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.
Giving turkey bones to dogs is an extremely risky practice that should be avoided. I do not recommend ever feeding your dog turkey bones, whether cooked or raw. While your pup may happily gobble them up, turkey bones can lead to many health issues and even require emergency surgery in some cases.
The Dangers of Turkey Bones for Dogs
When we sit down to enjoy a delicious turkey dinner, it’s only natural to want to share a tasty tidbit or two with our canine companions However, poultry bones are very dangerous for dogs Here’s why veterinarians unanimously agree you should never give any type of bone from a turkey, chicken, or other bird to a dog
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Cooked bones splinter easily. The high temperatures of cooking cause turkey bones to become brittle. They easily fragment into sharp shards that can damage your dog’s mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines.
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Raw bones also splinter While less likely to splinter than cooked bones, raw turkey bones can still fracture into pieces when chewed by a dog
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Bones can cause choking Your dog could choke on a turkey bone that gets lodged in their throat
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Bones can cause blockages. Turkey bones may not be able to pass through your dog’s digestive tract. This can lead to painful obstructions in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.
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Bones can cause punctures or tears. Jagged bone fragments can pierce your dog’s mouth, throat, or stomach lining. This can lead to painful abscesses or peritonitis (infection of the abdominal cavity).
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Bones can cause other gastrointestinal issues. Turkey bones may also cause vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
Signs Your Dog Ate a Turkey Bone
If you suspect your dog managed to scarf down a turkey bone, watch for the following signs of distress:
- Choking, gagging, coughing
- Drooling excessively
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in stool or black, tarry stool
- Straining or inability to pass stool
Take your dog to the vet immediately if you notice any of these concerning symptoms after they ate a turkey bone. Timely treatment greatly improves the chances of a good outcome.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats a Turkey Bone
If your dog ate a turkey bone, here are some steps you can take:
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Don’t induce vomiting. It’s best to avoid having your dog vomit up a bone, as this risks further damage to their esophagus and stomach.
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Monitor your dog closely. Look for any signs of distress over the next 48 hours as the bone passes through their system.
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Feed a fiber supplement. Adding canned pumpkin or metamucil to your dog’s food can help move the bone through the intestines.
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Visit the vet. If your dog shows any symptoms of blockage or injury, go to the vet right away. They can examine your dog and provide any needed treatment.
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Consider surgery. If the bone caused an obstruction that won’t pass, surgery may be necessary to remove it.
Safer Alternatives to Turkey Bones for Dogs
The good news is there are many safer alternatives to turkey bones that will satisfy your dog’s urge to chew:
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Raw meaty bones: Uncooked beef or lamb bones are less likely to splinter. Always supervise your dog with any bone.
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Recreational bones: Try nylon bones or treats designed for powerful chewers.
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Dental chews: Look for products made to scrape away plaque without shattering.
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Bully sticks: These digestible chews last a long time.
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Kongs: You can stuff hollow rubber Kongs with peanut butter, treats or kibble.
Monitoring your trash and keeping food scraps out of your dog’s reach are also key to avoiding the turkey bone temptation. With safer chew alternatives and diligent supervision, you can steer clear of turkey bone trouble this holiday season!
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 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 You Give Dogs Turkey Bones? Learn the Risks | GoodRx
FAQ
Can dogs have cooked turkey bones?
Can I give my dog a raw turkey leg?
What if my dog eats a turkey leg?
What bones are dogs not allowed to eat?
Can dogs eat raw turkey bones?
Raw turkey necks are a common choice for this purpose, but any raw meaty bone carries with it a risk of exposure to bacteria like salmonella. Talk with your vet about using raw meaty turkey bones for your dog to learn more about possible risks and benefits.
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.
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.