Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo
  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog ate chicken bones, now sick, lethargic, and has diarrhea.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 7 months old | 55 lbs

Suspect dog ate numerous chicken bones approx 24 hours ago. Threw away outdated, cooked chicken wings, the garbage was knocked over with no evidence left of the bones. Approx 18 hours after the poss ingestion (6 hours ago) he had a very large, severe episode of diarrhea, followed by 2 more severe, large episodes and 2 smaller episodes. Last episode roughly 2 hrs ago. Not interested in food. Some water to drink. Lethargic, inactive, lazy. Normally bouncing off walls, barking constantly, active.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Davis

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on June 4th, 2018

This is very serious and he needs immediate veterinary attention. The bones are probably still in his stomach and intestinal tract and the diarrhea can quickly result in dehydration. Many dogs also get pancreatitis from eating rich, fatty foods. He will need fluids, an X-ray to determine where the bones are, and possibly surgery. My dog ate rib bones and he needed to be hospitalized and the bones surgically removed. Again this can become life threatening quickly so please take him in for treat soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Nino.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share

Styled arrow button