If you found this post because your dog ate a cooked chicken bone, take a deep breath and call your veterinarian immediately. Don’t drop a comment asking what to do—I’m not a vet. I’m a fellow dog parent sharing what I learned when this happened to my own dogs.
Why Cooked Bones Are Dangerous for Dogs
Back in the day, many people tossed their dogs steak or chicken bones after dinner. While raw bones are nutrient-rich and great for chewing, cooked bones are a whole different story.
When cooked, bones become brittle and can splinter into sharp pieces. These fragments may:
Puncture your dog’s esophagus or stomach
Cause an intestinal blockage
Lead to serious injury or even death if not treated quickly
What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Cooked Chicken Bone
Step 1: Don’t panic.
Stay calm. Secure the area and remove any leftover bones.
Step 2: Leave it!
If your dog is still chewing, tell them to drop it. Take it away and reward them for listening. Never punish your dog.
Step 3: Call your vet.
Even if your dog seems fine, call your vet right away. When one of my dogs chewed on a chicken bone, my vet advised me to monitor him closely instead of rushing to the clinic since he hadn’t swallowed large fragments.
What NOT to Do
Do not make your dog vomit.
Throwing up sharp bones can cause more damage on the way back up.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Bone stuck in throat
Choking
Excessive salivation, lip licking
Drinking more than usual
Restlessness or anxiety
Possible bowel perforation (12–48 hours later)
Signs of pain, shallow breathing
Stretching like a play bow to ease discomfort
Vomiting or attempts to vomit
Bloody stool or straining to defecate
Panting, restlessness, unwillingness to play
If you notice any of these symptoms, go to the vet immediately.
My Experience
After my dog ate cooked chicken bones, I monitored him for several days. Thankfully, he showed no signs of distress and continued to eat and poop normally. But the risk was real, and I was glad I knew what to watch for.
A Note on Pet Insurance
Pet insurance can feel like a waste until you face a major emergency. That’s when it becomes priceless. I’ve used Trupanion and Embrace in the past. Today, I’m using Lemonade, choosing coverage that fits my dogs’ needs and my budget. Many policies now include both traditional and holistic care - something worth considering for peace of mind.
Header image: DepositPhotos.com