Top 5 Thanksgiving Toxins for Your Pet

11/19/2019

Thanksgiving is a time for indulgence and overeating for many of us, but don't let the excess extend to your four-legged family members. It’s for their own safety!

This Thanksgiving will you slip your cat some table-top scraps? Or will it be your Uncle Joe sneaking contraband to your pooch under the Thanksgiving table even though you told him a hundred times it makes Fido sick?

Whether it's you who can't say no to to a adorable pet or it's a well-meaning relative who loves to spoil your furry friend, as your local veterinarian we encourage you to hold the line. Stick to pet food for your pets as much as possible!

While you may not be able to prevent all human food from ending up on Fido or Fifi’s plate this Thanksgiving, here are the top Thanksgiving dishes to avoid sharing with your pets:

Your must steel your will against puppy dog eyes like Gizmo's!

Turkey bones & fat trimmings: turkey table scraps can cause serious issues. Bones can become lodged along your pet’s GI tract, which can lead to a surgical emergency. The fat in turkey skin and gravy can be hard to digest and can lead to vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, and even pancreatitis.
Onions, garlic & chives: these ingredients show up in a number of Thanksgiving sides, such as stuffing and mashed potatoes, but are toxic for pets. They can cause red blood cell damage, liver damage, GI irritation, anemia, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Nuts, especially macadamia: all nuts contain high amounts of fats that can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, potentially pancreatitis. Macadamia nuts can be especially dangerous, sometimes leading to additional issues such as tremors and hypothermia.
Grapes & raisins: these items, key ingredients in many fruit salads and stuffing recipes, can cause kidney failure in dogs even in very small amounts (yes, unfortunately it's an emergency if your pet eats a single raisin or grape).
Alcohol: organizations such the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) don’t mince words when it comes to pets and alcohol: “Under no circumstances should your pet be given any alcohol.” Alcohol, even in small amounts, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, difficulty breathing, coma, and even death.

Want to give your pet a special treat during the holidays? Instead of sharing your meal, the Animal Rescue League of Boston recommends traditional treats that are safe for dogs and cats or something special like a food puzzle or an interactive toy like a peanut butter filled Kong. Dr. Stephen Wilson of Concord Animal Hospital notes that “in moderation, a small piece of lean turkey meat or some chopped carrots are reasonably safe treats for those doe-eyed dogs.”

If you have any concerns about something your pet has eaten, call us at 978-369-3505. If our office is closed, call the Pet Poison Hotline at 855-764-7661 or ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. A fee may apply for calling these or other poison control hotlines.