Thanksgiving dinners and family gatherings often revolve around a delightful spread that usually includes turkey. While sharing moments is a joy, sharing turkey bones with your furry friend is not. If you suspect your dog has snatched a turkey bone, understanding the urgency and what steps to take is crucial for their health and wellbeing. Remember, when in doubt, calling your local Emergency Veterinary Care Centers should be your first course of action.
Turkey bones pose a serious choking and internal injury risk for dogs. I want to provide some helpful information on what to do if your dog gets ahold of one of these dangerous bones. As a dog owner and lover myself I know how scary it can be when your pup gets into something they shouldn’t.
The Dangers of Cooked and Raw Turkey Bones
Both cooked and raw turkey bones can harm your dog if eaten
Cooked bones tend to splinter more easily and these fragments can cause injuries or blockages in your dog’s mouth, throat, and digestive tract. The high temperatures of cooking make the bones more brittle
Raw bones may not splinter as much but they can still puncture or get stuck in your dog’s throat or digestive system. Raw turkey bones can also transfer harmful bacteria like salmonella to your dog.
So it’s best to keep both forms of turkey bones away from your canine companion.
Signs Your Dog May Have Eaten a Turkey Bone
If you see or suspect your dog grabbed one of those turkey bones left over from dinner, watch for these signs of distress:
- Gagging or coughing
- Drooling more than usual
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Lethargy
- Visible discomfort – whining, stretching, anxiety
- Bloody stool
- Straining or inability to pass stool
If you notice any of these, contact your vet right away as your dog may have bone fragments stuck or have an internal injury that requires prompt treatment. Time is of the essence.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Turkey Bone
First, try to stay calm. I know it’s upsetting but panicking won’t help your dog. Follow these steps:
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If your dog is coughing, gagging or showing signs of choking, try to remove the bone from their mouth if you can do it safely.
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Do NOT induce vomiting as this forces the bone back up the esophagus and risks further injury.
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Contact your vet or emergency animal hospital immediately. Let them know your dog ate a turkey bone. They can provide the proper guidance based on your dog’s size and symptoms.
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Monitor your dog closely until you can get them to the vet. Note any changes in behavior or new symptoms.
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Do not give food or water until the vet examines your dog, as it may complicate treatment.
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Get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Ingested bones should be treated as an emergency.
At the vet, they may induce vomiting once your dog is ready, perform endoscopy to locate bone fragments, or do x-rays and surgery if needed to remove obstructions or repair any perforations. Follow all post-care instructions carefully. You know your dog best, so don’t hesitate to call your vet with any concerns after treatment.
How to Prevent This Emergency
Prevention is the best solution. Here are some tips:
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Never feed turkey bones as treats or scraps. Stick to dog-safe chews.
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Securely dispose of turkey bones, including sealing them in bags before throwing out.
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Keep trash cans covered and out of your dog’s reach. Dogs are master scavengers.
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Store turkey carcasses and leftovers safely out of reach of your countersurfing canine.
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Train your dog to “leave it” and “drop it” so you can prevent bone grabbing or remove an already snatched bone.
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Consider crate training to restrict access to food items when you’re away.
The Importance of Acting Fast
While most dogs pass bones successfully, the consequences can be severe if fragments cause lacerations or get stuck. Bones can even require surgical removal in some cases. Timely vet care is essential for the best outcome and recovery. I hope the information above helps you act quickly and wisely if your dog ever gets hold of one of those delicious but dangerous turkey bones. Stay vigilant and have a safe holiday season!
Frequency of Entities:
turkey bones: 15
dog/dogs: 20
eat/ate/ing: 7
cooked: 2
raw: 2
bones: 20
signs: 1
gagging: 1
coughing: 1
drooling: 1
vomiting: 1
diarrhea: 1
lethargy: 1
discomfort: 1
bloody stool: 1
straining: 1
vet: 5
induce vomiting: 2
endoscopy: 1
x-rays: 1
surgery: 1
prevention: 1
treats: 1
scraps: 1
trash: 2
carcasses: 1
leftovers: 1
countersurfing: 1
leave it: 1
drop it: 1
crate training: 1
act fast: 1
pass: 1
fragments: 2
stuck: 2
laceration: 1
severe: 1
consequences: 1
delicious: 1
dangerous: 1
vigilant: 1
holiday: 1
The Perils of Bone Splinters
Cooked turkey bones can easily splinter, and these sharp fragments can cause damage to your dog’s mouth, throat, and intestines. Swallowing bone pieces can lead to blockages or even tear the delicate lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
Obstructions in the Digestive Tract
Even if a bone doesn’t splinter, larger pieces can get stuck in the stomach or intestines, resulting in a dangerous blockage. This can be life-threatening and typically requires urgent veterinary care.
What happens if a dog eats turkey bones?
What happens if a dog eats a turkey bone?
After ingesting a turkey bone, dogs may exhibit signs such as: If you notice any of these indicators, your dog needs immediate veterinary attention. When you discover your dog has eaten a turkey bone, prompt action is vital. While it’s natural to panic, staying calm and taking the right steps can make all the difference.
Can a dog get a blockage from a cooked turkey bone?
If a dog does get a blockage from a cooked turkey bone, then the only way to treat it is through emergency surgery. This condition is life-threatening for dogs, so you should take them to your vet or emergency vet immediately if you suspect that your dog has eaten turkey bones.
What happens if a dog eats a turkey breast?
Those tiny cooked bones become very brittle and can easily splinter. Dogs can choke on the bones or they can become lodged in their throats or puncture their stomach or digestive tract. Surely, eating an entire turkey breast carcass couldn’t be good news for Haley and because it was a holiday our vet’s office was closed.
What should I do if my dog eats turkey bones?
If your dog accidentally ingests turkey bones, take immediate action by contacting your veterinarian. Do not induce vomiting or administer any home remedies. The vet will assess the situation and may suggest monitoring, X-rays, or medical intervention to avoid potential complications like gastrointestinal blockage or injury.