Will Eating Raw Chicken Hurt My Dog?

As a dog owner you likely spend a lot of time ensuring your furry friend stays happy and healthy. You make sure they get enough exercise give them nutritious food, and show them plenty of love and affection. So when something threatening like raw chicken enters the picture, it’s only natural to worry about how it might impact your canine companion. In this article, we’ll explore whether eating raw chicken can hurt dogs and what you should do if it happens.

Can Dogs Get Sick From Raw Chicken?

In short – yes, dogs can absolutely get sick from eating raw chicken. Raw chicken contains bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter that can lead to foodborne illnesses. When dogs eat raw chicken contaminated with these bacteria, they can develop gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and other issues.

According to veterinarians, dogs are naturally less susceptible to pathogens that come from food than people are because they eat meat. However, they can still get sick if they eat raw chicken. Senior dogs, puppies, and dogs whose immune systems aren’t working well are especially at risk.

Even though your dog may have a stronger stomach than you, it’s better to be safe than sorry and never give Fido raw chicken. Cooked, properly prepared chicken is a much safer choice.

What Are The Dangers Of A Dog Eating Raw Chicken?

There are a few specific dangers to be aware of if your dog manages to scarf down some raw chicken. Here are some of the more common risks and side effects:

• Salmonella – The most well-known bacteria found in raw chicken. Salmonella infection can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, fever and other flu-like symptoms in dogs.

• Campylobacter is another common foodborne pathogen that can be caught from eating raw chicken. It can also make you sick to your stomach, cause diarrhea and vomiting, and in the worst cases, make your stools bloody.

• Gastrointestinal Injury – Bones, in particular, can wreak havoc on a dog’s sensitive digestive system. Raw chicken bones may splinter and puncture the stomach or intestines.

• Pancreatitis – A painful inflammation of the pancreas most often triggered in dogs by consuming high-fat foods like raw chicken skin and meat. Can lead to severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and even death.

• Obstruction – Raw chicken bones can become stuck in the esophagus, stomach or intestinal tract, fully or partially blocking the gastrointestinal system. This requires emergency veterinary care.

So while a healthy adult dog may recover quickly after eating some raw chicken, the multitude of risks makes this meal unsafe and potentially life-threatening. Puppies, seniors and immunocompromised dogs are most at risk of severe complications and require prompt veterinary care.

What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Raw Chicken?

If you see your dog eating raw chicken, you might want to take it out of their mouth right away. Be very careful, because trying to take bones or other things out of your dog’s mouth can hurt them.

If your dog already swallowed the chicken, here’s what you should do next:

• Monitor closely – Keep a close eye on your dog over the next 3-5 days for any signs of illness like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, etc. Be alert for symptoms suggestive of blockage like gagging, retching and abdominal pain.

• Call your vet – Let your veterinarian know your dog ate raw chicken. They may recommend bringing your dog in for an exam and to discuss treatment options. If your dog exhibits vomiting, diarrhea or other symptoms, take them to the vet right away.

• Prevent dehydration – Diarrhea and vomiting can cause dehydration. Make sure your dog has easy access to fresh, clean water. Feed bland foods like boiled chicken and rice to soothe the stomach.

• Avoid fatty foods – Do not feed fatty foods during this time as they can trigger pancreatitis. Stick with the bland diet for a few days until symptoms resolve.

With prompt care and monitoring, most dogs recover fully after ingesting some raw chicken. But do consult your vet, especially if symptoms concern you. It’s better to be safe!

How Can I Prevent This From Happening Again?

If your dog managed to grab some raw chicken off the counter or swipe it from an unattended plate, use this as a teaching moment. Here are some tips to avoid repeats of the raw chicken incident:

• Keep raw meats out of reach – Place all raw proteins like chicken, beef, fish on high shelves or locked areas where dogs cannot access.

• Supervise meal prep – Don’t leave foods unattended when cooking. Keep dogs out of the kitchen or contained away from the area.

• Secure trash cans – Make sure garbage cans containing bones, shells, and other discards are tightly sealed and out of reach. Dogs are master garbage divers!

• Use pet-safe containers – Store prepared dog foods in sealed containers not easily opened by canine teeth or paws.

• Train your dog – Reinforce the “leave it” command. Use positive reinforcement training to teach them not to touch human foods.

• Feed a balanced diet – Dogs are less likely to hunt down and steal “forbidden” foods when their nutritional needs are met through their regular diets.

Following these tips diligently makes it much harder for dogs to access raw chicken and other unsafe human foods in the future.

The Takeaway: Don’t Feed Dogs Raw Chicken!

While most healthy adult dogs will recover with vet care after eating some raw chicken, it’s simply better not to take the risk. Be vigilant in keeping raw meats away from your dog’s reach. Only feed properly cooked chicken free of bones or skin, and never purposefully give Fido raw chicken as a meal or treat.

If your dog accidentally consumes raw chicken, monitor them closely in the following days for any symptoms of illness. Call your vet for guidance, especially if you notice vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or other concerning signs. With your awareness and proactive care, your dog can avoid the dangers of raw chicken and continue living their very best, happy, healthy life by your side!