Baked pork knuckle on a wooden board. Ketchup sauce and grilled vegetables. Wood background. Close-up.
(Picture Credit: Elena Pavlova/Getty Images)

Can Dogs Eat Pork Knuckle? Is Pork Knuckle Safe For Dogs?

Can dogs eat pork knuckle? This might be something that you’ve found yourself wondering while in the middle of a cooking project and realized that you have some leftover pork knuckle. If humans can eat pork knuckle, can dogs safely eat it too?

The short answer is no, dogs can’t eat pork knuckle safely. While dogs technically can consume knuckle bones safely in some situations, there’s also just too much of a chance that the pork knuckle might splinter and lead to some sort of internal damage for your dog. So it’s best to keep pork knuckle away.

If your dog managed to eat a lot of pork knuckle, call your veterinarian for advice. Here’s what you need to know about pork knuckle and dogs.

Why Is Pork Knuckle Bad For Dogs?

When it comes to pork knuckle, and pork bones in general, the main problem is the risk of the bone splintering. This can happen while your dog is chewing on some pork knuckle and could lead to a number of internal problems for your dog.

Some of the symptoms that might suggest an issue include the presence of blood in your dog’s stool, vomiting, and seeming to be fatigued.

Additionally, due to the size of pork knuckles, there is a chance that your dog might swallow a piece that in turn results in some sort of intestinal blockage or even choking.

What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Pork Knuckle?

Appetizing Bavarian grilled pork knuckle. Oktoberfest
(Picture Credit: AlexRaths/Getty Images)

First of all, remove the rest of the pork knuckle from your dog. Next, pay close attention to your dog. Look out for any signs that they might be in pain or some sort of distress.

Some of the most common signs include:

  • Drooling
  • Not being able to poop as normal
  • Vomiting
  • Losing their appetite

If you consult your vet about your dog eating pork knuckle, they will ask about their symptoms and medical history and might either recommend letting your dog wait the process out naturally or suggest further examination techniques such as an endoscopy.

Has your dog ever tried to chew on pork knuckle? What safer human foods do you share with your pooch? Let us know in the comments below!

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