My Dog Swallowed a Kalbi Bone What Should I Do?

Do you enjoy the occasional dish of Kalbi bones? If so, the chances are pretty high your dog begs for one of these delicious bones. But should you let him have one? What if he grabs a kalbi bone and swallows it whole?

What Are Kalbi Bones?

Just in case you’re not familiar with kalbi bones, these are part of a yummy Korean grilled dish that is made with pork (or beef) short ribs. The ribs are bathed in a gangjang-based sauce, which is Korean soy sauce.

Doesn’t that just make your mouth water? If you said yes, then you can appreciate why your fur baby might want a bone like this to enjoy, too!

Are Kalbi Bones Safe for Dogs?

It’s not really a good idea to give your dog rib bones—pork or beef. Pork or beef rib bones have a tendency to splinter (both cooked and raw bones) into sharp, small pieces. These can cause your dog to choke or they may cause other problems.

For instance, if a dog eats several bones, and they splinter, they can become lodged in the intestines and create an intestinal blockage. These sharp, tiny bones can also cause mouth and throat lacerations, or puncture the intestines or internal organs. Rib bones can also cause pancreatitis, which is a life-threatening medical condition that some dogs develop after eating high fat foods.

For these reasons, it’s best to never give your dog rib bones or any other type of bones, either raw or cooked. But what if your dog took a bone and snarfed it down?

Symptoms of Intestinal Blockage in Dogs

If your dog has eaten a kali bone, then you’ll need to watch for these symptoms, as he may develop an intestinal blockage:

• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Excessive drooling
• Diarrhea
• Constipation/straining
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite

If you notice these signs or symptoms, take your dog to the vet immediately. An intestinal blockage can be a life-threatening emergency.

Treatment of Intestinal Blockage in Dogs

The vet will perform a physical exam, may order blood work and other labs, and may also have an x-ray done. The x-ray can show where the bone is located inside your fur baby.

Treatment for this condition may require an endoscopic procedure or surgery. Your dog will be anesthetized for either procedure. Your dog may also need to be hospitalized for a couple of days afterwards and have IV support to help re-hydrate him.

In most cases, where dogs receive prompt treatment, they come through and go on to live happy, long lives. The best prevention is to never allow your dog to have a kali bone, and to keep these where he can’t get to them.