Thanksgiving Pet Dangers

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to pause and give thanks for the joys in your life, especially your furry friends!  It’s also a time when your home may be full of wonderfully tempting foods for your pets.

Of course, it’s always best to never give your pet table food but we realize the holidays are a time of indulgence for some.

Here are 10 foods you should be aware of the dangers for your pet this Thanksgiving:

1. Turkey bones are coking hazards for your pets that can puncture the stomach and intestines which could be fatal.  If you must share with your pet, give them small bites of cooked turkey with all the bones removed.
2. Stuffing often contains scallions, garlic and onions, all of which are toxic to animals and can result in anemia.
3. Nutmeg has mild hallucinogenic properties that when ingested by your pet can result in seizures, tremors and other problems.  Pumpkin and sweet potatoes when pure in form can be very good for your dog.
4. Alcohol is never, ever, okay for your pet.  They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, and even death.
5. Nuts of all kind including almonds, pecans and walnuts are high in oils and fats that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in pets.
6. Dough is dangerous when ingested raw because the yeast continues to convert sugars into carbon dioxide gas and alcohol which can caught the pet to become intoxicated, a life-threatening emergency.
7. Chocolate is well known to most pet owners but it’s great to remind guests not to share their tasty treats with your pets.
8. Cooking debris such as cooking twine, discarded fat and greasy paper towels will attract your pets attention if left out or in an easy to access trashcan.  Be sure to guard against them consuming these.

If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

The Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando wishes you, and your pets, a wonderful Thanksgiving!  We will be closed on Thursday, November 24 for the Thanksgiving holiday.  We will resume normal operations on Friday, November 25.