We all look forward to spending Thanksgiving dinner with our families — which often includes our dogs.
After all, they are part of the family. And they love to be the center of attention.
Dogs also like being handed treats by family members and guests.
However, feeding your dog table scraps can be dangerous — even fatal — to your dog.
Can dogs eat turkey? Yes. But there’s a limit.
Here’s how to keep your dog safe this Thanksgiving…
Can Dogs Eat Turkey Meat?
Yes, you can give your dog some turkey meat and even a little gravy.
However, when placing the meat in your dog’s bowl, be sure to remove all pieces of bone — because dogs and turkey bones aren’t a good combination.
Just like chicken bones, turkey bones splinter and can cause blockage or perforation of the intestine.
A veterinarian weighs in: Can Dogs Eat Turkey Bones?
You Want To Avoid Canine Pancreatitis
I asked my veterinarian, “What’s the biggest reason that dogs are seen at the vet after a holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas?”
The answer: Pancreatitis! (…which is basically an upset stomach from eating anything other regular dog food)
For example, use caution when feeding your dog turkey skin. It’s great for an occasional dog treat — but too much can definitely cause canine pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
Canine pancreatitis causes severe diarrhea and vomiting — which can then lead to dehydration. Other symptoms include: stomach pain, refusal to eat, crying or whimpering, weakness, and irritability.
Other Thanksgiving Dangers For Dogs
Never leave turkey (or other food) on the table or counter where your dog can get it while everyone is enjoying the holiday festivities.
If your dog has a dog run, kennel, or crate, your best bet is to keep him safely inside it until all of the food has been put away and the scraps and bones disposed of.
Other Thanksgiving dangers for dogs include turkey pop-ups, string, skewers, cellophane wrap, tin foil and plastic bags.
The best way I’ve found to dispose of these things is in metal coffee cans with a tight-fitting lid.
Once the meal is over, place the turkey bones in the garbage and remove the garbage bag from the room. (It should immediately be placed in a garbage bin — where it can’t be accessed by pets or wildlife.)
Before you let your dog dine on your Thanksgiving turkey feast or holiday leftovers, read these tips. As a reminder, dogs and alcohol don’t mix either.
Warning Signs That Something’s Wrong After Your Dog Ate Turkey
If your dog eats a lot of turkey (or other foods dangerous to dogs), it can take up to a week before symptoms are evident.
Most symptoms of food-related illnesses in dogs include:
- depression
- diarrhea
- loss of appetite
- vomiting
- bloat
Canine bloat can be fatal if not treated immediately.
Bloat in dogs is not just feeling overweight from eating too much. Canine bloat is caused by excess fluid and/or gas in the intestines and stomach — which can cause the stomach to dilate and rotate. Rotation of your dog’s stomach is known as gastric dilation or torsion. This is common in larger dogs that have a deep chest. It is a life-threatening condition.
Symptoms of bloat in dogs include:
- excessive salivating
- lethargy
- stomach distention
- rapid pulse
- retching
- weakness
Here’s how to tell if your dog is at risk for bloat.
In Case Of Emergency…
So, can dogs eat turkey? YES!
But if you think someone gave your dog too much turkey or table food, contact your vet.
The same is true if your dog got into the trash and ate something he shouldn’t have.
Since most vet offices are closed on weekends and holidays (including Thanksgiving), you should have an emergency vet contact number on hand. Most likely, this will be the Pet Emergency Center closest to your home.
TIP: Be sure to caution your Thanksgiving guests about giving turkey and other table food to your dog. Insist that there be no sharing… and stick to your guns!
Dog Thanksgiving Turkey Alternatives
It’s up to you to keep your dog safe this Thanksgiving.
Instead of giving table scraps for a dog Thanksgiving dinner, make some Thanksgiving dog treats as a way to include your dog in the family meal.
These are my favorite Thanksgiving recipes for dogs — full meals and special treats!
This video by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker highlights the dangers of feeding your dog table scraps:
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I love writing about almost anything, especially my life experiences. Other favorite things to write are how-tos, household hints, nature and fishing articles, among others.
