Can I Give My Dog Turkey Bones? A Vet’s Advice

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Thanksgiving and other holiday gatherings often include a delicious feast, but they can pose unexpected risks for our pets. If your dog ate a turkey bone, it’s essential to know what steps to take to ensure their safety. Turkey bones, whether cooked or raw, can cause severe health issues for dogs, including choking, internal injuries, and blockages. In this blog, we will discuss the potential dangers of turkey bones, the symptoms to watch for, and the necessary actions you should take. If you suspect your dog has eaten a turkey bone, please call Providence Veterinary Hospital and Clinic in Alameda, California, at (510) 521-6608 or (510) 521-5775 for immediate assistance.

Turkey is a lean, healthy protein that most dogs can enjoy. In fact, it’s a common ingredient in many commercial dog foods. However, while meat from the turkey may be safe for your pup, the bones are a different story. I’m often asked by pet owners – can I give my dog turkey bones? The short answer is no. Here’s why vets recommend you avoid feeding turkey bones to dogs.

Why You Should Not Give a Dog Turkey Bones

There are a few key reasons why turkey bones are dangerous for dogs

Cooked Turkey Bones Splinter

Cooked bones from turkeys or other poultry become brittle and are likely to splinter when chewed by a dog These small, sharp fragments can then lodge in your dog’s mouth, throat, or intestines, causing injuries or obstructions.

Raw bones are less likely to splinter However, raw turkey isn’t recommended either, as it may contain harmful bacteria

Can Cause Gastrointestinal Blockages or Perforations

Bone fragments can get stuck in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. This may lead to a blockage, which prevents food from passing through the digestive tract properly.

Sharp pieces may also puncture or tear the GI tract lining. This can cause severe infection and even be fatal if not treated immediately.

Choking Hazard

Large pieces of bone can become lodged in the mouth or throat, causing choking. This is an emergency situation requiring quick action and vet care.

Can Cause Constipation or Rectal Damage

Eating turkey bones may result in constipation from bone fragments accumulating in the colon.

As bone pieces pass through the intestines, they can also scrape or cut the tissue of the rectum. This leads to irritation, pain and sometimes bleeding.

Signs Your Dog Ate Turkey Bones

If you think your dog may have consumed turkey bones, look out for the following symptoms:

  • Choking, gagging or difficulty breathing
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Blood in stool
  • Straining to pass stool
  • Whining or signs of pain
  • Distended abdomen
  • Unusual anxiety or restlessness

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Turkey Bones

If your dog gets ahold of turkey bones, the first step is to carefully take them away, if possible. Trying a “drop it” command may work. You can also attempt to exchange it for a high-value treat.

Never try to pull bones from your dog’s mouth, as this may cause injury. Also do not induce vomiting, as the bones could further hurt your dog coming back up.

Next, monitor your dog closely over the following 24-48 hours for any symptoms. It’s a good idea to feel their belly gently to check for tenderness or swelling.

Contact your vet promptly if you notice any of the above signs of trouble. They can provide the proper treatment needed, which may involve:

  • Inducing vomiting if recently swallowed
  • Laxatives or enemas for constipation
  • IV fluids for dehydration
  • Antibiotics for infection
  • X-rays to locate obstruction
  • Emergency surgery to remove stuck bones

Most of the time, dogs will pass small bone fragments without issues. But it’s always better to be safe and have your vet examine your pooch if you have any concerns.

Avoiding Turkey Bones in the Future

Steer clear of feeding your dog any turkey bones to prevent scary situations. Here are some tips:

  • Store leftover turkey bones safely out of reach of pets after holiday meals.

  • Keep the trash can lid tightly closed to deter dogs from rummaging for bones.

  • Train your dog to “leave it” and drop items when commanded.

  • Supervise your dog closely when eating a raw turkey bone treat to prevent aggressive chewing.

  • Provide safe chewing alternatives like rubber toys.

Talk to your vet if you have questions about what turkey parts are safe for sharing with your dog. In general, cooked white and dark turkey meat without bones, skin or seasoning is perfectly fine in small portions.

While turkey meat can be a healthy treat, the bones should be reserved for human consumption. Following some simple precautions will help keep your canine companion safe and out of harm’s way when eating holiday turkeys or other poultry!

can i give my dog turkey bones

Symptoms to Watch For

If your dog ate a turkey bone, it’s essential to monitor them closely for any signs of distress. While some symptoms may appear immediately, others could take hours or even days to develop. Below are some key symptoms to watch for:

Vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms that can indicate your dog is having trouble digesting the bone or that it has caused an internal injury. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so it’s crucial to seek veterinary care if these symptoms occur.

