Thanksgiving is upon us and it’s very tempting to let our pets sample the culinary delights we’ll be whipping up. But as the staff at San Diego Bay Animal Hospital reminds us, many of the foods we enjoy throughout the holiday season simply aren’t good for our four-legged friends.
No matter how much they beg, never give your dog or cat the following foods!
- Turkey skin and drippings are too fatty and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and life-threatening pancreatitis
- Turkey bones can cause throat, stomach, and intestinal tears or obstruction
- Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, sedation, stupor, coma, and death
- Bread dough can expand, causing pain, bloating, obstruction, and death
- Chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, heart problems, and death
- Corn on the cob can cause intestinal obstructions that may require surgery
- Gravy is too fatty and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and life-threatening pancreatitis
- Macadamia nuts can cause muscle weakness, discomfort, and tremors
- Onion and garlic can cause life-threatening hemolytic anemias
- Raisins and grapes can cause kidney failure, even in small amounts
- Sage can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and nervous system depression
- Walnuts can cause intestinal obstruction
Remember, it’s OK to give your pet a Thanksgiving treat, but do so in moderation. Stick to small amounts of low-sugar canned pumpkin, cooked lean turkey meat, or cooked white rice. Or, play it safe and feed your pet a can of high-quality turkey-flavored pet food on Thanksgiving. Your pet will love the special treat, and you’ll enjoy spoiling this sweet creature that brings you so much joy!
Happy Thanksgiving!
