Safe Thanksgiving For Your Pets
by Casey Hampf
By: Judy Hamontre, AVHS Vice Chair
Thanksgiving is a family time to gather together, celebrate and feast. Unfortunately, many foods and decorations are poison to your pets.
Turkey and its skin can cause pancreatitis. Bones damage the digestive tract. Turkey brine can cause vomiting, diarrhea and in large quantities, brain swelling. The onions, raisins, currants and grapes in several dishes are toxic to your pets.
Desserts can also be a danger. Chocolate is harmful. A small amount will make your pet sick. A large amount can be life-threatening, causing seizures, internal bleeding or a heart attack. The artificial sweetener xylitol found in many sugar-free baked treats and peanut butter is also deadly, damaging the liver.
Ingested yeast dough causes painful gas and bloating that could be life-threatening, causing hospitalization. Nuts can cause pancreatitis.
Raw batter and any raw meat can also be a threat because they may contain salmonella bacteria.
Because of all these poison risks, it is recommended to keep your pets away from those foods and food preparation. This may mean putting your furry friends in a different room or assigning someone to keep them under a watchful eye at all times. Give them their own special treats so they are less tempted to eat what could sicken or kill them.
After the meal, securely put away all food and trash where pets cannot get to them. Put trash in tightly sealed bags and containers and lock them away from your nosy animals.
Pets also need to be kept away from potentially hazardous holiday decorations. Some of the most toxic plants are amaryllis, baby’s breath, sweet William, some ferns, hydrangeas, and lilies. The ASPCA has a complete list.
Pine cones if eaten can obstruct or perforate the digestive tract. Candles can result in burns and fires. Flameless candles have batteries that can cause gastrointestinal burns and corrosive injury if ingested.
If your pet does get into trouble, act fast. Call your vet, emergency clinic, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control, 888-426-4435, or the Pet Poison Helpline, 855-764-7661.
Your pets are part of your family, and you want them to enjoy the holiday, too. Keep them away from temptations, give them extra love, attention, exercise and healthy treats. Provide them escape and privacy in their own room or crate when household guests and partying become overwhelming.
Be watchful, especially as company arrives and leaves, that your dog or cat does not escape and get lost. Current ID tags and microchips can reunite your family if your pet does get out. Ark-Valley Humane Society offers microchipping and Pet ID tag engraving services.
Your pets are one of the blessings you count at Thanksgiving. Lovingly watch them to keep them safe this holiday.
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