DON'T LET THANKSGIVING BITE BACK... BEFORE YOU SHARE THE TURKEY...
HOLIDAY FOODS PETS SHOULD AVOID
"I don’t get a seat at the Thanksgiving dinner table? This is a-paw-ling."
... Anonymous
Thanksgiving Day is only a few days away, bringing with it all the food, family, fun, and gratitude we look forward to each year. For pet owners, though, it’s also a reminder to stay alert about what ends up in your furry friend’s bowl (or what they may swipe from under the table). No one wants to spend the holiday at the emergency vet hospital.
Those big, pleading eyes might make it tempting to share a bite of your feast, but many traditional Thanksgiving foods can be harmful to pets. To keep everyone safe and happy, it’s important to know which treats are okay to share and which should stay off-limits.
As a pet mom, I know how easy it is to get caught up in the excitement and want to include our four-legged family members in the celebration. But it’s not always the best idea. So here’s my annual list of tips on what NOT to feed your pets on Thanksgiving Day—and what you can safely share.
"My family told me not to beg today. I told them I couldn’t quit doing that ‘cold turkey."
... Anonymous
9 Things Not Safe To Feed Your Cats And Dogs On Thanksgiving Day
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Bones: turkey bones can lacerate, obstruct and even puncture your pets' internal organs. Save the turkey bones for the broth.
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Onions: Onions, scallions and onion powder, found in stuffing and used as a general seasoning, can destroy your dog's or cat's red blood cells, causing anemia. Avoid garlic, and seasonings such as sage, too.
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Corn on the cob: which can cause intestinal obstruction, a very serious (and potentially fatal) medical condition.
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Avocados: which produce a fungicidal toxin called “persin,” poisonous to many animals. It causes heart damage, as well. In other words, NO guacamole dip!
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Grapes and Raisins: Grapes and raisins contain a toxin that can cause kidney damage to both dogs and cats.
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Chocolate: Chocolate can actually be fatal to your dog or cat; so all those sweets must be kept well out of reach. And while you're at it, keep caffeine-based foods, drinks out of reach, as well.
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Ham: is a fatty food that can upset a dog's or cat's stomach, as well as cause pancreatitis, vomiting and diarrhea.
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Sweets: whether it's pecan pie, or pumpkin or apply pie, a tiny bit will probably not do damage, but in general it's best to avoid feeding sugary foods to dogs and cats.
- Alcohol: what more needs be said on this subject? And it's a good idea not to leave any alcoholic drinks standing about if your dog or cat is not supervised.
"You can trust your dog to guard your house, but you can’t trust your dog to guard your sandwich."
... Anonymous
If your pets happen to ingest any of these "no-no" foods on Thanksgiving Day, call your veterinarian as quickly as possible. Quick action on your part could well prevent more costly and serious complications from developing.
TAKE A QUIZ: WHICH FOOD IS MOST TOXIC TO DOGS?
7 Things Safe To Feed Your Cats & Dogs On Thanksgiving Day
- Boneless turkey well cooked and in small amounts (but NO skin, gravy or stuffing!) Keep in mind that some pets will suffer from pancreatitis no matter how "clean" the turkey you feed them
- Sweet potatoes (but plain with no butter, salt, other additives for flavor)
- Plain pumpkin
- Green beans
- Carrots
- Peas
- Apples
10 Tips For A Safe Thanksgiving From PetFinder
These tips to keep your pets safe on Thanksgiving Day are provided by Nina Hollander with Coldwell Banker Realty, Greater Charlotte residential real estate expert, pet-friendly realtor, and fellow pet parent. I've been opening doors for Charlotte region home buyers and sellers and their four-legged family members since 1999. I can help you find a home your "best friend" will love, too!
If you're considering purchasing or selling a home in the Greater Charlotte area, I'd love an opportunity to earn your business, exceed your expectations, show you why experience matters and how:
"The Right Broker Makes All The Difference."
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