Can I Give My Dog Turkey Bones? A Vet Guide to Holiday Safety

The holidays often mean plenty of delicious turkey leftovers. But while turkey meat can make a healthy snack for dogs, turkey bones should always be avoided. Giving dogs cooked or raw turkey bones poses major risks that can lead to choking, punctures, obstructions, and other harm.

In this article, we will provide pet parents a complete guide on the dangers of feeding dogs turkey bones. You’ll learn why turkey bones are unsafe, what can happen if dogs eat them, and tips to keep your pup safe during the holidays.

Why Can’t Dogs Eat Turkey Bones?

There are a few key reasons why dogs should never consume turkey bones:

• Cooked bones splinter – The high heat of cooking causes bones to become dry and brittle. They easily fragment into sharp pieces when chewed by dogs. These fragments can lodge in the mouth, throat, stomach or intestines

• Raw bones may choke – While less likely to splinter, raw turkey bones can still pose risks. Pointed ends may puncture or become stuck in the esophagus or windpipe, causing choking.

• Pathogens in raw bones – Raw poultry can harbor bacteria like salmonella While dogs’ digestive systems are heartier than humans, raw turkey bones may still make dogs sick.

• Constipation or blockages – Bone fragments are indigestible. An excess can lead to constipation or full intestinal obstructions requiring surgery.

So whether raw or cooked, turkey bones pose multiple risks for dogs and should be avoided as treats, chews or meal additions.

What Happens if a Dog Eats Turkey Bones?

If your dog accidentally consumes a turkey bone, several complications are possible:

• Mouth/tongue injuries – Sharp bones can lacerate the mouth, tongue or gums, causing pain and potential infections.

• Choking – Bones stuck in the throat or trachea can cut off airflow. This requires immediate removal to prevent asphyxiation.

• Punctures or perforations – Pointed bones can pierce intestinal tract tissues. This may lead to peritonitis and sepsis, which can be fatal without swift veterinary treatment.

• Blockages – Bone pieces can obstruct any part of the GI tract fully or partially. This causes vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy and requires prompt veterinary care.

• Rectal bleeding – Bones passing through the intestines may scrape and tear the colon’s lining. Blood in stools indicates internal injuries.

While not acutely toxic, turkey bones pose many risks if swallowed by dogs. Seek veterinary attention for any concerning symptoms after ingestion.

What Should I Do if My Dog Ate Turkey Bones?

If your dog gets ahold of turkey bones, take these steps:

• Safely take the bone away if possible using a “drop it” command. Do not reach into your dog’s mouth.

• Check your dog’s mouth and throat for injuries, bleeding or evidence of choking.

• Do not induce vomiting as bones could further injure your dog coming back up.

• Monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, abnormal stools or any concerning symptoms.

• Contact your veterinarian if your dog shows any signs of distress, injury or obstruction from the bones.

• Expect watchful waiting as bones may take up to 48 hours to pass through the system. But call your vet right away if symptoms develop.

While most dogs will pass bone pieces without issue, turkey bones always pose a risk. Close supervision and prompt veterinary care are key if bones are consumed.

How to Keep Dogs Safe From Turkey Bones

The best way to keep your dog safe is to prevent access to turkey bones in the first place:

• Never purposefully feed cooked or raw turkey bones to dogs as treats or food.

• Store and dispose of turkey bones securely away from your dog after meals.

• Keep trash cans covered and use closed containers to discard bones.

• Feed your dog in a separate room from turkey meal prep.

• Train your dog to “leave it” and “drop” items on command.

• Distract your dog with chew toys if they fixate on turkey remains.

• Choose safer dog treats and chews instead of poultry bones.

With planning and training, you can help prevent your eager dog from gobbling holiday turkey bones. Remove the temptation by keeping bones well out of reach.

Are Any Turkey Parts Safe for Dogs?

While bones should be avoided, some turkey parts are perfectly safe and healthy for dogs in moderation:

• Lean white turkey meat (no skin or seasonings) provides a great protein source.

• Turkey hearts and gizzards are OK for dogs if thoroughly cooked.

• The extra fat in dark turkey meat may cause pancreatitis if fed in excess.

• Turkey skin is very fatty and can trigger stomach upset. Avoid giving it.

• Dangerous onions or garlic cooked with turkey can damage oxygen-carrying red blood cells in dogs.

Talk to your vet about appropriate turkey portion sizes for your dog based on their size and health condition. A few small nibbles of white meat is usually fine. But restrict high-fat organ meats to occasional treats.

While turkey meat is perfectly safe for dogs, poultry bones are simply too risky and should never be fed. Raw or cooked, turkey bones can fracture, puncture intestines, cause choking and lead to other issues if swallowed by dogs.

Monitor your dog around holiday meals and keep turkey bones completely out of reach. If accidentally ingested, watch for concerning symptoms and contact your veterinarian right away. With care and caution, you and your dog can safely enjoy holiday turkey without putting your pup at risk.