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My dog ate a ham bone and has diarrhea. When should I call the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 61 lbs

Dog ate a ham bone one day ago. She has eaten a bit, drank a bunch of water and has pooped 3 times since. Twice it was somewhat solid tan poop and once was tan diarrhea. Should I be worried and go to a vet or will she be ok ?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 1st, 2018

If there is no blood in the diarrhea and as long as Fate is eating and drinking normally with no vomiting it is probably okay to monitor her. Ham bones can cause bloody diarrhea, constipation or intestinal obstruction so if you see her straining to defecate or you see the signs above you should see a vet right away. If she doesn’t have any dietary restrictions you could try feeding a bland diet of 25% boiled chicken and 75% plain white rice for the next couple of days to help with the diarrhea.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on January 1st, 2018

    The stomach is pretty good about digesting bones, but there is certainly a possibility that if it was a thick knuckle that it could cause an obstruction. More commonly it can cause irritation to the intestinal tract, and possibly even pancreatitis. I would offer very small amounts of a bland diet today, such as boiled chicken and rice. If she won’t eat or if she continues to vomit then she should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. They will likely recommend an x-ray and blood work to help determine the diagnosis and be able to offer the best treatment options. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

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    Answered By Maria DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 25th, 2017

    I would recommend taking Halo to a veterinarian. The ham bone can upset Halo's stomach but can also cause obstruction or perforate the intestines if it is pointy enough. At the veterinarian they will most likely perform X-rays to see exactly what is left in Halo's stomach. Depending on what the x-rays state they may recommend symptomatic outpatient care (fluids, medications to stop the vomiting and bland diet) or they may recommend hospitalization and in patient care. If the ham bone became obstructed in Halo's intestines they may recommend surgery. I hope Halo feels better soon and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on December 27th, 2017

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If all he has is colitis from getting into the trash, a visit to your veterinarian would be recommended. Mainly because they can prescribe a medication for diarrhea which will likely help significantly. I am afraid that he is becoming dehydrated and for that reason I recommend that you have him evaluated sooner rather than later. If your veterinarian is closed because of the holidays, you can consider taking him to your local emergency clinic. Good luck!

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