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.
The answer is a resounding no. While turkey is a delicious and nutritious treat for dogs, the bones are extremely dangerous and can cause serious health problems.
Here’s why you should never give your dog turkey bones:
Cooked bones splinter: When cooked turkey bones become brittle and easily splinter into sharp shards. These shards can get lodged in your dog’s throat esophagus, stomach, or intestines, causing severe pain, bleeding, and even life-threatening complications.
Raw turkey bones are still risky: While raw bones are less likely to splinter than cooked bones, they can still pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockages. Additionally, raw turkey bones can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can make your dog sick.
Alternatives to turkey bones: If you want to give your dog a bone-like treat, consider safer options like raw beef marrow bones or commercially available synthetic bones. These options are less likely to splinter and pose a choking hazard.
What to do if your dog eats a turkey bone: If you suspect your dog has eaten a turkey bone, monitor them closely for any signs of distress, such as vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, lethargy, or loss of appetite. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Here are some additional tips for keeping your dog safe during the holidays:
- Keep turkey bones and other table scraps out of your dog’s reach.
- Don’t let your dog beg for food at the table.
- Provide your dog with safe and healthy treats instead of human food.
- If you have any questions about what your dog can and cannot eat, consult your veterinarian.
Remember, your dog’s health and safety are your top priority. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your furry friend enjoys a happy and healthy holiday season.
Additional Resources:
- Can I Give My Dog Turkey Bones? – Princeton Veterinary Hospital
- Can Dogs Eat Turkey Bones? How to Feed Turkey Parts to Your Dog – The Native Pet
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.
What should I do if my dog ate a cooked turkey bone?
FAQ
What happens if my dog eats a turkey bone?
Which turkey bones are safe for dogs?
Can animals eat cooked turkey bones?
What type of bone is safe for dogs?
What happens if a dog eats a turkey bone?
Here are some of the potential risks and consequences of a dog eating a turkey bone: Mouth and tongue injuries: Bones can be fairly sharp. They can cut a dog’s mouth, causing bleeding and pain. While this isn’t always serious, it can sometimes lead to infections. Choking: If the bone gets stuck in your dog’s throat, it can cause choking.
What meat should I never feed my dog if they have dementia?
A dog can be fed with any kind of fresh meat like chicken, pork, beef, fish or turkey. It is not advisable to feed processed meat to dogs because there are scientific studies that claim that these processed meat can increase the risk of developing dementia.
Can dogs eat leftover turkey bones?
Some people even give leftover turkey and chicken bones to dogs as treats. No bones about it, that’s not a good idea. Cooked bones can splinter, puncturing the digestive tract. I always advise against giving dogs poultry or fish bones. Rib bones and pork bones also splinter easily.
Are turkey bones toxic to dogs?
Turkey bones aren’t toxic, so you don’t need to worry about rushing your dog to the vet in most cases. However, they aren’t safe and can cause a range of complications. Therefore, monitoring is very important in these situations. Firstly, don’t panic. Although the bone can cause problems for some dogs, the chance of serious complications is low.