Just like us, our dogs love KFC chicken! If you put the bones of the chicken in the trash, chances are some dogs will definitely raid the wastebasket to get at those tasty bits!
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But can a KFC chicken bone make your dog sick?
Cooked Chicken Bones & Dogs
Cooked chicken bones of any type, including KFC, can be problem if swallowed by dogs. This is because cooked chicken bones are brittle and can easily shatter or splinter if chewed. Think of splintered bones as being very much like glass, and then you’ll see the problem.
Splintered chicken bones can cause a variety of problems including:
- Bowel obstruction: this is a medical emergency and is caused when a lot of bone material becomes lodged together in the dog’s intestines and forms a blockage. This is a medical emergency.
- Constipation: if a dog eats a lot of chicken bones, they may make it through the intestines, but then create a hard, dry poo that’s difficult to pass, and leads to constipation.
- Peritonitis: is a serious infection if a sharp piece of bone tears into the stomach or intestinal lining. Gut fluid leaks into the abdomen, leading to an infection. This is a medical emergency.
- Choking: bones can also become lodged in the throat, where they can cause a dog to choke. The bones can also block a dog’s airway, leading to asphyxiation.
So, cooked chicken bones can be pretty bad for dogs. However, there are times when a dog eats a cooked chicken bone, and it passes through without any trouble at all.
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Note: never induce vomiting in your dog, unless the vet has recommended that you do so.
What to Do If Your Dog Ate a KFC Chicken Bone
First, check to see if your fur baby is choking. If so, can you open his mouth and remove the bone? If not, then you’ll need to get him to the vet immediately. This is a medical emergency.
If your dog’s not choking and seems otherwise OK, then you may choose to call the vet for advice. The vet may suggest monitoring your dog for any worrisome symptoms over the next 1-5 days. During this time your dog will either develop symptoms or could pass the bone with no problem.
You’ll need to monitor your dog for these signs of trouble:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation & straining
- Lack of energy
- Restlessness
- Fever
If you notice any of these symptoms, then you’ll need to take your dog to the vet immediately.
When you get to the vet, they will do a physical exam of your dog, and may also order x-rays. X-rays will show exactly where the bone is stuck. It may be possible to remove the bone with an endoscopic procedure; however, in some cases, the dog will require surgery.
The prognosis is excellent for dogs who receive fast medical care. Most of them go on to live happy, long, healthy lives.
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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