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Dogs and bones just seem to go together; at least, that’s the old myth! What is true, though, is that dogs love to chew on things, including bones. Some pet parents give their dogs raw bones to chew on; however, sometimes, a dog may find an animal bone outside. The bone may be so good that he decides to eat it! But what happens if a dog eats an animal bone?
Has your dog eaten an animal bone? Are you worried the animal bone 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 animal bones and whether they can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What are Animal Bones?
Bones are the structures that support the body of an animal, give shape to the body, and provide a surface for the attachment of muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The bones also provide protection for internal organs, such as the liver, lungs, heart, spinal cord, and more.
And one thing’s sure—dogs love to chew on animal bones. But what happens if a dog eats animal bones?
Animal Bones & Dogs
Animal bones, unfortunately, can be harmful to dogs. They can cause a wide range of problems, including the following:
- Broken teeth/injuries to the mouth and tongue
- Choking hazards
- Injuries to the stomach and intestinal lining
- Contamination with pathogens (especially raw bones or bones from dead animals)
In addition, bones can also cause a serious condition called intestinal obstruction. When this happens, the bone(s) may become lodged anywhere in the dog’s digestive tract. One or more bones creates a blockage, so the dog is not able to digest his food, poop, and more.
Intestinal obstruction is a very serious condition that can cause death if not treated.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Animal Bone Ingestion in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten an animal bone:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain & swelling
- Dehydration
- Restlessness
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Treatment of Animal Bone Ingestion in Dogs
The vet may order x-rays to see if your dog has developed an intestinal blockage. The images also show the vet where the blockage is located. With this information, they can determine the best course of action.
In some cases, the vet may be able to remove the bone with an endoscopic procedure. However, if the bone is lodged further down in the digestive system, the vet may have to perform surgery. The surgery is done to remove the blockage safely and to repair any damage it may have caused.
The prognosis is best for dogs who receive prompt medical treatment after eating an animal bone. In the future, it’s best not to give your dog bones. In addition, it’s always a good idea to monitor your dog out on a walk to make sure he doesn’t he something he shouldn’t. You’ll both be happier for it!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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