No Thanksgiving Food for Pets!
Posted on | November 20, 2007 |
I spend Thanksgiving with at least six dogs, each begging to have an extra nibble of turkey or trying to lick the plates as we put them in the dishwasher.
However, certain foods can be harmful to animals. Here’s a list of a few foods to watch out for (courtesy of Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer):
Turkey Skin - High-fat foods, such as turkey skin, can be hazardous to your dog. Since the skin is hard to digest, it can lead to pancreatitis. If you still want to share your bird, give your dog a small piece of white meat.
Turkey Bones - Cooked poultry bones are brittle and splinter easily. If ingested, they can lodge in the esophagus or cause stomach or intestinal irritation.
Xylitol - This sweetener is present in products from gum to sugar-free cookies. Even in small amounts, ingestion can cause low blood sugar, seizures, liver failure, and death.
Grapes and Raisins - These common snacks can induce permanent and life-threatening kidney failure in some dogs. Though some pets seem to handle eating grapes just fine, it’s safest to avoid grapes and raisins completely.
Chocolate - Most pet owners are aware of chocolate’s danger, but with the recent popularity of dark chocolates — which contain higher doses of toxic cocoa — it’s more important than ever to be vigilant about chocolate consumption. Ingestion can cause abnormal heartbeats, kidney failure, and death.
Onions - High levels of onion ingestion in dogs and cats can cause life-threatening anemia. Be aware of food at your table — such as stuffing or casseroles — that may contain this dangerous ingredient.
If you suspect that your dog may have ingested one of these foods or another harmful substance, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center National Hotline: 888-426-4435.
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