Not All Chews End Well
Even with the right bone or chew toy and proper supervision, accidents can happen. Bones can splinter, get lodged, or cause digestive issues—and if not caught early, these situations can escalate into life-threatening emergencies.
This final blog in the series will help you recognize the warning signs of bone-related problems, understand when to seek veterinary help, and learn how to respond quickly and calmly when things go wrong.
The Most Common Bone-Related Emergencies
Here are some of the top issues that occur when dogs chew bones:
1. Choking
A small or broken piece of bone may block your dog’s airway, causing:
- Panic
- Drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Gagging or retching without producing anything
🆘 If your dog can’t breathe or collapses, this is a medical emergency.
2. Tooth Fractures
Bones that are too hard—especially weight-bearing bones from large animals—can crack or break a dog’s teeth.
⚠️ Signs include:
- Sudden reluctance to chew
- Dropping food or toys
- Swelling around the face or jaw
- Blood in the mouth
This type of injury usually requires dental x-rays and sometimes extraction.
3. Gastrointestinal Obstruction
If a dog swallows a large chunk of bone that doesn’t break down, it can block the digestive tract—especially in smaller breeds.
🚨 Symptoms:
- Vomiting (often repeatedly)
- Straining or no bowel movements
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Bloated or painful abdomen
This often requires surgery and cannot be solved at home.
4. Internal Perforation
Splintered bone can puncture the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, leading to internal bleeding or sepsis.
🚩 Watch for:
- Pale gums
- Shallow breathing
- High heart rate
- Weakness or collapse
- Bloody stool or vomit
This is a critical emergency—seek veterinary help immediately.
5. Constipation or Rectal Injury
Hard, sharp, or large bone fragments can cause painful defecation or tearing of the rectal lining.
💩 Signs include:
- Straining during bowel movements
- Crying or whining while pooping
- Blood on stool
- Scooting or licking the rear end
What To Do in an Emergency
⏱️ Act quickly, but stay calm. Your response time can make a big difference.
If your dog is choking:
- Open the mouth carefully and look for visible obstruction
- Don’t blindly reach in—this may push it further
- If you can’t remove it, try the Heimlich maneuver for dogs
- Call your vet or emergency vet hospital immediately
If your dog swallowed a bone:
- Contact your vet with details (size, type, time of ingestion)
- Do not induce vomiting unless advised by a professional
- Monitor closely for signs of obstruction over the next 24–48 hours
When to Call the Vet
You should seek veterinary help right away if your dog:
- Is gagging, choking, or pawing at the mouth
- Suddenly refuses to eat or drink
- Has persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Shows signs of abdominal pain or bloating
- Has bloody stool or vomit
- Becomes lethargic or collapses
Better safe than sorry. Even if your dog seems okay, always contact your vet after a bone-related incident—they can help assess the risk and guide your next steps.
Prevention Tips
The best way to avoid bone-related emergencies is prevention:
- Choose safe bone alternatives
- Size bones correctly to your dog’s breed and chewing strength
- Limit chew time
- Always supervise
- Discard bones once they become small, dry, or brittle
Conclusion: Stay Alert, Stay Safe
Chewing is a healthy and natural behavior—but only if it’s done safely. Recognizing early warning signs of trouble can protect your dog from serious harm.
By understanding which bones to avoid, watching your dog closely during chew time, and knowing when to act, you can enjoy the benefits of chewing without the risks.