Most Thanksgiving traditions usually include family, fun, and lots of Thanksgiving treats and since dogs and cats are often considered part of the family, they often share in the celebration. The food, however, is one part of the holiday you should not share with your pets. Please consider these Thanksgiving Day treats to avoid and keep your furry pals healthy!
Keep your pets healthy this Thanksgiving by taking note of these foods, commonly found at the Thanksgiving table, you should avoid giving to your pets.
Treats to Avoid
Turkey Bones
It should be no surprise the food most often shared with pets at Thanksgiving is the turkey. While plain, skinless turkey meat is OK for dogs and cats, take special care to remove any bones. Turkey (and chicken) bones can splinter when they’re chewed which can cause choking or if swallowed can damage the stomach lining and intestines.
Turkey Skin
The skin on turkey meat may cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats because of its fat content. Some pets can also develop inflammation of the pancreas from turkey skin, so remember to remove or avoid turkey skin altogether for your pets’ Thanksgiving dinner.
Grapes and Raisins
In addition to producing abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and diarrhea, some varieties of grapes can also cause kidney failure in pets and should be avoided throughout the year. Dogs especially tend to be prone to health risks from grapes or raisins, but cats and other pets can also be at risk for poisoning from grapes and grape products.
Seasonings
Who would have thought the popular seasonings we love can actually be dangerous for our pets? Most notable are onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, chives, and scallions. Any of these seasonings can be toxic to both dogs and cats. In addition, popular holiday spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg can cause vomiting, diarrhea, low blood sugar, and heart rate changes.
It might be best to not give your pet ANY table scraps or leftovers. Instead, give them their own pet-approved treats!
Chocolate
The popular notion that chocolate can be poisonous to dogs does bear some truth. There is a compound in chocolate called theobromine (also found in tea and cola) which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate or elevated blood pressure, which can be fatal. While a tiny amount of chocolate may not be harmful, it’s best for your pets to avoid chocolate altogether.
Hopefully, these tips will help keep Thanksgiving safe and happy for your pets! Remember to include pets in your festivities but avoid giving them these five foods.
In Case of an Emergency
If your pet does happen to injust something questionable, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call (888) 426-4435.
A consultation fee may apply.
Originally published Oct. 22, 2021
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Originally posted on November 25, 2020 @ 5:34 pm
