it takes to pass. Consuming a whole chicken wing with multiple bones increases transit time through the digestive system. This gives the bones more time to potentially splinter and cause obstructions. Dogs who only swallow a small fragment of bone will pass it more quickly.
Dogs who eat an entire chicken wing may take 12-24+ hours to pass the bones. It’s important to monitor stool for several days to ensure all foreign material has passed. Just a single small bone splinter could take as little as 8-12 hours to work through the system. However, even tiny fragments carry risk and require close monitoring.
Other Factors
There are a few other things that determine how long chicken bones take to digest:
Type of Bone
The type of bone also plays a role. Weight bearing leg bones are denser than ribs or wing bones. They may take longer to digest and crumble. This gives them more opportunity to cause obstructions, especially if swallowed in large pieces.
Bone Processing
Raw, fresh bones digest slower than cooked bones. Heat alters the bone’s chemical structure, making it more brittle and easier to break down in stomach acid. Dogs who eat cooked chicken wing bones may pass fragments quicker than if eating them raw.
However, cooked bones also tend to splinter more before swallowing. This increases the choking risks. It’s best to avoid giving dogs any poultry bones.
Medications
Medications that slow digestion, like anti-diarrheal medicines, increase bone transit time. This gives them longer to potentially cause obstructions before passing. Unless prescribed by a vet, dogs should avoid medications when swallowing bones.
On the other hand, stool softeners may allow bones to pass more quickly. But they also increase risk of injury to the intestinal lining. Only give medications under a vet’s direction.
Underlying Health Conditions
Dogs with previous bowel obstructions or GI disease need to be monitored even more closely after eating bones. Their compromised intestinal tract is less able to safely pass foreign material. Any known GI issues mean bones should be avoided altogether.
Signs of an Obstruction
While chicken bones can pass through many larger dogs without issue, they still carry risks. Bone fragments can lacerate the digestive tract on the way through. And any size dog can experience an obstruction. Signs of trouble include:
– Decreased or absent appetite
– Vomiting
– Diarrhea or constipation
– Lethargy
– Abdominal pain or bloating
Smaller dogs showing these signs within 12 hours of ingesting a bone need emergency vet care. Larger dogs with symptoms lasting over 24 hours after bone exposure also need immediate medical attention.
Even if the bone already passed, dogs can still develop peritonitis from intestinal perforations. Seek prompt veterinary assessment for any concerning symptoms after a dog eats chicken bones.
Preventing Bone Ingestion
The safest way to prevent chicken bone-related injuries is keeping them away from dogs completely. Never feed poultry bones as treats. Securely wrap and dispose of bones after meals. Keep trash cans out of reach. Dogs should be supervised anytime chicken is served to prevent stealing discarded bones.
Consider switching to boneless chicken breasts or thighs when cooking. This removes temptation and risk. If giving meat with bones, feed larger raw beef or pork bones that don’t splinter easily.
Dogs who steal unsafe objects like chicken bones may benefit from advanced training. Redirect the dog anytime meat is being prepared. Keep special chew toys on hand to discourage interest in household items that pose a hazard.
Conclusion
Chicken bones can seem like an enticing chew for dogs but pose dangers of choking, lacerations, and obstructions. How long it takes dogs to pass bones depends on their size and the amount ingested. Small dogs are at greatest risk and require emergency care if showing concerning symptoms. While most large dogs pass bones within 24 hours, it’s still critical to monitor their health closely. The safest approach is keeping all poultry bones away from dogs completely. With vigilance and preventive steps, owners can help ensure their dog’s safety around this hazardous temptation.
| Dog Size | Time to Pass Bone | Monitoring Time |
|---|---|---|
| Small Breed | 8-12 hours | 12 hours |
| Medium Breed | 10-18 hours | 18 hours |
| Large Breed | 10-24+ hours | 24-48 hours |