My dog ate bones from a dead animal. Is it dangerous? What to do?

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. You should monitor your dog at home for signs of vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, abdominal pain, lethargy. If you notice any of these symptoms you should take your dog to your local vets as an emergency. Typically, the symptoms of food intoxication commence within 2-6 hrs after ingestion. Inducing vomiting in dogs that ate bones is never recommended as it pose a risk of esophageal tear from the sharp bones. Salmonellosis is a potential risk after eating decomposing food, however, Salmonella infection is not common in dogs in general. Typically, the symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and fever.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for dogs to eat dead animals found in the yard or on walks. Thankfully, in most cases the worst that may occur is some stomach upset (vomiting or diarrhea). Monitor for GI upset ([vomiting](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/vomiting-1/) and/or [diarrhea](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/diarrhea-1/)), lethargy, loss of appetite or abdominal pain. If your dog is behaving normally otherwise, you can [manage minor GI upset at home](https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-things-you-can-do-at-home-if-your-pet-has-diarrhea) by first withholding food for 12-24 hours. Allow small amounts of water or unflavored PediaLyte during this fasting period. Resume feeding a bland diet ( boiled boneless / skinless chicken and plain cooked white rice) in small, frequent amounts. Begin with 1 tablespoon of food every hour and gradually increase the amount if there is no vomiting. Continue feeding bland until there is no vomiting for 48 hours and/or the stool is normal then transition slowly to the regular diet. If the vomiting or diarrhea don't stop or if you see other symptoms (lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, etc.), see your veterinarian.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Unfortunately, dead animals can transmit bacterial infections and various parasites. I recommend keeping a close eye on Buddy for vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. Pieces of bone or hair can cause intestinal blockages which result in similar signs. If Buddy exhibits any of the signs above, he should be seen by a vet right away. I hope all is well!

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. As long as Radar does not show any worrying symptoms at the moment and his energy level is normal you should monitor him at home. However, if he starts to vomit, passing stools with blood, or having difficulties to pass stools, you should take him to your local vets for an appointment right away.

It depends on the kind of bones, how many and if they were chewed or not. Splintered bones can gouge and tear at the intestinal tract as they move through, bigger bones swallowed whole can get stuck. If your dog has eaten bones and is lethargic, painful, defecating blood or not defecating at all, has diarrhea or vomiting or refuses food, these are all signs that there is a problem and she should be seen by a vet right away.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. You need to monitor your Dolbie for the next 24-48hrs. Bones usually are digested in the stomach but they may form gastro-intestinal obstruction or cause constipation. If Dolbie starts to vomit, strain to pass faeces, is passing stools with blood or not passing any stools at all for longer than 24hrs, you will have to take him to your local vets right away. If after 48hrs he does not develop any symptoms, it will mean that he is out of danger.

Your dog still may vomit the bone or some of the bone fragments and she will probably have an upset stomach for a day or so. She will probably also develop diarrhea or soft stools because of ingesting the bones. Keep a close eye on her and if the vomiting lasts more than 24 hours or she starts having bloody stools, you will need to take her to the veterinarian. Likewise, if she refuses to eat for more than 12-24 hours you should take her in. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck!