ChickenWing

My Dog Ate a Chicken Bone


We’re talking about one bone. Either the drummette or the “flat” which technically has two smaller bones (the radius and ulna). And in general a dog OVER 7 pounds. And in general, didn’t chew it.

How to tell it’s stuck and a BIG DEAL:

  1. Fever
  2. Depression
  3. Blood in stool
  4. Tender belly when pushed
  5. Hunch-backed stance

PROBABLY CAN STAY HOME

PROBABLY GO TO E.R.

REALLY:

Only ate one bone

Yes

Probably not.

A belly full of bones is a Big Deal.

Dog is under ten pounds

Maybe stay home

Probably go.

Big dogs with ONE wing bone are almost always okay.

Chewed the bone

Probably

Maybe

Chewing makes them sharp.

Didn't chew the bone

Probably okay

Probably okay

NOT chewing leaves them streamlined

Has a Fever

GO. It's stuck

GO. It's stuck

If NO fever: Okay

No fever

Probably Fine

Probably Fine

If NO fever: Okay

Depressed

Must Go to ER

Must Go to ER

If NOT depressed and is acting "fine": Okay

Tender Belly When Pushed

Must Go to ER

Must Go to ER

If NOT tender: Okay

Blood in Poop

Must Go to ER

Must Go to ER

If NO blood: Okay

Vomiting Not Eating

Probably ER

Probably ER

If NO vomiting and appetite good: Okay

Odds of Diarrhea

20%

Odds of Bone Getting Stuck

3-5%

Odds of pancreatitis

3-10%

Odds of nothing happening

50+%

Author: Dr. Erik Johnson
Dr. Erik Johnson is the author of several texts on companion animal and fish health. Johnson Veterinary Services has been operating in Marietta, GA since 1996. Dr Johnson graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1991. Dr Johnson has lived in Marietta Georgia since 1976.