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.
Is It Safe to Give Dogs Turkey Bones?
As dog owners, we all want to give our furry friends treats that they will love. However, some treats that seem harmless can actually be dangerous for dogs. One common example is turkey bones. Many dog owners wonder, can I give my dog turkey bones? The short answer is no. Turkey bones can actually pose a significant health risk for dogs. In this article, we will discuss why turkey bones are not safe for dogs and what you should give your dog instead.
The Dangers of Turkey Bones for Dogs
Turkey bones, whether raw or cooked, can be very dangerous for dogs. Here’s an overview of the potential risks:
Splintering – When dogs chew on turkey bones, the bones can splinter into sharp fragments. These bone shards can cause injuries in the mouth, esophagus, or intestinal tract. Splintered bones can even puncture organs.
Blockages – Bone fragments can become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines, blocking the passage of food. This can be extremely painful and even fatal if not treated promptly. Surgery is often necessary to remove obstructing bone fragments.
Perforations – Sharply splintered turkey bones can tear or perforate the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. This can lead to potentially fatal peritonitis (infection of the abdominal organs). Emergency surgery may be needed.
Choking – Dogs can easily choke on turkey bones as they are relatively small and easily swallowed. Choking is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate vet care.
Constipation – Turkey bones can lead to severe constipation or obstructed bowel movements. This causes great discomfort and can endanger your dog’s health if left untreated.
Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite – Turkey bones may cause gastrointestinal distress like vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. These are signs of irritation or internal injury.
As you can see, there are many ways turkey bones can wreak havoc in your dog’s digestive system. The risks simply outweigh any potential benefits.
Cooked vs. Raw Turkey Bones
Many people think raw turkey bones are safe for dogs while cooked ones are dangerous. This assumption is incorrect. Both raw and cooked turkey bones can seriously injure your dog in a variety of ways. Here’s a comparison:
Cooked turkey bones – The high temperatures of cooking make turkey bones brittle and extra prone to splintering. This exponentially increases the chances of fractured bones puncturing your dog’s digestive tract.
Raw turkey bones – Still pose a risk of splintering plus they can harbor harmful bacteria like salmonella. Raw bones are also more likely to cause choking.
So neither cooked nor raw turkey bones are a good option for your dog. The overall safety risks are too great.
Signs of Trouble After Eating Turkey Bones
If your dog accidentally ingests turkey bones, be vigilant for any of the following signs of distress:
Choking, coughing, gagging
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Lethargy, weakness
Blood in stool or black, tarry stool
Straining to pass stool with no success
Whining, restlessness, discomfort
Abdominal pain, bloating, distension
If you notice any of these symptoms after your dog eats turkey bones, call your vet right away. Timely treatment is crucial. Also monitor your dog closely for up to 4 days after ingestion to ensure the bones safely pass through their system. If you don’t see the bones in your dog’s stool after this time, take your dog to the vet for an x-ray to check for obstruction or perforation. Don’t take chances with your dog’s health.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Turkey Bones
If your dog gets ahold of turkey bones before you can stop them, here are some dos and don’ts:
DON’T
Panic – Stay calm so you can respond appropriately.
Induce vomiting – This can cause more damage and pain.
Wait and see – Always call your vet promptly. Time is critical.
DO
Take the bones away immediately if possible.
Check for choking. Clear throat obstructions.
Call your vet for advice right away.
Monitor your dog closely the next 2-4 days.
Check their stool for bone fragments.
Go to the vet if you see any troubling symptoms.
An x-ray may be recommended to verify bones passed safely.
Better Treats to Give Your Dog
Rather than taking a risk with turkey bones, give your dog a safer satisfying chew. Here are some healthy alternatives:
Raw meaty bones from beef or lamb – Always large, thick raw bones to minimize splinter risk. Be sure to separate bone shards from the raw meat before feeding.
Antlers or buffalo horns – Natural, long-lasting chews.
Bully sticks – A popular treat made from beef cartilage.
Dental chews – Special chews to help clean teeth.
Kongs – Durable rubber chew toys that can be stuffed with treats.
Beef kneecaps – Contains natural glucosamine.
Rope toys – Entertaining for tug of war and safe to chew.
When in doubt, consult your vet about which chews and treats are best for your dog. Avoid any cooked bones, including turkey, chicken, and pork, which become brittle when cooked.
The Bottom Line
Turkey bones are quite tempting to dogs but pose a definite choking hazard and can fracture into needle-like shards. Both raw and cooked turkey bones can cause serious digestive system damage and should be avoided. Be vigilant around holiday turkey carcasses. Never purposefully feed your dog turkey bones for their safety. Stick to gentler, vet-approved chews and treats to satisfy your dog’s chewing urges in a safer way. Avoid anguish for both you and your dog by steering clear of turkey bones completely. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about objects your dog has ingested.
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
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