Who remembers the Bumpus hounds from “A Christmas Story”? Pretty funny when they break in the house and steal the Thanksgiving turkey, right? Well, as long as it isn’t your turkey.
Actually, it really isn’t funny for those dogs at all. You should never let your dog eat turkey bones or other leftovers. This Thanksgiving, let’s keep both our turkey and our dogs safe with these tips.
Can A Dog Eat A Turkey Leg Bone? The Surprising Truth You Need To Know
As Thanksgiving rolls around, many dog owners wonder if they can give their furry friend that tasty-looking turkey leg bone. It’s a fair question but the surprising truth is that turkey bones can be very dangerous for dogs! In this article we’ll break down exactly why turkey bones pose a risk, signs of trouble, and safer bone alternatives so you and your pup can enjoy a fun and safe holiday season.
The Dangers of Turkey Bones for DogsTurkey bones are small, brittle, and prone to splintering once cooked This makes them a choking hazard and can cause serious damage if swallowed Here’s a quick rundown of the potential risks
-
Choking – Bones can become lodged in the throat, windpipe, or intestines. This prevents airflow and can be fatal within minutes.
-
Internal Injury – Splintered bones can puncture or tear the esophagus, stomach, or intestines This can lead to peritonitis and death
-
Blockages – Bone fragments can clump together and cause a blockage in the throat, stomach, or intestines. This is extremely painful and prevents the passage of food.
-
Tooth Damage – Hard bones can crack teeth or damage gums. This leads to infection and tooth loss.
So while dogs are built to handle raw meaty bones, the structure of poultry bones changes once cooked, making them hazardous indigestibles. It’s simply not worth the risk!
Warning Signs Your Dog Ate Turkey Bones
If you suspect your dog managed to scarf down some turkey bones, watch for these troubling signs:
- Choking, gagging, coughing
- Drooling excessively
- Difficulty breathing normally
- Loss of appetite, lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or bloody stool
- Swollen abdomen
- Anxious pacing, whining
Any of these require an immediate vet visit as bones can cause deadly damage in hours. Better safe than sorry!
Safer Bone Alternatives for Dogs
The good news is there are plenty of safer bone options to give your dog instead this Thanksgiving. Here are some to consider:
-
Raw meaty bones like lamb necks or beef knuckles. Be sure to select bones sized appropriately for your dog.
-
Dental chews made of nylon or natural ingredients like sweet potato. These provide chewing satisfaction without splinter risks.
-
Recreational bones like smoked femurs or stuffed marrow bones. Look for quality USA-sourced options.
-
Edible chews like bully sticks, pig ears, or cow hooves. These digest easily if swallowed.
-
Rubber KONGS or glass bottle treats filled with peanut butter or pumpkin puree and frozen. Provides long-lasting chewing fun!
The next time your dog begs for that tasty turkey leg, remember the risks and choose a safer bone substitute instead. Your furry friend will still get to enjoy, and you’ll have peace of mind!
Most Important Things to Know About Turkey Bones and Dogs
If you’re wondering whether dogs can eat turkey bones, the key facts boils down to this:
- Cooked turkey bones become brittle and prone to splintering. This makes them too hazardous to feed dogs.
-Raw turkey bones may be slightly safer IF appropriate for your dog’s size. But they still pose risks.
-Signs of trouble include choking, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abnormal behaviors. Seek vet care immediately.
-Safer alternatives include raw meaty bones for aggressive chewers or edible dental chews for mild chewers.
-Prevention is best! Never feed turkey bones and supervise during holiday meals. It only takes a moment for a dog to gulp something down.
So be very cautious with turkey bones. While some dogs may pass them without issue, they can and do cause serious harm or death for many dogs. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Expert Tips on Handling Turkey Bones Safely
If you simply can’t resist letting your dog have a little turkey bone nibble, follow these vet-approved tips to be as safe as possible:
-
Cook bones BEFORE allowing access. Raw bones are less brittle.
-
Remove all meat first. Meat clinging to bones poses a choking risk.
-
Supervise extremely closely to retrieve bones after a lick or two. Don’t leave alone even for a minute.
-
Select an appropriately sized bone for your dog’s size. No large drumsticks for small dogs.
-
Feed earlier in the day. Monitor for signs of trouble next 12 hours.
-
Place bones high up where dogs can’t reach during meal prep and eating.
-
Dispose of ALL bones immediately in a secure outdoor trash can afterwards.
Again, safer chews are always the best choice. But if you absolutely must let your dog lick a bone, follow these tips religiously to prevent choking, blockages, or internal damage. Prevention is always best though!
What To Do if Your Dog Eats Turkey Bones
Accidents happen. If you realize your pooch scarfed down turkey bones, here’s what to do:
-
Check for choking. Look for gagging, pawing at the mouth, trouble breathing. If choking, attempt canine Heimlich maneuver.
-
Do NOT induce vomiting due to risk of re-injury. Bones may puncture on the way back up.
-
Call your vet immediately even if no choking. Damage may not be evident yet.
-
Monitor for signs of trouble next 72 hours including lethargy, appetite changes, vomiting, diarrhea, swollen belly.
-
Feed a bland diet like cooked rice and boiled chicken until bones pass.
-
Watch stools for bone fragments. Bloody or black stools warrant an immediate vet visit.
-
Limit exercise and activity to allow bones to pass safely.
