The turkey is in the oven, the smell of pumpkin pie is wafting through the air and the dinner table is set for friends and family. Amid all these wonderful festivities lurk dangers for our beloved pets.
Veterinarians experience an increased number of office visits due to digestive problems after the holidays because pet owners allow their pets to take part in the food frenzy. To keep our furry friends “happy” this Thanksgiving, here are a few safety tips to follow:
1. Avoid feeding your pet a bowl full of turkey and gravy. The fatty foods typically served up on Thanksgiving can give our pets an upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, and lead to two painful and life-threatening conditions: pancreatitis or gastroenteritis.
2. Don’t throw your dog (or any pet) a bone. Bones can lacerate or obstruct your pets’ insides.
3. Do not feed your pet table scraps that contain onions (or onion powder), garlic, grapes, raisins or chocolate. Onions and garlic destroy a dog or cat’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Grapes and raisins contain a toxin that can cause kidney damage to dogs and cats; chocolate is toxic and can be fatal.
4. Avoid feeding your pet raw bread dough. Dough can react with your pets’ body heat causing it to rise in their tummy. Vomiting, bloating and extreme abdominal pain can occur and often become life-threatening requiring emergency surgery.
Wishing you, your family and your furry friends and very happy and safe Thanksgiving!
Legacy Animal Foundation 