TYLER, Texas (KETK) — As Thanksgiving approaches, the SPCA of East Texas is urging pet owners to be mindful of which holiday foods can keep their animals safe, and which ones could send them to the emergency vet.
Megan Rishel and Alison Tuttle with the SPCA of East Texas say several traditional dishes should be kept away from cats and dogs, including turkey skin and bones, corn on the cob, heavily seasoned foods and anything that could cause an obstruction.
Many dog owners may wonder why turkey bones are discouraged. Rishel says while dogs can have plain white turkey meat, the bones can cause serious problems. “Bones can get stuck as they’re going through the digestive tract or as they go down the trachea, where they can puncture or splinter,” she said.
Tuttle said their organization typically sees an increase in obstructions this time of year, as well as dehydration, which often results from too much sugar consumption.
She advises pet owners to not to give their animals any sweet treats, including breads, cake batter, sugary desserts or sparkling apple cider.
Pet owners should also look out for nuts in holiday dishes, as many can act as toxins for animals and potentially lead to kidney failure.
Tuttle suggests a safer way to include pets in the holiday meal by take some of their regular food, either dehydrate or moisten it, place it in a muffin pan and bake it. This creates a small, pet-safe “slice” of Thanksgiving dinner.
Other dog-safe Thanksgiving foods include cooked pumpkin; unseasoned, boiled or steamed carrots; unseasoned potatoes (baked, boiled or steamed); unseasoned green beans (canned, frozen or fresh); cranberries cut into small pieces; and apples without the cores.
Foods to keep away from pets include high-fat dishes, wild mushrooms, candy, chocolate, salty foods, onions, garlic, alcohol, grapes, raisins, xylitol, pitted fruits and caffeine.
If your pet manages to sneak something they shouldn’t, Rishel and Tuttle said to watch for changes in behavior, vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take your pet to an emergency veterinarian immediately.
You can also contact the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.
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