Can German Shepherds Eat Raw Turkey Bones?
Can German Shepherds eat raw turkey bones?
Are you wanting to start feeding your dog a raw diet or give them a treat on Thanksgiving? You might be wondering, can German Shepherds eat raw turkey bones? I’ll share 4 reasons why your dog should not eat raw turkey bones and why this is so dangerous.
Can German Shepherds eat turkey bones?
German Shepherds are unable to eat turkey bones. Turkey bones are hazardous to a dog’s health. Turkey bones provide minerals but on the other end, they can have severely adverse and undesired consequences for a dog.
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Bones can cause serious damage to the mouth and intestines. If bones are accidentally swallowed, they can cause congestion and strangling. Uncleaned bones are the root of contamination and infections, they become even more perilous.
However, because of their potentially harmful effects on pets, they are not suggested by many health professionals. It is essential to be careful giving turkey bones to your German Shepherd.
Bones are beneficial to a GSD’s parenteral hygiene. Teeth and gums are strengthened and cleaned with the assistance of bones. The abdominal muscles rely on bones for support.
Can dogs eat turkey necks?
The meat portion of turkey necks has a lot of dietary value in a meal plan. They’re full of protein and reveal valuable mineral deposits like calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P).
Turkey necks are also high in chondrocytes like glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate, both of which are thought to help dogs’ joints and maneuverability.
Turkey necks are also nutritious, entirely palatable chews that promote canine teeth and gums healthy.
What happens when dogs eat turkey bones
Turkey bones can cause serious harmful effects on a German Shepherd. The followings are some of the side effects.
- Tongue injury
- Gastrointestinal Tract Blockage
- Broken teeth
- Choking of the GIT and respiratory tract
- Injuries to rectum
- Injuries to the stomach and intestinal lining
- Lacerations in mouth and throat
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Septicemia
- Diarrhea
- A blockage that requires Critical Care Urgency
- Death
Can dogs eat raw turkey bones?
If you are thinking of feeding your dog raw turkey bones please read why this can be dangerous. Some of the important issues are discussed as follows.
1. Blockage and Choking
The German Shepherd has a hard time swallowing significantly bigger bones or bone fragments with corners. In the GIT, it is hindered.
It impedes the throat and causes choking of the windpipe and GIT. It makes respiration problematic.
A few of the indications include excessive salivation, discomfort on direct contact, eating disorders, struggle to breathe, vomiting, indigestion, drowsiness, mental health problems, and diarrheal condition.
2. GIT and Respiratory tract Injury
Bones can cause serious internal injuries. The trauma to the respiratory tract could even prove fatal.
It has the potential to harm the entire digestive system, particularly the mouth, tongue, throat, intestines, and rectum.
3. Teeth Breaking Issue
German Shepherds are at risk of breaking their teeth and gum inflammation if they eat cooked turkey bones or any hard bones. If your dog breaks a tooth, the tooth may need to be removed by surgery.
4. Septicemia
Pathogenic bacteria are easily spread by filthy and unhygienic bones. Salmonella infection can be spread through bones.
This can eventually lead to a septicemic state of health, which can cause eating disorders, mental health problems, high body temperature, and other systemic problems.
How to feed raw bones to dogs
If you want to give raw turkey bones to dogs or any kind of raw bone, read our raw bone feeding guide below.
- Choose a bone that is the same size as your dog’s mouth.
- Do not offer poorly stored bones, as they can be a source of bacterial infection like Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, and Typhimurium.
- Broken bones must not be fed, they can cause internal injuries that can be lethal.
- Cooking the bones will cause them to splinter, and it will injure the gastrointestinal tract.
- Offer your German Shepherd raw bones, they are a good source of phosphorous and calcium.
- Never feed bones that haven’t been washed. They are a source of microbial infection or intoxication.
- Keep an eye on your dog when he’s getting bones, as bones are always a dangerous item.
- Bigger, high-weight bones should not be offered, as they can be stuck in the throat resulting in a choke.
- A bone with corners should not be offered, it is also harmful to the GIT and respiratory tract.
- Do not nourish a bone-in diet if GSD has an underpinning medical disorder such as gastroenteritis, irritable bowel disorder, gastrointestinal dilatation, or volvulus.
What happens if a German shepherd eats turkey bones?
- If you see the dog swallowing bones, gently attempt to remove the bone from his mouth.
- Never use hurtful language or attitudes. Your rough conduct will put him in a fight-or-flight condition, causing him to gulp down the bone more quickly.
- Take your dog to a nearby veterinarian if he has ingested the bone. A doctor may be able to provide a protocol to help the bone go through the body without causing damage.
- Now since your dog has consumed a bone, keep an eye on him. Carry him to his veterinarian if he has dysentery, as this is evidence of intrinsic gastrointestinal trauma.
