There is much debate about the safety of giving dogs ‘real’ bones like those from a turkey. While bone-shaped biscuits may be a household staple for your best friend, we did some research as to the benefits and risks of feeding your pup a turkey bone. Here’s what you need to know before you throw a dog a bone.
Can Dogs Eat Turkey Legs Bones? The Surprising Truth and Safety Tips
As a dog owner, you likely want to share Thanksgiving dinner scraps with your furry friend. Those turkey leg bones can look awfully tempting to toss your pup. But is it actually safe for dogs to chew on poultry bones? Let’s dig into the surprising truth about the risks, expert opinions, and healthier alternatives.
The Short Answer No Dogs Should Not Eat Turkey Bones
Simply put, veterinarians overwhelmingly agree that dogs should not consume cooked poultry bones of any kind. That includes those tempting turkey leg bones left over after a holiday meal. The reasons largely come down to the dangers associated with cooked bones splintering and causing internal organ damage or blockages.
While raw turkey bones pose less of a splintering risk, they still can result in choking hazards or internal punctures. Not to mention the fact they may contain salmonella bacteria.
So while it may be tempting to share those turkey leftovers with dogs, it’s best to avoid bones altogether. Instead, stick to dog-safe alternatives like leafy greens, sweet potatoes, or approved dog treats.
What Happens When Dogs Eat Turkey Bones? Potential Risks
Cooked turkey bones tend to be highly brittle and small enough to be swallowed by dogs. This combination can lead to major health risks if consumed, including:
- Mouth or tongue injuries from sharp fragments
- Choking hazards from bones getting lodged in the esophagus
- Stomach or intestinal punctures and internal bleeding
- Blockages or obstructions leading to constipation
- Rectal bleeding from passing bone shards
- Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy from distress
These symptoms can range from mild to life threatening. Punctures of intestines or stomach often require emergency surgery treatment. Intestinal obstructions also frequently demand surgical intervention to remove blockages.
So while not all dogs show ill effects from eating turkey bones, the risks are significant enough that prevention and caution are warranted. Speaking with your veterinarian is advised if your dog ingests turkey bones.
Expert Opinions Vets Advise Against Feeding Bones
Most veterinary experts strongly recommend against feeding dogs any type of poultry bones. Here are some key professional opinions on the topic:
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“We recommend that you never givechicken or turkey bones as treats. These cooked bones splinter easily and can cause serious internal damage if swallowed.” – BluePearl Pet Hospital
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“While dogs can safelyeat turkey meat under certain conditions, vets universally recommend against giving dogs turkey bones.” – American Kennel Club
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“Cooked chicken and turkey bones should never be fed as they can splinter and injure your dog internally. Never give cooked bones of any kind to your dog.” – PetCareRx
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“Dogs can swallow smaller bones whole. This could lead to your dog swallowing the bone itself or the broken shards. Cooked bonesshould always be off-limits.” – Canine Journal
Safer Treat Alternatives for Dogs
The good news is there are many healthier, safer alternatives to delight your pup without the risks of turkey bones. Here are some recommended options:
- Pieces of cooked white turkey meat, skin and fat removed
- Sweet potatoes or green beans – perfect for nibbling!
- Store-bought dog biscuits, dental chews, or jerky treats
- Food puzzle toys with kibble or peanut butter filling
- Frozen Kongs stuffed with wet food or pumpkin puree
- Raw fruits and veggies like apple slices, carrots and broccoli
By opting for these dog-friendly foods, you can still spoil your pet without worry around the holidays. Just be sure to introduce new foods gradually and monitor for any allergies.
Smart Precautions: What to Do if Your Dog Eats Turkey Bones
Accidents happen, and dogs manage to gobble up turkey bones despite our best efforts. If this occurs, here are some smart precautions to take:
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Remain calm – most dogs pass bones without incident. But monitoring is crucial.
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Check your dog’s mouth for injuries and watch for difficulty breathing.
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Contact your vet, especially if you notice symptoms like vomiting, constipation or lethargy.
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Do not induce vomiting, as bones can further injure your dog’s throat.
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Monitor bowel movements for next 48 hours for bone passage or obstruction.
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Call vet immediately if you notice bloody stool, loss of appetite, diarrhea or other concerning symptoms arising.
Taking quick action and contacting your vet at the first sign of distress can help prevent more serious complications. Open communication with your vet is key to proper monitoring.
The Takeaway: Say No to Bones This Holiday Season
While giving your dog a tasty turkey leg bone seems like a nice holiday treat, the inherent risks are simply too high according to experts. From sharp splinters to dangerous blockages, cooked poultry bones can cause significant injuries and distress for dogs.
Rather than putting your pet at risk, stick to safer dog-approved foods and treats this Thanksgiving. You’ll breathe easier knowing your furry companion’s beloved digestive tract is free from harm!
Can dogs eat cooked turkey bones?
First things first, it’s important that you don’t ever feed cooked turkey bones to a dog. No matter how tempting it might be to let them have a little taste of that delicious holiday feast, cooked bones are dangerous for dogs. They can splinter and cause many problems, including injuries to the pup’s mouth and teeth, as well as intestinal blockages and gastric upset.
Injuries like broken teeth, cuts to the dog’s mouth, damage to the jaw, or bones lodged in the stomach may require surgery to repair. This is why it is important that you avoid giving your pup cooked bones. These injuries can be painful, expensive, and even in some cases, fatal. So, when it comes to cooked turkey bones and your pup, just say no (and don’t worry, we’ll remind you throughout the course of this blog post)!
Can dogs eat raw turkey bones?
After reading all of these potential consequences, you’re probably wondering if your pup can even have turkey bones at all. The answer is yes, as long as the bones are raw. Raw bones, in general, are usually a good option for pups to have, but turkey and chicken bones (as well as other types of poultry) still tend to be thinner and splinter easier. So if you do share some raw bone with your dog, it’s important that you supervise them closely when they’re eating.
Raw bones and meat can come with additional risks for foodborne illness. Most healthy dogs should be able to handle raw bones. But, if you have an elderly or immunocompromised dog, check with your vet before feeding anything raw. Remember to clean your dog’s dish and any cutting boards, knives, and food prep areas that came in contact with raw meat or bone to avoid the spread of bacteria and foodborne illnesses.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Turkey Legs
FAQ
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