My Dog Ate A Rotisserie Chicken And Now Has Diarrhea [What To Do]

Despite your best efforts, accidents happen. Maybe you just popped out of the kitchen for a minute, and when you returned, your dog had already devoured half a rotisserie chicken. To make matters worse, your dog now has diarrhea. There’s not much that’s more concerning (or messy!) than your dog having diarrhea, but is it something you need to be worried about? And what can you do to help the situation? Let’s find out.

So, why does my dog have diarrhea after eating a rotisserie chicken? There are many reasons why your dog has diarrhea after eating rotisserie chicken, such as allergies or a toxic reaction to flavorings. Most diarrhea episodes will resolve on their own within 24 hours. But if it lasts longer or your dog exhibits other worrying signs, then its best to take them to a vet.

In most cases, your dog should be back to their best soon.

But you may have a bit of mess and tidying up to do, in the interim.

That being said, you are going to need to closely observe your dog and support them over the next few hours and days.

So let’s delve deeper into exactly how to do that.

But first, let’s see what is causing the diarrhea.

Why Does Your Dog Have Diarrhea After Eating Rotisserie Chicken? 

There are several reasons why your dog could have developed diarrhea after eating rotisserie chicken.

Seasoning Sensitivity

Plain-cooked chicken is actually a good source of protein for dogs.

However, rotisserie chicken (depending on how it’s prepared) is often marinaded or glazed with a variety of seasonings which can cause digestive upset.

Despite their apparent ability to eat anything and everything, dogs have very sensitive stomachs.

Certain foods that we commonly use to flavor our dinners are also toxic to canines. These include:

Onion 

This vegetable is highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.

Onions contain a toxin called N-propyl disulfide, which breaks down red blood cells, causing anemia.

Chives have the same effect, so they must also be avoided. 

Garlic 

A popular choice to flavor human meals.

However, Garlic causes the same type of damage to red blood cells in canines as onions do.

Garlic can also cause breathing difficulties and organ damage because it changes the shape of blood cells, which can decrease the amount of oxygen that’s carried to your dog’s tissues, muscles, and organs.

Nutmeg 

This sweet spice contains the myristicin toxin that causes abdominal pain in dogs if ingested in large amounts.  

Salt

Although not dangerous in small amounts, too much salt can cause a wide variety of symptoms in dogs, such as diarrhea, fever, dehydration, and even sodium iron poisoning.

A dog’s recommended sodium intake is much lower than humans so you must always bear this in mind when feeding your canine companion.  

Marjoram

This herb causes gastric irritation in dogs, but it can also lead to low blood sugar, ulcers, and bleeding abnormalities.  

Bay Leaves

These can cause gastrointestinal distress in dogs.

Bay leaves also have very sharp edges, which can tear the neck or digestive tract on the way down.  

Cloves 

These are toxic to dogs in large doses. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy.

The Chicken Was Undercooked

Don’t forget that undercooked chicken can also harbor Salmonella bacteria.

This can cause bloody or mucus poop, a fever, and diarrhea.

If you suspect your dog has contracted Salmonella, it’s important to get them to a vet because it can lead to a variety of disorders.

Furthermore, Salmonella can easily be passed between dogs and humans so practicing good hygiene when cleaning up diarrhea or vomit is essential.  

Your Dog Is Not Used To It

Aside from toxicity, dogs can have diarrhea when they eat something that their body isn’t used to.

So, even if the chicken had no spices, it could still upset your dog’s stomach if they haven’t eaten it before.

For this same reason, you should also introduce new foods to your dog in small amounts over a week or so to allow their body to get used to the change.

Some of the other dangers of rotisserie chicken that can cause diarrhea in your dog are:

Your Dog Has A Chicken Allergy

Perhaps surprisingly, chicken is one of the most common food allergies found in dogs.

Signs to watch out for include itchy skin, vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea.

Furthermore, chicken that is made for human consumption often contains preservatives that can be harmful to dogs, like sulfates and brine, especially frozen chicken products.  

Result Of The Chicken Bones

Our canine companions’ ancestors have been chomping down on raw bones for centuries.

So, you would probably think that they can handle one or two chicken bones.

However, cooked chicken bones can easily splinter and rupture the gastrointestinal lining.

Both cooked and raw chicken bones can also get lodged in the intestinal tract, which can be fatal.

You must get your dog to the vet as soon as possible if you think they have a blocked gastrointestinal tract.

Your vet will perform an x-ray to see where the bone is stuck and may prescribe medication to help it move out of the body.  

Sign Of Pancreatitis

Chicken skin has a high-fat content.

This causes an upset stomach but can also lead to pancreatitis.

This is an inflammation of the pancreas which is caused by the activation of digestive enzymes within the pancreas.

Basically, these enzymes start to eat away at the pancreas tissue because of damage or blockage to the organ’s outflow duct.

Diarrhea is just one symptom of pancreatitis, other symptoms to look out for are a crouched posture, dehydration, vomiting, and labored breathing.

If two or more of these symptoms occur, it’s best to get your dog to the vet.  

It’s important to note if your dog eats rotisserie chicken, it’s not necessarily a cause for alarm.

There are many times that a dog will have an upset stomach during their lifetime.

However, it’s always best to get them checked over by a vet just to be safe.  

How Long Does Food-Related Diarrhea Last In Dogs?

