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My puppy ate a chicken drumstick bone. What should I do and watch for?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 6 months and 29 days old | 30 lbs

Hi, our 7 month old puppy just jumped up and ate a chicken drumstick off my child’s plate. We got him to spit out some but not all. He seems okay/normal right now. He has diarrhea a lot (in fact we are testing him for giardia) so I won’t be able to tell if something is wrong off of that. Our vet is on holiday until 2 Jan so we only have an emergency vet as an option. So far I’ve given him bread to help with any fragments. What else should we do or watch for?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 30th, 2021

Hello. As long as Bandit did not show any indication or irritation or problems swallowing the chicken bone, he should be fine. The bone will most likely soften in his stomach & be digested. Just watch him for the next few days for any signs of digestive distress including vomiting, a loss of appetite, bloating or abdominal pain. If he remains well over the next few days, he should do just fine. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 18th, 2018

    Most likely Hank chewed it and it will pass ok. It will most likely cause some GI upset. What you do want to watch for are signs of any blockage. These include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, lethargy and not eating. Call your veterinarian if any of these occur. Good luck.

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