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Many pet parents love to have chicken cooked with its bones. Chicken can be cooked in a wide variety of ways, so it’s very popular across most cuisines in the world. So, it’s no wonder a dog occasionally may eat some part of the bird, such as a chicken drumstick. But can a chicken drumstick make a dog sick?
Has your dog eaten a chicken drumstick? Are you worried the chicken drumstick will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about chicken drumsticks and whether they can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is a Chicken Drumstick?
A chicken drumstick is the lower part of a chicken’s leg. The upper part of the leg is the thigh, and the leg’s lower part is the chicken’s drumstick (also called the calf).
Chicken and their bones, including the drumstick, will attract most dogs. For one thing, they see their pet parents and families enjoying this great-smelling meat! So, of course, a dog will want his share of this wonderful-smelling meal! But what happens if a dog eats a drumstick?
Drumsticks & Dogs
Dogs, like their wild canines relatives, the wolves, are able to eat raw bones safely. This applies even to chicken bones. Raw chicken bones are somewhat soft and easier for a dog’s digestive system to break down. Eventually, what’s left of the bone comes out in a dog’s poop.
However, cooked bones, including drumsticks, are another matter. Cooked chicken bones (or other bones) become brittle and dry. When a dog eats cooked bones, there’s a high chance the bones could shatter into small, sharp pieces. These sharp pieces of bone can cause tears and punctures in the dog’s mouth and in any area of his digestive tract.
It’s also possible that the bone could become lodged in a dog’s esophagus and cause him to choke. Or the bone could become stuck in the digestive system and cause a blockage.
So, eating a cooked chicken drumstick can be dangerous for dogs. However, it’s also possible the bone could safely go through the dog’s system and come out in his poo.
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Ask a Vet Live NowWhat to Do If Your Dog Eats a Chicken Drumstick
If your dog is choking, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
If your dog has eaten a chicken drumstick, it’s best to call the vet right away before your dog shows any symptoms. The vet will provide you with the right advice on how to help your dog. They will explain any symptoms to watch for and when to call them.
However, in some cases, the vet may want to see your dog right away. So, be sure to follow the vet’s directions in all respects.
If your dog likes to snarf up chicken drumsticks, bones, and all, it’s best to keep these out of his reach. You may want to invest in a dog-proof wastebasket or garbage bin to keep him out of the trash. We always say prevention is the best medicine, and it’s the best way to keep your dog safe!
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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