Holiday Hazards: What to do if our dog eats turkey bones?

The holidays are a time for celebration but can also be a time for danger. With all the excitement, it's easy to forget about some of the hazards that come with the season. For instance, you might find yourself with lots of leftovers at the end of the day—and if you're anything like us, those leftovers will include turkey bones.

But what do you do if your dog eats turkey bones?

 

Things To Do If Your Dog Has Eaten A Turkey Bone

 

Don't panic.

So you just found out that your dog ate a turkey bone this holiday, and now you're freaking out.

The first thing to do is to stay calm and call your vet. The worst thing you can do is overreact because that will only make your dog more anxious. 

 

Don't try to remove the bone yourself.

If your dog is hurt or injured, don't try to take matters into your own hands by removing the object yourself. This could cause more damage or make things worse.

 

Take your pup to a vet as soon as possible.

If your dog is showing signs of pain or discomfort, take them to the vet immediately. Your vet will give your dog a physical exam and determine if x-rays are needed. X-rays can help them see if bone shards are still in your dog's stomach or gastrointestinal tract. This way, they can determine the severity of your dog's injury and figure out what to do next.

 

Keep them hydrated, especially if they’re vomiting.

A dog eating a turkey bone can cause irritation in their digestive tract. The irritation causes them to vomit and/or have diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration if they don't get enough water. While the vomiting and diarrhea will pass in time, it's important that your dog gets plenty of water until then so he doesn't become dehydrated.

It's okay if your dog doesn't want to drink at first—just make sure he has plenty of fresh water available at all times so he can take as much as he needs when he feels like it. So if you haven't gotten to the vet yet to have your dog checked out, do so as soon as possible. A vet can assess whether your dog needs immediate medical attention and offer guidance on how best to proceed.

 

Need Help?

If your dog ever faces a similar situation, it's important to know what to do. At Kings Crossing Animal Hospital, we are here to help you and your pet. Contact us today (281) 764-9352 to learn more about how we can assist with emergency care for your dog.