Thanksgiving is a great time to share a meal, but you might want to rethink sharing food with your pets. Some foods can be dangerous and even deadly for your pets.
"We sit down and have a nice big meal and typically eat more than we should. But think about your pet they are not really used to that rich of diet," said Nordstrom.
"You should never give your dogs or pets turkey or chicken bones because they splinter easily," said Chuck Nordstrom the Associate Executive Director for Bakersfield Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
Dangerous Foods
Experts say you should not feed your pets:
- Chocolate
- Turkey and Turkey Skins
- Gravy
- Sweets, Pies and Baked Goods
- Grapes and Raisins
- Cherries
- Mushrooms
- Macadamia Nuts
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Avocados
- Onions
- Garlic
- Uncooked Eggs and Meats
- Yeast Dough
- Salty Foods
- Tomatoes
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA), turkey and turkey skin even in small amounts can be dangerous, because it can cause pancreatitis which can be life-threatening.
The AVMA said that even table scraps can be dangerous because they're fattening and hard for animals to digest. "Baked Goods are also not healthy for pets," said AMVA, "the artificial sweeteners found in many baked goods, candy and chewing gum, xylitol has been linked to liver failure and death in dogs."
Nordstrom said you could feed your pets a little bit of plain mashed potatoes in moderation. He said, it's not the potatoes but what they are cooked in like butter, oil, and seasonings that could be unhealthy for your pets.
Safe Foods
According to the American Kennel Club, there are some vegetables, and fruits dogs can eat:
- Apples are a great source of vitamins and fiber for your dog, but make sure all the seeds and core are removed.
- Bananas are healthy in moderation, should only be given as a treat.
- Blueberries are a superfood for humans and dogs.
- Broccoli is safe for dogs only in small amounts. They are high in fiber and vitamin C but should be cut up, so stalks don't get caught in the throat or esophagus.
- Cantaloupe is safe, in small amounts. It's a great source of water and fiber but because of the sugar should be given in small quantities.
- Carrots and Celery are good crunchy snacks.
- Green beans all types of green beans are safe for dogs, chopped, steamed, raw, or canned, as long as they are plain.
- Cucumbers are low in calories and especially good for overweight dogs.
When feeding vegetables to pets, try and stay away from vegetables from a can because of the added sodium. For the full list of treats visit their website.
Symptoms
The AVMA recommends that you always these three numbers on hand:
- Your veterinarian’s clinic phone number
- 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic (if different)
- ASPCA Poison Control Hotline: 1-888-426-4435 (A fee may apply.)
If you see any unusual signs of poisoning call your veterinarian or poison hotline immediately.
Symptoms can vary and range from:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Coughing or Vomiting blood
- Vomiting blood
- Pale gums
- A racing heart rate
- Weakness or lethargy
- Collapse
- Weakness or collapse secondary to a low blood sugar
- Black-tarry stool (melena) in your dog and cat, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately.
For a full list of signs and symptoms visit the pet poison helplinewebsite.
Holiday Tips
It's especially important during the holidays to be careful what you leave lying around the house. Nordstrom said if you go shopping and buy any chocolate, unhealthy foods or even items a dog could chock on, keep them on the counter or in a locked room to keep your pets safe.
AVMA has some additional holiday tips:
- Keep potpourris and candles out of reach.
- Unplug your Christmas tree before you leave the house, so pets aren't injured if they try and chew the chord.
- Be careful with glass ornaments on the tree. If they are knocked over, they may cause serious injuries. Look into the plastic bulbs.
For the full list of holiday pet tips visit their website.
How to help SPCA
The Bakersfield SPCA has been around since 1950 and is a no-kill shelter that gives temporary homes to around 400 cats and dogs at any given day. Some ways you can help out is through their wish list, they are always in need of blankets, laundry detergent and bleach and towels. For more information visit their website.
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