Thanksgiving Foods and Your Pet

When you have pets and it’s thanksgiving it can be tempting to have them join in the splendor of your holiday feast. But, most things that are on the table shouldn’t be given to pets and could end up with them in the hospital.

Trust me when I say it’s hard to resist puppy eyes and hard to ignore a pushy cat, but it’s in their best health interest that you do. Pancreatitis, foreign body objects, and hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (bloody diarrhea) are just 3 of the reasons to not give your pet’s holiday food, actually, to not give table scrapes ever. There is a reason we veterinary professionals cringe when owners tell us what kind of “treats” they give their pets. And we’re not kidding when we say '“I’m surprised he hasn’t had a problem before.” I am going to go over a few foods that you shouldn’t give and then some that you can.

First I’m going to start off by telling you what NOT to give your pet from the table:

• Turkey and all the fixin’s

• Bones

• Raisins/grapes

• Onions

• Garlic

• Nuts

• Candied yams

• Butter

• Corn on the cob

• Chocolate

• Pie

If you feel it necessary to have your pet get a special treat, I know I do, here is a list of some foods that you may already be making, or just make their own dish:

• Green beans (plain and simple, no salt)

• Plain pumpkin puree, not pie filling (or make them a treat with this recipe)

• Celery

• Apples

• Carrots

• Sweet potatoes (sweet treat recipe here)

Make sure that if you cook any of these foods you don’t use seasonings. Seasoning adds salts and other flavors that can cause upset tummy issues and could lead you to the emergency clinic.

If you do need emergency veterinary assistance be sure to find a clinic close by. If you live in the Conroe/The Woodlands area in Texas follow this link and you’ll find a nearby clinic that can assist you. Pet Poison Helpline is also a resource you can rely on. Also, check out the ASPCA’s pet poison control mobile app to have a safety guide on hand at all times.

The most important thing about this holiday is to be thankful for all of the people and pets in our life. Thank you for reading this article and I hope you have a great Thanksgiving!