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Some human foods, like fish and milk, are safe for pets to consume in small quantities, and they may even offer some health benefits. However, there are several meats, dairy products, and vegetables that are toxic to cats and dogs, and they can cause potentially serious illnesses. The guide below offers a handful of Thanksgiving foods veterinarians recommend keeping away from your furry friends.

What Foods Should Your Pets Avoid at Thanksgiving?

1. Turkey Bones

Allowing dogs and cats to chew on poultry bones can damage the digestive tract. This occurs when small pieces of bone splinter off and enter the GI tract where they tear away at the lining, causing pain and discomfort. Additionally, large sections of bones can get stuck in the esophagus and cause choking. Instead, stick to edible or recreational bones for your pets.

2. Nuts

veterinarianNuts have a high fat content that can contribute to obesity when dogs and cats ingest them. Even more importantly, certain nuts, such as macadamias, are highly toxic to dogs and can cause fever, pancreatitis, and vomiting. Veterinarians suggest keeping holiday foods containing nuts, like fruit cakes and cookies, on high tables or counters where dogs can’t jump up and eat them.

3. Stuffing

Stuffings often contain onions and garlic, which are toxic to canines. Even onion and garlic powders can cause lethargy, weakness, and fainting. As you prepare and plate holiday meals, be careful not to accidentally drop chopped onions and garlic or spoonfuls of stuffing onto the floor where dogs can eat them.

4. Chocolate Sweets

Chocolate contains a chemical known as theobromine that is toxic to both dogs and cats. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine the chocolate contains, which makes purer chocolates the most dangerous to pets. When ingested, they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and arrhythmia. Avoid feeding your pets holiday brownies, cookies, and mousses with dark or semi-sweet chocolate ingredients.

 

If your dogs or cats accidentally ingest unsafe table foods at holiday dinners, contact Wachal Pet Health Center. These veterinarians provide emergency vet services to animals throughout Lincoln, NE. Call (402) 477-7877 to book an appointment with an animal doctor, and visit the website to learn more about nutrition counseling and prescription diets.

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