My Dog Ate a Pork Bone Will He Get Sick?

Dogs love to chew on bones! Does your fur baby have a thing for bones? If so, he’s not alone. If there’s a bone left unattended on a plate, your dog probably has seen it. When you’re not looking, he may make a grab for it! But what happens if your dog eats a pork bone?

Pork Bones Aren’t Safe for Dogs

Pork bones may seem like they would be safe; however, that’s not the case. The reason is that pork bones can easily splinter and crack. It doesn’t matter if they’re raw or cooked. If your dog swallows some very tiny pieces of pork bone (and we mean very tiny), chances are he will be OK.

However, larger pieces of bone can become stuck in your dog’s throat and cause him to choke, or the bones could pass through the digestive system and become stuck, causing an intestinal blockage.

Pieces of pork bone that has sharp edges could also cause small tears and scratches to a dog’s throat. If the pieces pass through to the digestive system, sharp bone pieces could cause tears and damage to the stomach and intestinal tract.

Symptoms the Bone is Causing Problems for Your Dog

First, if you know your dog has just swallowed a bone, then watch to see if he begins showing signs of choking. Your canine companion may start to gag, vomit, or even cough. You may notice that he’s pawing his mouth or rubbing his face on the floor or ground. Your fur baby may also be drooling excessively.

However, a bone can become lodged in the esophagus and block your dog’s airways. In this case, you may notice some of the symptoms above, but you may also notice your dog’s skin and mucus membranes are turning blue (this is called cyanosis), which is caused when your dog isn’t getting enough air. This is a medical emergency and your dog needs immediate medical treatment.

If you don’t notice any of the symptoms outlined above, then chances are the bone has gone down without a problem. But there’s possible danger. There’s a chance the bone could cause an intestinal blockage if it passes from the stomach and into the intestines. Symptoms to watch for include:

• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal swelling and/or pain
• Constipation

This is a medical emergency which needs to be treated as soon as possible. In most cases, your dog may require surgery to remove the blockage.

We don’t mean to scare you, but bones can be very dangerous for your fur baby. Never leave any type of bones unattended where your dog can reach them or give him pork bones to chew on. Instead, a safer option would be a bully stick, deer antler, or even tough chew toys.