Dog Turkey Allergy Explained
Turkey is popular meat served during Thanksgiving. Since most people cook it with a lot of recipes, people always have leftovers that we feed our dogs. You might think that giving them its meat can be a Thanksgiving treat for them. Sometimes, it can be tempting to give them a little piece of its meat. But is turkey safe for your furry pets to eat?
Like humans, dogs can be allergic to certain foods as well. It can be dust, chemicals, or food. Are they allergic to turkey? If so, what are the possible risks? Here is what you need to know about this dog allergy and what you can do if they accidentally eat some.
Can They Eat Its Meat?
The meat is rich in nutrients that can be beneficial for your dog’s health. It is an excellent source of phosphorus and protein and is also an ingredient in some dog foods. Though you can feed them with its meat, there are still risks that can harm them. Depending on how it is prepared, feeding them with small amounts is fine.
According to the American Kennel Club, eating it is perfectly healthy for your pets as long as you don’t feed them with the skin on. Its fats may cause severe conditions on them such as pancreatitis. Giving them too much skin may lead to inflammation of their pancreas which gives them discomfort and may eventually be a serious health condition.
You can give them turkey meat as long as it does not contain any seasonings. These can be toxic to them and may cause vomiting and other digestive issues.
If it is cooked without anything and the skin has been removed, it can be a healthy food for your dog. You may also make a specialized recipe for your pets. As long as it is cooked properly, you may add turkey into their diets.
Aside from the skin, they should also not be given with the bones. Though we know that they love to play with bones, turkey bones are brittle and can be chewed into small sizes which are dangerous to them. It may cause mouth injuries, choking, and rectal bleeding due to sharpness of the bones.
What Is Turkey Allergy?
The skin and bones are harmful to them. But they can also have allergic reactions. You would know that they are allergic to turkey if they developed itchy skin after consuming it. However, severe reactions can also be seen. These can be swelling of its muzzle or the development of welts on the face.
Once you have noticed that they are reacting after they consumed it, stop giving them turkey and give your pet a cool bath to soothe the symptoms. Remember to check the labels of their toothpaste, treats, and other foods if it contains turkey before giving them to them.
How Is It Treated?
Aside from the cold bath as first-aid treatment, consulting a veterinarian for a proper diet may also aid with their food allergies. These are called hydrolyzed protein diets and novel protein diets. You can also prepare a novel protein diet on your own by asking a veterinarian to formulate one for you.
You may also try dog foods that are labeled with “limited ingredients”. But unlike veterinary diets, these foods may still have traces of allergens and be produced with cross-contamination.
What To Do If They Consumed It
If you have been feeding them the meat and their body did not react to it or they accidentally ate a small amount that dropped on the floor from your dinner, you probably do not need to visit the vet yet. Small amounts of its meat are fine, but once they ate the bones, it could give them risks such as choking. Also, make sure that they will not be licking your plates after Thanksgiving dinner since foods may contain a lot of seasoning, garlic, onions, and sugar.
If they accidentally ate a bone that probably dropped while you were eating, do not snatch it from their mouth since they may act aggressively and might harm you. Keep an eye on your pet to check if symptoms of rectal irritation are present. Usually, they will be constipated, have no appetite, have a bloody stool, and look uncomfortable or feel restless, you have to seek advice from the veterinarian as soon as possible.
If you think they like the taste of turkey, you can just give them flavored treats or foods as long as they are not allergic to it.
If you see them vomiting, having diarrhea and fever, inactive, and having low energy, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
Alternatives Of Turkey
If you think your dog needs a supply of protein and they are allergic to poultry or other foods, there are alternatives available that also offer a high protein count.
There are veterinarian nutritionists that recommend lamb as another source of protein. It is highly digestible and is mostly used as a flavor or ingredient in most dog foods. Lamb is suggested to those active pets who have turkey allergies. It also has other nutrients that your dogs may need such as amino acids and vitamin B12.
Aside from lamb, you can also try feeding them with white fish such as cod or pollock. These foods may provide them with enough protein they need as well as B vitamins, phosphorus, and omega acids.
Beef can be considered as another alternative food for turkey allergic dogs. It is a popular choice if you need a protein supply. There are packs of beef slices specifically formulated for dogs to supply them with other nutrients such as B vitamins, iron, zinc, and amino acids.
Conclusion
Like humans, dogs can also be allergic to poultry, specifically turkeys. Their bodies may react differently if they are given human foods. It is safe to ask your veterinarian first if you are planning to add certain ingredients or change your dog’s diet to know if these foods are safe for them.