What should I do if a dog eats a cooked chicken bone

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Customer

What should I do if a dog eats a cooked chicken bone

Last updated
Lesley, RVT
Veterinarian

Oh no! Chicken bones can be serious if they splinter off during digestion as they can puncture the gastrointestinal tract. There is a chance it may also pass with no issues.

When did it happen? What size dog? How many bones do you think he or she ate? Are they having any intestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, inappetance, painful abdomen/hunched appearance?

Posted
Customer

It’s a smaller dog (maybe 16 lbs?), he only ate about 1/2 of a leg bone. He’s not showing any discomfort at the moment

Posted
Lesley, RVT
Veterinarian

It may pass if it was a small piece. I would definitely keep a close eye on him for the next several days. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned below or any blood in his stool, I would definitely take him to the vet asap. Make sure he is still wanting to eat and drink, and is not having any vomiting or diarrhea. Sometimes if they are having abdominal discomfort or pain you may notice his belly looking tight or distended (swollen), and he may have a hunched appearance or yelp when being picked up/his belly touched. Keep an eye out for any straining to defecate as well. Sometimes a piece of bone can pass all the way to the colon and then cause issues and discomfort when they go to eliminate it in their stool. 

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