"Turkey neck syndrome" in dogs isn't a formal medical term but refers to sudden sagging skin or swelling under the jaw and neck, often due to allergic reactions (bee stings, vaccines, irritants) causing inflammation, or sometimes salivary mucoceles (sialocele), fluid buildup, weight loss, or even genetics. Symptoms include drooping skin, wobbling, redness, or lumps, and while mild cases might resolve, severe swelling requires immediate vet attention to rule out serious issues like infection or spinal problems.
Turkey Neck in Dogs
Dogs can also experience sagging neck skin due to age or weight loss, and certain breeds are more prone to it. In cases where this causes discomfort or health issues, surgical intervention may be considered.
The life expectancy of a dog with this condition will differ from case to case. Some dogs will lead long, healthy, and happy lives; but others will succumb to the condition and the symptoms that come with it. According to reports, the highest age reached by a pup with this condition is 14 years.
Can Dogs Eat Turkey Necks? Yes, dogs can eat turkey necks as long as they're prepared safely and cooked thoroughly. While cooked turkey necks are high in protein and offer nutritional benefits, raw turkey necks contain harmful bacterial like salmonella and can cause food poisoning in dogs when eaten.
As we age, the muscles in the neck weaken and the skin surrounding it (and all over the body) loses its elasticity and firmness. While turkey neck is a completely normal, very common part of ageing, and nothing to worry about, there are ways to prevent it from forming and ways to minimise its appearance.
In many cases, nonsurgical treatment is sufficient for reducing a turkey neck. But if you're unhappy with the results of nonsurgical treatments for a turkey neck, a surgical neck lift may be your best next step.
Fat distribution – Any excess fat in or around the neck area will cause the skin to stretch and fold over, which will result in folds that resemble a turkey's wattle. A consistent exercise regime, a healthy diet and slowly losing weight can help to decrease the fat deposits near your neck and tighten the skin.
Avoid feeding deli meats and processed foods — As tempting as it may be to share your sandwich with your dog or cat, it's safest to avoid feeding them any deli meats or liverwurst. Stick to foods specifically designed for pets, which are formulated to meet their nutritional needs without the risks of harmful bacteria.
Oftentimes the turkey giblets, which can include the liver, kidneys, heart, gizzard, and neck, are included in store-bought turkeys. Most of these extras are perfectly safe for your dog to eat when fully cooked (so long as they won't be missed by any of your dinner guests).
Neck pain in pets can stem from a variety of causes, including trauma, degenerative diseases, infections, and congenital conditions. Trauma, such as falls or accidents, can lead to injuries in the neck area, causing pain and stiffness.
Sudden changes in your dog's behavior can indicate serious health issues. If your dog is in pain, has a limp, or is unable to rise, these symptoms require further investigation. Difficulty breathing, refusing food or water, or being unable to get up to eliminate are major signs. Loss of balance is also important.
The leading cause of death in dogs, especially older dogs, is cancer (neoplasia), affecting about 1 in 4 dogs, similar to humans, with specific breeds at higher risk. Other significant causes include old age, heart disease, digestive disorders (like bloat), infectious diseases (like Parvo), and trauma, with sterilization influencing risks for cancer and infections.
The main cause of Short Spine Syndrome is genetic mutations. These mutations affect multiple genes, meaning the disease is inherited polygenically. To trigger the syndrome, both parents must carry the mutated genes and pass them on to their offspring.
End-of-life signs in dogs include behavioral changes like lethargy, confusion, anxiety, or increased clinginess, alongside physical declines such as labored breathing, loss of appetite/thirst, decreased mobility, and incontinence, indicating organ shutdown, pain, or general system failure, with some seeking comfort while others withdraw; it's crucial to monitor these signs and consult your veterinarian for guidance on comfort and quality of life.
Dehydrated turkey necks are also great for your dog's dental health, as they naturally clean your canine's teeth while they chew. These crunchy treats are made of USDA certified turkey, which we source from local family farms. These turkey necks are cut in half. Pieces range from 3.5 to 6 inches in length.
The first signs of Cushing's disease in dogs often involve increased thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), increased appetite (polyphagia), and lethargy, alongside a developing pot-belly, thinning skin, hair loss (especially on the body/flanks), and excessive panting, requiring a vet visit for diagnosis.
Three toxic types of meat for dogs include fatty, processed meats (like bacon, sausage, ham) due to salt/fat causing pancreatitis and sodium issues; seasoned meats with onions/garlic (allium) that damage red blood cells; and cooked bones, which splinter and cause internal damage or blockages, potentially requiring surgery. Raw meats can also carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli.
Best Organ Meats for Dogs
As mentioned, it's important to regard liver as an occasional treat as part of a healthy, well-balanced diet, so don't give a large amount or feed it to your dog every day. If you consider it a treat, then liver (and other treats) should make up no more than 10% of your dog's diet.
Chicken is a common ingredient in commercial dog food and treats, so it's safe to feed your pup chicken as a treat or occasional food topper. Just be sure it's thoroughly cooked and unseasoned. As with any new ingredient, moderation is key!
Feeding them turkey skin, especially in large amounts, could lead to digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhea, or pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas. Additionally, many turkeys are seasoned with herbs, salt, and spices, such as garlic or onion, which can be toxic to dogs.
Absolutely - beef that's been roasted is a safe way to feed your dog beef. Just be wary when it comes to portion sizes, and don't serve roast beef that's been marinated or covered in salt and seasonings. Cutting some plain, cooked meat from the centre of a roast beef joint is a good option.
Bottom line. While neck creams can help to temporarily smooth and hydrate sagging skin, topical products are not able to completely reverse a “turkey neck” or other loose skin. There are, however, several nonsurgical skin-tightening devices that can help to improve the appearance of sagging skin.
Bad habits like smoking, not drinking enough water, and unhealthy eating can lead to saggy neck skin.
Thanks for the Lift: Non-Surgical Solutions for Turkey Neck