When it comes to dogs and bones, it may seem like a natural combination, but if your dog swallows a bone, should you be concerned? Can dogs effectively digest bones if they do consume them? The answer to these questions is quite intricate. Typically, it takes dogs around 8 to 12 hours to digest bones.
However, the duration may vary depending on factors such as whether the bone is cooked and its size. In certain instances, consuming bones can pose risks as they may lead to choking or harm the intestines. Let’s delve into the details of dogs consuming bones.
Understanding the Digestion of Bones in Dogs
Dogs have a shared ancestry with wolves, where in the wild, their predecessors needed to extract maximum nutrition from their meals. This meant they might have ingested smaller bones whole and broken down larger bones to extract nutrients. Nowadays, dog bones are common treats, and many dogs show interest in bones they come across in your home or yard.
If your dog swallows a bone, stomach enzymes immediately start breaking it down. In most cases, the bone passes through the digestive system completely within 8 to 12 hours. However, larger bones may take longer to break down. If you are concerned about your dog ingesting an inappropriate bone, it is advisable to monitor them for two days.
If your dog successfully passes a bone, you may notice white, chalky stool, or stool that turns white and chalky as it dries. This discoloration is due to the excess calcium in the bone.
Risks Associated with Dog Bones
When a dog chews on a bone, the primary risk to be mindful of is choking. While most dogs are cautious not to swallow overly large bones, it is still essential to supervise your dog around bones that could pose a choking hazard.
A more serious risk is the potential damage to your dog’s stomach or intestines. Cooked bones and hollow bones from birds are especially risky as they can splinter into sharp pieces. Avoid giving your dog cooked chicken bones as they can cause tearing or blockages in their digestive system. In some instances, a substantial bone fragment can lead to an intestinal blockage.
Indications That Warrant Veterinary Attention
In most cases, a dog can consume a bone without adverse effects. However, if a bone splinters in your dog’s stomach, the repercussions can be severe. Contact a vet if your dog displays unusual lethargy or bloating. Bloody stool or vomit may indicate a cut in your dog’s digestive tract. Dark, sticky black stool or vomit resembling coffee grounds could signify partially digested blood. If a bone has caused a blockage or internal injury, surgical intervention may be necessary to rectify the damage and eliminate any remaining bone fragments.
- Related Read: How Long Does a Corn Cob Stay in a Dog’s Stomach?
Final Thoughts
Allowing a dog to chew on a bone is generally safe most of the time. In the event that your dog swallows a smaller bone, it can typically be digested and passed uneventfully. However, it is crucial to monitor dogs when they have access to bones to quickly address any issues that may arise. Recognizing signs of choking, blockages, or internal injuries can potentially save your dog’s life.
Sources
- https://doggysaurus.com/how-long-for-dog-pass-bone
- https://petdt.com/what-to-do-if-your-dog-swallows-a-bone/
Featured Image Credit: Sebastian Quinn, Shutterstock
