Why You Should Never Give Pets Cooked Bones

Why You Should Never Give Your Pets Cooked Bones
Thanksgiving puts a lot of food within reach for curious pets. With platters moving from the kitchen to the table and leftovers piling up, it’s easy for dogs and cats to sneak a bite or for someone to offer a treat without thinking twice. But among all the holiday scraps, cooked bones are one of the most dangerous things a pet can swallow.
They might look like a harmless reward, yet they can lead to painful injuries, emergency surgery and life threatening complications.
Why Cooked Bones Are Unsafe
They break into sharp pieces
Cooking dries bones out and makes them brittle. Instead of bending or crumbling, they snap into jagged fragments that can injure a pet’s mouth, throat or digestive tract.
Choking risk is high
Small pieces can lodge in the throat or block the airway. Even larger bones can become stuck between teeth or at the back of the mouth.
They can damage the stomach and intestines
If swallowed, sharp fragments can scrape, cut or puncture internal organs. Some pets need emergency surgery to remove them.
Blockages can form
Even if a bone doesn’t shatter, it can get stuck as it moves through the digestive system. This can slow or stop digestion, leading to vomiting, pain and dehydration.
Bacteria can still be present
Turkey, chicken and ham bones left out on the counter can hold harmful bacteria. Pets can get sick from contaminated scraps just like people.
Holiday Foods That Commonly Contain Cooked Bones
• Turkey legs and wings
• Chicken legs, wings or thighs
• Ham bones
• Prime rib or bone in ribeye cuts
• Ribs
• Leftovers with bones attached
• Table scraps that end up in an open trash bag
Bones of any size become unsafe once they’re cooked.
Signs Your Pet May Have Swallowed a Cooked Bone
Watch closely if you think your pet got into something:
• Coughing or gagging
• Drooling more than usual
• Vomiting
• Pawing at the mouth
• Refusing food
• Abdominal pain or restlessness
• Trouble passing stool or blood in stool
• Sudden tiredness or hiding
If you see any of these symptoms, call your vet or the closest emergency clinic right away. The VCA Veterinary Specialists of Northern Colorado is open Monday from 8:00 am to 12:00 am, Tuesday through Friday open 24 hours, Saturday from 12:00 am to 6:00 pm and closed on Sunday.
Keep the Holiday Safe
With all the excitement and food around, it helps to remind guests not to share bones or scraps. Keeping trash secure and plates out of reach can prevent most accidents. A little extra awareness makes the day safer for everyone, especially the pets who love being part of the celebration.
Want Your Pet to Enjoy Thanksgiving Flavors Safely?
If you still want your pet to feel included in the festivities, you can offer them a homemade treat made with simple, pet friendly ingredients. It gives them the fun of a holiday reward without any of the risks that come with cooked bones. Give our soft, savory Pumpkin Turkey Bites a try.

Find more seasonal pet care ideas and helpful resources at Wet Noses Pet Sitting.






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