If your dog becomes unusually tired or weak after eating a turkey bone, it could be a sign of internal injuries or an intestinal blockage. Lethargy and weakness are serious symptoms that warrant immediate veterinary attention.

What to Do if Your Dog Ate a Turkey Bone

If your dog ate a turkey bone, taking quick and appropriate action is crucial. Follow these steps to ensure your pet receives the care they need:

  • Contact Your Veterinarian: The first step is to contact Providence Veterinary Hospital and Clinic at (510) 521-6608 or (510) 521-5775. Explain the situation and provide details about your dog’s behavior and symptoms. Your veterinarian will advise you on the next steps and whether your dog needs to be seen immediately.
  • Monitor Your Dog Closely: While waiting for veterinary advice, closely monitor your dog’s behavior and symptoms. Keep them calm and restrict their activity to prevent further complications. Note any changes in their condition and relay this information to your veterinarian.
  • Avoid Inducing Vomiting: Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian. Inducing vomiting can cause more harm than good, especially if the bone fragments are sharp and can cause additional injuries on the way back up.
  • Provide Comfort and Reassurance: Keep your dog comfortable and reassured during this stressful time. Speak to them in a calm, soothing voice and provide a safe, quiet space where they can rest.

To prevent your dog from eating turkey bones or other harmful objects in the future, consider the following tips:

Ensure all food, including leftovers, is stored securely and out of reach of your pets. Dispose of bones and other potentially dangerous items in a secure trash can with a lid.

Supervise your pets during meal times, especially during holidays or gatherings when food is more likely to be left unattended. Educate family members and guests about the dangers of feeding bones and scraps to pets.

Can You Give Dogs Turkey Bones? Learn the Risks | GoodRx

FAQ

Are turkey bones safe for dogs?

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  • Splintering risk:
    Cooked turkey bones become brittle and readily splinter into sharp pieces when chewed by a dog. 

  • Internal damage:
    These sharp splinters can pierce the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, leading to internal bleeding and pain. 

  • Choking hazard:
    Small bone fragments can also get stuck in a dog’s throat, causing choking. 

Which bones are safe for dogs?

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  • Raw beef and lamb bones
    These bones are soft enough to be easily digested and have a low risk of breaking into harmful pieces. 

  • Raw beef marrow bones
    These bones are a good choice for most dogs because of their size and density, which reduces the risk of splintering. 

Is it okay for a dog to eat a turkey leg?

Cooked bones can splinter and cause severe internal damage to dogs. Turkey bones from table scraps are absolutely off-limits, along with any other cooked bones. Raw bones pose potential risks, and should only be consumed under careful observation.

Do turkey bones splinter?

Turkey bones can splinter easily, creating sharp fragments that could pose a choking risk. The last thing you want during a joyful family dinner is an emergency trip to the vet. Splintered turkey bones can wreak havoc on a dog’s digestive system, potentially causing punctures or blockages.

Can dogs eat cooked turkey bones?

As with cooked chicken bones, cooked turkey bones are a no-go. Cooking breaks down the structural integrity of the bone such that it can easily shatter. Not only are they a risk for intestinal obstruction, but if a bone were to shatter within your dog’s gastrointestinal system, a piece could easily perforate the tract.

Should I give my Dog a turkey bone?

Share a small amount of boneless turkey meat instead of bones. Removing skin and seasoning is safest. While giving your dog a holiday turkey bone may seem like a nice gesture, it poses a significant risk of choking, gastrointestinal injury or expensive surgery. No bone is worth endangering your beloved pup!

Do dogs eat bones?

Dogs will eat bones any time of year, but the holiday season seems to be a particularly common time for them to dig into the trash or steal meat with bones off the table. 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.

Can a dog eat turkey bone broth?

If your dog starts showing any signs of illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite, that’s an emergency, and you should head to the vet right away. Pro tip: give the office a call and let them know you’re on the way so they can be prepared for your arrival. Can dogs have turkey bone broth? Yes!

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.

Can a dog eat a turkey neck?

Some dog owners choose to feed their dogs raw, meaty bones, in consultation with their vet. Raw turkey necks are a common choice for this purpose. However, any raw, meaty bone carries with it a risk of exposure to bacteria like salmonella.

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