Rowdy & the Chicken Leg

I am new here. So nice to "see" all these very pug-loving people. On Mother's Day I sent my "first born," Mr. Wigglesworth (Wiggles) to heaven. It happened very quickly and i was completely unprepared. This has a been a terrible week. Because of that, I am trying for mother of the year by feeding my human children take-out all week. Last night was Popeye's chicken. When my 6 year old (Jake) went to wash his hands, Rowdy (my 2 year old pug) took it upon himself to take the plate of the table and make off with a chicken leg. No one but Jake saw this and so, Rowdy ate the whole thing. UGH. I am so worried. I gave him bread and butter, metamucil, and some cottage cheese. But it is now 14 hours later and he hasn't pooped. He is still running around, playing and barking, and he ate breakfast this morning. But we can't possibly handle something awful happening at this point. Anyone have their pugs eat a whole chicken leg and be fine? He is a big guy. About 26 pounds, and kind of tall.

I am such a wreck. Any advice is very much appreciated.

Hmmm....Don't really know. It could be bad, but it could be fine. I, personally, would continue to monitor his eating and potty results and wait and see. You could always get an Xray, but I would think that forcing the bone back up could cause more damage. Wish I could be of more help....

Back home, whenever my parents make ribs for the family, the raccoons dig them out of the garbage the next day and spread them around the yard. The last time they were watching my pug, him and the other pug found rib bones in the yard and ate some. It's happened before. I cannot tell you how angry and scared I was. Both dogs have always ended up fine, but there is the potential for it not passing smoothly.

If you brought him to a vet, they could take a xray to see if he has a lot of stool backed up and where the bone shards are. If he doesn't defecate within a certain time, they could take a second photo to see if the bone pieces move.

My pug Ichiro ate an entire rotisserie chicken carcass once. Little shit.

It took him a few days to get it out, but he did. No damage done, but I did take him in for xrays. I think you did the right thing for now, with the bread and butter (or oil). Not sure about giving metemucil... dogs don't really digest fiber the same way we do. Make sure he is getting plenty of fluids too.

I think you're doing everything you can, monitoring VERY closely is key. I would put in a call to the vet as well to get any further advice. It's ickey, but go through his stools to see what's come out. Hope it all comes out okay!

Some pugs have cast iron digestive systems, though I'd still be monitoring his poop closely and continuing with the bread and butter. Welcome to PA, by the way. This is one of the few places where nobody bats an eye over long discussions about pug poop.

Over the years, I have had a few dogs steal chicken bones. KC (the Intrepid Dachshund) stole a turkey carcass one year. So far, there has not ever been a need for DVM intervention - but I sweated bullets a few days, but the outcome was always positive.

Thank you all for being so kind and responsive. This has been a rough week, and worrying about Rowdy was the last thing I wanted to be doing after Wiggles passing away.

Rowdy has pooped at least 4 times since eating the darn chicken leg on Thursday night. No bones, no blood; at least not that I could tell. This morning, however, my husband said he looked like he wanted to poop, but didn't. Of course it could be nothing, but now my stomach is in knots. Will be going to check on him in about an hour and will, of course, keep all of you posted.

How is Rowdy doing now? Sending positive thoughts for a good outcome! Please keep us posted!

When I went home at noon-ish, he was happy to see me. Played a bit, finally ate (he hadn't touched his food all day) and drank, and sat with me on the couch. No pooping, though. So, though I hate when he has an accident in the house, I am hoping he has pooped (blood and bone free) in the house. It's hard to tell if his somewhat laid back demeanor (very uncharacteristic of him) is because something is wrong, or because he is sad. He is missing his brother Wiggles as much as we are. So... I guess we keep waiting.

More later after I get home and see what is going on.

You guys are great!

BTW - my profile picture is of my angel, Wiggles (Mr. Wigglesworth), not Rowdy. Just thought I would let you all know. :)