In general terms, food-related diarrhea will last around 24 hours. However, this will vary depending on the cause and the age and health status of your dog. It’s important to keep a close eye on your canine companion during this time and take note of any new or worsening symptoms. If your dog starts to vomit or becomes very lethargic, take him to a vet immediately. 

Don’t forget that diarrhea can be caused by a wide range of health issues, including parasitic infections, kidney disease, anxiety, colitis, and intestinal cancer, not just the ingestion of rotisserie chicken!

So, remain cautious and vigilant in case the diarrhea is caused by something else entirely.  

One of the most worrying concerns of diarrhea is dehydration. If diarrhea lasts longer than 24 hours or you notice your dog isn’t drinking, then you should seek advice from a vet because dehydration can be fatal, especially in very young or elderly dogs.

Other signs of dehydration you can check for are a dry nose (it should always be slightly damp to the touch), sunken eyes, and/or dry, sticky, or pale gums.

It’s a good idea to keep track of your dog’s bowel movements for at least 12 hours after their first bout of diarrhea.

A single episode is not a cause for concern.

However, repeated bouts of diarrhea in a short space of time could indicate a serious health issue.

Furthermore, if your dog is straining to pass a stool and only releasing small amounts of very watery diarrhea, this could be the result of a dangerous intestinal blockage.

What Can I Give My Dog To Eat After Diarrhea? 

If your dog is suffering from diarrhea, you will want to keep their diet as bland as possible until the situation clears up. Fasting them for 12-24 hours can also help symptoms to clear up quicker. However, this tactic should not be used on very young or elderly dogs, especially if they have any underlying health conditions.  

Avoid any fatty or rich foods for a couple of days because these can make the situation much worse! Instead, focus on nutritional plain foods. Options for you to try are:

Boiled Rice

– Plain rice is very easy for dogs to digest, so it’s one of the best foods to give after a nasty bout of diarrhea.

Rice also contains a lot of fiber which can help your dog to retain water and firm up their poop.

Use white rice, and remember that packaged or microwaveable rice often contains other flavorings such as onion, Garlic, and various spices.

So, these should be avoided at all costs.

Plain-Cooked Chicken or Turkey

Obviously, if you suspect your dog is allergic to chicken, then you shouldn’t go with this option!

However, both chicken and turkey are full of protein and are easy to digest.

Just remember to let it cool after cooking and remove the skin and bones before feeding.

You may also want to cut it up into smaller chunks, so it’s easier to eat and digest.   

Pumpkin

This orange vegetable is naturally high in fiber.

So, it’s a good addition to a bland diet to regulate your dog’s digestion.

In addition, pumpkin contains probiotics that are known to improve gut health.

Canned pumpkin is best if you can get hold of it because fresh pumpkin has a high-water content which can contribute to loose poop.  

Carrots

This is another high-fiber food that’s a great addition to your dog’s post-diarrhea diet.

Mash up boiled carrots and potatoes (for added starch) to promote a healthy digestive tract.

Specially Formulated Dog Foods

Some dog foods are specifically designed to improve digestive health, or are just designed for sensitive tummies to begin with.

Here is a good food to get for your dog during this time.

However, it’s always worth speaking to your vet as they will be able to advise you on the best diets for your dog’s individual needs.   

Other plain foods such as pasta or scrambled egg (with no additional ingredients) are also unlikely to make diarrhea worse.

However, it’s important that you monitor your dog for any adverse reactions, as every canine is an individual with different preferences and needs.  

It’s important to feed your small dog amounts of these foods regularly throughout the day so as not to overwhelm their digestive tract.

If you prefer, you can also starve them for 12-24 hours and then introduce these foods slowly once the diarrhea situation has improved.  

Other Ways To Support Your Dog With Diarrhea 

Ensure They Drink Enough Water

One of the most important ways to support your dog with diarrhea is to make sure they are drinking enough water.

Always make sure they have access to fresh, clean water and feed them water-rich foods if you suspect they aren’t drinking enough.

Dogs suffering from diarrhea will need to drink more to counteract the amount of water they lose in their poop.

You should also speak to your vet if you don’t think your dog is drinking enough water because they may be able to come up with an effective solution.  

Ensure Your Dog Gets Enough Rest

In addition, you will want to make sure your dog gets plenty of rest to ensure they recover fully.

Short walks and play sessions are fine if your dog seems to have energy but don’t overdo it!

You can also consider adding probiotics to their diet to boost gastrointestinal health.

These can either be bought from pet stores or directly from your vet. Take note that probiotics may not be beneficial for all dogs, so it’s worth speaking to a professional before you buy. 

Reintroduce Food Slowly

When your dog starts to feel better, and diarrhea has turned back to solid poop, you can start reintroducing their normal food again.

Do this slowly, so as not to cause further digestive discomfort, by increasing it in increments over a couple of days.

One thing to bear in mind is that bland diets are not as nutritious as general dog diets that are tailored to their specific needs.

So, only offer plain food for a couple of days. If symptoms persist, you should speak to your vet for guidance.  

Finally

If your dog has eaten a rotisserie chicken and now has diarrhea, it can be alarming, concerning and even frustrating (that’s dinner now gone, right?!)

That being said, there are certainly some things you can do to support your dog during the next day or so.

And you should find, things return to normal pretty swiftly.

Just make sure your dog cannot get the next rotisserie chicken next time, mind.