-
Consider an x-ray to locate bones and ensure none are obstructing.
While many dogs pass bones uneventfully, they can cause deadly damage quickly. Always err on the side of caution!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still wondering about dogs and turkey bones? Here are answers to some common questions:
Can dogs eat cooked turkey bones? No. The structure changes when cooked, making bones brittle and dangerous.
What about raw turkey bones? Raw may be slightly less risky but still can fracture and cause internal punctures. Safer to avoid.
How long do turkey bones take to digest? Around 72 hours, so monitor closely for this timeframe.
Can turkey bones puncture the stomach? Yes, easily. Punctures can lead to deadly peritonitis.
Should I make my dog vomit if they eat turkey bones? No. Forcing vomiting poses risks of re-injury. Call your vet immediately and monitor closely.
Are turkey bones as dangerous as chicken bones? Yes, all poultry bones including turkey and chicken pose similar risks and are best avoided.
Can puppies have turkey bones? Absolutely not. Puppies are at even greater risk of choking and internal damage. Keep all bones away from puppies.
What if my dog ate a turkey bone days ago? If no symptoms have presented yet, they likely passed safely. But monitor stools and behavior closely for a week just in case.
The Bottom Line
While turkey bones may look like a tasty treat to share with your dog this Thanksgiving, resist the urge! Cooked bones become hazardous projectiles and can cause serious harm or death. Choose safer chew alternatives and be vigilant about keeping turkey and other poultry bones away from your dog. Their health and safety is the top priority! With some mindfulness and prevention, you and your dog can enjoy the holiday feast safely and happily.
Why Can’t My Dog Eat Turkey Bones?
When a dog chews on bones, there are a few different things that can happen.
Bones, especially cooked bones, turkey bones, and chicken bones, can break into very sharp pieces. Those sharp pieces can stab your dog in the mouth, the throat, the stomach, or even the intestines. This can cause severe pain for your dog, and potentially an emergency with a very sick dog if the intestines get holes poked in them.
Bone pieces can get stuck in your dog’s stomach or intestines, causing a blockage that may need surgery to resolve. Or they can make your dog severely constipated. (Nobody likes a constipated dog…)
If the bones do make it all the way through, sharp bone pieces can cause pain and bleeding when they are passed out with the stool.
Other types of bones can get stuck on your dog’s lower jaw, in their mouth, or in their throat, needing anesthesia and sometimes surgery to remove.
Can My Dog Eat Turkey Bones?
Cooked bones from any animal should never be given to your dog, but especially turkey bones or chicken bones. Any kind of cooked bone will splinter when your dog chews on it. Turkey bones and chicken bones are especially brittle, and will break into small, sharp pieces when they are chewed.
What starts out as a fun and delicious treat can quickly turn into a medical emergency.
What should I do if my dog ate a cooked turkey bone?
FAQ
Are cooked turkey leg bones safe for dogs?
You should never let your dog eat turkey bones or other leftovers. This Thanksgiving, let’s keep both our turkey and our dogs safe with these tips.Nov 22, 2019
What kind of bones can dogs eat?
- Small dogs and puppies: Chicken necks, Duck feet, Chicken wings.
- Medium dogs: Duck necks, Chicken thighs, Turkey wings, Chicken carcass.
- Large dogs: Lamb ribs, Lamb neck pieces, Venison ribs.
- Extra large dogs: Venison neck, Turkey neck, Chicken/Duck carcass, Lamb ribs.
What happens if a dog eats a drumstick bone?
In addition to causing an obstruction, bones that are cooked are very brittle and can easily fragment and cause severe gastrointestinal inflammation or perforate the gastrointestinal tract, causing a severe abdominal infection.
Can dogs eat cooked leg bones?
Oftentimes, the answer is yes. Bones can provide your pup with a number of essential minerals and other nutrients while also satisfying your dog’s appetite.Feb 15, 2023
Can a dog eat a turkey leg bone?
The answer is…it depends. While some dogs may be able to chew on a turkey leg bone safely, others could face serious injuries or even death from swallowing sharp shards of bone. The good news is that there are steps you can take to minimize the risks and enjoy Turkey Day with your pup without worry. Step 1: Prepare the Bone
Can a dog eat a turkey leg after Thanksgiving?
The easiest would be to throw your dog a turkey leg straight after your Thanksgiving meal. But with the skin still on and the bone having been cooked, that option comes with risks. The next easiest option would be to break a leg off your turkey before you put it in the oven and feed it to your dog raw.
Can I give my Dog a cooked turkey bone?
Remember, the general rule of thumb is to never give your dog a cooked turkey bone. Cooked bones can easily split and do serious harm throughout your dog’s digestive system.
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.
What should I do if my dog eats a turkey leg?
When done eating, collect whatever is left of the turkey leg including extra bits all over the dishwasher—This way keeping Fido safe from potential worms caused by rotting bird meat. Also keep away bones inside a lidded trash can placed out-of-reach for dogs until garbage day arrives! Conclusion:
What can a Dog Eat instead of turkey legs?
Instead of turkey legs,you could slice thin pieces/diced cooked white meat from roasted /grilled chicken,making sure theres no fat,bones or dangerous spices added. -Canned pumpkin puree is another alternative which most dogs will love! It helps reduce constipation problems during thanksgiving treats feasts as well!