Something weird just happened, and I'm freaking out a little—my dog Max just swallowed a piece of chicken with bones, and I’m not sure what to do. We were having dinner, and I accidentally dropped a drumstick on the floor. Before I could react, Max swooped in and gobbled it up, bones and all. It was around 7 PM, and now he’s just lying there, not acting like his usual self, and I’m worried sick. He hasn’t shown any signs of distress yet, but I know chicken bones can be dangerous for dogs. Have any of you dealt with this before? Should I rush him to the vet or just keep an eye on him? Any advice would be really appreciated—I just want to make sure he’s okay.
I completely understand why you're worried. Dogs swallowing chicken bones can be concerning due to the potential for bone splintering, which can cause injury to their digestive tract. In many cases, small, well-chewed bones may pass without causing harm, but it’s important to monitor your dog closely.
First, watch for signs of discomfort like coughing, vomiting, or difficulty passing stool. Also, if your dog seems unusually tired, has a poor appetite, or exhibits any sign of distress, these could be indications of a problem.
At home, ensure your dog stays calm and avoid feeding them for a few hours to give the stomach a chance to settle. You can then offer a small meal of soft food like plain rice or pumpkin to help cushion the bones through the digestive process.
Please keep an eye out for any blood in their stool or vomit, as these are signs of a more serious issue requiring immediate attention from a vet.
While I hope everything turns out just fine, if you notice any of these worrying symptoms, I recommend booking a video consult with one of our Dial A Vet professionals. They can provide guidance specific to your dog’s situation and help determine the next best steps.
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