As we prepare for Thanksgiving, it’s important to keep our pets in mind. While sharing a holiday meal with our furry friends sounds sweet, some common ingredients can pose serious risks. Here’s what you need to know to keep your pets safe:
Dangerous Holiday Food Ingredients for Pets:
- Onions, Garlic, and Leeks: Found in stuffing, mashed potatoes, and sauces, these ingredients can cause red blood cell damage in both cats and dogs, leading to anemia.
- Sage and Herbs: While they add flavor to our meals, sage and other herbs can upset your pet’s stomach or even cause central nervous system depression in some animals.
- Nutmeg (in Pumpkin Pie and Sweet Potatoes): This spice contains myristicin, which can lead to disorientation, hallucinations, and seizures in pets if ingested in large amounts.
- Bread Dough: Raw yeast dough can expand in your pet’s stomach, causing painful bloating and potentially life-threatening stomach twisting.
- Alcohol and Caffeine: Even small amounts of alcohol (including in sauces and desserts) or caffeine (found in coffee and chocolate) can be toxic, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and central nervous system issues.
- Macadamia Nuts: Found in many holiday cookies and desserts, macadamia nuts are particularly toxic to dogs, causing weakness, vomiting, and hyperthermia.
General Thanksgiving Food Safety Tips for Pets:
- Avoid Fatty Foods: High-fat foods like gravy and buttery sides can cause pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
- Limit Dairy: Many pets are lactose intolerant, and dairy products like cheese or cream can cause stomach upset and diarrhea.
- Secure the Kitchen: Keep food prep areas off-limits to pets, and make sure trash cans are covered to prevent them from scavenging harmful leftovers.
Safe and Pet-Friendly Alternatives:
- Plain, cooked turkey breast (without seasoning or skin)
- Steamed carrots or green beans
- Small amounts of plain, cooked sweet potato
- Plain pumpkin (canned or fresh, without added sugar or spices)
Keeping Your Pets Safe This Thanksgiving
Enjoying the holidays with your pet is easy when you know which foods are safe and which ones to avoid. Stick to pet-friendly treats, and keep any potentially harmful foods out of reach.
Need more pet safety tips this holiday season?
Visit CityVet for more expert advice on how to keep your pets healthy and happy. Schedule a wellness check today to ensure your furry friend is ready to celebrate safely!