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My puppy ate chicken bones, now has diarrhea and is throwing up. Vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Male | neutered | 11.3 lbs

My puppy got into the trash and ate some chicken bones while we were out at dinner. He is still playing up at storm but had puked multiple times and now has a little diarrhea. Should I take him to a vet or just keep monitoring him? He ate the bones Sunday night and it’s now Monday. We have seen some bones in his poop.

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Catherine Stecyk

Answered By Catherine Stecyk

Veterinarian

Published on April 22nd, 2019

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear that Rocket got into some chicken bones - sounds like he will need the trash can locked away from him from now on. While most chicken bones can be digested by the stomach acid, some larger pieces may start migrating through the intestines before the stomach has had a chance to fully break them down. This makes sense with how you are already seeing pieces in his stool. Since he is vomiting and having diarrhea, he is likely experiencing some significant gastroenteritis, or inflammation/irritation of the GI tract. This is most often self-limiting, and should resolve on its own with a few days of a bland diet. I recommend feeding Rocket a diet of boiled rice and boiled chicken (no bones!) in a ratio of 2 parts rice to 1 part meat, for the next 2-3 days. If Rocket continues to vomit, or the diarrhea becomes bloody, I recommend having him seen a by veterinarian. A big concern would be that one of the bones has become lodged in his intestines, causing a blockage. I hope this is helpful - best of luck with Rocket!
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    I would recommend seeing a veterinarian for this problem, although you may be able to wait until tomorrow morning. The chicken bones may be stuck somewhere in the gastrointestinal tract or may be moving through normally but causing vomiting and diarrhea. Your vet might recommend x-rays and starting some medication.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 14th, 2020

    Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Wade. Do not induce vomiting. It could get stuck in his esophagus or cause damage to the esophagus. I'd keep an eye on him for now. This bone may dissolve without issue in his stomach acid. If you see vomiting, blood in his poop, diarrhea, lethargy, or a loss of appetite, take him into a vet right away. Give him a slice of whole wheat bread now and one with every meal. This will hopefully form a ball of ingesta around the bone and cushion it as it passes through the GI tract. I hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 2nd, 2020

    A single cooked chicken bone probably won't cause any problems - inducing vomiting has risks and in this situation the risks probably outweigh the benefits. I'd recommend monitoring Bailey and if she begins to vomit, if she has a decreased appetite or if she develops diarrhea I'd recommend seeing your vet.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 21st, 2020

    Hello. For the most part, the bones will most likely be digested, and if they were only a day old, it is unlikely bacterial contamination may be an issue. Since she seems comfortable & happy, I would just try her on some very bland food for the rest of the day. Just some plain cooked white rice ( whole grain, not instant or minute rice if possible ) & maybe a little low fat cottage cheese. Just offer her a tablespoon at a time & see how she does. If she continues to vomit, you may need to have her evaluated by your veterinarian. An x-ray would show if there is still a lot of foreign material in her stomach, or all she may need is a few days of anti-nausea medications. But if she can keep down the rice & cottage cheese, then this evening or tomorrow, start to slowly put her back on her regular diet. Hope she is feeling better soon & thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

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My dog ate chicken bones, now has diarrhea and vomiting. What to do?
Keep an eye on Dobby. As long as he's keeping his food down, keep feeding him and offering him plenty of water. Give him half a slice of whole wheat bread with each meal. This may form a ball of ingesta around the bones, and cushion them as they pass through the GI tract. If he continues vomiting, there is blood in his vomit or feces, he becomes lethargic, and/or he stops eating, he needs to see a vet immediately. In that case, find an ER vet or a vet on call. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Best of luck.
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