This is a segment of a fish gill arch (part of the fish’s respiratory system).

Dogs often stumble across discarded fish remains near bodies of water, fishing spots, trash bins, or areas where birds dropped fish parts.

• Pink Curved Base: The cartilaginous or bony gill arch that holds the structure together.
• Long Outer Fringe: The gill filaments, which absorb oxygen from water when the fish is alive.
• Inner Tooth-Like Ridges: The gill rakers, small projections on the inside curve that help filter food and protect the delicate filaments from debris.

While the comb-like shape looks unsettlingly like a strange parasite or centipede, it is purely animal tissue and harmless on its own. You can safely discard it and give your dog a good bath to rinse away any lingering fish smell.