Can My Dog Eat Turkey Bones? A Vet’s Safety Guide

Turkey bones are a controversial topic among dog owners. Many of us grew up feeding our dogs turkey scraps after holiday meals. However vets warn that both cooked and raw turkey bones can be dangerous for dogs. This article will examine the risks explain what to do if your dog eats a turkey bone, and offer safer bone alternatives.

The Dangers of Cooked Turkey Bones

Cooked poultry bones, including turkey bones, are unsafe for dogs. The high temperatures of cooking cause bones to become brittle and prone to splintering. These small sharp fragments can wreak havoc on your dog’s digestive system.

According to vets, swallowing cooked bone splinters may lead to:

• Mouth injuries from sharp edges
• Choking from bones getting lodged in the throat
• Internal punctures, tears, or blockages along the GI tract
• Severe constipation from excess bone matter

Any of these complications can require emergency surgery and even become fatal if not treated promptly.

What About Raw Turkey Bones?

Many proponents of raw feeding advocate bones as part of a dog’s natural, ancestral diet. However, raw turkey bones still pose several risks that warrant caution:

• Choking hazard: While less brittle than cooked versions, large pieces of raw bone can still become lodged in the esophagus or windpipe.

• Digestive issues: Turkey bones are quite dense and may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or severe constipation when swallowed.

• Food-borne illness: Raw turkey can harbor bacteria like Salmonella, a potentially dangerous pathogen for dogs and humans.

So while raw turkey bones may not splinter as easily, they can still block intestines if swallowed and do not provide nutritional benefits over safer options.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Turkey Bone

If your dog gets ahold of a turkey bone, here are some tips from vets:

• Don’t panic: While bones can cause problems, serious complications are uncommon. Monitor your dog closely but avoid overreacting.

• Don’t induce vomiting: Forcing your dog to vomit carries risks of inhaling the bone. It’s safest to let the bone pass naturally.

• Call your vet: Describe the incident and receive guidance. If your dog shows signs of distress, bring them in for an exam.

• Feed a bland diet: For a few days, give boneless meals like rice and bread to allow the bone to pass easily.

• Check stools: Look for bone fragments over the next 1-2 days. Blood in the stool warrants an immediate vet visit.

• Prevent future incidents: Dispose of bones in sealed trash cans, use baby gates, and train your dog to “leave it.”

While most dogs pass bones without issue, call your vet promptly if you notice lethargy, appetite loss, or other troubling symptoms after the incident.

Safer Bone Alternatives for Dogs

The risks of turkey and other poultry bones simply outweigh any potential benefits. But dogs naturally crave chewing and gnawing to exercise their jaws and clean teeth.

Instead of dangerous cooked or raw turkey offerings, consider these safer bone alternatives:

• Raw meaty bones: Bones from red meat like lamb and beef are less prone to splintering than poultry versions. Always supervise your dog with these.

• Edible bones: Choose digestible options like bully sticks rich in cartilage, not actual bone material.

• Dental chews: Look for treats made of nylon, vegetable matter, or pressed rawhide that massage gums without breaking off.

• Recreational bones: Hard plastic or durable nylon bones can provide long-lasting chewing satisfaction. Search for treats designed specifically for aggressive chewers.

• Dental care: Regular brushing, vet cleanings, and oral health monitoring is the best way to maintain your dog’s teeth.

The Bottom Line

Cooked poultry bones and raw turkey bones present a clear and present hazard. They can fracture into shards that severely injure or block a dog’s digestive tract. While not necessarily toxic, turkey bones provide no nutritional value that can’t be found in safer chews.

If you suspect your dog swallowed a turkey bone, monitor them closely and contact your vet. Prevent future incidents by disposing of bones properly, locking trash cans, and offering dog-friendly chewing alternatives. Though they may beg for that leftover drumstick, the wisest choice for dogs is to avoid turkey bones altogether.