Are Turkey Bones Bad for Dogs?

Turkey bones are a controversial topic among dog owners. Many people wonder if it’s safe to give their dog turkey bones, especially around Thanksgiving when there are often leftovers. The short answer is: it depends. Cooked turkey bones should always be avoided, but raw turkey bones may be okay in some circumstances.

The Dangers of Cooked Turkey Bones

Cooked bones of any kind can be very dangerous for dogs. When bones are cooked, they become brittle and are more likely to splinter into sharp fragments. These fragments can cause a lot of damage in a dog’s digestive tract.

Some specific risks of cooked turkey bones include

• Choking Hazards: The bone fragments can get lodged in a dog’s throat and cause choking. This requires immediate emergency care.

• Internal Injuries Sharp bone fragments can puncture or lacerate the esophagus, stomach, or intestines This can lead to severe bleeding or perforations requiring surgery.

• Intestinal Blockages: The bone pieces can clump together and cause a blockage in the intestines. This is extremely painful and requires emergency surgery.

• Constipation/Obstructions: Bone fragments that pass further through the digestive tract can cause constipation or obstructions in the colon. This also requires veterinary treatment.

Any size or type of cooked bone is dangerous. But poultry bones like turkey or chicken bones are especially hazardous because they become extra brittle when cooked.

So it’s absolutely critical to keep cooked turkey bones away from dogs. Even small amounts can cause grave harm. Don’t feed your dog any turkey bones from the Thanksgiving table or give them access to leftovers. It’s simply not worth the risk.

Are Raw Turkey Bones Okay?

What about raw turkey bones? Some dog owners do choose to feed raw turkey bones carefully. Unlike cooked bones, raw bones don’t splinter easily. Many dogs can chew them up and digest them without issue.

However, raw turkey bones still pose some risks including:

• Fractured Teeth: Hard turkey bones like drumsticks can crack teeth, especially in aggressive chewers. Broken teeth are painful and require extraction.

• GI Upset: Eating too many rich, fatty turkey bones may cause vomiting or diarrhea.

• Obstructions: Raw bones are less likely to splinter but can still potentially cause obstructions in the throat or intestines.

• Perforations: There is a small risk of a raw bone puncturing the stomach lining or intestines.

To reduce risks, raw turkey bones should always be:

• Appropriately sized for the dog – not too large or small
• Given under supervision – don’t leave dogs unmonitored with bones
• Fed on an easy-to-clean surface in case of mess or vomiting

Marrow bones, necks, and larger wings or legs are safer options than small, brittle bones. But there’s still no guarantee of safety with any raw bone.

Consult your vet before feeding any raw bones to your dog. They can help assess any possible risks based on your dog’s size, age, chewing habits, and gastrointestinal health.

Signs of Trouble with Turkey Bones

If your dog shows any of these symptoms after eating turkey bones, seek veterinary care immediately:

• Choking, gagging, coughing
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Blood in stool or black, tarry stool
• Strained bowel movements or constipation
• Distended abdomen
• Whining, discomfort, or trouble settling down

Don’t wait to see if symptoms resolve on their own. Get prompt veterinary assessment to identify any internal damage or blockages.Timely treatment greatly improves the chances of recovery.

Safer Treats for Dogs

The safest bet is to avoid feeding dogs any turkey bones. There are many other great treats and chews to satisfy dogs:

• Raw meaty bones – beef or lamb bones are safer options than turkey or chicken since they don’t splinter as easily. Select an appropriately sized bone and supervise chewing.

• Chew toys – look for tough, durable chew toys made to stand up to power chewers. Avoid toys that have small parts that can break off.

• Dental chews – try enzymatic dental chews made to reduce plaque and tartar.

• Frozen Kongs – stuff a Kong toy with peanut butter or wet dog food and freeze for a long-lasting, mess-free chew treat.

• Bully sticks – these digestible beef chews keep dogs busy for a while. Select an appropriate size for your dog.

• Fruits/veggies – treats like apple slices, baby carrots, banana chunks or green beans are healthy options.

• Meat slices – thin slices of turkey breast meat, baked chicken, or deli meats are fine without bones.

Always supervise dogs with any chew treat to prevent choking. And be cautious with fatty meats to avoid pancreatitis. Check with your vet if you’re unsure about a particular treat.