Can My Dog Eat Turkey Bones?

A nice big bone is a common treat for dogs. However, this does not mean that all bones are good for them. Turkey bones can actually be very dangerous to dogs, especially when they are cooked. This is because turkey bones are a choking hazard, can easily splinter, and can cause an obstruction somewhere in a dog’s digestive tract.

As a result, you should never give your dog small bones such as turkey bones, chicken bones, or any other type of bone that could easily splinter and be swallowed by a dog.

In this article, we will be explaining everything that dog owners need to know about dogs eating turkey bones. Alright, let’s get right into it.

Can Dogs Chew on Cooked Turkey Bones?

No, dogs cannot chew on cooked turkey bones. This is because cooked turkey bones are brittle by nature, and this means that these bones can commonly break and be ingested by dogs. When a dog ingests a turkey bone they are at a great risk of obstruction, which is a blockage in their digestive tract.

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.

In addition to this, cooked turkey bones are also a choking hazard for dogs. Because turkey bones are smaller in size, they can become lodged in a dog’s windpipe fairly easily. As you can probably imagine, this poses dogs with a serious health hazard as well.

What Happens if a Dog Eats Turkey Bones?

If your dog has eaten turkey bones, you should contact your veterinarian right away. If your regular vet is closed, calling your emergency vet should be your next course of action. This is because turkey bones can easily cause problems like choking and bowel obstruction that requires immediate emergency care to treat these life-threatening problems.

Do Turkey Bones Splinter?

Yes, turkey bones do splinter. Turkey bones tend to be at a greater risk for splintering when they are cooked as well.

Are Turkey Legs OK for Dogs?

When it comes to the meat from the turkey leg, this is usually fine to give your dog. The meat should not have any of the skin or bone attached to it, and it is also recommended that you give turkey meat to your dog in moderation. This is because a lot of turkey meat can sometimes cause a dog to have an upset stomach.

However, you should never give your dog the skin on a turkey leg or the bone. The skin is fatty in nature and can often cause problems for dogs. Turkey skin could even potentially cause medical conditions such as pancreatitis in some extreme cases. However, the bones are the real hazard here, especially if they have been cooked. This is because turkey leg bones can cause life-threatening problems in dogs like choking and bowel obstruction.

Can Dogs Have Turkey Neck Bone?

Yes, dogs can have turkey neck bone, and it can be great for those looking for a natural and healthy chew for their dog. However, when giving your dog turkey necks you should only give them turkey necks that have been prepared specifically for dogs. This will ensure that the product is safe for your dog to chew on. Many pet stores will sell turkey necks that are intended for dogs to use.

Do Bones Dissolve in a Dog’s Stomach?

Yes, dogs’ stomachs can dissolve bones. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that your dog is safe to eat bones whole. Generally speaking, bits and pieces of bone are normally safe for dogs to ingest. Whole bones, such as a whole turkey bone, could still cause an intestinal blockage.

What Kinds of Bones Can Dogs Eat?

The best kinds of bones to give your dog are those that are raw and are too large for the dog to swallow. You should also pick a bone that does not splinter easily. This is why many bones manufactured for dogs come from animals like cows and horses.

What Parts of Turkey Can Dogs Eat?

The only parts of the turkey that dogs should eat is the meat and organ meat. This is because both of these parts of the turkey are not likely to cause dogs harm, and they are also actually very nutritious to dogs.

What Other Thanksgiving Foods Can Dogs Eat?

Although not every food on the Thanksgiving table should be fed to your dogs, there are some common Thanksgiving foods that can make for a safe and tasty treat. Here are some Thanksgiving foods that are safe to feed your dog.

• Turkey meat
• Green beans
• Carrots
• Sweet potatoes
• Apples
• Pumpkin

It is important to note that all of these foods should not include ingredients like butter, sugar, or garlic.  Garlic and onions should never be given to dogs because they are toxic to them, and butter can give your pup an upset stomach.

Conclusion

Although we traditionally give our dogs bones as a treat, we should avoid feeding our pups turkey bones. These bones are far too brittle and pose a serious safety hazard for dogs. If your dog has ingested turkey bones, be sure to reach out to your veterinarian immediately.

For pups in the Bartow, Florida region, Main Street Veterinary Center is available to serve you and your pup. Give us a call today at (863) 534-9584. For emergencies that occur after-hours, Parkway Veterinary Emergency Center in nearby Lakeland, Florida is open overnight.