Turkey is one of the leanest protein sources available, making it a tasty treat and a great addition to the diet of most dogs. Involve your dog in the Thanksgiving celebrations and give them another reason to be grateful!
Giving your dog fresh, nutrient-packed turkey as part of their balanced diet is great for their overall wellness. Actually, the only reason you shouldn’t think about giving your dog turkey is if they are allergic to it or have an intolerance to it.
No, dogs should never be given smoked turkey bones, or any cooked bones for that matter. Cooked bones, especially those from poultry like turkey or chicken, can splinter and become lodged in your dog’s throat, stomach, or intestines. This can cause serious health problems, including internal bleeding, blockages, and even death.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Smoked Turkey Bone
If you think your dog has eaten a smoked turkey bone, the first thing you should do is call your veterinarian. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action, which may include inducing vomiting, monitoring your dog closely, or taking them to the vet for further evaluation
Here are some additional tips:
- Don’t panic. While it’s important to take action, panicking will only make things worse.
- Don’t induce vomiting unless instructed by your vet. This could actually increase the risk of complications.
- Monitor your dog closely for any signs of distress, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or abdominal pain. If you see any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet immediately.
- Keep your dog calm. Avoid strenuous exercise or rough play, as this could increase the risk of the bone becoming lodged.
- Feed your dog a bland diet for a few days. This will help to cushion the bones as they pass through the digestive system and may help them pass easier.
How to Prevent Your Dog from Eating Smoked Turkey Bones
The best way to prevent your dog from eating smoked turkey bones is to keep them out of reach. Here are a few tips:
- Dispose of smoked turkey bones properly. Wrap them in newspaper and throw them in the trash can.
- Keep your trash cans secured. Use a trash can with a lid that your dog can’t open.
- Monitor your dog closely when they are around food. Don’t let them unsupervised around the table or in the kitchen.
- Train your dog to leave bones alone. Teach them the “leave it” command and reward them for obeying.
Smoked turkey bones are dangerous for dogs and can cause serious health problems. If you think your dog has eaten a smoked turkey bone, call your veterinarian immediately. By taking the proper precautions, you can help to keep your dog safe and healthy.
What should you do if your dog eats a cooked turkey bone
Don’t panic if your dog sniffs out some leftover Thanksgiving food or *ahem* insists on clearing the dinner table; if we run over to them, they might get scared too and end up choking on the remaining bone. Try your best to stay level-headed and use your best judgment.
Always call an emergency vet if your pup shows any signs of distress. However, if they are behaving normally, I recommend monitoring them closely for the following 72 hours. Remain well-rested and provide soft foods for them.
Signs to look out for include:
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Lack of appetite
- Any stomach pain
- Little-to-no stools being passed
- Any straining to pass stools
- Diarrhea, bloody or tarry stools
- Lethargy or reduced energy levels
If you have any concerns, please contact a vet.
Can my dog eat turkey bones?
Dogs can eat and digest bones, as you may be wondering, because they have evolved to have much more acidic stomachs than humans do. Raw bones go down like a treat.
Giving your dog raw bones to eat can help them consume more calcium, and chewing on them can help remove tartar from their teeth naturally. For another option, give your dog a long-lasting Yak Chew.
Can dogs eat cooked smoked bones?
FAQ
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