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My dog ate a cooked chicken carcass. What symptoms should I watch for?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 85 lbs

My dog got a hold of and swallowed a cooked chicken carcass. Is he gonna be ok? What should I watch for?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenny, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 17th, 2018

The bones typically pass but depending on how well they were chewed and broken. The larger pieces may cause an obstruction while the smaller ones can cause inflammation and bloody diarrhea. You should watch for vomiting and diarrhea, with blood. if that is noted, then I would have your vet check him to make sure things are passing normally and he doesn't require hospitalization or assists.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 23rd, 2019

    Hello. If the bones were not too big, Melo should be able to digest them. But if not, you should watch for signs of prolonged lethargy ( sleepiness ), vomiting, groaning or a swollen painful abdomen, loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation/straining to defecate. If he is experiencing any of these symptoms over the next couple of days, please have Melo evaluated by your veterinarian. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 6th, 2017

    Oh no, that was naughty of Cruz! Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do for him now. It's never recommended to induce vomiting in a dog who has eaten bones because they can easily become lodged in the esophagus or could cause perforation of it. As I'm sure you aware, cooked bones should never be fed to dogs because they splinter easily in the GI tract, causing perforation and obstruction. You will need to monitor him. If you see any vomiting, blood in the vomit, diarrhea, bloody feces, anorexia, lethargy, or constipation, Cruz will have to see a vet immediately. Should the bones cause an obstruction or perforate the intestinal tract, he will need surgery to repair it.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 5th, 2019

    Do not induce vomiting. You will have to keep an eye on Mack for then next couple of days. This may pass without a problem, but if you see vomiting, diarrhea, blood in his feces, lethargy, or anorexia, have him seen by a vet right away. I hope this helps!

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