Thanksgiving is upon us, and I hope all my readers are able to feel the warmth and hear the voices of loved ones this holiday. So as our tables are laden with wondrous eats and our hearts overflow with good spirit, please remember to keep this time safe your pet as well.
Here are a few common trouble areas:
Fats & Skins
Table scraps are best for the trash, not your furry friend. Keep the leftovers for the next day’s meal (or midnight snack.) Turkey skin is very high in fat and may hold extra butter, spices, marinade, and oils which are all difficult for a dog to digest. Fatty pieces of meat, including bacon, pose a pancreatitis risk, particularly in small breeds.
Bones
Turkey bones can get stuck inside a dog’s esophagus, intestines or stomach. Make sure those fortuitous wishbones bring good luck and not misfortune.
Yeast
Be wary of pre-baked rolls or breads finding their way into Fido’s tummy. As yeast rises, it releases carbon dioxide which can potentially cause Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (GDV) and a distended abdomen.
Allium Poisioning
Watch out for fruits and stuffings. Yes, they can be delicious inside the turkey. But grapes and raisins have potentially dangerous effects on a dog’s blood sugar levels and kidneys. Common stuffing ingredients like leeks, chives, garlic, shallots, scallions, and onions contain compounds that can damage dogs’ red blood cells if ingested in sufficient quantities. And that includes mashed potatoes if they are loaded with extras.
Artificial Sweeteners
I have discussed this topic before, but anything containing xylitol like chocolate can have potentially fatal effects. [See The Dangers of Xylitol Poisioning in Dogs]
The list of danger foods is quite long and also includes common Thanksgiving fare like corn on the cob, mushrooms, sage, nutmeg, heavy creams, nuts, and of course alcohol.
And yes, cranberries are generally considered safe for your dog in small does or as a treat. However, large quantities consumed frequently can cause bladder stones.
Please stay safe and have a joyous Thanksgiving!
Veterinarian, Dr. Tony Kremer shares some wise advise in hopes of keeping your pets safe this Thanksgiving.
Learn what foods to avoid sharing with your pets – and that includes that turkey drumstick!
For more information, check out the following resources:
- Don’t Eat That! 30+ Toxic Foods and Non-Food Items Pets Shouldn’t Ingest [topdogvitamins]
- 6 Thanksgiving foods that can be dangerous for your pets [Fox8 News]
- 11 Thanksgiving Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pooch [Yahoo]
- Toxicology Brief: Allium species poisoning in dogs and cats [dvm360]
- Is it OK to feed my dog corn on the cob? [about.com]
- Dangerous Foods & Toxic Substances [hounddogsrule]
- Dog Health/Dangerous Foods [Wikipedia]