Happy Thanksgiving! Our pets are undoubtedly looking adorable at the top of the list of things we are thankful for. Animals provide us with unconditional love, unwavering support, and complete devotion, as well as comfort, friendship, and never-ending cuddles. They also keep us laughing with their adorable characteristics and amusing antics. However, pet owners should be aware of a few concerns related to Thanksgiving. Read on for some Thanksgiving pet safety recommendations from a Dahlonega, GA vet.
What Types of Meat Can Pets Eat?
Go ahead and give your furry bestie some of that delicious turkey! Meat, fish, and poultry are generally safe, as long as they have been well cooked.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Never ever feed pets meat on the bone. Cooked bones can easily fracture into sharp shards. These are major choking hazards and can also cause serious internal harm if swallowed.
- Avoid giving pets anything seasoned with fatty toppings like cheese and butter. Things seasoned with garlic, onion, or other unsafe foods are also a no.
- Organ meats, such as liver, should be given sparingly, as too much can lead to Vitamin A toxicity.
- Fatty meals, like bacon and sausage, should only be served on occasion. (Thanksgiving is a special occasion, but that doesn’t mean you can give Fido a bottomless bowl of cocktail wieners.)
Ask your Dahlonega, GA vet for more information.
Which Fruits and Vegetables Are Safe for Pets?
Fido and Fluffy can eat a wide range of fruits and veggies. In fact, these foods are just as healthy for dogs and cats as they are for humans!
Always remove any seeds, pips, or rinds.
- Apple
- Apricots
- Asparagus
- Bananas
- Beets
- Bell Pepper
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cantaloupe
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Corn
- Cucumber
- Green beans
- Cranberries
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Mango
- Peaches
- Pears
- Peas
- Pineapple
- Oranges
- Pumpkin
- Raspberry
- Spinach
- Squash
- Sweet potatoes
- Watermelon
- Zucchini
Some foods, like broccoli and cauliflower, should only be served on occasion. Talk to your Dahlonega, GA veterinarian for specific suggestions.
What Foods Aren’t Safe To Give Pets?
Many things that are beneficial for humans are actually bad for our pets. While some unsafe foods will only cause a tummy ache, others are quite dangerous. Some can even be fatal.
Here are some of the things to avoid:
Xylitol: Xylitol, sometimes known as birch sugar, is a sugar substitute that is added to a variety of processed foods, particularly baked goods. It is also occasionally added to peanut butter, which is generally safe for your pet to consume. Unfortunately, it is not safe for our furry pals.
Onions and Garlic: The entire Allium family is poisonous to pets. This group includes scallions, shallots, leeks, chives, garlic, and onion. The problem is that these meals contain organosulphoxides, which destroy red blood cells and can cause anemia. (Note: in general, anything with a bulb should be considered unsafe.)
Grapes, Currants, Raisins: These little fruits are good for us, but are very toxic to dogs and cats. Even consuming one grape can can lead to kidney failure in some pets! This is due to the tartaric acid, which damages the kidneys.
Cherries: The concern here stems from the arsenic in the cherry pits. Plus, cherries are sometimes marinated in sugary syrups, which are definitely not safe for pets.
Nuts: Many nuts, especially macadamia nuts, are unsafe for pets. Consumption can result in weakness, tremors, vomiting, depression, or hypothermia.
Corn on the Cob: While corn kernels are all right, the cob is definitely not safe for pets to consume: it can cause serious and potentially fatal intestinal blockages.
Cocoa: Chocolate includes methylxanthine, can cause vomiting, abnormal heartbeat, and seizures. Unfortunately, just one ounce of chocolate per pound of your pet’s body weight can be a fatal dose.
Alcohol, of course, is on the list. There are more things that, while not as damaging as the ones named, are still dangerous. Many casseroles, for example, include significant levels of fat, cream, and cheese that are toxic to pets.
Dogs are slightly more vulnerable since they will consume nearly everything, whereas cats are more choosy. (Actually, Fluffy can be quite finicky, but that’s another story.) Some cats, however, will eat anything they can get their paws on.
As a general rule, don’t give your furry friend anything until you’ve thoroughly investigated its safety.
For specific recommendations, consult with your Dahlonega, GA veterinarian.
Schedule An Appointment At Our Dahlonega, GA Animal Hospital
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! We wish you and your families a nice day. We are incredibly grateful to all of you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions concerning your pet’s care. As your Dahlonega, GA animal clinic, we are always here to help!
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