Dear Critter Corner: My family recently just got a new pup in time for the holidays and we are very excited! Is it okay to give my dog a turkey drumstick? What kind of bones are okay for dogs to chew?
Dogs and bones are a timeless pairing and chewing on them can be beneficial for your dog’s mouth. However, the wrong bones can also be dangerous. The main concerns when offering a bone to your dog are the texture and size. Never give a cooked bone, of any kind, to an animal as they turn brittle and can break upon ingestion. The best bones are from cow or bison. Avoid rib bones, or any other thin bones, as they may also break easily. A good rule of thumb, to avoid a dog swallowing and getting a bone lodged inside of them, is that the bone should be at least as large as your dog’s head. When the bone starts to break apart or wear down, then it is time to replace it with a new one.
Here are a few other holiday ingredients to avoid casually feeding your new pup: Anything with nutmeg. Nutmeg is toxic to dogs in large doses and a frequent ingredient in pumpkin pie, candied yams, and eggnog. Alcohol of any kind should not be given to animals and can lead to a trip to the vet. Onions and garlic will quickly upset your pup’s stomach and are common seasonings for most dishes. Raisins, grapes, and nuts are all toxic to dogs and present in many desserts. Turkey skin is high in fat and the spices are often not conducive to happy pup stomachs. A safe bet is to stick to pure ingredients and make sure none of the above are involved. Reward your dog for good behavior with some nice, cooked turkey meat or cooked, but not yet seasoned, sweet potato for a special treat.