[Sassperella]

I gave my daughters Chihuahua a cooked pork rib bone and before I could take the remaining piece (1 & 1/2 inches) away from him he swallowed it whole so I could get it. How worried should I be?

[peacesofhappine]

I would wait to see how he acts. If he isn't acting normally, take him in to the vet. Hope this helps.

[Wondergirl]

The dog experts here say to feed him bread to cushion the bone as it passes through his system. Call the vet in the morning to get further advice.

[Alty]

I feed my dogs cooked pork bones all the time. Pork bones (in my opinion, and there are differing opinions out there) are not a concern. Now, that's not to say that you shouldn't be concerned.

The main concern with most bones is splintering. Take chicken bones for example. Everyone that has a dog knows that cooked chicken bones are very dangerous for a dog. Why? Cooked chicken bones are very thin, and very brittle. It doesn't take much to splinter a cooked chicken bone, which can pierce the dog when it's being digested, causing many issues, some that can lead to death. If a dog eats a cooked chicken bone and you catch him in the act, bread, or even cotton balls (yes, cotton balls) can help. Bread and cotton balls will not help unless they're ingested immediately after the bone is swallowed.

Here's what many dog owners don't know. Raw chicken bones are fine, nothing to worry about. It's only when the chicken is cooked that it's a no no.

Pork bones don't easily splinter. Can it happen? Sure, any bone can splinter, but there's less of a risk with pork bones. The thing I'd be concerned about in this case is the bone lodging (getting stuck).

Things to watch out for are choking, lack of bowel movement, blood in the bowel movement, noticeable signs of pain, lethargy, bloated stomach, etc.

If the dog shows any of these symptoms, or any signs of illness it's a trip to the vet immediately.

It goes without saying that we can only guess online. Chances are he'll be fine, but I can only guess. It's really your call. If you're concerned then a trip to the vet is always the best option. I can't see your dog, I didn't see the bone, and I can't watch your dog for any signs that there could be issues. I'm also not a vet. So, if you're concerned, call your vet.

Good luck.

Edit: I want to add that there are absolutely no nutritional benefits to dogs where bones are concerned. I do give my dogs bones on occasion, because they enjoy them, but there is no nutritional benefit, and the risks (if you're not careful, which I am) can be deadly, or at least very costly.

[Lucky098]

You should never feed your dog a cooked bone... cooking the bone make them brittle and easy to splinter. You're playing with fire by feeding your dog a cooked bone.

A problem may not arise first thing tomorrow... sometimes obstructions take a few days before there is a problem. Due to the fact this is a cooked bone, I'd call your vet tomorrow and make an appointment even if he feels better. Obstruction surgeries cost a small fortune.. I'd rather you spend the money on an x-ray that shows he's out of the woods or close to it than wait for the obstruction to happen...

Never ever feed cooked bones.. Even those who feed bones and raw meat will agree in stating that cooked bones are deadly.. RAW bones are much softer and your dogs tummy can easily brake them down..

And actually.. bones are a good source of natural calcium ;) So they have some benefit..