SEASONAL SAFETY TIP:

Thanksgiving Yums & Tum-tums

authored by Taylor Rodriguez, and Tiffany Terroux; Ralston Valley Canine

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Thanksgiving scraps cautions list:

• Grease drippings from grills and turkey roasters are a common cause of pancreatitis (turkey skin is high in fat especially if cooked in butter or oil)

• Turkey bones (bone ingestion, choking, and internal perforation risk)

• Meats given should be meat fully cooked and boneless

• Sugar-free substitutes: Xylitol, Birch Sugar (very toxic to dogs; liver failure)

• Garlic and Onion (toxic to dogs, liver damage; avoid mushrooms, too)

• Bouillon cubes used for making stocks and gravy contain high amounts of sodium which can lead to gastrointestinal problems and even seizures

• Butter, and Seasonings (upset tummy, diarrhea)

• Nutmeg toxic to dogs

• Macadamia nuts toxic to dogs

• Alcohol (alcohol poisoning, seizures, toxic to dogs)

• Raisins toxic to dogs

• Dark chocolate (Bakers or dark cooking chocolate is especially dangerous!)

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Keep dogs clear of the kitchen while cooking to avoid consumption of toxic foods, falls, and sharps. Anything deemed "safe" should only be given in moderation (too much quantity and change in diet may result in upset tummy, or worse).

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If you choose to share your feast with your pet, try making a Thanksgiving feast of their own! Mix a modest amount of pieces of turkey, sweet potatoes, and green beans with their usual dinner. You can even top it with a tiny drizzle of gravy.

 

A friendly reminder that the holidays can be overwhelming for our fur babies. Make sure your pets have a safe space to retreat to and relax while guests are over.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

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Keep this 24-hour ASPCA

Animal Poison Control Center hotline handy throughout the holidays:

888-426-4435