Can Dogs Eat Cooked Bones? BBQ Bone Dangers (Australia)
Emergency
If your pet has eaten this, contact your local vet now. After hours, call the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738.
What it means for dogs and cats
πΆ Dogs
Dangerous β do not feed
Cooked bones can splinter and cause gastrointestinal obstruction or damage, which can be fatal. Keep BBQ leftovers and bones out of reach; contact your vet urgently if your dog swallows one.
π± Cats
Dangerous β do not feed
Cooked bones can splinter and cause gastrointestinal obstruction or damage, which can be fatal. Keep bones away from cats and contact your vet promptly if your cat swallows one.
Where Australian pets run into it
After an Australian barbecue, lamb chops and chicken bones may be left on plates or placed in accessible bins. Clear scraps promptly and secure rubbish.
What to do
Contact your local vet promptly after a cooked bone is swallowed, and immediately if choking, retching, vomiting or pain occurs. The Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738 can help with triage.
What to say when you call
My (dog/cat) weighs about __ kg. About __ hours ago they ate __ (how much). Symptoms so far: __.
Common questions
My dog swallowed a cooked bone β what should I do?
Call your vet promptly; cooked bones can splinter and cause obstruction or damage.
Can cats chew leftover chicken bones?
No. Keep cooked bones away and contact your vet if your cat has swallowed one.
Sources
- What are common household dangers for pets? β RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase
- What should I feed my dog? β RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase
Content checked against these sources on 2026-10-10.
General information only, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about your pet, contact your local vet.